New to photography, please help!!

[iammik3]

I bought a Canon Rebel XT 350D a few years ago. I have the kit lens and a EF 75-300mm 4-5.6 UMS lens that I use most of the time. I love taking pictures. I pretty much shoot everything on automatic! I've played around with it a few times, however not sure what everything means! I really need help!!

I am recently unemployed and love photography and animals and was thinking of starting a pet photography business. Does anyone have any suggestions on what I do to get the ball rolling?

I just registered for this site today. I did upload a bunch of shots I took mainly of my dogs and some at the zoo. They are under pictures and albums. My album name is "Animals" from iammik3.

Please let me know what you think and any suggestions you have!

I really want to get into this!
Thanks!
Michelle

[Jim Poor]

For what it's worth, I'm a full time pet and dog sport photographer.

Since you are recently unemployed, I'd suggest the first thing you do is get a job. Seriously, pet photography (even if you are ready, which I don't think you are) isn't something that will start paying the bills over night. That said, if you're independently wealthy and none of that matters, then jump right in.

I'd suggest you start posting some images in the critique section to get useful input. I took a look at your profile and the first image I pulled up was horribly out of focus, so that should be your first lesson. Only show your best work (outside of a learning environment like the critique area).

Get some books, read the net, etc. Do what you have to to get out of "everything in automatic." Learn what your camera settings are and how those setting affect your photos.

What area are you in? To "get the ball rolling," I suggest volunteering to take photos at local animal rescues to get experience. You need experience dealing with your camera AND dealing with pets other than your own and your friends. Controlling someone's critters that you only met five minutes ago isn't as easy as you may think. Presenting them in the best light photographically is something else entirely.

[sybren]

[QUOTE=iammik3;1005233]I just registered for this site today.[quote]

Welcom!

I did upload a bunch of shots I took mainly of my dogs and some at the zoo. They are under pictures and albums. My album name is "Animals" from iammik3.

Apart from what's been said already, my tip for today is: learn how to link Instead of telling someone where to go to see your photos, provide a link. People will be much more likely to actually go and view your photos. If you want to make it your job to sell photos or shoots, building an easy-to-view portfolio is a good start.

[castman]

Welcome to DPS! I think you will find alot of good info to give you started here.

[iammik3]

Originally Posted by Jim Poor

For what it's worth, I'm a full time pet and dog sport photographer.

Since you are recently unemployed, I'd suggest the first thing you do is get a job. Seriously, pet photography (even if you are ready, which I don't think you are) isn't something that will start paying the bills over night. That said, if you're independently wealthy and none of that matters, then jump right in.

I'd suggest you start posting some images in the critique section to get useful input. I took a look at your profile and the first image I pulled up was horribly out of focus, so that should be your first lesson. Only show your best work (outside of a learning environment like the critique area).

Get some books, read the net, etc. Do what you have to to get out of "everything in automatic." Learn what your camera settings are and how those setting affect your photos.

What area are you in? To "get the ball rolling," I suggest volunteering to take photos at local animal rescues to get experience. You need experience dealing with your camera AND dealing with pets other than your own and your friends. Controlling someone's critters that you only met five minutes ago isn't as easy as you may think. Presenting them in the best light photographically is something else entirely.

Hi Jim
Thanks for your input! I appreciate it! I did find a pretty good tutorial on the web. I am half way through it right now and it has already done a world of good for me!! I will never be shooting in "auto" any longer!! Now that I understand what all of the buttons mean! I am looking for a job : ) I know this won't happen over night. Now that I am getting older, I would much rather do something that I love instead of staying in a boring office job!! I think I'm heading in the right direction with the suggestions you have made. I do volunteer at the Leader Dogs for the blind once a week. I think I will bring my camera in and take some shots there if they let me.

Do you have any suggestions on lenses that I should invest in? I know they are expensive, however if I want to do this I want the right tools.

Thanks again!
Michelle

[jolley]

Jim gave some very sound advise
get to know your equipment and dont be frightened to experiment, if it dont work out then delete it (no film to worry about) use different angles a well. I hope all goes well for you. Bill

[Jim Poor]

I've done a few shoots for guide dog groups. Lots of great people!

Once you get to a point where you are comfortable, start offering to do portrait fundraisers for them. It's a win-win.

Lenses: That really depends on what sort of shooting you pan on doing.

When I shoot outdoors or in a place where I have plenty of room, I like the 70-200.
In more cramped spaces I'll use the 24-70.
If I'm doing a single session, I'll dig out the 85 f/1.4 and the 200 f/2 to do some playing with really shallow DoF.

You can't go wrong with a 50mm either.

Originally Posted by iammik3

Hi Jim
Thanks for your input! I appreciate it! I did find a pretty good tutorial on the web. I am half way through it right now and it has already done a world of good for me!! I will never be shooting in "auto" any longer!! Now that I understand what all of the buttons mean! I am looking for a job : ) I know this won't happen over night. Now that I am getting older, I would much rather do something that I love instead of staying in a boring office job!! I think I'm heading in the right direction with the suggestions you have made. I do volunteer at the Leader Dogs for the blind once a week. I think I will bring my camera in and take some shots there if they let me.

Do you have any suggestions on lenses that I should invest in? I know they are expensive, however if I want to do this I want the right tools.

Thanks again!
Michelle