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

[AceCo55]

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.

You're kidding right?
What do you think the OP has been asking for in EVERY one of his posts????

 

[AceCo55]

. . . 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.

Why not? Photographer looking to pick up jobs when and if they suit them. May do an excellent job on each assignment but just not interested in regular jobs.

 

[AceCo55]

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.

Why does the OP need to post any photos in order to answer his question. Where he is at is not relevant to his inquiry. To help him move forward, suggest possible jobs that can be done in 2-4 hours and on a casual/intermittent basis.

 

[IByte]

No worries, TPF actually posts robotic replies when anyone starts to talk about going from unpaid to paid photography. There's no actual humans in this thread except you at the moment.

CODB CODB CODB

...Beep boop

 

[bratkinson]

I know I'm 'late to the party', but I'll add my 2-cents worth, anyway.

For starters, 7000 clicks in a short time tells me that you are either into taking a shot at every angle of everything in your view, or, you are shooting more frames at 6fps than in 'stop, compose, think, compose, think, set the camera, compose, focus and shoot' mode. Yes, there are times that 'point and shoot' with a DSLR works (as in “A” mode). But most of the time, it's not about the 'miles driven' or frames clicked, it's all about the results. What have you learned from those 7,000 frames? Can you shoot in low light, even with 'kit' gear, and get decent results, sans flash? How about harsh mid-day sun with subjects back lit? Or any of 1000 other situations where trial and error are the best teacher? While one can never have every lighting situation 'fully rehearsed' and 'down pat' in advance, even the act of -recognizing- a back lit situation, for example, is a big step that needs to be learned on the road to proficiency...usually the hard way.

While various responders have focused on 'what do you like to shoot?' responses, I'll word it differently...what subject types have most of your shots been? If that's what you like taking pictures of, then take more shots of those subjects and learn the ins-and-outs of that area of photography. Shoot in the sunlight (morning, noon, evening)…in the rain…after dark…even in a snowstorm. Soon enough, you'll discover what you may be lacking to improve your shots....lens, lighting, reflectors, filters, handheld meter, whatever...and go from there. As you are already aware of, different subject areas of photography require different 'sets' of gear. Spending thousands of dollars to get a 500mm lens only to discover 6 months later you prefer macro photography is not the road to take. Perhaps expanding your gear with a medium telephoto such as a used 70-200 might be a good 'fit' for general purpose work for you. Maybe not. Maybe try out some macro extension tubes. You already know the ‘drill’ as a college freshman…perhaps after taking one or two courses in what you –thought- you wanted to major in, something turned out far more to your liking. What started as an elective for me turned into my major (and a 40+ year career) 2 semesters later. Fortunately, neither I nor my parents had to spend an arm and a leg to find out what worked best for me.

One area also not discussed previously is your post-processing skills. While shooting everything in JPG format often produces decent results right out of the camera, shooting in RAW and learning one or more post processing editors such as Lightroom, or even GIMP and learning what can be done after the picture has been taken is another –serious- learning curve project. Add to that, various special effects that can be applied during post processing, and maybe that will steer you more towards a ‘most of my shooting’ endeavors.

I’m not saying “take one subject area…perhaps landscape, and shoot only that for the next 3 years”. But, like college courses, don’t be afraid to experiment or dabble in a number of photography subject areas and see what you enjoy the most. While it would be nice to put a few dollars in your pocket every now and then, but don’t expect anything until your work is seen and appreciated by those willing to pay. In my estimation, 3 months is far too early/too soon to decide on spending big bucks on something that in 6 months or a year from now you get frustrated and put the whole shooting match away.

Some fatherly advice. Take it as you wish

 

[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.

Why does the OP need to post any photos in order to answer his question. Where he is at is not relevant to his inquiry. To help him move forward, suggest possible jobs that can be done in 2-4 hours and on a casual/intermittent basis.

This is the last post I am making on this thread, but skill level is COMPLETELY relevant when asking what jobs could possible be done in 2-4 hours! If you are advanced it might take you 30 minutes to complete an assignment whereas it might take a beginner 2 hours to complete the same assignment. What does the OP WANT to shoot?

 

[AceCo55]

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.

Why does the OP need to post any photos in order to answer his question. Where he is at is not relevant to his inquiry. To help him move forward, suggest possible jobs that can be done in 2-4 hours and on a casual/intermittent basis.

This is the last post I am making on this thread, but skill level is COMPLETELY relevant when asking what jobs could possible be done in 2-4 hours! If you are advanced it might take you 30 minutes to complete an assignment whereas it might take a beginner 2 hours to complete the same assignment. What does the OP WANT to shoot?

His skill level is TOTALLY IRRELEVANT to what kind of jobs can be done in 2-4 hours. He just wants some idea of what photographic genres exist that CAN be do in this time frame. So generally exclude weddings. Seniors photos would be possible. Some sports yes, some no.

Look, I don't know the OP / not related /never met .... but so many replies to his request are just irrelevant. It almost seems there is a formula for answering questions from people starting out. You're not ready / got insurance, CODB, business plan / prices are too low and you are going to cause the fall of the Western Hemisphere / then it's show us your photos ... which invariably leads to a rabid assessment that you are not ready blah, blah blah.

I know I'm 'late to the party', but I'll add my 2-cents worth, anyway.

bratkinson, your post fits this classic and somewhat predictable response. You spent all your time telling the OP to look at his skill, etc etc and did not address the OP's question at all.

The OP is asking a specific question. What types of photographic work can be done in a 2-4 hour time frame and doesn't require a regular commitment?

Yes I know you can't tell others what they should write ..... but maybe just think about what the OP is looking for, back off on the pre-judgement and the standard/typical grilling about stuff you have a burning desire to get off your collective chests.
As far as I can tell a whole bunch of responses are not from full time pros but "part timers" who want to give the impression that they are pros.
And don't spin me the yarn "as soon as you start charging you are a pro". I don't buy it and in some countries that definitely does NOT make you a pro.

Apologies to the OP - hope you get the info you are looking for.

 

[amolitor]

When Western Civilization collapses, you're going to be sorry, AceCo55.

 

[AceCo55]

When Western Civilization collapses, you're going to be sorry, AceCo55.

I image you will be right!!

Save this sorry soul!! :hail: :hail:

 

[imagemaker46]

Basically anything can be shot in 2-4 hours, it may all look like crap if the photographer has no skills, or it may look great if the photographer is skilled. The skills and experience of the Op does, in fact. matter. I could point my camera out the window and bang off 7000 frames, they would probably look like crap and all the same, 7000 frames doesn't prove anything about my skills, it just proves that I can point a camera.

As I said before, just enjoy photography, take it slowly, learn all you can, what's the rush? It's not like there won't be another 10 million photographers on the market looking to do the same thing every few months, oh wait, I could be wrong about that.:er:

 

[pixmedic]

Why does the OP need to post any photos in order to answer his question. Where he is at is not relevant to his inquiry. To help him move forward, suggest possible jobs that can be done in 2-4 hours and on a casual/intermittent basis.

This is the last post I am making on this thread, but skill level is COMPLETELY relevant when asking what jobs could possible be done in 2-4 hours! If you are advanced it might take you 30 minutes to complete an assignment whereas it might take a beginner 2 hours to complete the same assignment. What does the OP WANT to shoot?

His skill level is TOTALLY IRRELEVANT to what kind of jobs can be done in 2-4 hours. He just wants some idea of what photographic genres exist that CAN be do in this time frame. So generally exclude weddings. Seniors photos would be possible. Some sports yes, some no.

Look, I don't know the OP / not related /never met .... but so many replies to his request are just irrelevant. It almost seems there is a formula for answering questions from people starting out. You're not ready / got insurance, CODB, business plan / prices are too low and you are going to cause the fall of the Western Hemisphere / then it's show us your photos ... which invariably leads to a rabid assessment that you are not ready blah, blah blah.

I know I'm 'late to the party', but I'll add my 2-cents worth, anyway.

bratkinson, your post fits this classic and somewhat predictable response. You spent all your time telling the OP to look at his skill, etc etc and did not address the OP's question at all.

The OP is asking a specific question. What types of photographic work can be done in a 2-4 hour time frame and doesn't require a regular commitment?

Yes I know you can't tell others what they should write ..... but maybe just think about what the OP is looking for, back off on the pre-judgement and the standard/typical grilling about stuff you have a burning desire to get off your collective chests.
As far as I can tell a whole bunch of responses are not from full time pros but "part timers" who want to give the impression that they are pros.
And don't spin me the yarn "as soon as you start charging you are a pro". I don't buy it and in some countries that definitely does NOT make you a pro.

Apologies to the OP - hope you get the info you are looking for.

actually...Kathy is right.
like, REALLY right.
I understand the OP's question in the literal sense of what "technically" can be done in that time frame...
unfortunately though, its not really a realistic question because the answer is not as simple as that.
some people work faster than others. some people take longer to set up. There are a lot of other factors as well like location, and equipment needs. OCF -vs- natural light. a LOT of things can affect time frames besides skill level.
a "technical" answer would not likely be nearly as helpful to the OP as an answer based on their actual skill level, what they want to shoot, and what they are equipped to shoot (or willing to buy).
some photographic jobs can be done in a few hours, like senior portraits, engagement shoots, maternity, newborn, boudoir...portrait type shoots excluding event stuff with longer set times like weddings or party's.
however...when someone gets on and asks about time frames for shooting jobs and the response is from people experienced in actually DOING those jobs, the times they are quoting are based on already knowing HOW to do them and already having the equipment to do them. when you factor in having to "figure things out" on the job, or do a bunch of trial and error during a shoot to try to compensate for less than ideal equipment, this can easily double or triple the time it would normally take an experienced person.

A photographers skill is absolutely relevant because if they only have experience shooting landscapes or macro photography, they could easily take as much time figuring out how to set up proper lighting for portraits as the actual shooting of it. what might take an experienced portrait photographer an hour to shoot, might take someone inexperienced two or three hours to get decent shots. especially someone not familiar with using OCF. not to mention skill level affecting the end result.

most portrait sessions can easily be done in a few hours or less, as mentioned above.
this is assuming you know how to photograph people. if this is a skill the OP is already familiar with, then those are the things I would recommend.
senior portraits are generally the easiest. no babys to work with, and the subject can follow prompts. engagement shoots are good as well, but usually the photographer that is doing the wedding does the engagement session.

so, I suppose my answer overall would be to go with basic portraits. get a stand and some backdrops, a few flashes you can set up off camera, and you should be able to knock out a portrait session in an hour or so if everything is basically set up and ready to go when the client arrives.

 

[imagemaker46]

As I mentioned anything can be shot in a 2-4 hour time frame, people prove it all the time. There is a lot of very poor photography being done at all levels, and much of it has been shot in less than an hour, most of it is portraits, and sadly it is being accepted as ok to charge for. I shot my sons wedding last week in around 90 minutes, there were no elaborate setups, they just wanted good fun pictures and the usual "wedding" pictures. My skill and experience level was far more advanced than the Op, so yes it is all relevant, unless of course the client doesn't really care about the quality of the photographs. But then who knows, maybe the Op is a quick learner and has acquired skills quickly. There was nothing wrong with asking to see some sample of his work, being able to offer solid advice or tips is easier if we know what the Op can do with a camera, and after 7000 frames, there should be a few images good enough to post.

There ahs been a lot of solid advice and comments on this thread, and there have been some "haven't got a clue" comments, both are valuable as opinions, some are just more helpful than others.

 

[gsgary]

Mind you dont dip your toes in that much that it goes over your head

 

[AceCo55]

I think we will continue to differ in our opinions. The OP asked a specific question and many here wanted to answer what they think his question should have been. And in order to answer THAT question they want to see where he is at photographically.
The OP tried a number of times to spell out what he was information he was looking for, and for the most part we got the responses that dealt a different situation the respondents wanted.
The "club" continues to be strong and vibrant and supportive (of the "right" response). Almost "Pavlovian" me thinks.

 

[imagemaker46]

I think asking to see at what point his 7000 images have gotten him is a reasonable question? He wants to know what area of photography he can shoot that only requires 2-4 hours and no serious commitment. He has all of 7000 images under his belt, to me that says he isn't even close to being ready for any shoots, he could go out and shoot a portrait in 30 seconds if he has a true understanding of light and how to pose. Or he could go out and spend 2 hours trying to figure out how to shoot.

I really don't understand the reasoning behind saying "his skill level isn't important" If he's going to be taking money, he had better have a serious commitment to photography. If all of his 7000 images have been of trees, flowers, sunsets and bark, which require beginner skills to shoot, then how is telling him to go out and shoot portraits any help, if he doesn't have the knowledge or skills to do it?