kaitlynnbell

I will probably try that for this coming year. This year I made about $3,500 in photography sales for about 30 shoots. I didn't make enough to even validate it as a business. Hopefully this year is more successful as I work on my skills.

To answer your questions regarding my clients- I did a few free shoots last year to build a portfolio once I felt comfortbale I started charging for my time, and built in the cost of products I would need to purchase (IE newborn shoot, I had limited props and purchased more, I built that into my cost). With my very first newborn, I told my client flat out, I had never done a newborn before, but had met with a local friend who did newborn photography and shadowed a few times. She was comfortable with that and we proceeded. In terms of other shoots, while I did advertise, most of my clients came from word of mouth. I have had a few clients order pictures, even though I do give the edited digitals and print release. I did have 1 out of my 30 clients disappointed in their photos- however they were aware of limited experience, and must not have been too upset as they ended up using my photos for both their Facebook cover photo and profile picture. I hope that clears up any questions you all may have. So in summery, I don't consider myself a pro, how could I? I have been taking this seriously for 7 months and have a lot to learn-at the same time, regardless of if my photos are fantastic or not, my time, gas, and time editing the photos is worth something.

Yes those were the two!

Your last line actually has me laughing. Great advice! I hadn't thought about a 60mm and 90mm tamron until you just mentioned it. That could be fun to experiment with. I actually might now that you've said that, rent one For a week and use it on shoots just to see how I like it before investing in the whole thing. Sorry my replied are typo city, as stated before forums, toddlers and cell phone typing is not at all my fortay.

This is great advice. I have been trying to constantly re-invest all sessions into either equipment, or props for newborns/studio ba. But I would eventually like to be a pro, but ar the moment I am taking clients, learning more about lighting and basics. I do charge but as we all know, that means nothing.

Yeah I mistyped 40mm micro...typing a forum and having a toddler crawl on you don't mix well.

Thanks for the insight. That actually seems to make a lot more sense for the time being while I continue to learn the basics. I had thought about buying some FX lenses for when I do eventually upgrade but worry about distorting my images. I do have a very basic, and I emphasize basic lightlighting kit and soft box, but I agree better lighting an reflectors will go a long way with my images. My current lenses are (sorry thinks a copy and paste from the previous reply)I have the 2 kit lenses, 50mm 1.8D which to be honest, I find tricky with little kids as it is manual focus, and cpuld due to be upgraded to thr G. 35mm 1.4G which I seem to like much more. and recently got a 24mm 2.8 micro. My limitations are mostly getting more unique angles. Of course thiscould be more about my lack of technique and the lenses I have. Tomorrow I have a boudior shoot and while I have read, and reseached the angles and lenses to use I don't feel they will soften her skin as much as an FX camera would, also coloring seems to be an issue-again though maybe I'm just doing white balance wrong. Luckily, my client is away I have never done a boudior shoot before and that this is a learning curve for me-she is just willing to take a chance on me.

Thanks so so much for the input! I obviously have the 2 kit lenses, 50mm 1.8D which to be honest, I find tricky with little kids as it is manual focus, and cpuld due to be upgraded to thr G. 35mm 1.4G which I seem to like much more. and recently got a 24mm 2.8 micro. My limitations are mostly getting more unique angles. Of course this could be more about my lack of technique and lenses. I did conptemplate buying FX lenses but worried about distorting my images.

Hello! I am a beginner photographer who has been shooting with a NiKkon D3300 for the last 7 months. I didn't invest much at first because I wasn't sure if I would enjoy photography as a job, rather than a hobby. However, after the last few months and after doing 30 portrait and newborn shoots it seems I do love it. I would like to upgrade my camera, but I feel I am not ready for a full frame as I am still learning lots of basics lighting, composition ect--also I don't feel I could afford to replace all my lenses with FX equivalents. Having said all that what Nikon crop sensor would you recommend while I continue to work on my basics and grow over this next year. Thanks in advance! Edit for typos