Normafries Loc: San Jose CA

Oh - one more thing. If you join a forum that is made explicitly for CC (constructive criticism), you will get a lot farther than "nice shot". I photograph wild horses and joined an Equine Photographer forum whose whole purpose is to give CC by your peers. I have learned a TON from them! I have also learned how my work is perceived when someone looks at it for the first time. That has helped my "editing eye" greatly.

SuperflyTNT Loc: Manassas VA

I thought that’s what you meant. I was also looking to get constructive criticism because like you, while I appreciate the oohs and ahs of my friends, I wanted real critique. I joined a local camera club that has meetings twice a month. The first meeting is a guest photographer showing and talking about their work, the second is a photo competition that is judged by a guest photographer. While I don’t always agree with their evaluation, (of others work too, not just my own), I find it a very valuable experience. We also have workshops and schedule meetups to go shoot at various locations.

SuperflyTNT Loc: Manassas VA

Sounds like that seminar was a waste of money.

Adamborz

+1. A lot of people tell me I undercharge for my work, but the people paying for my work think I overcharge haha.

I price my jobs the way I do because of the area I live, and I don’t limit myself to one specific genre because I actually like getting work. So I work a real full-time job, and on the side I take real estate photos, event photos, senior portraits, pet photography etc.

Somebody here quoted that I should limit my genre... but I actually get paid, do they?

Did I mention I work a full-time job as well? I dont want to be a “starving artist”.

Angel Star Photography Loc: Tacoma, WA

Welcome to the forum. You have received a lot of good and helpful information to date here. I will try not to iterate them here. I use SmugMug for my website. There are others as well that many have suggested. I do recommend that you also obtain a domain name and especially if you you wish to use your name, "Paint By Light", to prevent its use by others. Obtaining a domain name will also reveal whether it has been used elsewhere. You have an intriguing name and one that I think speaks to what you hope to achieve with your photography and you would want to keep it. I anticipate a rather artistic manipulation of light in your photographs. At least, that is my perception.

You have only been in this for a couple of years and I suspect that much of that time has been purchasing equipment and education. Definitely pursue the education in the areas of photography, business, and marketing. Check such resources such as Cole's Classroom, Serge Ramelli, and Phlearn to name a few. Each of these have discussions and lessons on marketing your photographs or services.

Regarding social media, there are ways to use social media for marketing and getting your name out there but it needs to be approached not as a means for constructive criticism---which it never really is---but rather to get yourself out there. However, I will venture to say that social media is only a very small percentage of getting yourself known. You need to get out there, talk with others in the field, and network yourself with them. The aforementioned resources do cover using social media and I believe SmugMug will even help with this, too.

Along the topic of constructive criticism, this website has an area where you can post your photographs and ask for a critique or assistance. I believe it is found here, https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/s-20-1.html. Whatever you do, learn from the comments and don't take them personally. Always remember, too, that suggestions, comments, and critiques are simply just that. If you try out something that was suggested and it doesn't seem to fit for what you envisioned for your photograph, it doesn't mean that you or they are wrong. It is a matter of perspective.

One last comment: Try to eliminate the thought of, "Am I good enough" or "I am not good enough" from your head. Art is not a competition and these kinds of thoughts are very limiting in what you will envision, capture, and produce. It has been how I approach many things and I have heard it iterated by many other successful people---most recently by Ben Long, a professional photographer, teacher, and mentor.

Jerry Coupe Loc: Kent, WA

The OP may have been referring to "comments and critiques" when mentioning CC.

aellman Loc: Boston MA

Two sites that exhibit your images with the goal of selling them are 500px.com and fineartamerica.com. Check them out. >Alan

Photoguy120

Matter of perspective. That portion was from a guest speaker who said he makes his Tesla payments from his photo sales.

Adamborz

I just started after Easter 2019 and am averaging 15 shoots per month... part-time. So I still run and gun a little, but I enjoy the different work. The real estate gig is consistent, the other jobs are fun. Sure I would rather do 1 wedding and charge $5,000 but that isn’t realistic for me.

But I still work a real job too. Hopefully by the time I’m ready to retire from my real job (2.5 years from police work) I’ll have built a nice side gig.

BlueMorel Loc: Southwest Michigan

What kind if photography do you want to do? I think we all start thinking we're good enough to make money in photography when we produce some framable photos. But there are so many great photographers out there you really have to work at finding your niche and promote yourself. Just posting pics won't do it anymore. Decide what your niche will be and concentrate on making your photos stand out.
Also get out there and make yourself known, either by contacting potential customers or showing at art and photography shows. And pick photographers who are really good at doing what you want to do and study them.

Meanwhile, UHH is full of extremely talented professional and amateur photographers who will gladly share their advice. Post some of your pics, ask questions. There's even a subforum for constructive criticism that you can submit photos to.

Adamborz

Don’t sell yourself short, but don’t over price yourself either. In my case, I offer 1 real estate aerial photo job free to new clients, that’s $125 value. I call it advertising and have gained new clients that way.

Flying Three Loc: Berthoud, CO

I could not find your Facebook page.

foggypreacher Loc: Dickinson, Texas

CC on many FB pages is used when someone is asking for "Constructive Criticism." I too have found that few people either know enough to help, or do not want to give criticism for fear of hurting someone's feeling.

JohnSwanda Loc: San Francisco

Someone already pointed that out on page 1.

fstoprookie Loc: Central Valley of California

Welcome to the site PAINT BY LIGHT

It is a hard road to get your name and art on the street. I started last year shooting basketball, then baseball and now football for pay. I post them on my Zenfolio website. Made the login as simple as possible and adult customers (parents) have a terrible time logging in and then selecting the pictures they want. I'm no computer genius, so it had to be simple for me to understand how it works and then how to explain to my potential customers how to go look and purchase my pictures. It isn't easy or everybody with a camera or iPhone would be doing it. Just keep hammering ahead, it may take several years before you start to make enough money to support your habit and a lot longer to get photography to support you. There are some REAL pro's on this site. You will be able to recognize them in a short time buy how they explain things and are willing to help any of us. Good luck with your new startup.