 Mitchell |
New To Everything Photography I guess my question is a lot of questions all at once. Basically I really enjoy taking photographs, mostly of people, places, and sports, mainly surfing and snowboarding. So I have been thinkig a lot about this lately and I'm considering trying to get into photography as a proffesion. My main question is- How in the world do I go about getting into the field? My plan so far (not much of a plan I know, thus my presence here) is to go to the local college and ask a counselor about courses in photography and different degrees/certificates etc.. Now I just dont know where else to start, I mean are there opportunities to do freelance work for magazines who cover those sort of sports and subjects? Am I better off just trying to take and sell photos to start off? Should I start trying to build a portfolio and talking to people about it? Well basically any advice on anything would be very much appreciated. Thanks =D
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Debby A. Tabb |
Good day, I think after reading this, I would not consider answering that with out seeing your work so far. So my suggestion would be for you to upload a gallery so we can see where you are coming from. and from there you are more likly to get answers with more direction. Looking forward to seeing your work, Debby
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Irene Troy |
Hi Mitchell and welcome to BP! I assume that you are getting ready to either graduate from high school or you recently graduated – is this correct? If so, you might want to consider either enrolling in a trade program at an art school that offers study in photography or taking some courses at a local community college in order to find out if you really want to pursue this career. When I was finishing up in high school – about ten thousand years ago – I really wanted to go to school for writing and photography, but I buckled to my parent’s wishes and went to regular college and became a clinical social worker. I did well in that career, but always dreamt of following my real dreams. A few years ago I finally started following my dreams. One of the first things I learned is that this career is not at all glamorous! Don’t get me wrong, I love what I do, but it is hard work and filled with uncertainty. Do you dream of seeing your name and byline under images and/or writing? You need to have a strong work ethic that pushes you beyond the limits of what you think you can do. Are you wiling to work hard without much reward? In the beginning you may work for little money and do the dirty work while someone else gets most of the credit. You are asking questions that lead me to believe that you are still undecided about what area in photography you would like to specialize. I know very little about sports photography, but have to believe that it is no different than travel and nature photography in some important ways. First, you must be able to produce a consistent level of quality in your images. You don’t have to be the best, but you must have at least some skill at producing usable images. Do you have any experience in serious photography – that is beyond the point and shoot, snapshot level? When you honestly compare your images against those appearing in magazines such as Sports Illustrated, how do they compare? It is not enough to get the occasional great shot – you need to be consistent in your work. Are you ready to deliver that level of work? Before thinking about your portfolio, you need to honestly evaluate your skills. If you have weaknesses – and almost everyone does – consider some classes, either in person or online that will help you address those weaknesses. I cannot recommend the classes here at BP more highly. They have played an important part in helping advance my career. Freelancing is a feast or starve endeavor – or at least it has been for me. At times you will have more work than you can handle (my current situation) and at others you will worry about paying your bills. Can you deal with this uncertainty? Can you work under harsh conditions? I am not sure, but I suspect that even studio photographers get plenty dirty and worn out some days. If you want to do sports photography, how do you feel about living out of a suitcase for weeks at a time while you travel to various locations? Trust me, the glamour and appeal of this wears off really fast! I spend much of my life traveling (I do mostly travel and nature writing and photography) and while I enjoy much of the travel, it does get old at times. Debby makes a good suggestion; load some of your images and let us see where you are on your skills. There are people here who specialize in just about every area of photography. Many of them are successful pros and all can offer their own experiences as guidance. Irene
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Mitchell |
Alright first off, yes I recently graduated from high school. Now, *smiling to myself* I definitely don't have such high expectations for immediate gratification in a new field. Right now I dont even have photos that I would even want to post on here, mostly because I havent had the money to get myself a decent camera. As it is I do think I am good at having an unusual and fairly unstable.. lifestyle?? So I think I can handle that quite well. Mostly I just wanted to see if there is actually room in this career path for someone to get into right now. I am planning on going to the local college to speak with a counselor and take some classes, and I would actually love to do the "dirty work" for an accomplished photographer if I could learn. For the time being I am looking for just suggestions of where to start, like you said, taking some classes is definitely something I'll have to do. Thanks for your replies I appreciate it. =D
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Irene Troy |
Hi Mitchell – let’s see if I have this right this time: you do not own a camera and do not have any images that are worth showing. However, you think that you might want to start a career as a photographer. You really asked your original question because you want to know if there is room in the business for another person. Hummm… let me be honest and tell you my first reaction: you are not ready to even consider that this could be a career. I know, that sounds nasty, but I really do not mean it that way. Sure, as someone in their late teens/early twenties (another assumption since you just graduated from high school) you are trying out ideas of what to do with your life. Great! But, don’t start thinking of portfolios and selling your work before you even have the camera. I think it is good that you are going to go speak with someone at your local college about this possibility. Go get a feel for what they might offer and see if it fits into your agenda. Then ask around your area and see if there is anyone who would hire you to work in their business, even as just an unpaid intern. Perhaps work at a camera shop or even in the camera department of a larger store. Once you get the money, go out and buy a good camera and start learning how to use it properly. Don’t start out with a pro level camera, it is far too expensive. Start with a good, but basic SLR and then invest in some good glass (that’s photog speak for lenses). Master the basics – exposure, composition, using image editing and the like. Learn from your mistakes and successes and don’t get discouraged. Meanwhile, read and study everything you can find at your local library. Now, for the part that some might disagree with: besides learning photography, consider learning some other trade that will compliment your photography interest. This is, as I already said, a very competitive field. The more you can offer prospective clients the better. If you can write well you can offer the ability to put together both the written and image part of magazine articles, promotional materials, educational materials and similar works. Or, perhaps you know something about snowboarding – develop that knowledge; it will help you when you decide to go pro. No matter what interest you decide to pursue, learn as much about it as possible and then learn more so that you become the “go-to” person for that subject. Galen Rowell was one of the world’s best known nature and adventure photographers. His stock in trade was not just creating amazing photographs, but knowing more than most anyone else about mountaineering. Dorothea Lange was famous for her compelling images of poor families and those displaced during the dust bowl era. The images were compelling not just because they are technically good, but because she knew how to tell a story by her images. So, figure out you area of interest, get that good camera, and then learn everything you can, not just about photography, but about your chosen interest. And, have fun along the way!
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dennis w. mcclain |
while you are saving your money on a good basic slr and glass, I would do some research. the internet is loaded with great info on photography. if you already have use of the internet, then its free. just google it man.also start training your eye to see good shots. learn lighting. notice how shadows are cast in different kinds of lighting. direct sun= harsh shadows, cloudy days= diffused wrap around lighting, the golden hour. read through these forums. most questions have already been asked, so benifit from the answers. all these things put together will help you with your own style when you do get a camera. when you do get your camera, get out and shoot. take pictures of everything that catches your eye. I started by doing cheep portraiture for my coworkers. trying to do pictures of someones 2 year old will help you learn patience. good luck
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