E.L.. Shapiro Loc: Ottawa, Ontario Canada

Y'all are arguing about a style or a particular methodology- continuous vs. single shot. Both methods may be applicable but it depends on the photograher's abilities and the type of subject. An active 2-year old and 90- year old gentlemen may require different approaches. Some subjects require very precise posing, light and camera angle and some don't. Compare a portly executive posing for an annual report portal to a professional model, an athlete or a model. You might want a rapid-fire shoot for someone with fleeting expression or a "blinker" but often a person who incessantly blinks requires a more precise approach and gun and run won't work.

Fact is folks before you worry about this kinda thing, you gotta know BASICALLY what you are doing. The online tutorials presented by the experienced shooters are fine but many of those guys and glass are well versed in the basics and have developed a methodology and an accompanying marketing approach that works for them but you can bet that they learned the rudiments of lighting, posing and camera position long ago and just learned through experience, practice, and further study to refine and ACCELERATE the process at each session. If you don't have the basics down pat, running around with a camera like you are covering a basketball game, ain't gonna cut the aesthetics.

robertperry Loc: Sacramento, Ca.

Is there a professional photographers organization in your area? Becoming a member might require a business license. Well worth it to join. They are in the business of photography, not a hobby. Someone mentioned an organization with a magazine. That would be PPA ( Professional Photographers Of America). A national organization. You should start with a local organization. Contact photo studios in your area to see if they have one.

pocotoo

What a great guy to spend that much time and experience to help someone. Good On Ya.

Real Nikon Lover Loc: Simi Valley, CA

Start with a business license. Hang up your degree from an accredited graphics art institute of higher learning on the wall, and show us a photo of your studio. I figure about $50k should just about get you started in a small studio, in a very small town with no competition or even clients.

Getting a business off the ground in this economy (especially with cell phones everywhere), is like buying a hot dog cart and setting it on the sidewalk next to Wienerschnitzel.

pocotoo

You seem like a real compassionate dude. NOT!

ronf78155 Loc: Seguin Texas

First thing Id get would be several Illuminators by Westcott and stands for natural reflective lighting

rook2c4 Loc: Philadelphia, PA USA

I think it would be a good idea to first get a job as an assistant to an established, successful portrait photographer, and do that for a while... 2 or 3 years perhaps. Use the opportunity to learn the craft inside and out; not only concerning technique, but the business side as well. THEN start your own portrait photography business. You will have a much better chance at success.

Ava'sPapa Loc: Cheshire, Ct.

I have to agree with Real Nikon Lover here. I don't think he's being pessimistic, I think he's being realistic. With all due respect to Silverrails, this is like driving a Toyota Corolla at a NASCAR event. It's pretty hard to become a professional just because you want to. Does it seem possible to go "Pro" with a D3300 and an on-camera flash?
I'm with you, Real Nikon Lover.

Thomas902 Loc: Washington DC

User ID actually provided exceptional guidance...
"Get some practice as an assistant on a “dress properly, follow instructions, keep mouth shut” basis. Sufficient time as an assistant will answer all your questions."

This is my path into the industry... Also my membership in the ASMP was a constant source of paid gigs as a lighting assistant...

Sadly User ID's second remark on the aggregate value of UHH guidance is all to true...
"Or ..... you can listen to fellow Hogsters recommend focal lengths and maximum apertures .... cuz that is the grand total of their working “knowledge”."

UHH members by enlarge seemed to be convinced that "Photographic Excellence" is a consumer commodity.

Equipment mastery is a baseline for even considering shooting commercial...
Far more important is your love of working with people! and your communication skills...
The more successful entities in this genre are husband & wife teams...

btw, As a commercial bridal makeup artist I love working with people, especially young ladies and their maids of honor... That said my highest paying makeup gigs are in "Male Grooming" for CEO's and CFO's for their PR material...

Wishing you all the best Silverrails...
btw you have a very long journey ahead at this juncture...
Trust that this becomes your life long passion, otherwise you will likely fail...

Please stay safe... Always wear a mask while in public and practice social distancing...

Picture Taker Loc: Michigan Thumb

I see shooting at sports maybe shooting in bursts but I shoot rodeos and sone how( From film dates) can't shoot bursts. I am sure it may be better (I get my share of good shots) to shoot in bursts but I seem to lose the intensity I get shoot one shot at a squeeze. I may squeeze several time at a fall or some action.
I know the smart thing to do is bursts but it is not as challenging to me and I tend to relax and get sloppy.

E.L.. Shapiro Loc: Ottawa, Ontario Canada

This is going to be a rather lengthy "blog, or condensed book- or whatever you wanna call it. Read on if you are interested or, let it scroll away if you are not. I am taking time to write it because I have practiced professional portraiture for a very long time and would like to dispel some myths, misconceptions and rhetoric that usually surfaces in these conversations whenever the subject arises.

Firstly, portraiture is "people photograhy" so, your people skills and the ability to relate to folks in a kind, friendly, honest and professional manner is an attribute that is right on top of the list.

I know there are some foolhardy and gullible folks in the world, but I like to believe that most people are intelligent and sensible. I don't think that the average person is NOT going to "quit their day job", jeopardize their livelihood, and embark on a professional career they know very little about. I do feel, however, that some folks, tend to prioritize the wrong issue, such as thinking equipment is the main issue in master a skill.

I don't lie to discourage people from fulfilling their aspirations, but the truth is important. I don't like to see others discouraging people with all kinds of doom and gloom either. Some fol lie to say that portrait photograhy industry is dead or dying. I get the feeling they are writing that without actual statistics and intimate knowledge of the industry as it currently stands. Portrait photograhy is alive and well, but it ain't want it used to be. Like all other businesses, arts, sciences, trades, and skills, many things change with time, trends, markets, and technologies. Certain aspects of professional portraiture are traditional and some have changed radically. Markets and trends in various geographic locations, socioeconomic and cultural groups differ. This requires research and adjustments.

Then there is the actual work. PROFESSIONAL portrait photograhy is an art, science, skill, trade, craft or, whatever you want to call it or how you want to practice approach it. It requires know-how and a complement of basic skills. It is not rocket science, brain surgery, or nuclear physics but, make no mistake, it requires education. An actual academic course would be great but self-education is possible. It can't be learned and master overnight or in a short time with a bunch of quick tips or a series of online tutorials. There are professional seminars offered by major professional photographers' associations presented by workg professionals and accomplished masters. The good news is that in the United States and Canada, the national professional photograher's organizations cater to mostly portrait, wedding, and commercial photographers. The P.P.odA has a SCHOOL that offers many incredibly comprehensive seminars and courses. Google it- The Winona Internation School of Photograhy.

Thereis nothing wrong with books and online tutorials but you need to be able to separate the whet frm the chaff. Some are just online to promote equipment sales. Thereis no one book entitled "Portraits Photography for Fun and Profit" that will teach you everything you need to know. Toom nat fol are gettg int advance concepts without the basics.

I have previously mentioned that paying clients expect flattering portraits. Some folks may disagree and opine that a portrait should be realistic- have character, warts and all kinda things! OK, I can agree with that but there is an issue or a caveat. I am not saying that every portrait needs to be precisely posed, lighted and glamorized and God-forbid, stiff! A good portrait shod be a good likeness and not distorted. Many of the "portraits" I see because the photographer is not well versed in posing (body mechanics) and facial structure are indeed distorted. Not necessarily distortion from the wrong choice of focal lengh or distance but poor use of light and camera position that creates an unflattering caricature rater that a good likeness.

BUSINESS: I don't believe these ratios and percentages that professional photography is, for example, 75% business acumen and salesmanship and 25% skills. NONSENSE! it's gotta be 50/50. As I alluded to in my first paragraph, most people are not foolish or gullible, nor are mast fols sight-impaired. The basic foundation of a successful business is a good, viable, saleable, desirable, product accompanied by good service. People SEE good images in advertising and publications every day- they know the difference! And, if they don't know the difference, it is the professional's job to educate them. Folks do not want to spend their hard-earned money on sub-standard stuff or give it to people they don't like or trust.
Put yourself in the customer's shoes! Just read the equipment and gear posts all over this forum. Seems nobody wants to buy second-rate equipment! They do the research, ask ff certain dealers are reputable, question gray market and third-party goods, and complain bitterly if they feel they were disserviced or unfairly dealt with. They highly recommend reputable ad reliable dealers and suppliers. We are all "customers" and your potential customers require the same quality of product and service.

Learning, on-the-job from successful and established pros is WONDERFUL but rare. Sadly, nowadays there are few apprenticeships or assistant positions available. If you are serious and have this opportunity GRAB IT! "Dress properly and shut your mouth" kinda thing- well, this is 2021, you don't want to invite workplace abuse! If anyone asks you to "shut-up" go home and find another job. Common sed dictates that you need to dress appropriately in a business environment. On a typical week, I might find myself and my assistants at a "fancy" wedding, an executive office, or a dirty-messy job site or industrial location. We won't eat our tuxedos or business suits to an excavation or reinforced work pants with cargo-pockets. eye protection and a hard-hat to a wedding or a business office. An assistant, trainee or mentee, needs to have a good working relationship with his or her boss, trainer or mentor. Behaviour, in front of clients, is mostly common sense but it is good to set some ground rules in advance. I usually work with, at least one assistant, and often a crew. Truth is, clients are impressed with a smooth workg, upbeat, friendly and efficient team. On certain jobs, rookies are asked to observe carefully, even make notes and save questions for after the job. We always have a "debriefing session"- sometimes we eat and drink and go well into the night- no booze- just caffeine and sandwiches and goodies we shouldn't eat!

Real Nikon Lover Loc: Simi Valley, CA

Actually you know nothing about me and making assumptions. I am not only compassionate I am also fairly intuitive and intelligent. I do not make snap judgements on anyone especially online.

lowkick Loc: Connecticut

There have been some good replies here, and some not so good. Re-read the OP's post - "Please provide me with any upbuilding suggestions on Equipment and Teknique to pursue a successful ON LOCATION Portrait business."

He will have little overhead (no rent, utilities, etc.) and needs very limited equipment. His risk is small, most of it being time and effort. Yes, he needs some business acumen and photography skills, but if it doesn't work out, his risk is small. Many people bootstrap a business and he is to be commended for wanting to try, but he still should do everything in his power to make sure that his effort is rewarded, even if there is little to lose. Knowledge is power. It's also a valuable commodity.

I don't know his skill level, or his business capability. I don't know how much potential business or competition there is in his area. I strongly recommend that he takes a course in running a business and courses in portrait photography. I also suggest that he offers his services to a specific and limited clientele for free, or dirt cheap, to build both experience and a portfolio. Then, when he has experience, knowledge and product to show, it's the right time to look for paying clients.

You need a certain amount of luck to create a successful business, even if you are talented. But luck favors the well prepared and the better you know your trade and general business principles, the luckier you will be.

User ID

Reeeeeeeally ?
Opinions from the parrots ?!?!?!?
ROTFLMFAO !

Yeah, OK, entertain me. Recite their opinions. And make it GOOD.

Wallen Loc: Middle Earth

Getting off key here, please be lenient.

Answering questions, giving suggestion, comments or even off the hand information on a board like this is always a balancing act.
Say too little and in their mind they ask "is that all you got?". Explain in detail and rants of too long post will crop up.
Be specific and some would opine that their opposite way is better if not the best.
Some will read halfway then bomb away.
There are also those who will misinterpret the message. A good example is my post of "Shoot a lot/use continues" It is not single versus burst, rather to take many single shots or use burst. We need to take into context that the message is for someone that is not well versed yet.

The matter of fact is that questions can have many correct answers (and maybe twice that are wrong ones LOL). We are all speaking to the world. We are spread all over the globe and not everyone's main tongue is English. A little positivity and understanding what is meant will go a long way.

That aside, back to business.
Photography is "Know" & "Do".
It is more about experience and application more than anything else; What, how, where, when...

Can i drive in a nail with a rock? Sure.
In an emergency guys like so will shine but it wont give a good impression in a construction site.
Same goes for taking pictures. Will a D3300 take good photos? Of course it can, but a lot of "professional & dedicated" photographers will twist their mouths and sigh if you use that for work.

The OP's query, together with all the other questions he posted tell me 2 different ideas.
Forgive me i will be judgemental here;
He really is a beginner not the advanced amateur he claims to be,
or someone trolling as several of his posts are really about advanced knowledge and why ask of it as a beginner confounds me.
An example is the off camera flash. He claims to have 1 flash and wants to use it off-camera.
Off the camera flash is not a beginners technique. Many amateurs do not even know how & when to bounce the flash from their cameras. An advanced amateur on the other hand would know there are several ways to trigger an off-camera flash such as Cable, Photodiode slave & wireless hence will not ask the question nor the follow-ups he did.
Another is the black background with flash question. A beginner using flash at night will get plenty of images with a black background and a simple google/youtube search will quickly answer that so there is no need to bring it here.

With these in mind i choose to treat his query as i would a beginner. The gist being to use, master and learn what he has at hand and a few basic techniques to help his journey before wanting to step further.

to Silverrails, I do not mean to offend or belittle and ask for apologies if I've done so.
Everybody starts somewhere, even I many years ago and something I also learned is that:
"Chasm can not be crossed with little steps but a giant leap also means we need to have legs that can do so".
Master the gears that you have at hand and strengthen your legs. When you've reached their limits, you will have the answers and the power for that giant step beyond.