I am interested in becoming a professional photographer. I have been taking pictures for forever, and not just your everyday, run of the mill...oh look this way...say cheese pictures. I enjoy creating art. I have thouht about turning my passion into a business, I would like to find a good mentor to look at some of the recent photos that I have taken. Do photographers usually do this considering that the person they are mentoring will someday be there competition? What are some steps to getting started in this business...I have a camera and am enrolled at a local school for photography classes. Also do most professional photographers develop their own film, or can you recommend a good company for that purpose.
2006-07-20 04:45:44 · 9 answers · asked by curious me 2 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Visual Arts ➔ Photography
I don't know about finding a photographer who will let you do an apprenticeship under he/her. You will just have to go around and ask a few, it is possible.
I can answer your question about developing, I am a photographer and I use a service to have my photographs developed. I haven't the space to do it myself and have switched to digital prints anyway. It is just easier.
2006-07-20 04:51:10 · answer #1 · answered by jennanna 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
In most countries there is no specific qualification for a freelance photographer, though in Britain at least, for a governmert job, qualifacations probably at degree level are required. But a photojournalist or 'high street' studio and wedding photographer can usually consider themselves 'professional' if they are making a living at it. Quality of work is a different matter, but poor workers generally don't last long as a paying proposition. Some countries do require qualifications for anyone to set themselves up as a money-earning photographer.
2016-03-16 02:25:02 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think it's a good idea to join a local photography club. You might find a mentor that way. Also, I think most professionals develop their own film.
Since I'm interested in photography as a side source of income myself, I have some books about photography as a career.
"Starting Your Career As A Freelance Photography"
By Tad Crawford
ISBN # 1-58115-280-9
"The Photographer's Guide to Marketing & Self Promotion"
By Maria Piscopo
ISBN # 1-58115-096-2
"Photographer's Market"
By Donna Poehner, Sarah Spears
ISBN # 1-58297-121-8
You could try to get them for lower prices through Barnes & Noble or Amazon.com
2006-07-20 04:58:48 · answer #3 · answered by cassicad75 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'd like to know as well, seeing as I want to be a Photographer too.
2006-07-20 04:49:15 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would keep a portfolio and I would just have the pictures developed and try to get them submitted to various magazines.
Get your name out there. when you are a professional photographer, you're getting paid. Shouldn't take you long now if that's your goal.
2006-07-20 04:50:05 · answer #5 · answered by Mama R 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
my background is in portraits and i want to go into the model, fashion, photography, I emailed several photographers and called around and I couldn't find anyone to share info with me, not to say that there isn't anyone, anyway I consider myself to be a professional photographer I have made a living at it for 8 years and I would be glad to give you any advice or critique to help you.
to get experience i would suggest working in a portrait studio, you don't have to have any experience, they train you, most of them are digital now so you can experiment with poses and lighting. it will help you prepare for freelance or other types of photography
Check out some of my work and if you think you would like advice from me i'd love to help!
http://nicksmom.myphotoalbum.com
click on the main pic then click slideshow
2006-07-20 09:19:00 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
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!
2006-07-20 06:10:20 · answer #7 · answered by TM Express™ 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think your on the right path. i've took two photography classes at a local community college and one of the instructors became my mentor. About the competition part, there are three areas, they are still life, portraits, and landscapes. your style of photography is as unique as everyones individual taste buds. My instructor did stock photography and barns. I enjoy still life on things that it takes a person to get through life. So, what gets me through and you is personal and very unique.
I know someone who started they own photography business, he does weddings. He has a business do the 1 hour photo development, then puts it in a sequence, and the bride and groom get the to see the pictures on the same day they were married. They choose the ones they want , then he gets them professionally developed and puts them in a beautiful bridal photo album that they've chosen after the wedding. If going in business, are you going to photograph people or pets, or something else? Most of the professional photographers i've studied do develop there own negatives and photos. You'll be learning how to do that. Just don't open the developing darkroom door if the red light is on! A darkroom is said to be expensive. In Sacramento, some people started a business, it was a darkroom. So they charge photographers to go and used it. My favorite photograher is Jim Weston, his seashells and chili pepper collection are my favorites.
2006-07-20 16:48:02 · answer #8 · answered by M 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would never want to squash your dreams, but this really is not a great career choice. If you love photography like I do, the business of photography will make you HATE it. I went to art school for photography, and then move out to LA after school to get into fashion photography. Let me tell you, it is all about who you know. Talent means nothing! I got my first break to be an apprentice on a shoot for Dawson's Creek (it was big back then!) and afterwards, the photographer tried to sleep with me, and when I refused, he threw me out and talked trash about me. That's how the business is. The other options you have as a photographer are portraits and weddings. Both are horrible. I have had many portrait photography jobs, from your mall type studios to you upity posh private studios. It's all the same. No creativity, and everyone always complains. And don't get me started on weddings. You will never meet a more picky person than a bride. She will hate everything!!!! I have found a love for landscape photography since college (the mountains don't think they look fat in the picture) But there is no money in it. I could try to sell to stock photo agencies, but it's all been done. My first photo teacher told me in this business you will never be original, and it's true. Everything has already been done on film. I have now moved onto a career in Graphic Design using my base skills as a photographer. It doesn't lead to anything more promising, but now I can still savor my first love for photography for myself. Good Luck.
2006-07-20 05:00:21 · answer #9 · answered by Olive Green Eyes 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
kodak or canon or sony or fuji or i know many companies
2006-07-20 04:50:23 · answer #10 · answered by shoueb 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋