You know you've found your niche in photography when....

.... You get the cover page on your first photoshoot!

I got a 6 page spread, the cover image, my name in about 10 places in the magazine and a sizable check for my effort.

I know there are some folks here who have contempt for me because I've only had my camera for a little over a year (yep, just started shooting) so I don't have the pedigree that say, Jim does. Or, they feel I'm too hard on them.

I didn't compromise, didn't do the work for free and got paid quite well for this shoot because I didn't back down and lusted after my name in print. I got my name in print and still got paid.

If there's something that can be learned, it's this:

Find your niche and don't underestimate/undervalue yourself

Jim talks about it a lot and it's very true. Find something you enjoy and really work that area. You can easily specialize in one area and become known for that. I'm not saying you can't do other stuff, but if you can find your niche and do well at it, people will notice. Cars are something I really love and have my entire life, so for me doing the shoot wasn't "work", it was fun and I got paid.

I wrote the article too. That doubled my pay for the gig. If you can write, the job just becomes that much more enjoyable.

The hardest part of the entire process is that I shot this in August and had to keep my mouth shut the entire time and couldn't tell anyone for fear of it not happening and jinxing myself.

I have more shoots that I've done that I can't talk about (or post the images), suffice to say it's become a pretty good side gig, earning me extra money.

~Eric

[Big Nick]

You to hard on someone?? NAWW just kiddin. Very nicely done my friend. Congrats

[Digidave]

Well! Allow me to be the first to congratulate you, Max. I've always said that passion will make up for lack of experience in many situations. Photography being one of them.

[dakwegmo]

That's awesome! Congratulations.

[SusanH1970]

Congratulations, Eric! Good work, and kudos to you for not backing down. I'm proud of ya!

[BCampbell]

Hey, congrats, I look forward to hearing your advice on scoring assignments in the future. I'm sure we'd all be interested in hearing a writeup of how this went down from beginning to end.

[candidrachel]

Hey Congrats!!

You know you said that you've only had your snazzy expensive camera for little over a year but did you shoot with anything else prior like a point and shoot? Your photos seem very good considering you're new to photography. Or am I missing something?

I know what my niche is but I am keeping my cards very close to my chest and telling no-one for fear of all sorts of unwelcome "advice" and thats usually by folks that don't have a clue!

Also, I need COURAGE to do it! My husband is still on my case saying "when are you going to do x" but I'm finding myself making all sorts of reasons sorry EXCUSES not to do it like its not the right time of year, its right after Christmas and everyone's skint, or I'll wait til the spring when the weather is better etc etc.

You know the only way to conquer fear is to do the thing you fear to do and my biggest fear is rejection! I really don't cope with that but I'm learning and getting better in letting things slide.

I need some of what you have Max!

I soooooo want my name in print and photos published!

Originally Posted by Big Nick

You to hard on someone?? NAWW just kiddin. Very nicely done my friend. Congrats

Haha yes well, thanks anyways! LOL

Originally Posted by Digidave

Well! Allow me to be the first to congratulate you, Max. I've always said that passion will make up for lack of experience in many situations. Photography being one of them.

Thanks Dave!

Originally Posted by dakwegmo

That's awesome! Congratulations.

Gracias!

Originally Posted by SusanH1970

Congratulations, Eric! Good work, and kudos to you for not backing down. I'm proud of ya!

Thasnks Susan.

Originally Posted by BCampbell

Hey, congrats, I look forward to hearing your advice on scoring assignments in the future. I'm sure we'd all be interested in hearing a writeup of how this went down from beginning to end.

If you'd like I can post how it happenede here or via PM.

Originally Posted by candidrachel

Hey Congrats!!

You know you said that you've only had your snazzy expensive camera for little over a year but did you shoot with anything else prior like a point and shoot? Your photos seem very good considering you're new to photography. Or am I missing something?

I know what my niche is but I am keeping my cards very close to my chest and telling no-one for fear of all sorts of unwelcome "advice" and thats usually by folks that don't have a clue!

Also, I need COURAGE to do it! My husband is still on my case saying "when are you going to do x" but I'm finding myself making all sorts of reasons sorry EXCUSES not to do it like its not the right time of year, its right after Christmas and everyone's skint, or I'll wait til the spring when the weather is better etc etc.

You know the only way to conquer fear is to do the thing you fear to do and my biggest fear is rejection! I really don't cope with that but I'm learning and getting better in letting things slide.

I need some of what you have Max!

I soooooo want my name in print and photos published!

Truth be told, I always had a camera, 35mm or P&S... but never critically thought about photography. I've always loved art... and good art too and I think that was the biggest factor when I do my photo work... always looking for the final result in the image.

[kelticsol]

Congrats! I'll pick up a copy next week to show some support. I hope Borders carries it.

[spencer28n]

That's my boy! *pinches cheek*
May this be a lesson to all. Talent and dedication go before all else.