This thread is for beginners, right?

sm4him · Oct 31, 2011

Congratulations; I have three times as many posts in the month since I've joined, and I haven't created this kind of stir. But then, I'm a "lurk until you can sound intelligent" kinda person...well, no, if I were, I would lurk forever...and just for the record--no, I'm not saying you don't sound intelligent.

But here's what I'm confused about: WHY all the drama and hoopla about two of the most sound pieces of advice, EVER...Read the Manual, and Read Understanding Exposure. Several times each. If you truly want to be a professional photographer and understand your camera and things like ISO, aperture, etc...those are two of the best tools out there. Along with PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE.

You ask WHY CAN'T you just buy a camera and start a business, and state you have friends who have done so. So do I. So, obviously, you CAN. You just "shouldn't."
WHY? In one sentence: Because you don't even KNOW yet what it is you don't know. And if you react that strongly to suggestions to read your manual and a classic photography book, I fear you may *never* know what you don't know.
What you CAN'T do is buy a camera and become an instant Professional Photographer. There is a BIG difference between being a Professional Photographer and having a photography business.

Yes, people on this forum can be snarky, and mean, and hateful, and sarcastic, and sometimes just downright hilarious. They can also be tremendously helpful. JUST like in real life. You think THIS has been snarky? Just wait until you have a highly dissatisfied customer on your hands. Or, wait until you get a letter from some lawyer because you didn't have all your t's crossed and your i's dotted in a contract.

One other thing: My mother was a truly gifted artist (she's still alive, but can't see to paint anymore). She decided to "go into business." What she found out was that she LOVED to paint, and HATED being a Business Person. She closed up shop, started doing craft fairs for pocket change, and was far, far happier. Don't be so anxious to "start a business." ESPECIALLY if you're well off...just HAVE fun, and RELAX and learn.

Tee · Oct 31, 2011

amatuerallie said:
I do have a business plan. Also, i am wanting to do this for part time income as we are already well off. Like I said, I spend a lot more time with my camera, have have learned so much on here from advice in just a day.

A little background:
I think what you might not be aware of is in any given month, there are about 10-20 threads started by aspiring MWAC's. That's where some of the cynicism comes from which generally produces pointed questions like business plans, taxes, etc. It weeds out those who are for real versus those who need a little taste of reality. Often times, new posters who have received high praise from their friends and family join a forum of like minded enthusiasts only to find that their images are not really good at all. This becomes frustrating to the new member and they are generally gone within the first few days of joining. Very few stick around. I would, however, encourage you to stick around, keep posting pictures and practice what you learn from here and other places. In 56 days, you're going to see an onslaught of brand new "pro" photographers, with shiny new Facebook fan pages coming on here saying they shoot in Professional mode because thier dial is set on P.

About the bolded part:
If finances are not a pressing issue, why not take some advanced classes, beg and plead to carry a pro's equipment on shoots, etc.? The thing with photography is the more you learn, the more you realize how little you really know. Is there ever a good time to start a business? That's up to the individual. But my litmus test is can I produce the same image over and over, in any setting, under any conditions with any equipment given to me. For me, no. I can't. But I'm getting there.

Just some thoughts.

e.rose · Oct 31, 2011

sm4him said:
But then, I'm a "lurk until you can sound intelligent" kinda person...

Bravo!

You should post more. :lol:

dakkon76 · Oct 31, 2011

Dao said:
What the heck just happened here??

The same thing that always happens. It's just like Groundhog Day!

MLeeK · Oct 31, 2011

amatuerallie said:
If you actually read the posts maybe you'll get it this time.

MLeeK said:
Don't let these guys make you look cross-eyed... They're being snarky about a few recent posts and it's really a bit funny if you have read them. If not it will make your head spin and you'll wonder what the heck is going on.

Ahhhhh, yes, you totally missed the explanation on page one of this ridiculous mess where it was explained to you what they were talking about.
Good grief. If you had read the posts you'd have realized they were BEING SNARKY ABOUT A FEW RECENT POSTS... not you.