Jared Loc: Indiana

Hi, I've been into photography for a year or so, and I've done a little with it. I mostly have taken shots of wildlife and and city life, and have enjoyed that a lot. Lately though I've turned my attention to actually getting my name out there by doing my first photo shoot for a friend (free for it was my first shoot and was unsure about the results) and he told me that he loved them. I wanted to continue shoots for people like portraiture, or even more natural setting shoots, but I have no luck. I've been in a stalemate against any and all progression in photography andfeel that my results lately of wildlife are not as good as they used to be. I just was hoping fir some help that can push me in the right direction. If anyone knows how I could possibly arrange more photo sessions/shoots, I'd be very appreciative. And if you would just like to share your stories of how you became successful, how you hope to one day be as a photographer, or how you find ways to improve yourself
Thank you very much for reading this, and thank you to all who reply
-Jared

larrycumba

Are you looking for practice or money making gigs? Would you be willing to accept some practice gigs to enhance your style and skill at your own cost?

Jared Loc: Indiana

I would certainly accept practice or anything to improve. At my cost or others cost, for now it makes no difference. I do have a goal that by the end of the year I can begin setting up shoots for my profit but I need a way to get there first.

Another thing I was meaning to mention earlier, on that list of things for help, I was wondering if anybody worked for a photographer or company first, and then progressed further on from there.

GoofyNewfie Loc: Kansas City

I worked for 15 years as a university photographer and thought I knew a lot. Got married and moved to a different state. I found an internship at a very successful commercial studio (sometimes paid). The education was priceless. I was hired on as an assistant before I went out on my own. The more you learn the more there is to know.

I'm back at a university again, but with a lot more knowledge. I don't have to go find clients, I have paid medical insurance, provided with great eqiupment, software is dirt cheap and have regular hours. I do some freelance on the side. I really enjoy it!

Jared Loc: Indiana

That sounds like a dream job to me!

Festina Lente Loc: Florida & Missouri

Have you joined a local camera club or participated in a Photography meetup group?

Both are good ways to network and get connected to possible events and opportunities.
Several professionals that i know volunteered their services to cover charity events and some of their images were subsequently published with their name in the credits. Great free publicity!!

Also, check out a recently posted resource on this subject here on UHH: http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-40780-1.html

jtipps Loc: Dallas

I also became very interested in portraits and about wore out my freinds and family but the experience was great. There is a huge amount of help online for lighting, posing, etc. I use speedlights and like them very much and they are cheaper than studio lights. I feel like I have progressed a lot and the results are very nice but still would feel uncomfortable charging at this point but that is just me. Good luck and have fun.

silver Loc: Santa Monica Ca.

One year does not make a professional photographer. becoming a photographer takes training and patience. being honest here you have to hone your skills and learn how to "be" a professional photographer. Just buying a camera and doing a little shooting is not the way to learn. There are good books and I am sure that there are some places where you can take some classes and meet other people that are doing the same thing. If you want to become a brain surgeon you dont just go out and buy a scalpel and put an ad in the newspaper. You go to school and learn how to do brain surgery. Photography is the same way. just because you buy a camera it doesnt make you a professional photographer. Photography is the most difficult business to make money at but there are many peripheral parts to photography where it can be easier succeed. I have been a photographer for 35 years and I do many things in addition to photography. I shoot jewelry, people, products and I also teach photography and I am also a custom digital printer and digital system installer. I do many things. I also sell B&W silver art prints and I also sell digital art prints. Also I own a pro B&W lab where I do custom B&W traditional silver exhibition printing. I love what I do and it didnt happen over night. It took a few years to get in the groove so to speak. Dont be turned off to becoming a photographer, just look at the realities of the situation. Learn as much as you can and remember that everybody with a camera these days considers themselves a professional so you have a lot of competition out there. If you truly want to pursue becoming a photographer it will take some work and time on your side. Specialize in one thing and do it well.

Kaerynn

Find a store that will take local advertising. As a GIVE A WAY guarantee 5 free photos or their dog, kid, house, whatever if they pay a minimum hourly and materials fee. You can fix before and after pics. Do layout pages for real estate companies, talk to the local hospital and barber shop for a baby's first picture or haircut. Talk to your city parks and rep and ask them for a badge that says "Official -YOUR CITY- photographer and have them advertise your services in their next city event! Talk to local pastors and have them call you when they sign up a wedding- your could be the official church wedding, baptismal, confirmation etc., photographer. A small finders fee will also make them happy. The world is your oyster when you own a camera!

Jared Loc: Indiana

Im sorry if it came off that I think I am a professional, I certainly by any stretch of the imagination am not a professional. I was just asking for help on making the next step out of just a hobby, and one day being a professional.

Jer Loc: Mesa, Arizona

I couldn't agree more.
First, to be successful you need an excellent portfolio. That could take you awhile to build. You won't do it in a day, or a month, or several months.
Secondly, learn the craft. The difference between a great photography and a snapshot can be very small. One tip can make the difference.
Third, Practice...... shoot different photos under different conditions. Give yourself an assignment... like to take 20 unique photos of the same object. Come back in a month and see if you still like them as much.
Forth, get professionals to critique your photos. Yes, amatures may be your target market but a pro can also give you photographic tips and ideas to improve.
Fifth, don't quit your day job. Photographers are dropping in numbers because of the point and shoot photographers. You will hear this a million times: "anyone with camera thinks they are a pro".
Sixth, practice. Become comfortable with with your equipment, so it is an extention of yourself. Feel comfortable with the relationship between F/stops, shutter speeds, focal length, iso's.
Seventh, good luck.

digiman Loc: Brooklyn, NY/Greenville, SC

Hey Jared,

Be confident in what you do and go for it. If you want to promote yourself get some business cards and hand them out. If you have a chance, check out my site at sephotography.vpweb.com. Once you get a portfolio of portraits together put them on a website that you can build and promote. If people like what you do, word of mouth will speak volumes. It will take a little effort and time, but keep with it. When you go to my site and you want to talk give me a call. I'd be more than happy to help you out.

Jared Loc: Indiana

Thanks you, this was the kind of help I was hoping for.

Dun1 Loc: Atlanta, GA

One suggestion you might try is search for photographers in your area that shoot the subject you like to shoot. You might try asking them to mentor your, or you might offer to assist them in return for being able to pick their brain for experience.
Take a look at others photos of the subjects you like to shoot. Read everything you can get your hands on that pertains to shooting not only your intended subjects, go to Barnes and Noble and take a look at the magazines that are available. You can look at them and decide if there is anything of learning value that you can glean while you are in the store. If you do find something of value you might want to consider purchasing the mag and decide if you want to subscribe.
Shoot you butt off and upload some of your work, most of the time you will get some good advice. The most stupid question, ask it the people around you probably wanted the answer but thought it was too stupid to ask.
Good luck

silver Loc: Santa Monica Ca.

These are all good suggestions but you are forgetting one thing. Someone that has had a camera for a year and used it occasionally is no where near a professional photographer. There is much to be learned. It would be a good thing to go out and shoot some jobs but with no experience the results could be a disaster. A much better suggestion would be to go to a modeling school and offer free testing of models in exchange for prints. People going into modeling need pictures and they are willing to work for prints so they can build a portfolio. The experience woking with models for a beginning photographer is really good. learning lighting and posing are basic necessities of becoming a good photographer and there will be the opportunity to work with people of different ages. learn something first and then look for jobs but do not quit your job if you have one.