Papa Joe Loc: Midwest U.S.

Sounds like pretty solid advice Sailor - I agree!

UP-2-IT Loc: RED STICK, LA

Like Steve that was my first thought. What WE all forget from time to time is that this forum is world wide it draws folks from all over the world. Obviously Dandekarv has been fortunate enough to migrate to our shores, this is based on his use of English. I don't think any of us intended for our remarks to be spiteful or disengaging in any way. As The Captain explained, to often someone with absolutely no knowledge of the time and experience that is required to reach even a medicore level of expertise think that okay, I bought a camera now I can go out and make some money. They not only do themselves a disservice but they also make it more difficult for those of you that have gone thru the hours and frustration necessary to be successful.

jimberton Loc: Michigan's Upper Peninsula

ok...so if we go to the library and book store...just what exactly is ok to ask on this forum? what exactly is this forum for? if we go get all our answers elsewhere...what's the point of this forum?

I have asked a few questions and have been nailed to the wall. I have thick skin, but I find it much easier to just not ask a question.

maybe we should have a posted guide listing all the questions we are allowed to ask?

don't you think some join this forum just for the comradery or meet up with some new friends?

i am not knocking the OP or theCaptain or anyone.

guess I would just like to find out what the purpose of having a friendly forum like this one is.

there's not a question asked that cannot be answered by going to library, or the bookstore, or youtube. a forum is supposed to make it personal, I guess.

Wheezie

If you are not, totally" prepared in the field of photography, you may be doing yourself more harm than good. I am talking knowing your equipment, your strengths & your weaknesses, and being prepared mentally, physically & psychologically!!!
If your photographic endeavor is not acceptable to your client word will get out really fast and the career you want to grow will suddenly result into a downward spiral.

And it's not just your competency with a camera, but how your interact with your client!

Does everyone here like praises as to their work even though it's clearly just a snapshot? Sure you do! BUT will you learn anything from what you are doing wrong if someone dosen't step up and tell you? Every one likes their ego stroked! If you truly want to get into this business your "ego" has to take a back seat.

There are many of us here that have been on the photographic journey for many years. I can tell you from personal experience that there is a lot more to this to be successful than meets the eye!

I don't want to scare anyone off but what you put into this business you'll get out of it! There are many resources available to you.

The last thing that I want to see is someone getting into a situation that they can't handle. I've had camera's malfunction, a hall that got struck by lightning and all the power went out for the entire reception, I broke my foot at a wedding....so you see it's not all kittens & puppies, (and yes I made it through the rest of the wedding with a broken foot!) Adrenalin kicks in and you can do it, you have to because they are depending on you!!!!!

Good Luck

Bill gomberg

A brain locator , fairly sharp knives , a mop and old oaken bucket , shovel , orange crate with food processor ( the better to mince the remains so they'll fit in the orange crate ! And a mumbled of the cloth for the singing of "So long ,it's been so good to know ya . )

Old Boots Loc: Caldwell Co., Texas

Me too!

Wheezie

The written word and the spoken word are two different things>

When you send an email the recipient dosen't know the "tone" in which it was typed and sent. When someone calls, you hear the tone and feel the emotion.
Therefore when someone sends a response on a thread YOU and everyone else reading the thread may have a different interpretations . I interpret it as something else entirely. We know what the message said but do not know the tone in which it was written, therefore assumptions can be made reading between the lines.

wilsondl2 Loc: Lincoln, Nebraska

I think the Captain and Annie girl have a hard time recognizing that there is a place for all kinds of folks who take pictures of people for money. They are "Carriage Trade" photographers and I suspect that a setting that brings in less than $500 is not very profitable. Charles J. Lewis is a master at marketing this type of settings. I would recommend anyone who wants to be a pro join his "Inner Circle" and learn some marketing. When I called to quit getting his material he asked why? I told him I liked to take pictures that working class people could afford and thanked him for the information I got from him. He told me that photographers are needed by all and it was good that there were those that worked for less money. You do not have to have years and years of experience to make money at photography. And you can take pictures people will be gald to pay you for.

Store shooters have always fascinated me. I have watched and talked to two in the last week. One was at Wallmart. She was a trainer for several stores. She trained a new employee in a week. Even though the did not know about the lighting (just a few changes taught in a few hours) or camera settings (always the same) They learned how to get expression. Learned group posing that looked good. etc. And how to sell. Mostly how to sale. She said she would much rather hire someone that was good with people than one that was a good photographer. Easy to train how to take the pics than how to be good with people.
The 2nd did Vintage type photos. With his permission I watched for a couple of hours. WOW In 20 min he could have them pick clothing, get dressed, and take the family, mom and dad together, kids together, then each kid. From this $20 special the averaged $163 per setting. Both these shooters used very basic lighting far from artistic. But they did make money.

What I am saying is that someone can get a camera with their tax refund. Get lighting or a reflector. Decide on a specific type of Portraiture they want to do get a good mentor or good book or study on the net, get some models, practice a day, start taking pictures. Then you can work hard and expand your repertoire. I would also suggested what I have always done tell them that "If you don't love the pictures I will reshoot do them are give your money back." I have done a few reshoots and was gald to get the chance. Only gave the money back once in 45 years.

Just do it. - Dave

emmons267 Loc: Arizona, Valley of the Sun

Ok, now you've crossed the line with this statement -"...Captain, must commend you for your ability to handle such posts with restraint". Let me know if I'm wrong, but the last time I checked, this wasn't the Captains Forum. What makes anyone think that the captain, or any other member of this forum is the judge and jury of what questions are correct, proper, etc. If this is the case, let me know because I'll be gone in a minute. For those of you that seem to need validation and confirmation that you've put in a lot of hard work as a photographer, I suggest you look elsewehere for that support. This is a public, not private, forum. Please treat it as such and try and eliminate your insecurities and personal feelings.

Happy Trails

David Kay Loc: Arlington Heights IL

Truly agree. If they want information they can start taking classes and going to school. Then when they complete a few years of classes they can start getting some experience before they start thinking that they are in business.

Georgia Peddler Loc: Brunswick, GA

Like I said before, I think they intentially spout these thoughts knowing full-well that they will incite UHHoggers to responde as has been the case today. Come on people, separate fact from inciteful fiction before entering the fray.

UP-2-IT Loc: RED STICK, LA

I think perhaps the question is simply redundant and assumptive, after a while the question gets rather old.

Georgia Peddler Loc: Brunswick, GA

So you think that to ask how to open, run and be instantly successfull in a photographic studio operation is a reasonable question for a "Newbie with absolutely no previous experience" who might just have a newly opened camera box to breach on this forum?

OddJobber Loc: Portland, OR

You might take a closer look at who's inventing inciteful fiction to defend a point. I didn't read anything like that in the original post.

nanabanana8908

My best suggestion is to start of by knowing the settings on your camera. This can be learned by reading the instruction manual or taking various photography courses. Lighting will also be key in taking nice pictures. This too can be learned by taking various courses. Props can be found virtually anywhere and can be innexpensive. Check second hand stores, flea markets and also rummage sales. As far as photography courses go, if you are interested in a degree than Art Institute of Pennsylvania is a good way to go. If all you want is something with a few hints and tips, then backdropoutlet.com has some really good programs to help understand.