New to the business end, questions

Jace · Mar 7, 2011

When my wife and I got married last year we couldn't afford a photographer, so basically we just had friends with cameras and bought a lot of disposable cameras to put on tables for people to use throughout the ceremony. I mean, we -could- have popped for one, but that would have cut into the honeymoon money. So, even though there were no professionals there, we did have friends that took loads, and loads, of pictures.

What I'm trying to say, is that if your friends are like us and don't have daddy's money, or just simply a lot of money to put into a photographer and they know you're new to the photography thing and won't be pissed if anything isn't perfect, go for it. I mean, if it IS a money issue and they go with the cheapest 'professional' they can find, it may turn out crappy in any case.

If it's not a money issue at all, then do what these other guys say and let them hire a pro, but ask to either watch and shoot or at least watch the guys/gals lighting set up and such, if that's your main concern.

Speaking from personal experience, if I'd had a friend that was an amatuer photographer I would have let him shoot AS WELL as do all the disposable cams and friends with p&s.

(Also, I wouldn't charge too much, depending on how good of friends you are. They are giving you an oppurtunity that you wouldn't get otherwise, and if things turn out awesome you'll have some nice juice for your portfolio, and then their word-of-mouth. Just tell them to NOT let anyone else know what you charged them for doing it. IN fact, it's just me, but if I were to do it I would only charge them for some PP time as neccessary and any materials the day cost me, as well as any albums or framed photos they requested.)

OH, also, you can probably find some tutorials on youtube.

Village Idiot · Mar 7, 2011

JenG said:
Grant, it is interesting but I find many photographers to be know it alls. seriously. I don't get that!

I was looking into being an apprentice to photogs in my area who are more experienced, any ideas how I could best find those?

Thanks all
advice taken

Jen

A lot of know it all photographers have seen what happens when some one that's just learning wants to shoot for a friend for money. A lot of the time, the know it alls see that the new photographer doesn't have the skill or gear to deliver.

If I was shooting with and entry level camera and kit lenses with no additional lighting, I wouldn't be able to shoot what I do now and I wouldn't be taking money for jobs.

JenG · Mar 7, 2011

Like I said, I would NEVER shoot something if I thought it would be close to mediocre!
Also, I know I can rent equipment if I don't have, I have done that before.
how am I going unprepared? The parties are not even until July and November?
I don't think I posted saying I was 100% confident about doing it, or else I would not have asked a bunch of "strangers" advice.
And SrBiscuit.
google? lol
I guess asking for advice here was a bad idea.
but thanks anyway

Village Idiot · Mar 7, 2011

JenG said:
Like I said, I would NEVER shoot something if I thought it wouldn't be perfect!
Also, I know I can rent equipment if I don't have, I have done that before.
how am I going unprepared? The parties are not even until July and November?
I don't think I posted saying I was 100% confident about doing it, or else I would not have asked a bunch of "strangers" advice.
And SrBiscuit.
google? lol
I guess asking for advice here was a bad idea.
but thanks anyway

FTFY.

That's the mind set you need. Not the other way around.

SrBiscuit · Mar 7, 2011

JenG said:
Srbiscuit,

I did mention my experience, and I have thought about everything you mentioned and have done research and have taken classes as well.

I did not just get a DSLR and I am not trying to jump right into anything. I have some experience but not with party events. I had a feeling I was going to get this type of feedback, and it is pretty disconcerting. People come here to get advice and to learn, isn't that how we all become professional? by educating ourselves, by asking questions?

I don't have an issue asking for advice about what I don't know.

jen

you mentioned that you did some kids and portraits for friends...that gives us very little about your history with photography...
you took a class...what was the class? do you understand the relationship between aperature and shutter speed and ISO? do you understand composition?

im not asking these questions like a pompous ass, im trying to understand where you are photographically.

you did not just get a dslr...ok. did you have one prior to your d3000?...did you shoot on a film slr prior to that?

the best advice i can give you at this point is to post up exapmples of your work, give us a list of what equipment you have available, what you are considering buying and/or renting...
great call on the 50mm...its a fantastic lens, and you'll love it.

*EDIT*

seriously?...youre upset i suggest google?
you asked how to go about getting an apprenticeship in your area. youre in NY where there are TONS of photogs.
you need to talk to local businesses about getting an apprenticeship! jesus.
talk to local colleges, local businesses. get a portfolio together.

what is it that you wanted? a step by step customized solution that would lead you to the perfect apprenticeship?

i didnt say you were going in unprepared...i said that doing so would render disappointment.

JenG · Mar 7, 2011

I really didn't think I was asking something so taboo!! Villageidiot, so you are a confesed know it all, haha, whatever.

I never said I was doing this just to make money. Quite the contrary! These are friends who trust me and I would not charge much because I know I am not professional no.1 and they are friends, but I was trying to get a sense of what others did charge and use for their FIRST weddings. i am trying to learn all i can and get as much experience as I can. I would do them for free, but I asked because I know I am not 100% sure and was trying to get a feel for what i should or should NOT do.

Looking back I guess I should have been more specific in what I was asking here, what I knew already is not clear in my questions.

Jace, thanks for the tips and advice. I see it is possible for someone to be helpful!

I already told my friends I wasn't gonna charge them much and that I felt maybe they should ask a professional.
I was just trying to get a feel...........for what others did.

thanks again

Jace · Mar 7, 2011

No worries. I got my FIRST DSLR yesterday, and a few hours later my wife's friend announces her engagement on facebook. My wife says, 'If you need a photographer ask Ray!'

So of course I say, "Sweet, that means I'll need a speedlite, a portable lighting kit," and other things she told me I couldn't buy right now since I spent so much on the camera. Will I do it? Nah, unless it's in a year or so, but I WILL let the wife be happy with me buying more gear so I can 'practice' in the meantime

tirediron · Mar 7, 2011

:gah: Oh brother...

What is your business training/background?

How much insurance do you carry?

What are your contingency plans for inclement weather?

Have you had your contract(s) and releases reviewed by an attorney?

JenG · Mar 7, 2011

Srbiscuit,

some of you are coming off as pompous asses, sorry, that is how it reads.

I am an ART minor in school now, not just taking one class, so I am aware of techniques and how a camera works. Just because I don't have a $5000 camera doesn't mean I don't know about how cameras work does it? If I was that new at how to work a camera, I would not even be here asking anything. trust me. i don't know a lot and I have no problem admitting that. I know I would like to get into the business of portraits, I was not even considering weddings to be honest, but my friends like my work and I don't want to turn them down, especially if I can save them money.

JenG · Mar 7, 2011

Oh Brother....

that is exactly how you help someone.

not!

JenG · Mar 7, 2011

Sr Biscuit,

i checked out some of your flickr stream. very cool.

Jace · Mar 7, 2011

I would check out some videos here:

YouTube - Which Light Kit is Right for You ? Video / Photography

PhotoWrangler · Mar 7, 2011

JenG said:
Oh Brother....

that is exactly how you help someone.

not!

The problem with beginners is that they only see what they want to see, or hear what they want to hear. Did you even bother to read the rest of his questions?

tirediron said:
What is your business training/background?

How much insurance do you carry?

What are your contingency plans for inclement weather?

Have you had your contract(s) and releases reviewed by an attorney?[

SrBiscuit · Mar 7, 2011

you have to understand jen, that there are tons of threads with people wanting to dive right in to the serious business end of things with zero knowledge or background in photo or business.

even your last post is defensive..."just because i dont have a $5000 camera"...i wasnt suggesting you need one...i was honestly trying to get my head around what equipment youve got, how much experience youve got, and all that ****. you seem to be assuming that we all know your BG, and contrarily we are assuming you dont have one. so lets meet in the middle...
no more assumptions...from either side.

please continue to give us your background, and we will do our best to steer you the right way. :thumbup: