Do you think it is ok to start a business in photography if you are self taught?

Question

I'm taking an on-line course right now. There's not a lot of competition where I'm from. And from checking out their web-sites they don't have photos that come even close to mine. My friends and family have been puching me for awhile now to do something about this. I've done a lot of friends and family for a little money here and there. I am currently in a very stressful work environment and am looking for an alternative.

I'm actually taking two free courses right now from the IVILLAGE website. One is called "Fire Your Boss/Start Your Own Business" and the other is called "Getting Started With Digital Photography". There is an advanced version of this but I just missed it. They notify you when it comes up again though.
I'm loving them because they ask you the real important questions you need to think about. And the assingment fit in reasonably with my busy life.

Answer 1

I've heard of doctors in England (one in NYC, an ophthalmologist) leaving their profession and going into photography. I've also heard of a few attorneys, one was a woman who received a used Nikon F100 as a gift, and they've turned their stressful lives inside out and gone off into successful photography careers... while they were still learning along the way.... HOWEVER, the exception to the rule does not a rule make! There are exceptions to everything, right?

In photography, the more you know the more your chances of success and a successful career. That's why some go out of their way to go to colleges that specialize in photography. They KNOW that knowledge is earning power; the more you know about different aspects of photography, the more your chances of success... but, many don't go that route!

Depending on what you intend to do in photography. Let me try to explain that so that we're both on the same "wave length."

If you're going to be a Fashion Photographer or a Glamor Photographer or perhaps a Forensics Photographer, you may expect to know something of the field you're getting into. There ARE technical sides to it than just "takin' good pictures." The competition is a little fierce in these areas and today, most of the photographers have contacts and means of networking and teams of assistants and managers/agents, etc. Also, in Forensics, you'd have to really know the knitty-gritty of the nuts and bolts to stand up to a grueling cross-examination in a court of law if a defense attorney so chooses to do... (I've been there, and was misjudged by my "hippie" demeanor and my apparent youthfulness back in the early 70s; I made royal fools of a few over-zealous attorneys representing slumlords).

However, if you're interested in portraits, weddings, graduations, pet and/or children's photography... then, it's a matter of know how to deal with individuals, knowing how to pose people (to minimize physical flaws, for example) and knowing how to deal with difficult subjects (cats don't like to stay put... or dogs may feel intimidated and growl or bite... children whining and crying...) plus knowing the business end of the business (overhead, taxes, insurance, pricing to include a profit margin, etc.) A lot of very talented, skilled and gifted photographers go bankrupt every single day for lack of business sense. So, as I like to tell my friends and acquaintances, talent and skills alone ain't gonna help you much unless you have the PASSION to persevere the obstacles and difficulties you're sure to encounter along the way! It helps if you know how to use posing to your advantage and the clients' advantage, too. Also, you should have a working idea of design, colors, composition, etc. It really helps.

Take a few business courses at night at a local college. Learn about running a small business. Taxes. The need for a good accountant/bookkeeper. Too many talented, skilled and gifted photographers lose their businesses because they have no business sense whatsoever... don't you fall into that trap!

So, what I would suggest is that you gain a bit of experience in the field before you venture out on your own. Work for an established professional, do an apprenticeship for a year or two and get to know the shortcuts, how to deal with the unexpected emergencies, how to deal with clients, advertising, promoting the business, etc. Let the professional give you advice on the images you take, and don't take ill-criticism the wrong way; have a thick skin and bear it. You can work on weekends and keep your present job and if you find a less stressful job at a photo-lab, go for it and learn about the different processes used. In photography, knowledge is EARNING power. The more you know and understand what goes on in the lab, the more you'll be able to stretch the limits of your camera and gear.

Learn all you can about lighting (artificial and natural, how to use reflectors, different kinds of lighting, etc). Lighting is one of the most important aspects in photography, as you may very well know already. The use of the different kinds of filters to enhance and/or avoid certain effects due to lighting.

Unless you give it a try, you'll never know if you would've been good enough... right? Don't live with regrets... "I should've...." "I might've...." "I couldn've...." "Maybe if...." Those are the worse kinds of regrets to live with... I know.

Never lose the desire to learn and stay current with new innovations in the field. Occasionally go to some of the photography conventions and shows. READ as much as you possibly can, it's the greatest source of learning. And, remember, be PASSIONATE about photography if you want to succeed; you will have to make sacrifices along the way if you really want to succeed. Good luck and very best wishes.

Semi-retired, with 43 years experience (most of them very good)

Answer 2

I can so relate to how you feel. Photography is where my heart is. I want to start my own business, but I must confess that I am afraid that I will be a failure. I struggle with it daily, some days I wake up feeling like I can do it, that I can do anything, and then some days I tell myself, who am I kidding? So, trust me, I know what you are going through. I too have a very stressful job, that everyday I threaten to quit. I dread getting up in the mornings, I can't wait till 5:00 everyday, I live for the weekends, I'm sick of it! So, I have decided that win or lose, I'll never know if I don't get out there and do it! I have taken a lot of wonderful pictures of my daughter, I think they look good, but then I wonder well do I only think that because the pictures are of "MY" daughter?? I've had family and friends ask me where did you take her and get these done at, and then when I tell them I took them they are like wow!!

Where I live there is alot of competition, I mean very talented photographers! So, maybe I can be just as good. I have just recently joined a photography club, I am nervous, but very excited. Maybe you could check and see if your town has anything like that!

Anyways, I am sorry for rambling, good luck and best wishes!!!

Answer 3

That's the wonderful thing about any art form, it's not based on education per se, it's based on experience and talent :) Disadvantage is that when you first start out, no matter which art you choose, it's going to be a struggle, just the way it is. My suggestion: Freelance Photographer. Start your own small business, print business card, buy ads in the newspapers and phone book. Start small and let it build up, you can do this while you still have your "day" job, and when you're ready and have built up enough, you can quit. There are two things that can make the most money for photographers, Wedding photos and family photos, that's where the money is. Best of luck :)

Answer 4

I don't see why not. There are plenty of self-taught professional shooters in the world. Just keep in mind that you're always learning, now matter how good you are.

If you want to get some "professional" opinions, there are sites where you can upload your photos and get critiques from other photographers. My personal favorite is Phootosig.

Answer 5

Try Trick Photography Special Effects - http://tinyurl.com/wyGUiUebHW

Answer 6

Ofcourse! thats the best way because you will learn things better and also develop your own style. There is nothing actually stopping you from making this a success...if you have alreday been making money from it, you are obviously good at it. Research a bit more and jump in the deep end...best way to learn. It forces you to really work hard and make it happen.

Answer 7

Absolutely! Maybe you should be spending your on-line tuition taking a basic business course. It sounds like you could be TEACHING the photography part.

Answer 8

Absolutely! If you want it bad enough, make it happen. Your work will speak for itself. Buy an album and fill it with samples of your work. Make up postcards, trifolds, and business cards with your info. and some of your best photos on them and begin marketing yourself! Most of my business (artist) comes from word of mouth, so be professional and polite at all times when working with clients...they'll tell their friends about you!
Go for it!

Answer 9

I think if you can take photos everyday for the rest of your life and still enjoy it when it is your only means of income then yes , believe in yourself and you can do anything, but if you have any doubts or reservations then think it through completely

Answer 10

you totally should start your own business.

also, i'm just wondering what school you applied for to get an online class. because i think i want to do that, so i can take business and photography at the same time.