What’s Your Preference?

Jim Bryant · #1 (**permalink**) 02-12-2009, 05:15 PM

There's been way too much talk on this forum about having a digital camera and I got my first assignment, what should I do??? First off, what type of lighting setup do you have? Do you have the necessary lens? Do you have filter gels to change background colors? Do you have backdrops. Do you have a table top outfit? Ask yourself, do you have the necessary equipment to produce a quality produce? More importantly, since you admitted you're were practicing photography as a hobby, do you even possess the experience and knowledge to under take this commitment? I see that you have a basic kit, but for product photography, which is a specialty. You'll need to invest in lights, an assortment of lenses, backgrounds and more important knowledge. I don't want to discourage you or even others on this forum, but there's way too many here that think that since they have a digital camera that gives them a decent photo (without really knowing anything about photography), they can automatically start making money. And yes, you can, up until a point where the lack of knowledge and experience starts showing up in your final product. That's when clients will stop calling and you're name will be spread around as just being a person with a digital camera, not a photographer. I don't want to sound harsh and even discouraging to anyone, who's eager to make money, but don't leap into this business without being prepared with not only the necessary equipment, photographic knowledge, but business sense as it cheapens the photographic industry as a whole. My 2 cents!

Mslanh01 · #2 (**permalink**) 02-12-2009, 05:40 PM

I agree! unfortunately I was one of "those" people when I got my DSLR. I thought just because I had a nice new expensive camera, that I would be able to take quality photos and be able to market them. While that may be true to some extent...It's not the smartest thing to do. Once I really started to learn the basic of actual photography (not Point and Shoot) I was amazed at how much I didn't know. Calling yourself a Photographer is more than just buying that new camera and being able to press the shutter button. I have a long way to go, and I have put my business desires on hold until I get closer to knowing it all..notice I said closer, not there. I don't think anyone can learn everything...there is always something new to learn!

SusanH1970 · #3 (**permalink**) 02-12-2009, 07:07 PM

I agree as well. My goal is to eventually be able to turn a hobby into at least a part time job, but I'm quite obviously nowhere near that with the equipment and skills (or lack thereof) I have. I do have a few friends who have asked me to do portraits of their kids and I'm having fun with that, and they don't expect professional results as I practice on them, and for now, this is a win/win situation.

Little by little, I'll purchase the equipment I need, thoroughly learn how to use it, and continue building my own skills at the art of photography - through a lot of practice, a lot of reading, taking the advice of photographers I admire, and not taking harsh critiques as insults, but as a learning tool.

Let me close by linking back to this thread.

private · #4 (**permalink**) 02-12-2009, 08:19 PM

I am only going to 1/2 agree with you Jim. People on this board who just got their first assignment (now I am only taking about myself) would like to make money at photography but they do not necessarilly want to make a living taking photographs - its kind of like a side job. I am doing it to pay for my habit (LOL)

And some of the first time clients really just want a photograpgh taken. Not something that is technically perfect but something that will create a memory. Here is a perfect example, I am getting new kitchen counter tops and my salesman, saw my camera set up in the dining room (home made lightbox AND tripod) and he asked if I took pictures. I told him I am just starting out and specialize in child and family portraits and just "playing" with the light box. He called me today and asked if I would take before and after photos for his co. I reminded him that I do family portraits, and he said he did not care, he just wants a photo of before and after. And he would give me a discount on my granite.

And if I do decide to do it, I will be asking for help from the DPS community.

And a funny story (sorry, this is long) My neighbor liked my photos, so she bought the same camera excpet one better. She returned it because she was not getting the same pics - something must be wrong with the camera. Soooo, she traded it in and bought a Nikon, same problem. She does not understand why she always gets cameras that don't take good pictures. She says she has the worst luck when it comes to buying cameras....

Nuff Said...

AnnaV · #5 (**permalink**) 02-12-2009, 08:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by private

And a funny story (sorry, this is long) My neighbor liked my photos, so she bought the same camera excpet one better. She returned it because she was not getting the same pics - something must be wrong with the camera. Soooo, she traded it in and bought a Nikon, same problem. She does not understand why she always gets cameras that don't take good pictures. She says she has the worst luck when it comes to buying cameras....

Nuff Said...

That's soooo funny!

stitchbug · #6 (**permalink**) 02-12-2009, 08:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by private

I am only going to 1/2 agree with you Jim. People on this board who just got their first assignment (now I am only taking about myself) would like to make money at photography but they do not necessarilly want to make a living taking photographs - its kind of like a side job. I am doing it to pay for my habit (LOL)

And some of the first time clients really just want a photograpgh taken. Not something that is technically perfect but something that will create a memory. Here is a perfect example, I am getting new kitchen counter tops and my salesman, saw my camera set up in the dining room (home made lightbox AND tripod) and he asked if I took pictures. I told him I am just starting out and specialize in child and family portraits and just "playing" with the light box. He called me today and asked if I would take before and after photos for his co. I reminded him that I do family portraits, and he said he did not care, he just wants a photo of before and after. And he would give me a discount on my granite.

And if I do decide to do it, I will be asking for help from the DPS community.

And a funny story (sorry, this is long) My neighbor liked my photos, so she bought the same camera excpet one better. She returned it because she was not getting the same pics - something must be wrong with the camera. Soooo, she traded it in and bought a Nikon, same problem. She does not understand why she always gets cameras that don't take good pictures. She says she has the worst luck when it comes to buying cameras....

Nuff Said...

is that the same one thta returned the camera bc it kept cutting off the tops of people's heads? LOL

JerInTheBox · #7 (**permalink**) 02-12-2009, 08:57 PM

Let's not get into that, there's a very long thread here about people who buy cameras that are smarter than they are.

I completely agree with you Jim, and this is as someone who has never received compensation for a photo I took. I have a successful young career in the film industry and the joy I get from photography comes from people telling me how much they enjoy looking at my pictures (or even telling me what a great camera I must have... shit, didn't mean to start that up again).

I'm investing in lighting, in lenses, and in time spent educating myself about how to take better and better pictures so that I'm happier with photos I take. At some point, when I've progressed far enough to clearly distinguish myself from the average point-and-shooter, I expect someone will offer to pay me for my skills, and I'd be thrilled if that happens. But if it does happen it'll be because my talent had reached a point where people want to pay for it, and then I can be confident that I will give them a good product.

SusanH1970 · #8 (**permalink**) 02-12-2009, 09:02 PM

I see your point, as well, Pat. And believe me, I'm a fan of yours and I admit I'm a bit jealous that you've got more toys than me, LOL - and you've got a LOT more experience than I do! You are someone who is ready to be taking on clients - whereas I certainly am not.

I love this forum because it exposes me to so many different types of photographers and skill levels, and I can learn something from just about anyone - sometimes what to do, sometimes what not to do.

A person I know has had a D90 for a while (longer than I've had my XSi), and she saw some of my pics and was wondering if she should have gone with Canon rather than Nikon, because she liked my pictures better. I think we all have those stories!

porters_lake · #9 (**permalink**) 02-12-2009, 09:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by private

I am only going to 1/2 agree with you Jim. People on this board who just got their first assignment (now I am only taking about myself) would like to make money at photography but they do not necessarilly want to make a living taking photographs - its kind of like a side job. I am doing it to pay for my habit (LOL)

And some of the first time clients really just want a photograpgh taken. Not something that is technically perfect but something that will create a memory. Here is a perfect example, I am getting new kitchen counter tops and my salesman, saw my camera set up in the dining room (home made lightbox AND tripod) and he asked if I took pictures. I told him I am just starting out and specialize in child and family portraits and just "playing" with the light box. He called me today and asked if I would take before and after photos for his co. I reminded him that I do family portraits, and he said he did not care, he just wants a photo of before and after. And he would give me a discount on my granite.

And if I do decide to do it, I will be asking for help from the DPS community.

And a funny story (sorry, this is long) My neighbor liked my photos, so she bought the same camera excpet one better. She returned it because she was not getting the same pics - something must be wrong with the camera. Soooo, she traded it in and bought a Nikon, same problem. She does not understand why she always gets cameras that don't take good pictures. She says she has the worst luck when it comes to buying cameras....

Nuff Said...

I have had similiar emails from people looking for advice on should they change cameras - WOW - it is not the camera I explain. Most people behind the veiwfinder want to take a photograph - not a snapshot - but to take the photo, sometimes you have to "be in their faces" to get the candid shots. I always post all my photos - knowing that they may not meet my own expectations - but people are always thankfull.

Camera does not take the photograph! The person behind the viewfinder does!

porters_lake