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Photography Question 

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How Does One Start a Career in Photography


I have a Minolta SLR camera that my husband bought me to take photos of our child. I am not very good at it yet but am interested in learning how to be better. I think that I would like to make it more than a hobby. I am interested in shooting b&w and color photographs of children but I don't know where to start once I learn how to take the photos. Do you have to have a degree or certificate to do this? If so, where do you get such a thing? Then how do you get the photos developed to be more of a portrait style rather than a snapshot style? I read on another question of a home study photography course but an not exactly sure where this school is located and how to contact it. Thanks for any help!


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August 23, 2001

 

Jeff S. Kennedy
  Sounds like your eager to say the least. You don't need a degree or a certificate. All you need to be successful in a photography business is skill, talent, and a business sense. Right now you need to get a good base of fundamentals. Read all you can and shoot as much as possible. Take notes so you know what you did and how it turned out. You can look into courses at a local college if you like or check out correspondence courses like NYI. To get info on NYI check in most any photo magazine or do a search on line. They have a Web site.

The difference between portrait "style" and snapshot isn't in the lab necessarily but in the skill of the photographer. As you shoot more and learn more you will discover the differences. Don't put the cart before the horse. Learn all you can and then worry about making it a career.


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August 23, 2001

 

Bruce
  This is a difficult question for me to answer since I have not made photography a profession; however, I have had many offers for this service. Reading is clearly a way to learn more.

Lighting, composition, and equipment will get you started on the basics. Without seeing you photos, it's difficult to understand your concern around snapshot photos. A few ideas to help with your composition.
o Fill the frame with your subject.
o Purchase a flash bracket. A flash 6 or more inches from the lens will help eliminate red eye.
o Use a flash outside to fill in shadows.
o Keep you subjects out of direct sunlight to avoid squinting if possible.
o Have another photographer look at your shots and provide constructive criticism.
o Using natural light can provide a more interesting picture. This can be a little tricky with children always moving around.
o Try to go for the candid shot.

To start a business of shooting photos of children, I would try to get involved with a school. Start with something like a charity event to build your confidence. Make sure you have a business card at all times. See where they may need your service.

Good Luck!


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August 25, 2001

 

John A. Lind
  Jeff and Bruce have hit the nail on the head. It's all about lighting, composition and either posing or the "decisive moment" (candid).

The best book I've seen for beginners is:
How to Take Great Photographs with Any Camera
by Jerry Hughes
Phillips Lane Publishing, Dallas, TX
ISBN: 0-9634348-9-6

It's not very expensive and is very concise with many excellent diagrams and examples.
-- John


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August 26, 2001

 

Karen R. Amaya
  If you want a business card to look more professional go to www.vistaprint.com
They have free cards just pay for the shipping . I ordered 500 cards and it was only 11.79 after the first 250 you pay 4.99 and get a break in shipping. The are thick cards better than printing them yourself.


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August 04, 2002

 
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