- Joined
- Sep 2, 2003
- Messages
- 35,313
- Reaction score
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- Location
- In the mental ward of this forum
- Can others edit my Photos
- Photos NOT OK to edit
And thank YOU, Glow, for not lashing back at the Welcome Committee - I mean, the members of this site who like to help out with advice. :er: I expected this thread to go off the rails about 2 pages ago! You are a mature person with a tough skin - so guess what? With some more photography experience, you stand a very good chance of becoming a real pro.Thank you Tee!

I also took a look at your FB shots, and I agree that you should deep-six the "soft look". They just come across as out of focus. Little software tricks like selective coloring are more faddish in nature, though I don't hold it against you for trying different looks. I understand that when you get positive feedback from family and friends, it's encouraging, but what you DO need to help you grow as a photographer is more positive feedback from more experienced photographers. Since you clearly have the backbone for it (as you have so nicely demonstrated here), please keep posting and listening to the feedback and critique. Shut out the noise from those who tell you your work is crap but have nothing to offer as to how to improve - those are just the bullies.

I think you are developing a good eye for some things - the shot of the shy little girl clinging to Mom's leg is sweet. This is probably what your immediate clients (friends this weekend) are after. Since you can deliver this level of quality, you should feel okay going into this type of shoot. Right now you are giving some neighbors an inexpensive option for holiday shots because they probably can't afford studio package prices, and for a couple of hours of your time it's a casual trade-off that does little harm. What the others are cautioning you against is getting too heady and trying to take things to the next level and undercharging to get jobs you aren't ready to take on. This DOES hurt the industry and real pros who have spent years developing all levels of their craft. YOU might get to the stage where you've put together some holiday package offers and those very neighbors still might not be able to pay, but someone 2 blocks over could step in and casually undercut you. Think long-term if want to take this seriously, and be careful, that's all.

As far as the business end, contact a local accountant for tax specifics. A quick meeting can ease your mind and let you know what you need to do. If you report what you make your accountant will make sure it's all on the up and up. States differ in certain small business requirements, so make an investment in having an accountant to educate you.