From amature to pro.

[craig mw]

Over the last three or four years I have developed a passion for photograhpy,

mostly of people, as I'm sure you all have.

 

After doing a couple weddings, portiate sessions for friends, and working in a

studio, I've come to the conclusion that I'm getting to be somewhat good at this

whole photograhy thing :)

 

Now lets assume that I have the talent to do this for profit, what else do I need?

 

1: Equipment, ok like everyone else I a gear head. A camera, lenses, studio

lights and other misc things, as well as back ups of anything that is even

remotly important to have. But are there extra little things that you have found

to be a life saver? Things that are not commenly known but you have found that

you can't live without?

 

2: Business stuff. Well as of right now I own my own business so setting

everything up, at least for me is simple. A couple phone calls a forum or two to

fillout and I can be legally set up to take pictures for profit. Perhaps

something I should do quickly as it will allow me to write off my camera equipment.

 

3: Experiance. As I've said before, I have only done this for a limited time,

and for close friends. Now comes the hard part. Building a portfollio, that

doesn't just consist of a few close friends. We've all been a 'guy with a

camera' how did you go from that to being the "guy with a camera and an

impressive portfollio?" In other words, how do I find weddings to shot while I'm

still an amature?

 

4: Marketing. Well with my business marketing isn't a huge issue. I wouldn't say

that its at all simular to marketing your self as a wedding photographer, a sign

on the road, and a couple drinks with my bigger clients more then keeps me

afloat. Not so with photography, so how do you guys attract business, and what

works well for you?

 

5: Anything I've missed? I'm not planning on jumping into photography as a full

time job overnight. Though it is a goal, but one that can, and perhaps should be

done in steps. I'm looking for advice from those who have done it before me so I

can minimize the growing pains.

 

Thanks

[joseph_linzner]

First thing buy a dictionary. There is no such word in the english lanuarge as "amature". The correct word is "amateur". Any potential client would deem an inability to spell as a indicating a lack of professionalism.

 

Secondly, the best thing a photographer can do is to take as many pictures as possible and gain the experience necessary to produce a credible product for his or her client. In other words a professional produces a saleable product under all circumstances and under all conditions. If you read the various essays from Ken Rockwell (Kenrockwell.com) the camea does not matter, the subject does not matter a professional has the eye and experience to produce at all times.

 

Thirdly, good luck, keep on shooting, and best wishes if you choose to make a living at photography.

 

Joseph

[craig mw]

First thing buy a dictionary. There is no such word in the english lanuarge as "amature". The correct word is "amateur". Any potential client would deem an inability to spell as a indicating a lack of professionalism.

 

Sorry about that. But I tend to not worry to much on spelling in a public forum, and at that in an anonymous place such as this, failer to proof read, coupled with a typing speed that at times outpaces my ability of catch spelling errors doesn't result in any ill-effects other then attracting the attention of the internet grammer police.

[colleendonovan]

Uh, wow! This is about the least anonymous forum that there is and brides could absolutely see everything you've ever written. :) Just a heads up.

[em1310]

I think the most important thing would be to developed a distinctive style that would set you apart from the competition.

 

(I didnt r3cogn1s3 the sp3ll1in5 m15tak35)

[nicola inglis]

I found that word got out. I told everyone I knew what I was doing and pretty soon friends of friends were ringing. When I wanted to do more family portraits I told a lot of people and got word out...I also approached friends, aquaintances etc and asked if they would sit for me for my portfolio and I gave them an enlargement or two in return.

 

My suggestion would be to choose one main focus for the first year (I chose weddings) and then plan to diversify a little more each year. Not everyone agrees with this approach, some think you should stay specialised but I have found the diversity to be challenging and challenge is always a trigger for growth. Photographing houses made me a better people photographer, believe it or not!

 

In terms of marketing, what is working the hardest for me at the moment is a good website. It's very simple (no flash!) but it gets results.

 

Remember that wherever you go, whatever you do, you are an ambassador for your business (the very best ambassador in fact).

[david_schilling___chicago_]

I would suggest that you start by asking one question at a time...you've requested a book. Start with Steve Sint's book.

[shanethemainman]

<p>Some people can be so ignorant, i will attempt to answer your questions. I wont really pay to much attention to my spelling and if i make a mistake understand i am a photographer for aliving not an English teacher. and by the way, if your going to bother to correct someone for a spelling mistake at least have the decency to try to answer the question. I would hire someone who made a minor spelling error then someone rude.<br>

I am a photographer however i am just starting out the same as you so my word is only going to count for so much.<br>

Read books, your spelling isnt as bad as mine lol so dont bother reading a dictionary ;) read business books, marketing books, portrait photography books ang wedding photography books they have all the info us anxious amatures need to know.</p>

<p>Keep your prices so so low like mine and raise them up as you get to busy.<br>

Keep your customers totaly satisfied.<br>

Find amature models to work with on websites like Model Mayhem they are willing to do photos with us because they also want to increase there portfolios.<br>

Find work, advertise get an ABN or whatever, file for whatever legalities you need to file for in your country in order to legaly make money in your photography otherwise the tax man will own ur ass. Not in that order thoguh thats the order i did it in ;)<br>

Work with as many people as you can, i have not even advertised yet though i have so much word of mouth from my first customer that it has kept me busy untill now.<br>

I think for you the best thing would be to get a bunch of books like suggested on the business and marketing ;) hope that helps a little.</p>