BetterPhoto Q&A
Category: New Answers

Lana Nolin		How do I break into professional photography? I have been into photography for many years. I have taken some gorgeous nature shots as well as portraits. I am very good with artistic photography and composition. What I would like to know is how do I go about marketing myself and maybe selling some of these shots to publications. I would also like to know that best way to break into professional portrait photography. I would like to not only market my nature photo ability but also get into shooting possibly weddings and/or senior photos, children, etc. To love this question, log in above April 27, 2004

Buddy Purugganan		Lana... In the Amazon website ( www.amazon.com ) there is a book available called PHOTOGRAPHER'S MARKET 2004 and quite reasonably priced too. You can still order and read this highly recommended book. It has all the information you need! To love this comment, log in above May 03, 2004

Lana Nolin		Buddy... Thank you so much. I will check it out. To love this comment, log in above May 04, 2004

Cindy K. Bracken		Lana, My home-based photography business has become extremely sucessful! I am amazed at the demand for quality portraiture. You can read more at www.shuttermom.com Thanks and good luck! To love this comment, log in above June 28, 2004

John A. Lind		Lana, Marketing: Building a presence where your work, particularly that of subject material in demand can be seen by those that want it is the secret. It often starts very slowly. It's a tough market with nearly every facet of photography. There are thousands of "hungry" photographers wanting to sell something from their box of photographs . . . and don't underestimate the large number of good photographers. In short, particularly with "stock" photography, which in my experience is the primary outlet for things like landscapes, it's a buyers' market. Also, don't underestimate the power of keeping the business end "clean" with prompt delivery, keeping to your word, and forthright business dealings. Do well by your customers without allowing the very, very small percentage of those who will want to try to take advantage of your Good Will to run you over. The vast majority of people are good, simply want a fair deal and show their appreciation for fair business dealings with repeat business. Portraiture, Weddings and Related Photography: Be prepared for a significant capital and time investment to set yourself up for portraiture and weddings. It's significantly different from what you've mentioned you've been doing thus far. There are specialized tools and skills required to do these well. You need to begin studying lighting . . . the equipment . . . and how to use it. Weddings in particular are not for the faint of heart. They have to be done well when they happen. You can't go back and do it over again a week later. Think about that, and how important those photographs can be to the bride in particular, before launching yourself into the wedding business. It can be very enjoyable and quite profitable if you know what you're doing and consistently deliver good pix every time, but it can be an absolute nightmare if you don't. I wouldn't discourage you from doing weddings, but do strongly encourage you to learn the wedding business thoroughly before hanging out your shingle as a wedding photographer. One of the best methods to learn that business is to work for a very good one that requires an assistant (gaffer/grip, etc.) for a while. There are so many small important details that it's almost impossible to put them all in a book. IMHO, learning by assisting and watching a very successful one carefully is the only way to pick up the knowledg and skills without having to learn most of them (painfully) the "hard way." -- John Lind To love this comment, log in above June 29, 2004

Lana Nolin		Thank you all so much for your advice and suggestions. I will keep them all in mind as I am starting out. You truly have helped me. To love this comment, log in above June 29, 2004

Laura J. Smith		Lana, "How To Sell and Re-sell Photographs" by Rohn Engh is so informative. It is not geared to portraiture, but to making money with photography and provides insights I've not encountered elsewhere, some very useful personal inventories. I LOVE the book. Good luck to you. To love this comment, log in above September 19, 2005

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