Charlie gave you excellent feedback. Sure might have been some sarcasm in second reply...but that's Charlie. Take it with a grain of salt.
No need to critique as you have been given excellent C&C, but I will add this...
I can't stress enough to new photogs who are in the learning phase...and trying to get paying gigs at the same time. Do free work. It helps you build your portfolio, as well as learn by your mistakes...you are going to make them. I have found you will get more respect and appreciation doing free gigs while you learn from not only clients, but the community, as well as your fellow photogs.
I shot a free gig tonight for the Maine Troop Greeters, who were holding a fundraiser banquet. It was very last minute, I was not prepared, however I went...shot for free...and did a great job. Had it been a paid gig I would have done many things different, but it was very last minute. Anyway, I got off on a tangent. The point is, I was able to network. Simply based on my presentation of myself, how I conducted myself, and that fact that I donated my time and skils to a worthy cause...I walked out of there 3 hours later with 2 booked paid gigs and a point in my favor with the community. They have not even seen my shots yet.
You can do the same with senior portrait shoots. Think of it. Kids and word of mouth is powerful. At first most think..."you'll be known as a free person and get hounded by others wanting free work". In my case, it is not true at all. It is all in how you carry yourself.
The other added benefit is from being able to chalk up mis-shoots as learning. So most people, I say most, will understand if the shots do not come out well, and usually they will still walk away with a few they liked.
Personally, I would rather be respected doing free work while learning than be known as a fauxtographer who is selling a trade/service they are simply not good at.
To be honest, you are not good at your trade yet, and I say that with respect. You need to practice more, learn more, and work toward perfecting your trade...before you can start charging. Sure you can technically charge now...but is that how you want to be known? A person selling a bad service?
I hope you get something from my little shpeel, good luck. ;-)
oh, and don't be afraid to turn down money, you'll get it ten fold later, trust me. I have turned down a dozen weddings this year. I am not geared up for a wedding. I know what it takes to do a wedding. I am not there yet. It is hard sometimes, lord knows I need the money. I hear it often..."I've seen your work...you'll do great...shoot my wedding for me". No way in hell I am setting myself up for failure and possibly ruining the decent reputation I have gained thus far locally.
anyway /soapbox
;-)
). I was trying to make the same points a couple of others have already done, and that is not to take things personally. Some of the people posting have 20, 30 or even more years behind a camera, and have made a living doing it... they know of what they speak. Concentrate on the words and not the tone.
