jaywilliams Loc: Topeka, Ks

Alright, I don't know how to explain this... I don't have the OKAY to post others photographs on any online media. So I will post one very soon when I get off work and home to my laptop.

Leitz Loc: Solms

Read the Forum Rules and you'll see that Admin suggests that pictures not be posted here in Main Photography Discussion. Very often they will be moved to the appropriate section.

jaywilliams Loc: Topeka, Ks

I understand that! But all these people want me to post more pictures to prove I'm worthy of being a photographer. I think it is very CHILDISH!!! I should never have to prove my worthiness because I posted a picture here that these people whom seem to think they are all better than the other, not my cup of tea, but the photograph I did post was not even posted here for thoughts and what not. No, it was posted as I had stated before, I don't have any of my actual work on my phone and that is where I had been posting from. It was literally for my own wanting it to be on my first topic back. Look my old screen name up and you will see old post from me and the feed back of others from when I first joined this site. I must say, I really enjoyed the site back then, now I can't decide if I'm going to like it or not. But what I can say, is my question was answered by a user and I respect that user for that. Thank you for letting myself and EVERYONE else who don't understand, know the rules. Respect to you!

tdekany Loc: Oregon

I don't feel that wanting to see your work is childish. I am pretty sure that seeing the one example IS the main reason for it. If THAT shot was taken with your cell phone, you should have made that clear. If the picture was taken with a camera, you should be able to at least "see" why people would be interested seeing more examples of your work. If you don't understand the reason, it is because technically, it isn't good enough. On my iPhone the highlight is blown. So even if it is an unedited shot, there is nothing you can do to correct it. You could be an excellent photographer who is just really unlucky. Which is what I think the issue maybe. Because if your work was subpar, why would they make an appointment in the first place? Unless you live in Oregon? It is a commonplace

jmstx Loc: Arlington TX

Any chance anyone will actually answer his question by offering tips on how you did it.

tdekany Loc: Oregon

Reply #1 and I believe Gene51 has also provided very valuable suggestions.

wdross Loc: Castle Rock, Colorado

Gene51 did an excellent job. billnikon gave priceless advice. And CaptainC and others have given other good advice. And I am inclined to agree with Gene51 that some times the "best" picture is not the one the client picks although it still needs to be offered. Pictures are always about a moment in time and the emotions involved or invoked. And that does not always translate to choosing the most technically correct picture by the client. But the advice outlined by Gene51 follows all the advise that I received while I was a member of the professional photographer's guild. Everyone that followed the advice did no worst than break even. It helped me to understand the commitment that would be involved in a business should I decide to go full time. And the financial commitment involved. I realized that I could not meet my required goals as a professional photographer at that time. Maybe some day I will be able to, but not now.

I want jaywilliams to succeed where I could not even start. If he follows Gene51, billnikon, CaptainC, and others advice, he stands a chance to be successful.

tdekany Loc: Oregon

jaywilliams Loc: Topeka, Ks

Yes very much so. I do agree thank you

speters Loc: Grangeville/Idaho

I don't think the fact that this are your children has anything to do with the fact, that the picture does contain about every mistake as mentioned! Sorry got to face the facts!

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

And your point is? Does it matter at all if it has flaws? Would a client purchase such an image? You'd be surprised.

wdross Loc: Castle Rock, Colorado

You are right that there are things he could have done while taking the photograph and after in post processing. Better exposure for the highlights, more light reflected into the shadows, add more room at the top and bottom, post process the white background, etc. But even knowing these errors (and if this was a client's kids, I would post process this as best possible), I have to side with Gene51 that a client could very well pick this photograph based on the stack of kids interacting with one another and having some expressions on their faces. Gene51 is correct that some times the client will overlook the flaws in favor for what is not a flaw in the photograph.

wdross Loc: Castle Rock, Colorado

One of the only other suggestions I can make is, if the building is eating your profits, get rid of the building. I never used a studio for my kid and senior shots. My clients knew and accepted the shots were going to be in a park, a playground, a school, the clients home, or a place of the client's choosing. Yes, I had calls for studio work that I had to turn down. If you feel you need a studio for the clientele in your area, you may need to be creative in developing a garage or basement "studio". Or possibly an unused nearby barn. Creativity will be your best weapon for success.

Dun1 Loc: Atlanta, GA

Captain C gave you a valuable critique of that one shot you posted. Don't let the love of one shot especially one of your children dissuade you from wanting to become a better photographer.
You as some have mentioned might have decided at a poor time to set up shop, everybody has a camera, with the advent of the new iPhone 7 DXO Mark test tout that it could images that rival some Leica's. A great many of images that are taken any camera phone are intended to capture a moment and upload it, and share with friends or family in seconds. Like you shot of your children, you are fond of them, the moments that people shoot with camera phones are fond of that moment, I might very well look at that shot and say duh, not knowing what was taking place when the shot was taken. Everybody that post or shares a cam phone shot, gets to feed their ego, with comments "Awesome, Great Shot, etc. I have taken photos of awards or trophy presentations, and before I can get my equipment shut down, packed up, someone in many instances has already uploaded their shot of the presentation on social media, BAM < the Emeril Lagasse method may apply well to food and cooking. That method is effective to let family, friends share the moment. Does it mean, that photo is worthy of a Kodak moment so to speak, resplendent with poor composition, lighting and Uncle Jeb alongside the team in some less than photo worthy pose.
You mention setting up shop, you can easily set up shop. Once you have a camera, a connection to the internet there are many ways to share your work, let others be able to view your work. You have to be able to create shots that people are willing to purchase, shots that separate your work from the camera phone shots. Just because you think all of your are shots are "keepers", the line is drawn when you upload that shot and ask people to click on the image and "Buy" < "Buy equals a person is willing to pay you for a print of your work. When your work becomes worthy that your buys equal enough income to support your equipment purchases, fees to a provider to have space and your page to purchase your work, money to pay for your time to take the photos.

jaywilliams Loc: Topeka, Ks

Thanks, I do both, studio and choice of place indoor outdoor.