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I'm looking to get into professional portrait photography. I've found a Nikon Coolpix 8700 camera in my price range but I'm not sure it's right for what I'm needing it for.

2007-12-31 08:12:35 · 2 answers · asked by Anonymous in Consumer Electronics Cameras

2 answers

it might be but your not going to have enough control over it. try a d40 or d50 and lights? you might want to invest in that as well. also a backdrop.

2007-12-31 08:51:50 · answer #1 · answered by This Kid 4 · 0 0

Although you can accomplish a lot with this camera IMO you'd be wise to go with a DSLR. The ability to change lenses is a major advantage. A prime (non-zoom) portrait lens will definitely give you better results.

That said, may I ask:

What is your background in photography?

Have you taken formal classes?

Have you worked as an assistant to a portrait photographer?

Are you well-versed in lighting, both flash and constant?

Are you good at posing people and getting them to respond to you and your camera?

Will you be working in a separate studio or in your home? Will you lease studio space? If so, who is responsible for the utilities?Will you be required to carry insurance? If in your home, do you need any type of zoning variance? Are there any licensing requirements at the local or even state level? Will you be taking any portraits "on location" such as in an office or at a construction site? Do you have the necessary portable lighting system for this?

Do you have insurance to cover accidents (someone falling off a stool or tripping over a power cord, etc.) and to cover your equipment if its lost, stolen or broken?

Have you incorporated your business as an S-Type or LLC? (If not, and the business fails or incurs litigation you may find yourself losing your house, car, etc. to pay the loans you took to buy equipment or the damages if you're sued.. Last summer, a bride sued a florist for $700,000.00 because her flowers weren't the exact color she wanted. Even if she were to get just 1% of that amount $7,000.00 is still a large amount of money. What if she gets 10%?)

Do you have a business plan?

Do you have an accountant to assist with your taxes? There are certain rules about deductions for your business and using part of your home for business purposes.

Will this be your sole means of support? If so, do you have enough savings to pay all your current bills and buy food, medicine, etc. until the portrait business becomes profitable? Remember, this might take a year or more.

Good luck.

2008-01-01 01:54:24 · answer #2 · answered by EDWIN 7 · 0 1

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