What is the best way to get started in a photography career?

Question

I have aalways wanted to be a photographer. What is the best way to actually get started doing it? I have a Nikon D50 and two lens, tripod, and misc other equipment. I don't want to spend more money before I get started and think I can make some money. Is it possible? How do I get business or even people to practice on?

Answer 1

Do you have the necessary skills?
The equipment is fine, but it's the photographer who makes (or breaks) the picture. You can take excellent pictures with a $200 point-and-shoot camera, and you can completely mess up with a $5,000 dSLR. Be critical about yourself - do you really know how to take pictures that people will be willing to pay money for? If not, look for some educational resources, take photography classes, etc.

If the answer is "yes", then here are a few ideas:

* get published. Put some of your best pictures on Flickr. That gets you noticed and gives you bragging rights. Things you can mention on an application

* get a website, showing off some of your best shots, and giving contact information; make sure the site is listed with the main search engines

* look for some stock photography sites and submit your pictures; if your pictures are any good, and esp. if they are unusual, they will get selected and you will get royalties. You won't get rich from this (at least not quickly), but again, it helps you getting a foot in the door

* get into event photography (weddings, celebrations, high-school games, etc.). Think about providing a freebie (an at-cost assignment) to break into the market (i.e. you offer a couple to photograph their wedding and charge them just the cost of material). That gets you started and gives you examples of your work you can show other couples when you compete.

* If your have the first satisfied customers, ask them to help you get on Angie's List. I use that list all the time.

* Look for opportunities that other photographer's haven't discovered yet. Examples: find a new rockband that is trying to get started, and ask them to be their photographer; look for high-school and middle-school football games and ask whether you can be the official photographer. Most parents will buy pictures showing their kids in a good light

Hope this helps, and good luck!

Answer 2

Have you taken photography classes?? My daughter has taken photography classes all through highschool and plans to take more in college. there is lots to learn! afterwards, I would get a job in a photography studio to gain some experience before trying to start your own business. Good luck to you!!!

Answer 3

Try Trick Photography Special Effects : http://tinyurl.com/ODgkfkUIdB

Answer 4

get some photography courses under your belt. fine tune your skills through practice. Freelance for the local paper.