Been here, new here, and lost everywhere

[journeybetween]

Hi everyone! Well, this isn't exactly an introduction, and this isn't exactly a plea for advice. I joined the DPS clan about a year ago and have been on and off as my inspiration, availability and photo needs saw fit (sorry for being a poor member, I really do try). I graduated from school with a degree in photography last May (yes, I know going to school for photography is a bit of a hot button for debates. It worked for me, may not for you. This is not what this is thread is about) and have re-located across the state in hopes of actually making enough money to pay for rent and food and still have some left over to put towards my dreams. Dreams....so drawing a blank on those right now.

Anyhow, photographically speaking, I know how to do portraits and action and photojournalism and landscape and all that, but my real passion is conceptual photography, fine art and the like. Yes, you may laugh leave the thread now.

If anyone is still reading, are you one of those too? Is conceptual your knack? or better yet, a fair portion of your career? And if there is any money to be had, or even any exposure, or any need for photography based entirely on imagination where is it?

Enough of the artsy talk. Is anyone on here a fine art photographer or do fine art work? Do you have any tips on how to put your work into the world? Does anyone know how to generate your "product" to fit a need so that it might sell? I'm not looking for a career (at least not yet), just some idea of how to begin.

Thanks folks. I really do appreciate any input.

[jdepould]

What school did you go to? I just got my M.S. from Syracuse (Jim Bryant is an alum too).

As far as conceptual, I'm not 100% sure I know what you mean. Are you talking like, high end commercial-type stuff, or strictly fine-art, gallery-type images?

[journeybetween]

I went to Colorado Mtn. College and graduated with an AAS. Their photo program is going through a bunch of changes right now, and when I left I felt like I should have started all over again because they had such great new opportunities.

As for my work, I'm really not sure how to classify it. I really love telling stories with photos, or sharing feelings and emotional ideas. I would personally say it leans more towards fine art or gallery work. I'll attach a link to my website that should give you an idea of what I prefer doing if that helps any.

Amb Perspectives Photography Portfolio Gallery | Amb Perspectives Photography

[graciousness]

I think with your style, I would personally start looking into getting into the publishing industry and possibly doing book covers. You work with storylines/concepts that I think will feed into your inspiration and style.

Film is another. Shooting for publicity posters, etc. I'd start with the small production companies with limited budget who may be open into using up and coming photographers.

Another is music publicity. You've already started with some live concert footages, but I would go for album art work. Look for up and coming bands and or approach small management companies and introduce yourself. But I think you'll need to have a stronger portfolio for this as I think your stage shoots could be just a little stronger. You seem to go for the softer focus images but perhaps you would want to also show that you can do photos with sharp, detailed images.

What you may need is an agent. It doesn't hurt to talk to one.

[journeybetween]

Thank you, Graciousness, for your insight. I had thought about dealing with musicians and cover art, but have put that idea on hold since moving to a new area. I need to establish some new connections. I'd also been considering illustration, but at this point I likely need to expand my portfolio.

I'd never thought of talking to an agent, but think I may try it out in the future.

Thanks again!

[Doug Pardee]

You might want to drop in on the Earning with Photography forum here.

[journeybetween]

I had been looking on the Earning with Photography Forum, but felt like most posts were geared more to the portrait industry. Of course I'll keep checking back over there!

[oldwolf]

First, welcome to Colorado Springs!

Originally Posted by graciousness

I think with your style, I would personally start looking into getting into the publishing industry and possibly doing book covers. You work with storylines/concepts that I think will feed into your inspiration and style.

Film is another. Shooting for publicity posters, etc. I'd start with the small production companies with limited budget who may be open into using up and coming photographers.

Another is music publicity. You've already started with some live concert footages, but I would go for album art work. Look for up and coming bands and or approach small management companies and introduce yourself. But I think you'll need to have a stronger portfolio for this as I think your stage shoots could be just a little stronger. You seem to go for the softer focus images but perhaps you would want to also show that you can do photos with sharp, detailed images.

What you may need is an agent. It doesn't hurt to talk to one.

Have to agree with most everything above.

It's a rough market around here because most people don't appreciate art. Music or even plays would probably be your best bet if you don't want to compile a collection to be displayed for sale some where.

You can get your stuff displayed at the airport as well. Doesn't take much except to ask then waiting until your turn. That would get you some exposure from people traveling in and out of the Springs.

Not sure how long you've been in the Springs but don't hesitate to ask questions. It's always good to network with the photographers that aren't afraid to be friendly. You never know what someone in the network can do to help you out.

[journeybetween]

Originally Posted by oldwolf

It's a rough market around here because most people don't appreciate art. Music or even plays would probably be your best bet if you don't want to compile a collection to be displayed for sale some where.

You can get your stuff displayed at the airport as well. Doesn't take much except to ask then waiting until your turn. That would get you some exposure from people traveling in and out of the Springs.

Not sure how long you've been in the Springs but don't hesitate to ask questions. It's always good to network with the photographers that aren't afraid to be friendly. You never know what someone in the network can do to help you out.

I appreciate the info about the airport, I had no idea they had that opportunity. I'd love to start networking, just still looking for a job that actually pays the bills, so have been a little slow on the uptake.

If your local, or know anyone in the area, I'd love to get in touch. Thanks everyone!