At this photography thing for 8 months....

[Bitter Jeweler]

there is also ignorance and stupidity as well.

QFT!
UTFSK!

So much for the ignore list, eh?

 

[vtf]

You're right, but rather than actually handing out the flyers and whatnot to the kids i was suggesting more of leaving a stack at the door where the parents come through to pick their kids up or tacking them to a bulletin board. Idk, i know it's hard when it comes to schools but i know that the elementary school crowd loves those kinds of things

Local photographers advertise in year books, sponsor school sports and are listed in the programs. Contact the local school system for being a sponsor and what their advertising possiblities might be.

 

[iNick]

You're right, but rather than actually handing out the flyers and whatnot to the kids i was suggesting more of leaving a stack at the door where the parents come through to pick their kids up or tacking them to a bulletin board. Idk, i know it's hard when it comes to schools but i know that the elementary school crowd loves those kinds of things

Local photographers advertise in year books, sponsor school sports and are listed in the programs. Contact the local school system for being a sponsor and what their advertising possiblities might be.

Break into the school crowd any way possible. Word of mouth will be a nice wave to ride imo.

 

[Kbarredo]

You're right, but rather than actually handing out the flyers and whatnot to the kids i was suggesting more of leaving a stack at the door where the parents come through to pick their kids up or tacking them to a bulletin board. Idk, i know it's hard when it comes to schools but i know that the elementary school crowd loves those kinds of things

Local photographers advertise in year books, sponsor school sports and are listed in the programs. Contact the local school system for being a sponsor and what their advertising possiblities might be.

Break into the school any way possible.

fixed

 

[vtf]

Contact local Brownie/Cub scout troops and offer to sponsor projects for handing out flyers to parents in their paperwork. Or offer photography at their camp outs or social events for discounted prices for parents, etc. etc..

 

[Dao]

Or get arrested so that you have free exposure on national TV.

 

[SabrinaO]

Umm... If you photograph kids you should know its almost impossible to "pose" kids...well small children/toddlers. I just let them do their thing. About the tea party... "safe side"?? You look at one picture and say I need to take some from different angles... if you saw the WHOLE set you wouldn't be saying that. About the studio lighting... i'm still trying to get the best recipe for some kick ass lighting. Any suggestions??? I have 2 AB's, a speedlight and a reflector. What do you think is the best lighting setup????
My before and afters are just fine thank you. They are edited to my taste. If you noticed... some of the "before" pics were slightly underexposed and the wb was off. But by looking at your work... underexposure seems to be your thing.
And are you serious about people getting "mad" at me? You are joking right? Please tell me you are?
Because if not...the only person i see butt-hurt about my charging is you. Who else is mad??? Hey if you don't feel comfortable charging after you been at this for years that is not my fault. I'm not gonna hide the fact that im charging after 8 months because "people will get mad." :er: I've worked hard these 8 months... and i'm gonna continue to work hard. I've come a long way... I think. Maybe if you did less whining and "hating" on other photographers that have that go getter in them and did more of getting out there and shooting you wouldn't be "mad".
Listen I know i'm not a kickass photographer, but i'm working towards it every day. I'm always posting C&C's and i'm always open to suggestions/tips. What im NOT ok with is people getting upset and taking it personally that i'm new to photography and trying to run a successful business....

 

[SabrinaO]

I honestly dont think you are ready.....

LOLOLOLOL...says you!

I will put my feelings aside and just warn you of the upcoming flames and arguments.

LOL...im waiting

 

[SabrinaO]

Haha... I don't think $125 is enough
There is no set time, or rule of when to start charging for your photography services...

 

[Bitter Jeweler]

Sabrina, on a serious note, have you thought about contacting a advertising/marketing agent? Sometimes it is good to have other pros do what they are good at. But start talking to some. Consults are typically free. There is a point where you need to stop trying to do everything yourself. Been there. Done that. You will find the pros will get you better results, instead of you learning photography, learning web design, learning marketing, learning accounting, etc.

No, $125 isn't enough, but you are fast pricing yourself out of the Craigslist barrel.

 

[SabrinaO]

Agree! Do you have a business? I find this business aspect is harder than photography itself

 

[Kbarredo]

Who says I'm upset. You asked a question and I answered youre the one mad here. I was irritated by the 2 guys for their sarcasm. As for the overexposure hit I forgot to set my exposure comp back to normal. At least I'm not charging 150 for mediocre work. I was only talking about the seated table shots. I saw the rest of your pics and there is no way I would pay for them. "im new to photography and trying to run a successful business". That says it all. So what you come here to get you ego stroked. Too bad hun. You aren't ready just look at your attitude now. Is this professionalism, you sound like a child.
Not all of us can leech of people with poor judgement some of us have to work to live. my shoots are at least free. Believe me there are people here with twice the talent and they don't charge.

 

[SabrinaO]

Sabrina, on a serious note, have you thought about contacting a advertising/marketing agent? Sometimes it is good to have other pros do what they are good at. But start talking to some. Consults are typically free. There is a point where you need to stop trying to do everything yourself. Been there. Done that. You will find the pros will get you better results, instead of you learning photography, learning web design, learning marketing, learning accounting, etc.

This is the best advice you have given me! It's just so exhausting doing it all myself. There are ideas constantly running through my head. Most of the times I don't know where to begin. I've done everything ass backwards starting a biz without actually knowing anything about business! I guess its true when people say you have to spend money to make money. Thanks for the suggestions Bitter Im definitely gonna look into all of that.

 

[Bitter Jeweler]

Yes, Sabrina, I have a custom jewelery business. It will be two years this september. I just expanded, and more than doubled my workshop and showroom, and am finally to the point of looking to hire another jeweler. The business side can be over whelming, and that was the decision to start hiring others to do what they do best. I am like you seem to be. I can do it all myself. BUT, I know I can't do it better than the people trained to do some of this stuff, nor do I have the time.

 

[thebutler4]

If SabrinaO read the forum regularly, she would know who to disregard.

hope I am not on this list ..