Noob on the loose!

[vdunbar10]

Hello people of the DPS community,


I'm sure you've seen a thousand posts like the one I'm posting right now. And I've been trying to do as much research as possible. But here’s my situation. Just graduated from high school. I’m moving to Orlando / Winter Park in two weeks or so. I hope to run my own business eventually. I know it takes a long time to learn the ropes which is why I have been learning as much as I can. I have done a few senior portrait sessions, talked to a few photographers about any advice they have, been an assistant in a photography class etc. I’m eager to learn. But I have so many questions and decisions to make.

Do I need to go to school in order to run a successful wedding and portrait business?
(I was thinking marketing or business with a photography minor)

What organizations or workshops do you suggest I join?

Are photo blogs a good idea?

Know of any good places to intern in that area?

And of course, one just for fun. If you had to choose one lens for portraiture / weddings what would it be?


Any other advice is greatly appreciated.

[candleman]

Originally Posted by vdunbar10

I'm sure you've seen a thousand posts like the one I'm posting right now.
.

Almost daily
But you’re not alone.. i’m glad you found your passion early on in life.

Originally Posted by vdunbar10

Do I need to go to school in order to run a successful wedding and portrait business?
(I was thinking marketing or business with a photography minor)
.

Not really.. but you do need a broad set of skills not just in photography.. the pictures are the easy part.
Studying Small business management/accounting/marketing is a good plan.

Originally Posted by vdunbar10

What organizations or workshops do you suggest I join?
.

depends what your skills are.. no point doing “aperture 101” of you’re already shooting full manual

Originally Posted by vdunbar10

Are photo blogs a good idea?
.

Yup, Strobist is a good one, but there’s bound to be one that takes your fancy and inspires you.

Originally Posted by vdunbar10

If you had to choose one lens for portraiture / weddings what would it be?
Any other advice is greatly appreciated.

10-200mm f/1.8
But in the real world: 24-70 f/2.8

Originally Posted by vdunbar10

Any other advice is greatly appreciated.

Don’t be afraid to ask Pro’s in your area if you can second shoot for them, or even carry their bags.
If you don’t ask the answer will always be No

if you are smart about it you could get an internship with an actual studio and trhat would really set you up with realistic expectations.
and.. if i can reference this.. it will help you out in the "Self Study" field too

[11A Fotografie]

+1 on the 10-200 F1,8 lens! Let me know when you have found it!

Just kidding!
I think it's great that you wanna go try to start your own business! I did it a year ago at the age of 20 and I totally think it's a good thing to do! Just know that it will be hard in the beginning!
I really get the feeling that people don't take me serious because of my age (since most photographers here are male and 40+, and I'm neither), so be prepared for that!
Taking some courses on management or something would be nice too, just so you know what you are doing! Knowing the basics on business stuff is definally giving you a bigger change to become succesfull!
And don't be afraid to learn! I search around on facebook and all daily for new photographers and marketing tips!

Good luck with it and let us know how it goes!!

[lonni]

Hi

Being self taught in everything, i would say that courses are not a necesity. If you have the skills, they will speak for them selves, let your portfolios do the talking.

There is an abundance of information on teh web these days and soem good research will get you all the information you need on marketing and running a business, some is book smarts but the majority if it experience and common sense.

I will give you 3 peices of information that will save you tears and money.

Do not shoot or print with out a signed contract or proof stating exactly what is being done/printed.

Have good insurance you need to include public liability, and you will also need to have protection for thing like having to cancel on people, the images not to the customers liking etc. Be protected for everything you will need it, some customers are wankers.

Back up. Have a back up camera, computer, suppliers etc. Also make a copy of all your contracts iand digital stuff, and store them in a sepperate place, that way if anything happns you will have a second copy.

This is the stuff i wish some one had told me when i started out.

HTH

[BigVinnie]

I was in your shoes once. I know how tough it can be.

My first job was working for a company that does a mobile studio to take pictures in department stores. I learned two important lessons. First how to photograph children quickly and painlessly. Second is that it was a dead end job. Looking back it was probably worth it for the learning experience.

My second job was with a studio. They did a LOT of school pictures as well as portraits and weddings. They required all new photographers to work schools for their first season. If you could handle the work and produced quality images you could move on. Advancement meant working with the seasoned studio and wedding shooters. Absolutely the best OTJT you can get. I spent two years absorbing everything I could. If you can get a job like that you should jump on it. You will learn more than any forums could possible teach you. Especially since you are getting paid at the same time.