WalshT

I love landscape, nature and sports photography. I really don't like wedding photography and really don't love the standard portrait stuff too much. I would love to move towards making some more money with my camera. I'm an outdoors type of person. Do you think there is a market for someone to shoot people and families environmental portraits skiing, kayaking, hiking, at the summit after a climb, families in action. I also like youth through HS sports photo. My full time career allows for a lot of time to do this type of work but I was wondering if any of your clients have ever requested this type of work. I'm a bit bias because I would have loved to had a photographer with us at some of our more memorable moments.

ohallboyz Loc: Boston, MA

I would say yes. Families are moving more towards lifestyle photography, not so much traditional shoots. So if your aim is with families, I think there could be a market for it. However, it might be a small one but if you're ok with that, then it's all good.

Not sure about the HS sports. Are you thinking of shooting for a local newspaper?

CaptainC Loc: Colorado, south of Denver

Interesting proposition. I'm sure there are some families for whom this would be just what they want. I am also sure they are few and far between.

From your standpoint, considering the time and travel involved you would have to charge a LOT to make it profitable. The PPA benchmark to be profitable figures your Cost of Sales needs to be 25-30% of the price and that includes your time, car expense, meals, etc. - NOT just the cost of having a print made. The cost of your time is your choice, but it seems that something around $30/hr is standard.

So if I hire you to take my photo at the top of Longs Peak here in Colorado. I did climb it years ago and would LOVE to have had images from the summit.

So let's use that:
Two hour drive each way to trail head: $120
My friend and I were pretty fast: Up and back in 12 hours: $360
We can assume maybe three hours of editing and processing: $90
Mileage expense at $0.50/mile $100
You come to my house to PROJECT the images - two hours: $60
I want a 16x20 canvas: $75
Some small images: $50

So your total COGS is $855

You need to charge me over $2800 to make that a profitable operation.

That IS a bit extreme, but to do what you will require travel and large car and maybe even hotel expenses.

Now maybe you like the outdoor stuff and figure going along to take photos is just a good excuse to go places. There is nothing wrong with that, just don't think that selling the 16x20 that cost you $75 and selling it for $150, or $375, or $600, is making a profit.

WalshT

We have a lot of small local papers and there's not much there in the way of $. I've done some stuff there but I was thinking parents might want a set of in game images of their student athletes. One of the labs I use is MPix and they will provide all those novelty items (mugs, keychains, etc.) as well as prints.

WalshT

I had the same concerns and was thinking the only way I could make the longer projects work would be to do it as part of a group adventure with some of the hiking clubs. I have a couple great kayaking, rock climbing spots within a few miles and good skiing within 45 min.. We don't have the peaks back east like you do. I love the west. The landscapes are totally different. It took me some time to adjust to the big ski out west when I went to Utah, Montana, Idaho and Wyoming a couple years ago. I can't wait to get back.
Thanks for you input. The more I think about it the best way would be to get in with so of the local clubs. The water skiing, horseback riding and kids sports may be more doable. Is doable a word?

Nikonian72 Loc: Chico CA

One of my photo buddies is doing something similar:
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.3554303861397.2162224.1386715497&type=3

He live in Northern California, quite close to several outstanding outdoor venues.

Tea8 Loc: Where the wind comes sweeping down the plain.

My mom actually read an article about this a month or so ago. She was telling me about it. More and more families are actually hiring photographers and taking them on vacation with them to take photos of their vacation. That way everyone can be captured in shots and things like that. From what she read the family pays for the expenses of the photographer to go on vacation with them plus a fee for their time and the family gets the photos. I'm not sure what else would be involved in it because my mom couldn't remember later exactly where she read the article or much else about the article. It seems like an interesting idea to try out, especially for a photographer who loves to be outdoors and a family who wants to make sure everyone in the family is in all the pictures.

william gerardino Loc: Grove City, Ohio

I suggest developing (all in caps....CONTACTS.....WITH A SMALL CONVERSATIONAL PORTFOLIO NEARBY)....ANYONE AND EVERYONE IS A POSSIBLE assignment. Keep your expenses down and logical. Don't let the new exciting equipment tempt your financial resources. Use you equipment to the fullest capacity and do all this with faith in yourself always ready for critics and nay sayers.

Racmanaz Loc: Sunny Tucson!

Traveling with the families to record pictures of them and they are paying everything??? Hmmmm....sounds very risky unless you are very experienced in this field of Photography. I can just see the lawsuits coming for unsatisfied customers.

Dr Rae Loc: Sarasota Florida

You may consider becoming a sponsor for a Hiking or Outdoors Meet Up Group - that would get you into the 'club' and you can offer a special to members to get your name out there. meetup.com

Dr Rae Loc: Sarasota Florida

Here's a link to an article I read about it. http://www.learnvest.com/2012/07/money-mayhem-private-vacation-photographers-123/

jeryh Loc: Oxfordshire UK

Well, this is a nice idea, but it wouldn't roll in the UK unfortunately;there is an absolute abhorrence in the UK of taking pictures of children, under any circumstance, so much so, that photogs of all genres steer well clear of it. (either that, or risk getting nicked very swiftly, and your camera getting impounded, no matter how innocent you may be). Plus, if you managed to get a commission, you would be hard pushed to get any sort of payment, unless you wanted to wait for 6 months ! Its' bad enough for a wedding photographer, let alone anything else.

heyjoe Loc: cincinnati ohio

i would set up at the base of the climb or top,take a small printer,lap top with photo edit tool,on the spot photos,
you can set up any where like this,i know someone who set up at a flee market and took pics of children on pony ride
she did great.

skidooman Loc: Minnesota

People will spend their money on anything. Finding your niche' and making a real profit in todays saturated photographer world is the hard part. Of course you need to know what you are doing, and need to set yourself apart from the competion some way.

AdkHiker Loc: Northeast

I have also seen photographers (usually one with a creative 'in') at events taking photos then posting to a website. An 70 mile bicycle ride called 'IDIDARIDE' held by the Aditondack Mountain Club is one. He took photos of riders at strategic points along the route and of the gathering, ending, etc. his business card was included in the courtesy bag. I think do do this at an event you need an in... Perhaps taking photos for the clubs's magazine secured that.

I have often thought about doing what he asks I. The this topic and think it can work. I like the idea of setting up at a trailhead or summit and being available. Anyway in nature is good