[Loke]

Civo…I get what you’re saying and some so-called ” Pro” photographers come off as pretentious….lol….but you have to admit, a person should at least know how to properly compose a picture, knowledge of exposure and such before they “break” the rules.  Given that, I find technically PERFECT photos absolutely boring…unless the photographer is someone like Peter Lik.

[Loke]

and as a photojournalist, I liked your second (baby) and  last picture…it makes me wonder what they are doing……photography styles come in all shapes and forms…..so I could never tell a studio portrait photographer how to take pictures or what I think is good work…I can guess, but I don’t know ..you could show me 20 shots of the same pose and I could tell you they all look good…………and photojournalism is more than just candids….so I wouldn’t expect someone who primarily does portraits to understand why I shot that person at the bus stop..or why it’s so blurry, or why I didn’t get a straight shot…. I would expect an editor to know that….catch my drift? lol.

[Loke]

I don’t see how he qualifies as a fauxtographer? I don’t see overly processed photos, out of focus, or other shots that would “qualify”…..if candids are what you like to do and you want to pursue that style then you need to learn how to tell a story..not just take a bunch of “candid” snapshots….find a subject that captures your interest and shoot it…..like follow a film crew around and document their week…..as for shooting…you shoot for yourself not for other photographers…do painters paint so that other painters will approve?

I’m sure alot of painters in the day probably told Picasso he painted like shit. lol…..you do it for you first……seriously, don’t give up.

[Loke]

Ok, yeah I mean people prefer different settings, just play around with what makes you comfortable. Since I do street alot, I use zone focusing depending on how slow the autofocus is on the camera I’m using haha…nevertheless I think you have a good eye. Keep it up!

[Loke]

It’s nothing to obvious ….It looks a little soft but I  can’t tell unless that’s what you were aiming for as a “romantic” effect  https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=313133372120913&set=pb.306505849450332.-2207520000.1365191096&type=3&theater

 

did you use partial/spot metering/manual focusing?

[Loke]

purty and I second what brown eyed says….

[Loke]

too early, only you know that..nobody can tell you if you are destined to be a photographer…..fauxtogs are only called that if they have not yet developed the skill and are charging for their services…therefore, you would not be a fauxtog but a beginner, but already I can see you are better than the fauxtogs out there.

From what I can see, not bad! maybe some minor focusing and lighting issues…..keep building your system as you get more comfortable with your camera….but learn your camera inside and out…..posing isn’t easy…I’m an event photographer mostly..doing photojournalism stuff so when I do portraits, sometimes I have to really think about posing.  I like your more candid shots, but that’s cause I’m biased towards that style…Look at mags, look at other photogs.. I try to avoid the “trends” as they become worn and corny after awhile…try different things and see what works…..Anyway, keep it up! I think you’re on the right path.

[Loke]

wow I didn’t even bother to read everything else..what are you doing here? Shoot man! This is what photography is about…….more than anything photography should be soothing to the soul. So get out there and keep shooting…Again, opinions are like assholes everyone has them…..you take em or leave em. I had an editor at the LA Times pretty much rip my portfolio for my events shots, but thought my sports shots were OK….did I let that get me down? I thought I took some pretty good events shots, but when I thought about what she said I tried a different approach.she gave me great feedback……I keep on shooting, I don’t take it personal (it’s hard to do but you just gotta let it go)  and I really don’t care what other people think of it in the end…I shoot because I love photography period, I shoot for me.  If people are on board with me that’s great and if people aren’t well so be it!

[Loke]

…if you want a challenge and “assignments” and some more constructive criticism as well alot of great tips  visit: http://www.digital-photography-school.com sign up for their newsletter, and you get an assignment every week. It’s free.  You’ll also learn about different cameras, lenses and other equipment reviews that will help you “build” your perfect system and also improve your photography. While this site is entertaining, and certainly a lot of good advice from various people I think you will have a better learning “community” there.

[Loke]

I vote Eye of the Fauxtog in the Top 2  so far  for Mar-April LMAO

[Loke]

I’m gonna ditto cameraclicker and rookie35m.  🙂

[Loke]

sorry not federal but state annual tax for doing business in that state. and not all the states here charge it….so again, applicable to U.S………thought process off..lol. Any income you made would be taxed at the federal level of course and the amount would depend on your entity (pass-through, etc.)

[Loke]

Even in the U.S. there are even differences between states lol..but I”ll do my best…..I’ve been doing side photography since 2008.

Legal stuff:

Not sure about the UK and business entities…here it’s either you’re a sole proprietorship, partnership, llc, s corp or c corp….

Then you have to get a fictitious business name — I don’t know about other states in the U.S. but in California, this is done a the local level (city you live in) –if you use your name you do not have to register, but if you use another one you have to register, publish and pay an annual tax…..

With the above entities (federal ), the LLC/Corp each have to pay 800.00/annual tax regardless if you make money or not…..sooooo I don’t even suggest doing that until you are bringing in income , or have another job where you can pay that tax every year…but again, this is  for the U.S. I don’t know how it works there….that, in addition to whatever state taxes might incur for seller’s permits, etc.

Insurance is down..so that’s good…

what else?

oh contracts and stuff….since I’m  a photojournalist, I am an NPPA (nppa.org) member so it’s given me a lot of great resources……..NPPA has a great calculator to figure out I’m sure other photographers know about it…it’s the CODB calculator  to help with figuring out your rates and you can still access it without being a member..just google it…. where you can get great info on writing up contracts, go to to the ASMP.org  (American Society of Media Photographers) and look at their business resources guides which will give you tutorials on contracts and other useful info…..you might have to adjust for UK law, but I imagine they are similar…

Finally, as for web, I have a friend that uses:  http://photobiz.com…..get everything in one place if you don’t want to do your own.

I am a web designer so I do my own web sites and I’m cheap 😉 . Hope that helps, and good luck!! Above all else, marketing marketing marketing….and good customer service.

 

[Loke]

Thanks! Yes, they are….they’re lounging about  5 ft up ….those fat little things can actually  wiggle their way up those rocks haha. Even though I think mobile phones are getting more advanced they are still far off from competing of course…but I say based on what I’ve seen,  in 5 years we might see them there or at least close. I use my mobile phone if I don’t have my other cams available for spur of the moment shots, good backup.

[Loke]

k one last time I’m gonna try…IMO Samsung doesn’t look as good as the iPhone but takes some cool shots sometimes.

……

OK I give up  HTML code not showing up grrrr..so here’s the link: Day by the Beach

[Author]

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