What I need to land a job at a photostudio? (Advice and C&C)

GiuseppeCantatore · Sep 21, 2011

This is my first time posting in this forum and this seemed the appropriate section for this question, please excuse me if it is not.

Unfortunately, I was not born in the United States and did not receive my work permit until about six months ago and have had trouble finding work simply because there either isn't any, I do not have enough work experience, or I am not qualified. But I am currently working on my associate's degree in Digital Imaging and Design, which I should have done by next year.

I've done some research online to find out how to possibly make some money to support myself out of this hobby I really love and a possible way to do it seemed to be to apply for a job at a photostudio, whether at something simple like a retail store (Walmart, Walgreens, CVS, etc.) photostudio or something more professional; or perhaps freelance altogether, but I still have some questions which I thought might be best answered on a more personal level.

I have, of course, made a portfolio online, then bought an actual portfolio so that I have something concrete to show at an interview. So here are my questions:

1.) How should I look for a job, in-person or online? Does it make a difference? Which one is preferred? Please keep in mind I've never had a job.

2.) If in-person, how or who should I ask to see if they are hiring? Should I always have my portfolio in-hand, just in case, even if I am only asking for an application?

3.) If I have no work experience and do not have my degree yet, should I still make a resume? If so, could someone give me an example of what I should put in it beside basic information (name, address, phone, website)?

I would also appreciate any critique you could provide on my work as I've only shown friends and family so far and outside examination would help.

Thanks!

pixilstudio · Sep 21, 2011

looking at your work i would sugest shooting people. i started doing fraternity party pics and graduations, proms... and so on. i suggest hooking up with one of these "mcdonalds" styled photo companies to start. they always need competent help. and shoot shoot shoot, family friends. strangers, your mom

KmH · Sep 21, 2011

At those places like Wal-Mart you won't be doing photpography, you'll be doing sales.

Many of those places have the camera and lights all ready set up, and all you do is hustle people in push the button, and sell as much stuff as you can.

Your portfolio is very mundane and the market is flooded with flower and landscape shots that most people can't relate to.

That's why pixelstudio recommended shooting. people. Then you sell the photos to those same people and/or to their relatives.

Either way, it is more important to have a good understanding of doing business/marketing/salesmanship rather than an understanding of doing photography.

tonic289 · Sep 21, 2011

This advice is applied generally to all kinds of jobs. I volunteered for a high position as Legal Secretary which I am not qualified. I do all odd jobs in the office including buying their lunch, looking for files, cleaning apartments built by my employer, photocopying, carrying boxes, or keeping myself busy looking for something to do.With your case, apply as junior photographer which you too do not qualify and volunteer without pay for 6 months. Then DEMOTE yourself into 'General Office Help'; thus, candidate for minimum wage. From there you can pick up, plan your career, and establish experience and learn from the MASTERS. Imagine yourself having been permanently employed for 20 years earning modest wages like me. Also behave responsibly in the workplace. Act decently during office parties. Do not whine. Do not antagonize your boss. Your wages depend on him.

Josh66 · Sep 21, 2011

KmH said:
At those places like Wal-Mart you won't be doing photpography, you'll be doing sales.

Many of those places have the camera and lights all ready set up, and all you do is hustle people in push the button, and sell as much stuff as you can.

I used to have a friend that worked in one of those places - from what he told me, you aren't even allowed to change the settings.

There's basically a manual - set the camera up this way, set the lights up that way - every time.

The only 'creative' thing you might get to do is pull out a different background.

Stradawhovious · Sep 21, 2011

Wht do you need to land a job at WalMart, Walgreens or CVS? A clean urine sample.

What do you need to have to land a job at a real studio? From what I understand either a great portfolio or a great embouchure.

A business background probably wouldn't hurt.

GiuseppeCantatore · Sep 21, 2011

I figured retail store work would be mundane, but I figure I have to start somewhere, so I'd prefer it be photography related, if how ever minimal. Volunteer work doesn't appeal to me unless it can be done from home or is near home. I live in the middle of nowhere and I would most likely have to travel to the nearest city and spend about 25 miles worth of gas for a round trip and double that if it's on the opposite direction of my college, it would just be gamble of whether or not that picks up and goes anywhere while spending loads of gas.

Anyways, I appreciate the advice. I'll try to apply for retail and keep working on my portfolio.

tonic289 · Sep 21, 2011

No offense, my friend but I calculated the interest I earned from volunteering. It would offset all the days, months and year that you would be idle. But to give justice to you, your point can be given credit if you chance upon a greedy boss. Mine was a generous former Catholic priest turned lawyer who got fell in love with his wife. If I failed to obtain that job, I would be kicked out of the house and probably am homeless living on the streets.