I have loved taking pictures all my life. I have over the years taken pictures that I must say are great. I have had several people tell me that I should get into it. I have not had any formal training. Any of you out there do it or have a family member or friend that does it? I want to know how hard it is to make it in this field. Thanks in advance for your help...
2006-06-08 17:33:10 · 4 answers · asked by jmbmk 2 in Business & Finance ➔ Careers & Employment
The best routes to take are to research the process of starting a business as well as the industry you're interested in.
I recommend checking out the SBA, Entrepreneur, The Start Up Journal & Nolo. All 4 are great informational resources for the new/small business owner. I posted links for you in the source box.
Associations may be a good avenue to explore as well. These organizations will address many of the thoughts, questions and concerns you'll inevitably have as well as many you haven't anticipated yet. See the source box for some relevant links.
Research, research, research – this cannot be stressed enough. Read as much as you can about the industry. Here are some book titles that are relevant:
* Photographers Market Guide to Building Your Photography Business: Everything you need to know to run a successful photography business by Vik Orenstein
* Legal Handbook for Photographers: The Rights and Liabilities of Making Images Paperback by Bert P. Krages
* How to Start a Home-Based Photography Business, 4th Paperback by Kenn Oberrecht
* Shooting & Selling Your Photos: The Complete Guide to Making Money With Your Photography by Jim Zuckerman
I also posted links to some free articles in the source box.
Hope that helps! I wish you much success & happiness in all your ventures!
2006-06-09 08:52:52 · answer #1 · answered by TM Express™ 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Photography business is 60% actual photo work and 40% reputation. The reputation becomes more important if you live in an area with a lot of other hungry photographers. One way to break in is by going to all the Tee-ball games, soccer games and other children's sporting events. Try to make the games every weekend, or two to three times per week. Print the photos and put them in a binder and let the parents look at them at the next game. Parents will pay $4.00 for a 4" X 6" photo of their kid hitting a baseball off the diamond or making an out at second base. Pretty soon, you will be identified as "the photographer" and parent will pay you to shoot their kids. Then of course there are weddings, but you screw a wedding up and there goes your reputation.
2006-06-08 18:14:10 · answer #2 · answered by atmjay 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
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By the end of this course you will have developed an instinctive skill-for-life that will enable you to capture truly stunning photos that not only amaze your friends and family... but could also open the doors to a brand new career.
2016-04-22 22:40:02 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Photographers who specialize tend to get better work than those that take anything that comes along. Try out the school sports team, as mentioned earlier, but also try out portraiture, commercial and industrial photography, and of course, weddings. When you know what you want to emphasize, print business cards for yourself, develop a price list and then start joining groups. I mean Chambers of Commerce, networking organizations and non-profit organizations who will love your volunteering for them.
Start by offering to lots and lots of free stuff. Really! With digital photography it is very easy and costs you next to nothing. Find someone else who is starting a new business and offer to trade services with them. Offer to shoot for free and then make your money on the reprints. Volunteer to shoot for the next non-profit's golf tournament; mingle, network, get to know people and let them know you.
It's true: Your success will depend a whole lot on your reputation. Join a local chapter of professional photographers and start taking some of the continuing education classes they offer. Get some photos into a contest and win; then you can call yourself and "award-winning" photographer.
Work, work, work. and believe in yourself.
2006-06-08 18:32:34 · answer #4 · answered by jammie 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋