Dipping my foot in the water: What's a good approach?

[kundalini]

 

[PaulWog]

I'm not coming to you to tell you what I can do. I'm posting a thread and asking for input about which types of photography gigs are easier to get into for very sparse, very part-time work.

You came here to tell me that I don't have the right gear. I already said in my post that I know I need to invest in additional gear.

There's no need to start flaming me and acting like a complete...

 

[Dinardy]

A good way to 'dip you foot in' is by taking the time to learn the basics of the craft. To do that, you need the proper tools - give some of us who have been doing this for a day or two longer than you have for knowing that sometimes people just starting out don't know what they don't know, and our experience tells us that sometimes it's helpful to answer the questions that aren't asked as well as the ones that are. I don't suppose it occurred to you that when several experienced individuals tell you the same thing, there might be a reason?

Alright, to clarify what I know: I already know how to set up lighting for the particular things I'm interested in. I realize that it would be beneficial to pick up at the bare minimum a D7100 (if I'm on a budget) so that I can get 1/8000 of a second shots, as well as commander. I realize that if I start to take on paid work, I'll most likely need to have two camera bodies with me, and depending on the work my D5200 might be a bit lacking just on the flash limitations (though it should be fine if I throw something like an SB700 on it for commander). I realize that for particular kinds of work that I'll need various lighting equipment (diffusors, reflectors, flash tripods, multiple flash units, etc, etc). I realize for different types of jobs various types of things may be of use (black rapid, monopod, tripod, and other things). I could go on and on. I've watched countless hours of videos and read countless hours of articles, and I've spent many hours shooting. While that doesn't add up to making me a professional or ready to run a photoshoot, it still brings me up to a speed that most beginners aren't at in the amount of time I've been shooting. I've already conceded that I intend to continue shooting and learning for some time before I even start considering taking on a specific job.

I'm in the process of picking out a flash head for my D5200, and I'll be connecting it via a wire, so that I can do some single-flash off-camera photography. I find flash and lighting to be quite straight-forward in many ways... while there's lots to learn (bouncing light, controlling light, limiting light, throwing on filters to take the camera down a few stops while maintaining the same DoF, etc), I think I have a considerable grasp on it all.

I'm considering picking up a 17-55 in the place of my 16-85 now (for my own purposes: walk-arounds), though I'm also weighing the option of just sticking it out for a while and shifting to FX with a 24-70 f2.8. If I got into doing any shoots, I wouldn't have the cash for a Nikon 70-200 f2.8, so I'd either be shooting with a Tamron/Sigma 70-200 f2.8, and/or an 85mm 1.8G, depending on what I'd need for the telephoto/portrait reach end. I realize there's lots of different lenses for different jobs, I know what lenses are good for each job, I know that there is variation between each photographer and what they find works best for the job, and I know having multiple camera bodies can be useful for a job... etc... etc.

I don't particularly want to get into writing an essay on what I know, but that's just a little bit of it. While I need to continue working on how I frame my shots, as far as getting consistent shots in demanding situations, I have that down (of course I can use more practice and use different gear, but I know I am a consistent photographer at least without flash -- and I know the limitations and how to push those limitations given my gear and any particular scenario/lighting situation).

As far as editing raw files goes, I also need to pick up an IPS screen. I have worked professionally with Photoshop, so photoshop and lightroom are second-nature to me.

Instead of writing an essay you should just post some pictures of what you know

Its easier to critique your skill that way, instead of going back and forth about thin air
:mrgreen:

...maybe the qualified pros and give you a bit of critique on your work, give you a good idea of how to approach gaining some paid gigs

 

[amolitor]

I know everyone would like to critique the dude's abilities, and the dude's equipment and blah blah blah.

That's not what he asked for.

Move along.

 

[tirediron]

I'm not coming to you to tell you what I can do. I'm posting a thread and asking for input about which types of photography gigs are easier to get into for very sparse, very part-time work.

You came here to tell me that I don't have the right gear. I already said in my post that I know I need to invest in additional gear.

There's no need to start flaming me and acting like a complete...

First of all, please understand that the "I just bought a camera, what else do I need for my first wedding which I have booked for tomorrow do I need to know?" type of question is one of the most common; not saying that is your case, but any time someone asks a 'newbie going into business question' eyebrows are raised. That aside, remember that this is a public Internet forum; you asked a question and people will answer it they way they feel is appropriate. Just because you don't like the answer is no reason to take offense. Someone may have simply misunderstood or mis-read your question, someone may feel that there is a question you didn't ask...

With respect to your question of which areas are easiest to get into, well, I suppose family/senior, and wedding/event because all you need to do is get a business license, some insurance and hang out a shingle. Whether you get clients or not, well, that's a different matter altogether. I appreciate that you have been doing a lot of studying, and you may well be a better photographer than many who have been doing it the same length of time as you, BUT... are you actually ready to start charging? Are you 100% confident that you could deliver a quality product this afternoon if the clients for the family shoot showed up wearing black pants, white shirts and baseball hats and insisted on shooting outside in direct, overhead sunlight?

 

[kundalini]

I'm not coming to you to tell you what I can do. I'm posting a thread and asking for input about which types of photography gigs are easier to get into for very sparse, very part-time work.

You came here to tell me that I don't have the right gear. I already said in my post that I know I need to invest in additional gear.

There's no need to start flaming me and acting like a complete...

In your retort with bolded and repeated declarations of what you know (even though we know different by your questions) will only elicit further derision. This is why you will receive statements, questions and attitudes such as.....

Calm down and take in what is useful in the responses. You've dissed three long standing active members (yes, myself included) and are on the brink "who gives a chit" with a piss poor attitude for additional help. Thus, the inclusion of the video clip. Keith and John hold libraries of photographic information not to be thwarted. I only know enough to be dangerous. Start afresh with your next response to welcome input from the community. With longevity, you will be able to filter out the bullspit.

 

[PaulWog]

I'm not coming to you to tell you what I can do. I'm posting a thread and asking for input about which types of photography gigs are easier to get into for very sparse, very part-time work.

You came here to tell me that I don't have the right gear. I already said in my post that I know I need to invest in additional gear.

There's no need to start flaming me and acting like a complete...

In your retort with bolded and repeated declarations of what you know (even though we know different by your questions) will only elicit further derision. This is why you will receive statements, questions and attitudes such as.....

Calm down and take in what is useful in the responses. You've dissed three long standing active members (yes, myself included) and are on the brink "who gives a chit" with a piss poor attitude for additional help. Thus, the inclusion of the video clip. Keith and John hold libraries of photographic information not to be thwarted. I only know enough to be dangerous. Start afresh with your next response to welcome input from the community. With longevity, you will be able to filter out the bullspit.

That kind of information makes thephotoforum look like a terrible area to look for good information. The way you've spun this, it looks like I need to bend down and take it from the "regulars". I'm looking for advice from photographers with some experience under their belts: I'm not looking to be taken for a ride by forum regulars, regardless of how much experience you have in photography. I'm familiar with how particular forum-goers get.

amolitor has it exactly right: I had a question. It's fairly straight-forward. I'm curious about what areas of photography are easier to get into than others. I clarified what I wanted: gigs that last 2-4 hours, and can be picked up occasionally. I was curious how to put myself out there for such a thing (advertising, a medium for finding a client).

While I appreciate some of the input (there are some genuine responses with concern about where I'm coming from), however others (such as yourself) begin in this thread with a very condescending tone. It's offputting, and it's not welcomed.

I'm not coming to you to tell you what I can do. I'm posting a thread and asking for input about which types of photography gigs are easier to get into for very sparse, very part-time work.

You came here to tell me that I don't have the right gear. I already said in my post that I know I need to invest in additional gear.

There's no need to start flaming me and acting like a complete...

First of all, please understand that the "I just bought a camera, what else do I need for my first wedding which I have booked for tomorrow do I need to know?" type of question is one of the most common; not saying that is your case, but any time someone asks a 'newbie going into business question' eyebrows are raised. That aside, remember that this is a public Internet forum; you asked a question and people will answer it they way they feel is appropriate. Just because you don't like the answer is no reason to take offense. Someone may have simply misunderstood or mis-read your question, someone may feel that there is a question you didn't ask...

With respect to your question of which areas are easiest to get into, well, I suppose family/senior, and wedding/event because all you need to do is get a business license, some insurance and hang out a shingle. Whether you get clients or not, well, that's a different matter altogether. I appreciate that you have been doing a lot of studying, and you may well be a better photographer than many who have been doing it the same length of time as you, BUT... are you actually ready to start charging? Are you 100% confident that you could deliver a quality product this afternoon if the clients for the family shoot showed up wearing black pants, white shirts and baseball hats and insisted on shooting outside in direct, overhead sunlight?

Thanks I appreciate all of that information

(With regards to your question, of course I wouldn't be ready today. I know what practice I need, and I know I need to invest in some gear. If I put myself out there, I'll need to have a competent friend ready to come in for a cut of the pay to act as an assistant if things become cumbersome -- setting up lighting quickly, holding lighting equipment, shooting with a second body, etc. When it comes around to the real thing, if I do get there in 6-12 months, then I'll be starting to polish up my equipment list, and I'll be looking at the fine-details. Right now, I'm many months out at the very least, so this is all theoretical, and I want to put my eyes on the specific area I might get into first so that I can shape my gear up and skills up for a specific first job. I'm not sure if I'm going to go for this or not, but it's a thought.)

 

[Derrel]

This book might help you target a few specific "types" or "kinds" of photography buyers. It will give you some ideas, at the very least. If you're not sure what "kinds" of gigs are out there, I think reading this book will be of some help in giving you a broader knowledge of who buys photography.

Photographer's Market 2014, Bostic, Mary Burzlaff : Art, Music & Photography : Walmart.com

 

[imagemaker46]

Enjoy photography for a while, keep getting better shooting more and more of the subjects that you are really interested in, and if you are going to dip your foot in the water, make sure the other one is firmly planted on solid ground. It takes very little water to drown in.

 

[kathyt]

Just post some images and let us get an idea of the level you are at right now. We can then help you move foward from there. What do you enjoy shooting the most? Are you portfolio building right now for free? What have you been shooting? We need a starting point here.

 

[terri]

That kind of information makes thephotoforum look like a terrible area to look for good information. The way you've spun this, it looks like I need to bend down and take it from the "regulars". I'm looking for advice from photographers with some experience under their belts: I'm not looking to be taken for a ride by forum regulars, regardless of how much experience you have in photography. I'm familiar with how particular forum-goers get.

amolitor has it exactly right: I had a question. It's fairly straight-forward. I'm curious about what areas of photography are easier to get into than others. I clarified what I wanted: gigs that last 2-4 hours, and can be picked up occasionally. I was curious how to put myself out there for such a thing (advertising, a medium for finding a client).

While I appreciate some of the input (there are some genuine responses with concern about where I'm coming from), however others (such as yourself) begin in this thread with a very condescending tone. It's offputting, and it's not welcomed.

You have my apologies for having to sense this attitude. Clearly you have a working knowledge of lighting and post-processing and are here to seek suggestions for a reasonable next step. You ARE posting your question in the correct forum, too, no worries.

Just to remind the others who have posted here, this forum's description reads: Looking to make your hobby into a business? Already in business? This is the place for you. Discuss marketing, pricing, legal issues and other ideas relating to the business of photography.

The OP has every right to ask questions here without being told he has to post images to pass some kind of litmus test before any of you can step down from your lofty positions to bother to answer him. He is not here asking you to critique his work. Don't reply to this thread if that's your mindset. Keep moving.

Sorry for the thread hijack, PaulWog. Hopefully there have been enough positive replies here to get something worthwhile. Give TPF a chance!

 

[KmH]

. . . but I don't know which type of work might be best to start with if I'm looking to only begin semi-casually?

The point I was trying to get across is there is no way to begin semi-casually.

 

[vintagesnaps]

I appreciate Terri stepping in, I've expressed before how new people tend to get treated often in a less than positive way; if someone doesn't have any suggestions or advice it isn't necessary to comment.

Saying you're at 7000 in a few months to me is rather mind boggling, and you mentioned framing shots; I'd suggest you slow down and think about framing and composing images being something to work on in the next few months. You can have all the studio lighting in the world but skills need to be developed too.

It might help to narrow down what type photography you'd like to do if you're looking at this being a sideline/part time because I think there are a number of options. Besides the photography skills you'd probably need to look into what goes into being in business for yourself if you haven't yet, ASMP is one organization that has some good resources.

 

[kathyt]

It is very hard to give any kind of direction with no information. What do you like to shoot? What have you been shooting? Macro? Portraits? I would think you would want to like what you are shooting if you plan on spending a lot of time at it. Right?

 

[CCericola]

It's easier to find portrait gigs for a little money or even trade. I've traded portraits for free makeup before. When you are ready to make some scratch (even part time) the next step is getting all the legal and accounting stuff ready. You will need to register as a business, get an EIN number ( because venders you use may want you to set up accounts with them and they'll want your EIN. I would rather give them a business EIN instead of my social security number), set up a business account ( most banks have free ones) then you need insurance. Liability and equipment. They usually come in a package deal. About $300 a year on the low end.

The next step is hitting the pavement and drumming up business. Check the theatre department at school. They always need head shots.