Ugly Hedgehog Newsletter

I would like to start photography professionally. I would like to know what would be the proper type of camera for professional photos. and some tips on everything about learning to use camera, tips on how to take pictures.

Vera

debband

I am also a beginner. I think you are starting in the right direction by joining a photography discussion. Join all the ones you can and read, read, read..If you do not understand, read again. Then ask questions.
What do you want to do with your photographs? If you are interested in selling them, like everyone else, then I think the starting place is stock photography..Start there first...It is a commercial application. Boy, have I learned a lot on there. It is very hard to get excepted, and then to have them sell. You will learn all the rules and regulations on what you can take a photo of. A photographer needs to know the basic rules and this will be a challenge for you. (I am not very good, so it is a lot of hard work). You will not get rich quick..
I still take photos of things I enjoy, just because it is why I started in the first place.
My camera is a 4 year old digital, which is out of date, in today standards, but it is the learning I am trying to do first. I will save for a camera later..just because you have the fanciest camera, it will not make a fantastic photo..you got to work at it. If your photos are good now, just think what they will be in another year if you get the camera that everyone says is the greatest..
I did not realize that the digital camera is just like the computer..gets outdated really fast.
Also you need to learn some photo software applications. There are free ones and there are expensive ones..You have to practice on something so start the card stocks first.
Good luck.
:thumbup:

milhouse Loc: Pacific Islands

Go to school. Community College is affordable. Learning photography is not like learning how to bake a cake. There are so many things you need to study and understand. Learn to use the camera. Any camera. Can you change the settings? Do you know the rule of three's? Do you know how to pose people?
Lighting is very important. You have to know when to use the flash, and at what setting? Do you understand f/stop, ISO, aperture and shutter priority, matrix, exposure compensation? (just to name a few basics).
You cannot just grab a camera and start becoming a professional photographer. You need to study, read, practice shooting lots of pictures everyday. It's an ongoing learning experience. If you're serious and have a good 'eye' it might take you a few years. Good luck!

Toni

I have started my own photography business on the side. I have an associates degree in applied science - graphic art. My biggest battle is getting a black background to block out distraction. I have a Canon TSi SLR. Can you offer any suggestions?

vburks11

I am also a beginner. I have submitted a lot of pictures to a couple of stock photography sites..OMG they are tough, but it has showed me a lot of things that I was missing. Didn't realize how out of focus or overexposed etc. my photos were..I still haven't been excepted but I keep pluggin along, and hopefully will get one in..Good luck..I know I sure need it..

photosbyhenry Loc: Apple Valley MN

I started selling my photos "out of the box". I set up at few Farmer's Markets and then some small town festivals and art fairs. I went with a rural theme with old barns and farm animals. It's hard work but is paying off for me in the 2nd year of doing this.

charles brown Loc: Tennesse

Vera:

You need to visit your library and book store, many books available on starting a professional photography business. Take some classes. And by the way, there really are two issues involved. First. learning the craft of photography. This may and most likely will take several years. Next is learning how to run a successful business. There are a lot of excellent photographers who failed on the business end. And understand that for every successful professional making a living at what they do there are dozens who can't make a living despite being extremely proficient. Given the simplicity of your questions it is obvious you need to do a lot more work before even making a camera purchase. I wish you luck and keep us posted as you make the journey.

LoneRangeFinder Loc: Left field

I use a piece of black velvet fabric. I used to photograph glass and jewelry when I was shooting film. I don't have any digitized images from that era-- but I could post one of my Calla Lily shots, if you wish. (You can also see it in the Critique & Analysis section of UHH. )

Do you have a JoAnn's in your area? They sell about any fabric available.

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

11, I have friends that make over $25k per year with stock.
When they first started, their acceptance was very hit and miss, so they both went through a two year professional college program. It wasn't untill then that they were able to start selling stock.

So, it's not enough to, "just GET one in". If you can't sell them, what's the point?

So, for both you and Vera, I suggest you go to school, as Millhouse suggested. You can't learn in 20 years on the street, what you learn in two years in school.
Good luck to both of you.
SS

LoneRangeFinder Loc: Left field

Concur. And check the prices and what rights are sold by stock agencies as a buyer. It takes way more than "getting one in".

As for how tough they are, there is a correlation between the "great photo" comments handing out by well meaning friends and a general inability to self-critique. My "wake-up" call was a Bryan Peterson Field-trip/Seminar back before he became famous.... I came to realize, that my slides just weren't that good.

If an image has soft focus, average lighting, poor composition, it has zero chance of acceptance by a stock agency-- unless it's a one-of-a-kind image that is news-worthy. Think the Zapruder 8mm film footage of the JFK assassination.....

There are careers in photography, it's just that the stock sales are tough to make a living wage at....

I, too, think school is a great option....