Getting started with Photography???

Question

I have been thinking about getting into photography (portriat and people)and was wondering what online courses I could take and what are the requirements to be a freelance photographer if there is any???

Here are some example of my recent work what do you think do I have talent???They are of my son and husband.

http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o197/victoriaben12/cadenspeia.jpg

http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o197/victoriaben12/joshandcadn12.jpg

http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o197/victoriaben12/newpoolcaden.jpg

http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o197/victoriaben12/april152007025.jpg

http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o197/victoriaben12/joshandcaden.jpg

Answer 1

You do not need to go to formal school to become a photographer but you have to learn it from somewhere be it from a class room environment or from you reading and doing things on your own. Some people require the hands-on of a teacher to gain knowledge and others can understand by just reading a book so choose which would be better for you.

1. You should learn the technical aspects of photography and your camera (composition, shutter speed, rules of thirds, depth of field etc), once you understand these you will be able to create better images.

2. Shoot in "M" (manual mode) because you will have more control over your camera and not the other way around. When you are in one of the "Auto" modes the camera will just read the highlights and shadow areas and try to get you a picture. The camera is not smart enough to know what you are shooting.

3. You can start reading all kinds of books on this subject and get information from the internet. This includes web based classes, manufactures web sites to personal blogs.

4. Buy the best DSLR camera that you can afford this also includes good lenses. Take out your camera and manual sit down and go over all the buttons and knobs etc.. this is the best way for you to learn what your camera can do.

5. Start shooting with your camera to get practice and from what you are learning from reading and doing you will get better. Practice does make perfect. Take notes while shooting and then look at your photos on the computer find the best one from that set and see what you did to get the shot and why you like it more than the others.

6. You can get yourself a job as a photographers assistant (be it payed or free) and learn from that person.

7. A good portfolio (website) will speak for itself. Just make your portfolio fit to the people you are presenting it to. Example: If showing to a bride for a wedding, remove landscapes and corporate images they just want to see wedding images only and your style. If you have a website do the same and tailor it towards your clientele and leave the "fluff" images out.

Since you have access to the internet here is a start: Some you have to pay for and some are free.. start with the free stuff of course.

http://www.photonhead.com/beginners/......
http://www.betterphoto.com/home.asp......
http://www.shootsmarter.com/
http://www.webphotoschool.com/

http://www.lexar.com/dp/index.html?cmp=e...

Studio Lighting info
http://www.studiolighting.net/portrait-lighting-styles/

Photoshop classes
http://www.russellbrown.com/

Just incase you need info on a degree
http://www.photographyschools.com/

Hope this helps,
Kevin

Answer 2

Your images are very generic. That is meant as creative criticism. You will get alot of that in any photo course. If you don't, then you will not learn how to improve. It is meant to help you, not run you down. You must remember that. If you have a real desire you will do okay. You might want to check your local bookstore for photo magazines and how to books. These can give you an idea of some of the things you will need to learn and can also help you learn some good basic techniques right off. Things you can do on your own, play with composure, shoot your subject matter from different angles is a good start. Two other areas you can read about and practice with is depth of field and exposure. Do not take it too serious until you find out if this is really for you. Read, practice, try new things, and have fun with it. One of your answers mentioned local schools such as junior colleges, this is a great idea for looking into a starter class.
GOOD LUCK AND ENJOY
P.S. As soon as you can, start saving $$$$ to upgrade your equipment a little at a time unless you have lots of money.
I started with a very basic NIKON manual camera.

Answer 3

when i was 12 i was told by my parents that i should start thinking of a career that i might want when im older and start studying now , so i looked at all the possibilities , a vet , a doctor , a lawyer , ect - anything that would make good money . Then for christmas i was given a camera by my aunt and i started taking photos of my family , my neighbors , anything interesting around the neighbor hood. I never thought about making it as a career though , so a couple years down the road i find out , about this great modeling studio in NY that needed photographers , and since i always take photos of people i thought id give it a try , ans guess what? i got the job. I started taking modeling pictures and free lance pictures to make up at portfolio . I think photography , was one of the best things that ever happened to me . All because of a little camera for a christmas gift :)

Answer 4

If you know anyone who has a current Mac computer, you
can use IWeb to create a website showing your recent
photographs. Set up an .mac account [$99 per year] and
publish your IWeb webpage(s).

Acquire from Vistaprint.com a colorful business card
by selecting from their many templates a suitable one
that meets your needs. Make sure to list the URL of
your website along with a telephone answering device.
Do not place your home address or anything personal
such as a cellphone on this businesscard. Then when
you receive the finished business card, pass it around
to various churches, temples and the like to solicit
business.

When you receive a major photography assignment, visit
your local professional camera store and "rent" the
necessary camera equipment to fulfill this assignment.
When starting out, you don't want to tie your money up
with a piece of camera equipment which because of ever
changing technology "becomes obsolete." Remember, that
90% of professional photographer are not "buying"
camera equipment continually which can easily become
outdated; instead, they merely "rent or lease" the
camera equipment for set period of time; thereby
keeping their money for other expenses. Even though
you may have your heart set on an SLR and film, you
may have to give up that concept for the moment, since
digital photography offers the most economic method of
photo reproduction. Digital imagery is easy to edit on
a computer and the print quality is often far superior
to regular film-generated prints.

You want to buy an "essential/basic" DSLR system which
has an all-around affordable accessory lenses, then
consider the award winning Pentax KD series beginning
with the Pentax K100D 6.1 mp DSLR with "image
stabilization" built into the camera body. "Image
stabilization" is essential for allowing you to take
telephoto pictures at weddings, parties, while on the
go and you don't have to drag along a tripod to steady
your camera. Unfortunately, Canon and Nikon have
chosen to install their "vibration reduction" devices
into very expensive auxiliary lenses. But getting back
to the Pentax K100D which comes in a starter kit
consisting of two Pentax lenses: a 18-55 mm. normal
lens and a 50-200 mm. telephoto which sells for $650
at samys.com. Again, the Pentax K100D starter kit runs
circles around the D40 Nikon!

For digital print processing, find a private
professional film processing lab who can handle all
your client's print orders. And with a resale license,
you will be qualified for considerable "professional"
discounts on lab fees. A search on the Google and
Yahoo for wholesale photo albums will connect you with
various distributors who, again, you can sign on as a
photography studio and get a dealer's pricing for any
number of albums, guest books, etc.

Instead of renting a studio, take people pictures at
local parks and beaches and for indoor shots, go to
the client's residence or office to set up a photo
shooting environment which consists of a set of
lights, reflective screens, background drapery, etc.

Good luck!

Answer 5

Ya, the first one was good except you cut off the feet. The first thing you would want to do is invest in a Digital SLR or at least a camera that you can control shutter speed, aperture and the flash. I don't recommend taking a course. Photography can be learned just by doing. You then can read up on the different techniques on the Internet. I wouldn't use a flash until you knew what you where doing. If you have photoshop elements(it's great for beginners) try adjust that first photos brightness and adjust the levels.

Answer 6

I find myself torn on this question.

You seem to be asking, more, about how to start a business as a photographer, and not so much about how to improve your technique as a photographer.

Your real interests on this would, first, determine the equipment you'll need to use, and THEN, how best to use it. Unless one has a studio in which ALL lighting situations are completely under the artist's control, no photogapher will be satisfied with a camera that does not offer manual contol over all of the unit's functions. Many features can be automated, but, once in a while, a pro will be faced with surprises on location. Softball team pictures might have to be done under overcast skies when the photog expected a sunny day. One portrait client may want a picture of herself and her snappy, squirmy dog. Another client may want a shot of himself with all of his shiny, gleaming bowling trophies behind him. (and all those trophies are next to a wide open, overbright window) How does a professional cope?

A reasonably successful freelancer should be able to do the job in, virtually, ANY working conditions. Anyone who can't will have to expect to turn down assignments, or be doomed to fail some of them. And, the latter, can be the "kiss of death" since word of mouth is the best source of new business.

Answer 7

Try Trick Photography Special Effects : http://tinyurl.com/gbTrz1twCd

Answer 8

The only one I almost liked was the very first one and you cut his feet off. Plus you almost centered him. The rest are just so-so snapshots.

If there are no photography classes in your area (check with your high school or community college) you might want to consider the New York Institute of Photography (nyip.com). They.ve been in business since 1910 offering correspondence courses.

Answer 9

Get down at a level with your subject and use a large lens opening to isolate the subject in focus from a blurred background using a narrow depth-of-field.

Having been in the portrait business for over 30 years, I can tell you it is much more difficult to get a connection with strangers than with your own family.

Answer 10

I f i was you i would start a photography website

please view my photography website

freewebs.com/johnnyphotography

Thank You