Introduction and question re courses, getting started etc

[KatieB]

Hello all,

Firstly, I just wanted to introduce myself as I'm new to the forums. My name is Kate (as the handle implies ) and I have recently moved to Melbourne, Australia.

My dad, who used to be a professional photographer recommended this site, so I'm hoping I learn a lot here.

Anyway, the biggest reason I'm here is because I want to become a professional photographer. Everyone seems to think that it should be easy for me because of my dad, but actually he isn't always that encouraging and he's definitely not the best teacher! I have done small bits and pieces of professional photography before - news photography and a couple of functions for friends, but I have never learned beyond point, shoot and use the auto settings until now. I actually had wanted to enter this week's assignment with a photo I took a while back but I have no idea what the settings were!

I recognise that I have a lot to learn before I can venture out to be a professional photographer, but I'm not sure what the best way is to go. I'd love to do a professional course, but I have to work full time and everything I've found is so incredibly expensive! Having just moved here lets just say money isn't exactly abundant right now.

If anyone knows of any good but cheap courses based in Melbourne I could look into, groups I could join etc I would really appreciate it. I'm sure something like that would also help me to meet people and make new friends!

One last question - do studios or professional photographers ever take on other photographers, perhaps like me, to learn from them? Almost like an apprenticeship situation... I'd be very interested to find out!

Anyway, looking forward to getting to know everyone!

Kate

[Jim Bryant]

Hello Katie,

Just because your father is/was a professional photographer it's not going to be as easy as you think about going pro and starting a business.
1.) Because you don't have his eye for photography or knowledge of the business side of photography.
2.) People who know him will always judge your work against his.
I know it's not fair, but ask my kids, two of them aspired in photography and were quite good.
But it's the constant comments from other students asking my daughter, did you or your father take that photograph? And because I'm a professional and they grew up in a photographic environment, they thought they knew everything about photography, which came as a shocker then they realized they didn't know beans.

The only thing I can suggest is read the three put together by Maxharvard concerning everything you need to know about photography. Especially what I wrote about the business side of photography. (Jim).
Everything you ever wanted to know about photography! On DPS!

Good luck. Book mark the page so you can go often and read.

[KatieB]

Hi Jim,

Thanks for the response.

Yeah - I know it won't be easy, but I'm determined to give it a go nonetheless. I've been stuck in a career rut for the last 10 years in journalism and PR, and the only thing I ever really enjoyed doing was photography. I know I've got an eye for pictures - albeit not one as well developed as my dad's was before he quit, but still. I also know I want to be my own boss so I'd love to try to combine the two.

On the upside - I'm making a fresh start in a new place, a long way away from my parents. I'm hoping any work I do will be taken on my own merits and not compared to my dad, simply because no-one here will have a clue who he is!

I'll definitely go and check out the link. Thanks

[Pol]

Hi
We also recently moved to Melbourne. I am looking after the kids during the day, so going to school is a little difficult. I decided to enrol in evening classes. The classes are once a week for 20 weeks and twice a week for 20 weeks. They aren't the cheapest, but the school seems to be quite good and came recommended.

Otherwise you might want to try to join photo walks or photography clubs? I also noticed that a lot of the councils offer courses in photography. You can check on your local council's site. The TAFE schools also offer some photography courses that seem to be reasonable. You might be able to find some evening courses there too.

I have heard that you can do apprenticeships, though I am unsure as to how you will be able to get one. I think it takes a lot of hard work and footwork.

All the best

[ericw]

Originally Posted by KatieB

...I have never learned beyond point, shoot and use the auto settings until now... Having just moved here lets just say money isn't exactly abundant right now.

One last question - do studios or professional photographers ever take on other photographers, perhaps like me, to learn from them? Almost like an apprenticeship situation... I'd be very interested to find out!

Why not just start acquiring some gear (which you'll have to do anyhow if you want to be a pro) and learn how to take pictures before worrying about being a pro?

Yes, studios and pros take on assistants and such, and they will often let you use their gear, which would help out with your budget problem. But, you usually need a portfolio to show them you have some idea what you're doing. Plus, they are often too busy to explain the basics and are more expecting you to help them out and learn from observing (my experience).

[AnneWynne]

Lots of stuff online...like Strobist and DPS. Plus, there are lots and lots of tutorials for photoshopping stuff. The critique threads are good for getting feedback on your work. I ditto the recommendation for joining a local photographer's group. If you can, attend conferences. In the US we have state-supported technical colleges, which offer certifications and 2-year degrees, some of which offer photography courses. You might find the same in Melbourne. You could also check into student aid as well as grants.

Of course, you can charge for your photography and plow everything you make back into courses and equipment.

Good luck
Anne

[Aalina]

its good that you know about its basics . its too good that you want to carry it . i like that you are interested toward arts. . for this purpose you can join arts classes there are lots of art schools you can join them . and can learn more and can be skilled in your choice of field