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DPChallenge Forums >> Business of Photography >> Where should I go from here?
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01/09/2008 12:19:39 PM · #1
I just recently moved to the Tampa area and got a job at a portrait studio that is not going so well. It is one of those hourly retail studio things and not only do I hate it, they do not work me any hours. My real passion is photojournalism. However, all the magazines and news papers I call seem to tell me there is no room. The newspapers claim the economy sucks and they can't afford new talent and the magazines tell me that they use stuff off the internet and have a bunch of photographers they have been using for years. I have experience, I worked for two years at the newspaper in my town which was a relatively large scale operation. Now I basically don't have a job and can not find any photography work... I don't really want to be stuck at a retail job again :/
01/09/2008 12:48:34 PM · #2
Kyle, have you considered approaching established portrait studios (not the mall kind) to see if anyone in your area is interested in an assistant or apprentice? A friend of mine got his foot in the door that way & its working out great for him.

01/09/2008 01:07:57 PM · #3
yeah... i thought about it. but my experience at this portrait studio has left me kinda jaded. i don't really like doing studio work, i just like looking at other peoples studio work. like i said, my real passion is photojournalism. i guess in reality, i would not hare working for a real portrait studio, i am just not sure what kind of pay someone would offer there. and right now... i need some money i just moved out :D
01/09/2008 01:12:23 PM · #4
Find the local PPA or PhotoJournalists association (there is one, but alas I don't recall it's name) and join it. Attend the meetings, get the member roster, do some networking.
As a member you have a common ground to approach the other members for jobs, work or advice. Since you had work in your last town and this town is different, talking to those that have been making a living there for 20 years will help you learn what's peculiar there.

As to your mall photo job..it's january dude, Christmas is over. Maybe valentaines day, but Easter will be the next time they'll be busy.

Most any paper will take free lance photos. I don't think it pays well, but will get you known to the editors. I know my local paper has 3 or 4 pretty full time photogs, but a lot of stringers - you get paid by the photo and assignment, and often have to write up a bit about the story as well. If that's your passion then pursue it.

If you want/can do fine art of some kind then pursue that - town scenes, historic places, landscape, animals. Macro's don't sell so don't go there.
01/09/2008 01:28:28 PM · #5
Try posting an ad on www.craigslist.org. Offer family portraits, baby shots, etc., but offer better quality, service, and more reasonable pricing than the studios. At least you can set your own appointments and get out there to make some more dough while building your portfolio... Good luck!
01/09/2008 02:39:57 PM · #6
Originally posted by tpbremer:

Try posting an ad on www.craigslist.org. Offer family portraits, baby shots, etc., but offer better quality, service, and more reasonable pricing than the studios. At least you can set your own appointments and get out there to make some more dough while building your portfolio... Good luck!


I'll 2nd the Craigslist suggestion.
I did that the other day, putting up an ad for TFCD with the purpose of improving and broadening my portfolio.
I've got enough people with a broad diversity of "looks" (a "fitness model" wannabe, punk/goth girls, etc) lined up to increase my portfolio tenfold. Seriously.

If your prices are competetive, you WILL drum up business via CL.
Not everybody is looking for 'something for nothing or cheap' on CL (like my TFCD offer), but view it as a viable alternative to the yellow pages, footwork, etc.
01/10/2008 12:19:32 AM · #7
yeah thanks for all the suggestions. i didn't think of craig's list.. i am not too familiar with that site or how it works, but my bro is and i will try to check it out.

i am hoping the USF communications department can help me find something too... in the mean time, my funds are running out and i seriously need some work photo or otherwise o.O but thanks for all the photo suggestions.
01/10/2008 12:34:15 AM · #8
Valentines day is right around the corner. Last year I setup my portable studio at a pet boutique for 4.5 hours and made slight under $1000 with only 17 customers. Just a thought.
01/10/2008 01:02:00 AM · #9
Take a look at the Assignments Desk thread that Man_Called_Horse runs, specifically the posts on 11/28/2007 and 11/30/2007. These two posts appear to be duplicates, but they are ads seeking a photojournalist in Sebring which is an hour or so southeast of Tampa.

Your reason for moving to Tampa must not have been for the job, but whatever it is that keeps you there might make it worth communting to Sebring. Otherwise, move again. Sebring is a nice little town that is growing up fast.

Also, somewhere in that thread I remember seeing a job or two in Orlando.

Message edited by author 2008-01-10 01:02:45.
01/10/2008 08:12:29 PM · #10
Originally posted by yakatme:

Take a look at the Assignments Desk thread that Man_Called_Horse runs, specifically the posts on 11/28/2007 and 11/30/2007. These two posts appear to be duplicates, but they are ads seeking a photojournalist in Sebring which is an hour or so southeast of Tampa.

Your reason for moving to Tampa must not have been for the job, but whatever it is that keeps you there might make it worth communting to Sebring. Otherwise, move again. Sebring is a nice little town that is growing up fast.

Also, somewhere in that thread I remember seeing a job or two in Orlando.


thanks, but i moved to tampa to go to school... so commuting an hour would be a bit tiresome. same with orlando. in the mean time i got an interview for a job to learn how to groom dogs... that should hold me over until i find a photojournalist job in the area. i am not looking for a career, as i likely have one lined up after i graduate, just something to pay my rent now. who knows... i might sell my camera and buy some pet grooming supplies... not likely though
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