 Laura McGinnis |
How to move from serious ametuer to professional?
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Lisa Pittman |
Hi Laura - I'm just an amateur too, but I think you can definitely get started with what you've got. I'm doing the same thing, while maintaining a paying job as an elem. school administrator - one feeds my tummy and the other my soul. :) I'm beginning to get some business - mostly word of mouth. I've read about offering to put images in doctor's offices etc or dress shops or daycares - anywhere to get your photos seen and your name out there. Good luck! Lisa
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Laura McGinnis |
Thanks Lisa. Great idea. I have a hair stylist friend who wants to connect with me at some point soon to do a "fashion" shoot. Basically to do each other a favor, I want the "practice" and possible additions to my portfolio, and she wants pics of her hair work to display in her shop. I'm excited about the project and hopeful it might lead to other work.
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Lisa Pittman |
Sounds very promising. Another idea is to "donate" a photo session to a school or someone who is having a silent auction or fun raiser. You can have an example on display and then maybe some business cards. You're sure to get your name out doing things like that and what we've already talked about. I'm at the stage where I don't charge a sitting fee - just a flat fee for my inkjet prints. Makes me feel like I'm getting both experience and a little money. A friend (part-time photographer too) tells me it's time to start charging more - but my confidence in my photos is not as good as her confidence in my pix!
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Laura McGinnis |
I appreciate your comments and encouragement. I actually haven't run into any other women photographers to get advice from or chat with. So far I run into men whose photography is their bread and butter and tend to advise working 15+ hours/day or die (don't bother) mentality. I've taken a peek at your work posted here online and I like your work alot. It's exciting that digital has finally caught up in quality and sharpness. I would love to get my hands on a Mamiya 645 (film/digital) or something like that but a bit out of my reach $$$. But I guess I'm still a fan of the celluloid! Besides it's what I can afford now! I will certainly think about your suggestions. I have a couple opportunities in the wings that I don't plan to "charge" unless they want to buy enlargements of the work. (I will be doing some bridal portraits of my sister-in-law, and the hair-do headshots with my stylist friend.) If the stylist thing works out, she may let me "advertise" in her shop with any enlargements she uses. Good luck to you also. Thanks again and I hope to post more work as I use my Pentax 645 more.
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James P. McGinnis |
Laura, I'm just getting started and have submitted photos for local competitions and to local galleries for exhibition. I'm hoping that this will get my name in front of the "right" crowd. Keep us informed on how your situation unfolds. I'm very interested in your experiences...good and bad! Ard Mor Ort! (That's good luck in Irish...from one McGinnis to another!)
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Liz Novak |
I'm in the same boat. I work full time at a non-photography job to pay my bills. I started doing portraits and some art gallery showings last year, and I love it. I haven't had any formal training either. Just a lot of reading on my own. And practicing. I use the gallery openings to advertise for portraits and it's working so far. My parents also own a small gift shop and allowed me to set up a small space there to advertise. I get about 80% of my clients from there right now. My advice is to check out your local galleries and gift shops and see if they will let you advertise there.
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Rebecka Franklin |
Hi Laura, I am a hair dresser by day, mom at night and photographer when I get the chance! Hair dressers are famous for spredding rumors and I think that is a great opportunity for you to do some work for your friend! I have mentioned to some of my clients that I enjoy photography, and I display my own work in my salon. I have had several of my clients ask if I would take some family portraits at their family reunions this summer. So I suggest getting some buisness cards handy for your hair sylist friend to had out when people ask who took the pictures! Hair stylist are the cheapest advertisement you can get! We are just full of information!!!
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