I am trying to become professional photographer

[mmaria]

oh... I've never used this before... had to try...

 

[NatalieValerie]

Thank you you i am more then ready for critique but i had problems to upload pict i guess its because i was using my phone to upload pict i will try later today using my computer. And yea i know for sure what kind of photography i like its glamour photography but local sources it's usually you know this private colleges trying to make money on involving you in unnecessary loans i will better get a new equipment for this money

 

[NatalieValerie]

Exactly that is kind of people trying to bring you down and it's not even about photography yet sorry your smartness but English is my second language

 

[NatalieValerie]

Well do i deal with a fortune teller? I am not hoping its gonna happened soon i am ready to work hard

 

[Judobreaker]

You know, JoeW has a very solid point. Being a professional photographer isn't just about being able to create good-looking photos... You've got to sell them.
I've had numerous people tell me I should start a business with my photography... Regardless of whether I think my photos are good enough for this, I think I'd be rather bad at being a professional photographer because I would kind of suck at selling my photos. I'm definitely not a businessman.

 

[EIngerson]

Natalie,

This is going to sound harsh, but please don't take it that way. When you plan a career your intent should be to work until retirement and set yourself up to enjoy your golden years stress free. Photography seems like a fun way to make a living. but theres more to life to think about here. To work for yourself as a photographer means just that. You work for yourself. YOU pay your medical insurance. There is no company 401K set up for you. There is no workman's comp if you find yourself injured and not able to work. YOU foot the bill and lose out. That said, you're one car accident away from bankruptcy.

We photographers like to glam up what we do. We take really nice photos of really nice places and really famous people. But look behind the scenes on that. They're not staying in a five star hotel with the celebrities. They are staying at a motel 6 or in their car, getting up at the but crack of dawn to prep for the days shooting. Hauling all sorts of gear all over Gods creation to "get the shot" It's dirty, it's tiring and quite frankly exhausting work. All so you can go back to your room (hopefully) and edit into the wee hours of the morning. That way you can have empty memory cards and full batteries to do the same thing the next day.

In life, things are NEVER as simple as they seem. There's a saying my Mom taught me. "The grass is greener on the other side because you can't see the **** in the yard." My Mom's a smart lady. Just my opinion, but you should build a solid foundation career and keep photography as a hobby. If it grows into a career….fine. but putting all your eggs in that basket now is a bad call.

Just my opinion though. I wish you luck.

 

[NatalieValerie]

You know its very expansive is any other sources i can get a certificate from?

 

[tecboy]

I'm still waiting for you to upload your photos.

 

[NatalieValerie]

Yea i understand i have never take money for picturing because it makes me feel uncomfortable i know my pict are not even close to professionals and its more like hobby for me not for money but i take it seriously bc i really want to reach this level when you not gonna be ashamed to sell your photographs it's not about money

 

[NatalieValerie]

I just need to finish some errands and i will

 

[EIngerson]

Yea i understand i have never take money for picturing because it makes me feel uncomfortable i know my pict are not even close to professionals and its more like hobby for me not for money but i take it seriously bc i really want to reach this level when you not gonna be ashamed to sell your photographs it's not about money

Keep at it. Google and Youtube taught me everything I know. Tons of great information out there. Most importantly, HAVE FUN at it.

 

[manaheim]

Here is everything I can think of in 5 minutes or less:

- Equipment does not matter, until you cannot get the picture you want with the gear you have.
- Experience and practice will help you identify the times when your gear will fail, before you're on the gig and realizing you're screwed.
- Being a professional photographer is more about running a business than it is about photography. Take some courses on running a business and it will help you a lot.
- Always have a contract, even when you are doing things for free. Make sure all agreements are in writing so there is no confusion later.
- Try to have backup gear available, particularly if doing events that are a single moment in time (weddings)
- Learn your equipment, learn your craft. True dedication to understanding how all that stuff works is critical in producing good product.
- Be aware that there are 8 million people these days who are grabbing these inexpensive "big cameras" and saying "Wow! I should go pro!" That means you are swimming in a sea of competitors, and your current story isn't any better than theirs.
- Know that being a photographer isn't as glamorous as some people think. Can it be? Sure. But, for the most part, it's a lot of hard work, dealing with annoying people who do not understand your craft and make ridiculous demands, and disappointment. As your experience and skill grows, these elements will fade or become less important, but initially you should expect heap-loads of it.
- All of this takes time. Lots of time. Don't expect to be successful at this overnight. I've seen a few very bright people (note I didn't say talented- I said BRIGHT) who got themselves setup with a decent career in a couple years. Most folks never make it.
- How you present yourself in ANY form or forum will become very important. While I understand English is not your first language, you're going to need to take a little time to make sure that you give what language you are comfortable with it's due attention. Simple example: "pict". It's not a pict, it's a picture. Use the full word.

 

[NatalieValerie]

Every word is true but it's not only for photography for every other job or business too i know its not gonna be easy but money it's not main reason its more like hobby for me

 

[mmaria]

Every word is true but it's not only for photography for every other job or business too i know its not gonna be easy but money it's not main reason its more like hobby for me

Eric, will you take over this one?

 

[DSRay]

Automatically bad advice so you are saying when you decide to become a photographer first thing you did its you drop 10 k for equipment ? Do y realize that i know at least 3 famous photographers taking pict only using camera no extra equipment or even flash ? One of them saith extra equipment is not letting you to catch a lot of moments sins you more concern about carrying stuff or do not loose them Anyone can make great pict with 10k studio you try to create something with what you have and than you can move forward buying expensive camera

Really? So who are these famous photographers and if you have already accepted their opinions, why are you asking the question?