No picture to critique, just a few thoughts from a beginner

mc1979 · Apr 13, 2011

I live in Small Town, USA. Around here there are a few photographers who are really getting alot of business with the whole family, newborns, kids, and engagement portraits. I just happened to use one of them about 2 months ago for my husband and I. She is completely self taught, and out of the few that are here, I would say she's by far got the most business and does the better job. But after reviewing their facebook pages I realize they are all pretty much doing the same thing. Mostly natural light ( which I love ) and post processing to get that smooth skin and the whole eyes popping out, which in my opinion done right looks beautiful.
I recently was talking to someone else who is getting into photography, I asked what kind of camera she used, and she told me, and then she told me " Well I'm not professional, but when I get done with my software they look professional".
So here is where I'm going with all this. I'm learning alot about photography, always had the passion for it, just really want to now do something with that passion. But I want to be good at getting a picture from the camera, not having to rely on photoshop to make a great pic. Yes I know there will always be some retouching, but I don't want to take crappy photos and then have to spend hours in front of the computer trying to fix them.
Another thing, in this small town area, what can I do different? Any suggestions?

I hope this made sense!

Thanks,
Mel

tirediron · Apr 13, 2011

Post-processing is no alternative to getting right in-camera. Learn the basics, and practice, practice, practice, and then, practice some more. As for the 'different' aspect, well, develop your own style and market it. You want people to want you for your work, not your low prices, great software, or the free bottled water you offer while they're waiting.

Robin Usagani · Apr 13, 2011

I have a feeling (sorry if I am wrong), the person who said "Once I am done with my software, they will look professional" is not as good as you think. She probably does a lot of cheesy selective coloring, swirly signature, vignetting, etc. While I agree post processing plays a big part of the result, but a lot of my photos look pretty darn good straight from the camera (I think anyway).

Derrel · Apr 13, 2011

Here is my suggestion: do not fall into the new, digital-era method of the vast numbers of untrained, uneducated, turd-polishers who do the family/weddings/newborns/pets photography, with the smooth skin and the alien-like popping eyes. Instead, EDUCATE yourself on PHOTOGRAPHY, and how to use lighting, posing, and a camera, to produce professional photographic results. Learn the differences between a vertical pose and a horizontal pose. Get some books, some pre-digital era books, and read them. Study them. Learn the true fundamentals of photography, beginning with light, then lenswork, then posing and cropping. Today, there are hundreds of reasonably priced Photoshop actions that can give you the good-selling "looks" that people want. Photoshop and image processing is the one area that the majority of moms with cameras place their emphasis on; unfortunately, the majority of them produce highly polished turds, assignment after assignment. The single largest obstacle to learning today is the prevailing attitude among many digital photography practitioners and web experts is that they emphasize image processing, rather than photographic fundamentals; many of the new books are like cookbooks--offering simple recipes and promises of do this-get this! And unfortunately, that doesn't help you much over the long haul, once that clever little processing technique becomes a cliche that no longer sells.

Robin Usagani · Apr 13, 2011

Just like derrel said but I am not as creative when it comes to writing LOL.

mc1979 · Apr 13, 2011

Schwetty, the one that said that remark is NOT good. She showed me some of her photos, way over-processed!! But of course I would never say that to her. I don't think she's actually getting paid right now anyways. ( and in my opinion, never should )
Derrel, thanks for the advice! and I am reading as much as I can about it. We have a small course at the local community college here, I was thinking of signing up for it as well? As a matter of fact, I've been reading so much I am neglecting to use my camera! LOL But I am so thankful for this site and others to help along the way!

Forkie · Apr 13, 2011

Post processing can help getting a photo to look how you want, but it's best to try to get it right in the camera in the first place. Post-processing won't make a bad shot look good. You can't polish a turd, and all that.

mommyphotog · Apr 13, 2011

I'm learning too and appricate all the advice. I have lots to learn but still working on lighting. It's just so important. I have tons of books that I'm trying to study and will eventually start schooling for photography. It is such a passion of mine. Good luck to you all.

andynrach · Apr 13, 2011

I know I've used this analgoy before, but I liken the whole post-processing overkill phase to 80's hair. It was SOOOO the "in" thing during the 80's and EVERYONE had it, but how many photos do you see of people with aquanet bangs and mullets these days?? Crazy eyes, super saturations, and ridiculous contrasts are going to be 80's hair, IMHO. The biggest thing you can do to set yourself apart from people in the area is find your style, stick with it, and become photography educated. Clients will notice the difference when talking to someone who has a working knowledge of photography.

bennielou · Apr 13, 2011

Here is what I've learned:

1. You can't make a silk purse out of a sow's ear. I help photogs fix their client photos every now and again, even whole weddings a time or two. But I can't fix the unfixable. It has to be at least in the range of exposure, white balance, and focus.

2. While your photos should be good SOOC, to keep up with things you need to do at least some Post Work. Actions and Presets make things go faster, but you should know how to do things manually as well. I bet you have never seen a SOOC shot in a magazine or book. Ever.

3. Find a processing that separates you from the pack. Mine happens to be PJ mixed with super processed skin. It's a weird mix, and not for everyone. But very few people do it. So the clients who want this type of thing pay the price I ask to do it. Sure, I could make everything just like everyone else, but why would I get into that big pool of everyone? Why would I cut my odds like that? I don't want to be everyone. I want people to look at a photo and think....Cindy took that.

And I also don't pay a lot of attention to the "rules". I do all sorts of wacky stuff. It hasn't hurt me so far. I don't hang out doing PPA contests. I'm trying to have a nitch market. Again, I don't want to be like ANYONE else.

So my advice to you is to know your craft, and be DIFFERENT. No, you won't book everyone. But you will book ALL of those people who like your unique style. And that is what will keep you in business for many many many years.

Good Luck and God Bless.