New freelancing, suggestions please

[Trever1t]

WTH?

Where's my popcorn?

??

Like so many before you, putting the cart before the horse...usually ends in a bloody accident.

Too many people think that because they can take a decent picture they should go pro. Stick around you can see for yourself.

 

[o hey tyler]

How many images do you have in your portfolio to show potential clients?

 

[smurf4t]

When another amateur comes along and makes a statement regardless of how vague, making a claim that they are ready to challenge the world of professional photography this forum usually turns into a overwhelming display of drama. It really doesn't matter that 99% are amateurs, it becomes a land of personal attacks. In my case, as one of the few professionals I usually just speak my mind, and always end up pissing someone off because they disagree with my views, and that adding photographer or photography doesn't turn an amateur into a sudden professional. If they start their bios off with "I have always had a passion for photography and have been told I have a good eye for pictures" It usually means that they are still, and always will be amateurs.

Is that not what forums are designed for? To learn and improve your skill sets. Don't you need passion and a keen eye to be a good photographer. Or are all good photographers born with their knowledge, and the rest of us doomed to be nothing but amateurs no matter how much we study the craft ?
I did say I was new it all - especially forums, that should not open the doors for ridicule, but maybe advice and guidance instead?
I just feel if professionals are irritated by amateurs then they should not feel obligated to answer a forum posting. Most professionals I've met are amazing teachers and people. So I'm very surprised by all of this. I always thought photographers where happy people ?

Thank you to everyone who took the time to help me out with my questions. I hope I can learn allot from forums.

 

[Steve5D]

Hi. I'm new to all of this. I take a pretty good photo and am relatively good at photoshop...

By whose definition? If it's a friend, relative, or family member, ignore it. Have you actually received accolades for your work from someone who doesn't know you, but does have photographic knowledge?

Geez, it's not like he's claiming to be the second coming of Christ.

I don't think it's any great stretch of the imagination to believe that a guy can accurately hold that opinion of himself...

 

[Steve5D]

Is that not what forums are designed for? To learn and improve your skill sets. Don't you need passion and a keen eye to be a good photographer. Or are all good photographers born with their knowledge, and the rest of us doomed to be nothing but amateurs no matter how much we study the craft ?
I did say I was new it all - especially forums, that should not open the doors for ridicule, but maybe advice and guidance instead?
I just feel if professionals are irritated by amateurs then they should not feel obligated to answer a forum posting. Most professionals I've met are amazing teachers and people. So I'm very surprised by all of this. I always thought photographers where happy people ?

Thank you to everyone who took the time to help me out with my questions. I hope I can learn allot from forums.

You're right. That IS what forums are for (well, some forums).

I'm relatively new to this forum, but not new to photography forums, or forums in general. My experience has shown me that the people who will be overly critical, and the least helpful, will be those so-called "pros" who are pissed because they don't get hired as often as they believe they should be. If you'd have just gone ahead and done the shoot, and then posted some shots asking for critiques, those same people would be telling you that your photos were bad, and that you should've asked for guidance first.

By and large, photographers are a happy bunch. But there are those out there who can only be happy if they're cutting others down. Ignore those people, because they're hardly worth your time...

 

[smurf4t]

You're right. That IS what forums are for (well, some forums).

I'm relatively new to this forum, but not new to photography forums, or forums in general. My experience has shown me that the people who will be overly critical, and the least helpful, will be those so-called "pros" who are pissed because they don't get hired as often as they believe they should be. If you'd have just gone ahead and done the shoot, and then posted some shots asking for critiques, those same people would be telling you that your photos were bad, and that you should've asked for guidance first.

By and large, photographers are a happy bunch. But there are those out there who can only be happy if they're cutting others down. Ignore those people, because they're hardly worth your time...

Thank you. Clearly you are in the happy group!! Lol

 

[orljustin]

Is that not what forums are designed for? To learn and improve your skill sets. Don't you need passion and a keen eye to be a good photographer. Or are all good photographers born with their knowledge, and the rest of us doomed to be nothing but amateurs no matter how much we study the craft ?

No, forums are designed for discussion. Classrooms are designed to learn and improve your skill sets. When you come in with a statement like :

"Hi. I'm new to all of this. I take a pretty good photo and am relatively good at photoshop. I have a 60d canon, tripod, wide angel, 50mm 1:8, 70-200 f4L, lens, remote, external flash. What other kit should I get?? I'll mainly be doing lifestyle , portrait photography of children and families. I have been asked to do product photography. - Of large items such as fish tank cupboards. What lighting would you use? "

, you come across like every other "just got a camera at best buy, and now I'm a professional photographer!" person that posts here. I mean, you haven't even read or taught yourself enough to ask a question beyond "What lighting would you use" and "what other kit should I get"?

I mean, it's kind of laughable. You should be able to see that.

 

[smurf4t]

Im sorry If you are offended by my posts, please by all means don't feel obligated to write anything. As I said I'm starting up. Trying to learn and grow my skills. Those that would like to help me out, feel free to do so.
FYI- I'm under no delusion that a good camera makes you a pro ! But hard work, study, asking questions and passion for photography does, so I'm hoping one day I might get there.

 

[cgipson1]

When another amateur comes along and makes a statement regardless of how vague, making a claim that they are ready to challenge the world of professional photography this forum usually turns into a overwhelming display of drama. It really doesn't matter that 99% are amateurs, it becomes a land of personal attacks. In my case, as one of the few professionals I usually just speak my mind, and always end up pissing someone off because they disagree with my views, and that adding photographer or photography doesn't turn an amateur into a sudden professional. If they start their bios off with "I have always had a passion for photography and have been told I have a good eye for pictures" It usually means that they are still, and always will be amateurs.

Is that not what forums are designed for? To learn and improve your skill sets. Don't you need passion and a keen eye to be a good photographer. Or are all good photographers born with their knowledge, and the rest of us doomed to be nothing but amateurs no matter how much we study the craft ?
I did say I was new it all - especially forums, that should not open the doors for ridicule, but maybe advice and guidance instead?
I just feel if professionals are irritated by amateurs then they should not feel obligated to answer a forum posting. Most professionals I've met are amazing teachers and people. So I'm very surprised by all of this. I always thought photographers where happy people ?

Thank you to everyone who took the time to help me out with my questions. I hope I can learn allot from forums.

I am willing to teach anyone.. except if they are already charging people, and don't have the skills to justify it! That makes them "Professionals" by some definitions... and since most of them deliver a very poor product, they are ripping off their clients. I have a problem with that... and will not "help" this type of person. a "PRO" should not be asking simple, beginner questions! Learn the craft first.. then start charging.... not the other way around!

 

[smurf4t]

I am willing to teach anyone.. except if they are already charging people, and don't have the skills to justify it! That makes them "Professionals" by some definitions... and since most of them deliver a very poor product, they are ripping off their clients. I have a problem with that... and will not "help" this type of person. a "PRO" should not be asking simple, beginner questions! Learn the craft first.. then start charging.... not the other way around!

Just to be clear I've never claimed to be a pro or charged pro prices. I would not feel right charging pro prices and never have as I agree, I'm NO pro, hence to questions.

 

[cgipson1]

I am willing to teach anyone.. except if they are already charging people, and don't have the skills to justify it! That makes them "Professionals" by some definitions... and since most of them deliver a very poor product, they are ripping off their clients. I have a problem with that... and will not "help" this type of person. a "PRO" should not be asking simple, beginner questions! Learn the craft first.. then start charging.... not the other way around!

Just to be clear I've never claimed to be a pro or charged pro prices. I would not feel right charging pro prices and never have as I agree, I'm NO pro, hence to questions.

The problem is.. that your CLIENTS will assume you are a PRO, even if you don't claim it. That is why I have a problem with it. Good luck!

 

[smurf4t]

The problem is.. that your CLIENTS will assume you are a PRO, even if you don't claim it. That is why I have a problem with it. Good luck!

These people approached me. I didn't approach them. They wanted me to take pictures for them. And I let them decide what they wanted to pay.

I do see your point of view. As a result in order to mange expectations in the future. I will make it very clear that I'm not a pro to anyone else that asks about my services before I'm fully trained.

 

[imagemaker46]

The problem is.. that your CLIENTS will assume you are a PRO, even if you don't claim it. That is why I have a problem with it. Good luck!

These people approached me. I didn't approach them. They wanted me to take pictures for them. And I let them decide what they wanted to pay.

I do see your point of view. As a result in order to mange expectations in the future. I will make it very clear that I'm not a pro to anyone else that asks about my services before I'm fully trained.

Most amateurs don't see or understand the professional point of view. People approach you and they offer you money to shoot pictures. Based on your experience and skills, if someone offered you $500 to photograph them would you feel right taking that money. based on the quality of images that you posted?

 

[KmH]

Is that not what forums are designed for?

No.

Forums are designed as vehicles for selling advertising space.

 

[smurf4t]

Most amateurs don't see or understand the professional point of view. People approach you and they offer you money to shoot pictures. Based on your experience and skills, if someone offered you $500 to photograph them would you feel right taking that money. based on the quality of images that you posted?

No I wouldn't feel right. I would never at this point charge that or take that and obviously haven't. I'm not a scam artist. I know my limits and want to build a good reputation. I would never want anyone feeling ripped off. I do understand that aspect. Hence I'm here to learn and grow.