ebrunner Loc: New Jersey Shore

I would love to make some money at photography and am endeavoring to do just that. I do realize that it is a very steep uphill battle. I am definitely not quitting my day job. Here is an excerpt I found in a book on making money at photography. The book is titled "Profitable Photography". This is a quote from the book: "...to make a living taking stunning photographs, you have to be more than just a good photographer. You also have to be a competent businessperson. In spite of photography's perceived promises of liberation from the drudgery of the business world, there is no escape: profitable photography is business." We both, it seems, have lots to learn about this endeavor, but,hey, nothing ventured, nothing gained. Good luck I hope you are a success.

ebrunner Loc: New Jersey Shore

I would love to make some money at photography and am endeavoring to do just that. I do realize that it is a very steep uphill battle. I am definitely not quitting my day job. Here is an excerpt I found in a book on making money at photography. The book is titled "Profitable Photography". This is a quote from the book: "...to make a living taking stunning photographs, you have to be more than just a good photographer. You also have to be a competent businessperson. In spite of photography's perceived promises of liberation from the drudgery of the business world, there is no escape: profitable photography is business." We both, it seems, have lots to learn about this endeavor, but,hey, nothing ventured, nothing gained. Good luck I hope you are a success.

Chris42 Loc: Jeffersonville,PA

It's true, there is truly a lot of snobbery regarding equipment but that shouldn't dictate what one gets. The fact is that a good photographer takes good shots whether he or she is using a Rebel or a 1D (I'm a Canon shooter so that's my point of reference. And I am not knocking Rebels either. I got a lot of great shots with my old XSi) But the type of shots someone takes will play a big part of the type of equipment that they will need. For example not everyone "needs" a full frame camera yet some "experts" consider anything but a full frame camera as not being a professional camera. I have never heard anyone say to anyone else "What a beautiful shot! You must have a great camera!" What matters is knowing what your needs are and what equipment meets those needs. If you don't intend to do macro photography, you don't need a macro lens. And if you do want to do some macro shooting, then a good regular lens with an extension tube may be all you need.

Others have pointed out how important the business side is and like any business, you need to have a clear idea as to what your goals are. The paths to modeling photography versus architectural photography are vastly different.

If you are experienced in computer art, you can use photography as another tool. In this case the shot is part of a larger process instead of an end to itself.

I don't know how many members here belong to local photography groups that meet in RL but I assume many do. I belong to Meetup Photography groups located in Philadelphia, New York, Baltimore and Washington DC. These groups have led me to meet a lot of very successful and influential people in the field. (Not to mention getting some great discounts on equipment since these groups are often sponsored by vendors)

Chris42 Loc: Jeffersonville,PA

When I started to switch over into modeling photography which was only a bit over a year ago, I decided to bite the bullet and hire them. I figured I'd learn from them as I developed my comfort level till I reached a point where I could comfortably work with less experienced models for trade first and then to work with models where I got compensated.

I've sold prints that have been mounted but I was advised to not actually frame my work since that is a very personal choice that many buyers prefer to make themselves. I do have some that have framed nonetheless but it just adds to my costs. I'd rather use that money for another stand or modifier!

pounder35 Loc: "Southeast of Disorder"

Steady income is the important thing. Everything else should fall into place. Well maybe. :roll:

Sherman Loc: Lancashire; England

Become a member of the BFP (Bureau of Freelance Photographers). They will send you market news letters of who's looking for what in pictures. Also when you have become a member they will send you a market handbook.
If you are in America I don't know wether you can join. I am a member and do very well selling my pictures.

Stanley Fleming Loc: Maine/Florida

Sherman, the bottom line is - have they actually helped you make $$ from your photos?

Sherman Loc: Lancashire; England

They don't help you at all you have to help your self. They give you all the information you need to know on who is looking for pictures. Here is a bit of a round up of the market needs this month. Magazines in this months news letter. The Dalesman, Architecture Today, You and Your Dog, Classic Boat, Your Home, Financial <anagement, Meed and the list goes on. I have a book The Freelance Photographer's Market Handbook, 211 pages full of address'es And email address's of firms who want photoes. Have you thought of putting your pictures into a stock company who sell your pictures for you and you just sit back and wait for the cheque to come through the door. Of course you only get a percentage, may be 30% or 40%.

Sherman Loc: Lancashire; England

They don't help you at all you have to help your self. They give you all the information you need to know on who is looking for pictures. Here is a bit of a round up of the market needs this month. Magazines in this months news letter. The Dalesman, Architecture Today, You and Your Dog, Classic Boat, Your Home, Financial <anagement, Meed and the list goes on. I have a book The Freelance Photographer's Market Handbook, 211 pages full of address'es And email address's of firms who want photoes. Have you thought of putting your pictures into a stock company who sell your pictures for you and you just sit back and wait for the cheque to come through the door. Of course you only get a percentage, may be 30% or 40%.

Shutter Bugger

We are wasting our time and energy answering this raysailors post. I received a PM from the goomer.

He wrote:

"I have had a successful photo business for a little over 20 years."

Any guesses as to why he didn't say that in his OP?

pounder35 Loc: "Southeast of Disorder"

Curious to see what answers would come up. A little research into how successful photographers will respond to someone just starting out. Seeing how many smartasses are out there. (plenty) :roll: :lol:

Annie_Girl Loc: It's none of your business

ummm sure he does... lmao. If he has been running a "successful Photo business" for just over 20 years he wouldn't have been asking "how do I make a buck" because he already would have known the answer.

pounder35 Loc: "Southeast of Disorder"

The word "had" is a clue. Past tense. The business is now unsuccessful and he can't figure out what screwed up after 20 years. :lol:

Larrie Loc: NE Ohio

Then your alternative is to write books about it

Larrie Loc: NE Ohio

I went back and read the original post and it sounds like "Wedding photography" is no longer lucrative. As discussed here many times thanks to Sams, Costco and Best Buy the market is being flooded with low end prosumer lenses and bodies. Every Uncle George and Aunt Harriet now can "look like" the pro that shows up at weddings. The enormous costs of weddings are forcing couples to either look at alternatives to hiring a pro or trying to "welsh out" on a contract when the bill comes due. Now the gal or guy at work that takes great pictures of flowers or their pets are getting asked to do a wedding as a favor. OK so the OP is looking for other ways to stay in business and didn't feel the need to tell his life story .