Ree

Hello everyone, my name is Ree and in the nx few weeks I'm going to investing in a Canon or Nikon. I've been researching these 2 cameras for a couple of years now. I want to start a new career in photography. Eventually I would like to concentrate on family portraits, graduations and babies. But to generate some income as quickly as possible what type of photographs should I be looking to do right off the rip. My husband just retired as cop after 25 years of service and this is something I have been interested in for quite while and think it could really be a fantastic source of income, it is the one business our neighborhood doesn't have and it's very family oriented. Very excited to get you alls feedback!

uppics Loc: rockford, il, usa

[quote=Ree]Hello everyone, my name is Ree and in the nx few weeks I'm going to investing in a Canon or Nikon. I've been researching these 2 cameras for a couple of years now. I want to start a new career in photography. Eventually I would like to concentrate on family portraits, graduations and babies. But to generate some income as quickly as possible what type of photographs should I be looking to do right off the rip. My husband just retired as cop after 25 years of service and this is something I have been interested in for quite while and think it could really be a fantastic source of income, it is the one business our neighborhood doesn't have and it's very family oriented. Very excited to get you alls feedback![/quote

thank your husband for his service. i also work in law enforcement as a c o in a juvenile detention center. i have 26 yrs. in and am going to hang out for 30, as the pension w/b bigger. can't give you much advice on equipment for a photography business, but you did come to the right forum.

gdewey Loc: Robertsdale, Alabama

I hope that love of photography enters into it somewhere, because if not, it becomes work, and sometimes exasperating, and often tedious. I never use the on camera flash since it is on the same axis as the lens, so consider a speed light in addition to your camera of choice to prevent shadows, even when shooting outdoors. Also a stand, umbrella, and triggers. (I use pocket wizards). I wish you much success.

sb Loc: Florida's East Coast

It is a particularly hard time to get into photography as a career or even part-time income generator because everyone has a camera and everyone thinks they are a photographer. And there is no respect for good photography - it is a fact that if you display a great photograph the most common response is: "You must have a really good camera". Find a niche (law enforcement?) and find a way to have fun with it - that would be my advice.

uppics Loc: rockford, il, usa

[quote=uppics][quote=Ree]Hello everyone, my name is Ree and in the nx few weeks I'm going to investing in a Canon or Nikon. I've been researching these 2 cameras for a couple of years now. I want to start a new career in photography. Eventually I would like to concentrate on family portraits, graduations and babies. But to generate some income as quickly as possible what type of photographs should I be looking to do right off the rip. My husband just retired as cop after 25 years of service and this is something I have been interested in for quite while and think it could really be a fantastic source of income, it is the one business our neighborhood doesn't have and it's very family oriented. Very excited to get you alls feedback![/quote

thank your husband for his service. i also work in law enforcement as a c o in a juvenile detention center. i have 26 yrs. in and am going to hang out for 30, as the pension w/b bigger. can't give you much advice on equipment for a photography business, but you did come to the right forum.[/quote]

just one more comment: talk to home based photographers, attend craft shows and submit photograhs in craft shows, submit photographs to local neighborhood news letters & contests. put yourself out there. what is the worst that can happen? no one will pay attention to your work; but you will have had fun and countless experiences about which others will only dream.

Ree

Thank you for the encouragement I will definitely be following up on your advice.

Db7423 Loc: Pittsburgh, PA

Welcome to the Hog, Ree and good luck with your new venture. ;)

Ree

Thank u I'm going to research this right now!

Mr PC Loc: Austin, TX

Welcome. I'm a computer guy and started my business 20 years ago because I love new gadgets and I like people. Some people can get you down and there are days it is tedious, as someone else mentioned. Great advice has already been given to make sure you love what you are going to be doing, it helps you get through the rough patches when inspiration is hard to find and the world is beating you down. You may end up doing your new vocation more than sleeping or being with your family and friends. If you love it, it won't be work at all... Good luck.

Blaster6 Loc: Central PA

Just like sb said, the type of photography you want to do is the same type of photography everyone thinks they can do so nobody is going to value your work and you will find it hard to make more income than you will be spending on equipment. If you know anyone who doesn't even have professional camera equipment yet and plans on setting up a studio and going pro then you know what I am saying is true. Get a camera and start taking photos of everything and find your niche. Go everywhere with your camera and take pictures with your camera. If everyone else there is taking photos then there is interest but you have to do something they aren't doing. Try to find something someone else can't or won't do.

You may go to the high school football game and see everyone taking photos. Don't be like them. Can you spend a few thousand more on better equipment and develop the skill to get the shots they never could? That is your niche. Now the question is will anyone pay for your shots or will they expect them for free? Maybe they would like you to pay to host "proofs" online and they will buy the ones they like, but maybe they will just copy them for free?

If you are going the portrait studio route prepare to spend thousands and devote a large space to it to compete with what everyone else can do at home. You will need props and all those other things a hobbyist wouldn't invest in to set yourself apart.

gdewey Loc: Robertsdale, Alabama

Wedding are a whole other story. There is room for lawsuits if it doesn't go as planned, since it is a one time occurance. Extra everything, because if one camera doesn't work correctly, or fails all together, Grab the backup. The friends I have utilize two photographers for the entire day.... They use a very detailed contract, leaving nothing to chance or a handshake. As more and more enter into photography, they find the price is constantly being haggled over. I'm certainly not trying to be negative, just want to mention the liabilities should you consider weddings.... I would reiterate the point made repeatedly.... shoot, shoot, shoot. Learn your camera and get comfortable with buttons and dials, avoiding the "green A".

HEART Loc: God's Country - COLORADO

A good friend began her business 10 years ago in Phoenix. This is her website. Has been extremely successful:

http://lifethroughalensphoto.com/

Continued success!

Ree

Many thanks, I'm sure those years went fast!

creativ simon Loc: Coulsdon, South London

Welcome and enjoy

JoeB Loc: Mohawk Valley, NY

Hello Ree and welcome to UHH.