Reply To: How to Begin

[shp21]

I always suggest when starting out with photography to start with a film camera. Even if it’s just for a few months. Because today is all digital many photographers feel like because they can see their picture on the back of a 3″ screen they know what to do. Almost any picture looks good at 3″. You need to know what your camera is doing when you use certain settings and why. This will not only make you a more efficient photographer but it will give you an appreciation for your skill.

Beyond that, take classes for business first and foremost. This is a business, and it does require knowledge of taxes, book keeping, etc. You want to learn this side of things. And of course take courses for photography, AND get out and just take pictures for fun. If you do start with film, record your settings, when you get your pictures back you can review them and make any notes on what changes you need to make. If you use digital do the same thing as you review your pictures on your computer and make any mental notes there.

Start out shooting free. Nothing is worst than paying for crap pictures. Do NOT start out shooting weddings. Weddings are not a place to “experiment” with a business, these are huge events. Experiment on families, seniors, friends. These are all pictures that can be retaken if needed. Connect with some other photographers and second shoot with them for weddings. Work as an assistant.

Over all it boils down to knowledge of your camera and of the business. Photography these days has been cheapened greatly because people thing all it takes is a digital camera and boom! you’ve got a business. It’s so much more though. These photographers who work this way end up shooting very little or falling off the grid quickly! This is a business and like many businesses or places of work you have to work your way up the ladder. It might take 5+ years to start making a name for yourself. It might take even longer till you finally start making money. 80% of businesses fail within the first 5 years and 60% of those businesses fail within the next 5 years after that.