 Marica Swanepoel |
Starting Hey, I am thinking of starting my own photography bussines. My feeling is to get stated I need a pretty good SLR Digital camera with a zoom lens, then a pretty good computer (Macintosh) and Photoshop. I am recogning those will be the most expensive. Then I will need a trip pod, a flash or two, a backdrop and a few lights. My aim is to do portraits, weddings, still life and events. But I would like to expand my business to web design and graphic design. Do I have the right idea about equipment I need? I mean where do I look for equipment first? And what would you recommend I buy? What should I be looking out for? Any info will be appreciated. Thanks Marica
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Debby A. Tabb |
hey Marcia, I don't have much time this morning but ,I think you should check out the Studio Photography Thread. There are #21 parts all on improving as a portrait photographer, and Running your own business. You can see people actally doing it, who have done it and who are getting ready with thier equiptment etc. I do hope it will help
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robert G. Fately |
Marica, I think you should heed Debby's advice - from your writing it seems as though you are not very familiar with the craft of photography (proper lighting is more than just buying a couple of flashes, and the stand thing is called "tripod",, one word). This is not meant to discourage or insult you, but rather to prepare you for some realities. It is as if I wrote "I'm thinking of becoming a mechanic, so I need to buy some wrenches and a hydraulic lift"...yes, the equipment is correct, but there is a lot more to the story. One thing you should seriously consider as well is insurance - after all, if you are doing a portrait at someone's house and your backdrop falls over and breaks an expensive vase nearby, who do you think the homeowner will expect to replace that? Perhaps you already have the technical knowledge to do the craft, and even the artistic eye to make nice portraiture, but you also need the business savvy to do things right. As an aside, for portraits shooters often prefer a prime lens over a zoom, because the former is usually faster, meaning you can get shallower DOF and thus make the subject "pop" out from the background.
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Marica Swanepoel |
Thank you for pionting me in the right direction. And I know it is a tripod. You call that one a typo, before you get all exited! lol
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Paul Tobeck |
Marica, I suggest joining a local camera club if you have one near. Many club members are pros who would help you learn the ropes about the business, equipment, etc. I for one would highly suggest getting a DSLR and learning Photoshop if your main objective is weddings/events. That's some highly competitive business and sticking with film will only put you one step behind the competition.
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