Larrie Loc: NE Ohio

I believe the OP stopped reading his replies when posters suggested taking formal training in both photography and operating a small business. There is a lot to learn and accomplish between buying a Pro camera and hanging out a shingle.
>I have Canon 7D camera with two lenses Canon EF-S 18-200mm >and Canon 50mm 1:18 II. What can I do with this and what >else is necessary to buy from start?
The 7D will serve him well for sports events senior pictures, proms, kid and pet portraits and corporate gatherings. It should even do well in the studio. For even a budget wedding a 1 or 5D backed up by the 7D is recommended. His current lenses are good for family, friends and get tog ethers and will serve well for "I was here" travel pics but are totally inadequate for the sharpness and rigors of professional use. The build quality and speed just isn't there in a kit lense. The next requirement are speedlites, lots of them and knowing how to use them.
My suggestion for the OP would be spend the next 10-20 years learning your equipment and craft. Become a second shooter for a pro to gain experience in weddings, studio and on sight shoots. Do a few budget weddings on your own. Learn how to manage a business. Take lots of pics and post them for sale on the commercial marketing sites. Develop a clientèle list and local recognition. Whatever you do don't quit your day job. By this time you can retire and try to supplement your retirement with income from your photographic endeavors

CaptainC Loc: Colorado, south of Denver

Oh, I did not think you were. And I really DO agree with you. If he has all those things (enough cash being the least likely) then why not?

paatashb Loc: Philadelphia

Thanks to everybody who took effort and shared opinion and advise. I knew it was not easy to achieve final goal, but I am very stubborn person, I will go to school to learn photography and how to run small business. I will practice a lot and when I realize that I am good at it, then I will open my studio, even if it takes several years of my life.

CaptainC Loc: Colorado, south of Denver

Good luck. It WILL tale several years. I cannot stress enough the advantages that accrue from joining both amateur organizations (camera clubs) and professional organizations like PPA and PPA state chapters.
After year or two when you have gained some basic experience, attend some multi-day workshops on portrait photography. Unless you are good at posing and lighting, you do not stand a chance. Forget all this crap about being a one of the "on-location, natural light, lifestyle photographers." You need ALL the skills of the craft. You cannot just throw folks out in the sun and hope they do something worth shooting.
When buying "stuff," do not buy cheap. Save up for the professional grade of whatever it is as it needs to last and survive being beat up in daily use.

catcher T Loc: Detroit

your absolutely right in your perspective! I have a friend, she is old enough to know better or at least should, she has no degree, no training in anything, kids just became grown and she says to me, im going to get a job at the police department and be their investigator, at first I sat quite waiting for the punch line, then I said are you serious, yes she says, I said it just doesn't work that way, I explained about school and the academy and how the officers all want to be investigators (or most) and that you can't just walk in and do it, she ended up being mad at me telling me that I think I know everything. so, I say to you your right, there isn't one job out there that dosen't require practice and or schooling, same goes for photography but I think people might think its more touchable because no one can stop you, theres no test, no school(if you don't want to) its one of those careers that there isnt anyone to answer to, except a reputation and customers but that comes later. i agree, to just send someone willy nilly on a pipe dream with no experience, nothing to go on is kind of mean.

paatashb Loc: Philadelphia

You are right, 2 maybe 4 %, but there is nothing man can do if has a will and desire.
I am not a dumb, I understand that nothing comes ease, if you want to build successful business, you have to spend time, money and energy, and even these are not enough, sometimes.

Larrie Loc: NE Ohio

One last recommendation. Get the series of books (four to date) of "The Digital Photography Book" by Scott Kelby. i n all volumes he takes you through understandable tips and tricks to get the best shots in all matters of photography including weddings, posing models and subjects, various lighting techniques and flash. Start with volume one since he covers a very broad range of subjects including how to sell your photos as "stock photography". This is how he makes a good living besides selling books. Though he has to travel the far reaches of the globe to shoot his stock you live in a ideal location being close to many venues of interest in Philadelphia, Lancaster, York and Gettysburg to name a few. You won't need to invest in a equipped studio in a prime location but will need a good stable of lenses, lots of speed lights with stands and reflectors, a good tripod and most importantly a good eye for subject, light and composure. The "eye" can be in a person naturally but usually needs to developed with time and experience. In many cases it never develops. Your success in providing stock photos and getting sales will be an indicator of your drive and abilities. If your succesful in stock you may be able to finance your ultimate goal or at least a few trips to exotic places for more and better stock.

Smeckatella Loc: Lilburn, GA

You want a course you can study at your own pace then consider The New York Institute of Photography. They have an excellent program.

http://www.nyip.com/

travlnman46 Loc: Yakima WA

Hi again paatashb: Way to go!! Hang in there and you can do it... I've been self employed for for 24 years... If something goes wrong, I take the blame, if I goof off the boss knows it, I work for one of the most demamding bosses I've ever worked for, myself. There is no fooling him, no lying to him, If I do a great job he knows it if I do a crappy job he knows it. So as a result I try to do the best job possible. As a result his customers are happy and that makes him happy... Don't anyone discourage you because if you really want it you can do it. Several members here have recommended "The New Your Institute of Photography" they have a great reputation. Keep us posted on your progress.

Festina Lente Loc: Florida & Missouri

Hear hear! :thumbup: :thumbup:

dspoon2 Loc: Rockwall TX

Judy...I did the same thing...back to school at 44 and you are so right...I was learning because I really WANTED to learn and start a second career...I am now one of the senior Respiratory Therapy instructors at our school and have since started my small photography business..it is that desire to learn that will keep you focused, sir. I wish you all the very best.

sailorsmom Loc: Souderton, PA

One other suggestion, PAATASHB...check out local animal shelters; they always need photos of animals that are up for adoption. My dil is a professional photographer and that's where she got her start.

Tod

Paatashb,

To make a living in photography running your own studio you need to:

1. Be a pretty good photographer
2. Be able to market your business
3. Be able to sell your skills (this is where confidence is really important)
4. Be able to run a business

All of these skills are important. Most likely a couple of these will come naturally for you and be easy to develop, but a couple of them may be difficult. Perseverance is critical.

Photography is both art and technical ability. One good way to get started is to join a local PPA (Professional Photographers of America) affiliate or other group that reviews each others' photographs. You can start looking and listening and then submit your own photos when you're comfortable.

Don't skimp on the other skills. Your goal in taking classes should be to learn the skills you need to be successful, not to get a degree. Community colleges usually have one or two day, no credit, seminars that go over these. There are also courses specifically for photographers you can take that go over these topics also. Some are online courses, some are one to three day seminars. It does take a time and money investment for you.

Lastly, there is a huge variety of photography opportunities. You can take a "what ever pays the bills" philosophy, but you'll likely be better off focusing in one or a few areas. Examples: wedding, portrait, senior, commercial, product, team sports...

SeniorPhotographer Loc: the Great Pacific Northwest

If you only read one book I think you should read "Big Bucks Selling Your Photography" by Cliff Hollenbeck. It is subtitled "A complete photo business package for all photographers" and it really is a pretty comprehensive discussion of how to set up a photography business.

It also has checklists and recommendations as well as sample forms you will need. Highly recommended.

Reginald

First of all, you are never too old to go back to college as others have posted. I know a 76 year old who still attends NYU's School of Continuing Education--and loves it! Secondly, volunteer--yes, and most definitely. Maybe you'll be as fortunate as I have been because at the Center that I volunteer at I meet others who are either newbies (like me) or enthusiasts and they are always willing and anxious to share whatever knowledge and information they have. My personal addition to all of the other great advice you've been given is to look at and study all the greats who have preceded us--James Vanderzee, Jane Bown, Stieglitz, Cartier-Bresson--and go to galleries. I know that here in NYC we have MoMA that is free on Fridays and I never tire of looking at what ALL artists have to offer from the past to the present. Good luck on your venture!