 Janis J. Anderson |
how do get a freelance photography job at age 13 How do you get started on a freelance photography job? im only in eigth grade but i'm the smartest in the school, and own more electronics and cameras then my mom and dad combined. so again, how do you get started on a freelance photography job?
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Brendan Knell |
Janis, I'm also about your age(14), and I would also like to know. So I'll be watching this thread. BTW Welcome to Betterphoto, you'll really like it here.
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Jacob Koppel |
I would also like to know because I am 14 also.
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Nancy Grace Chen |
It would help to know what kind of freelance work you are looking to get involved with. Journalism? Portraiture? I'm 24, which might seem old to you, but I feel a lot younger than most of the members here. The way I got started is, I started doing some portraits of my friends for free. Slowly, I got better at it, and soon enough, word got around, and people visited my website. More people started asking me to take portraits of them. And then I felt like I could start charging money. Another idea that I've heard of for people your age is to go to local soccer/football/basketball/etc games. Take lots of pictures, and after you get them printed, show them to the team members and parents and offer to sell them to them. If the pictures are good, people may want to buy them. Parents love a great photo of their kid playing sports-- especially if you get a good one of them scoring a goal or something. Hope that helps or gets you started in thinking about other ideas. Nancy
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Christopher A. Vedros |
Nancy's suggestion about the sports pictures is a good one. Something else you could try: Find out if your school has a yearbook, newsletter or newspaper, and talk to the faculty member that is responsible for it. Tell them you are interested in helping with it and contributing photos. Many times, the adults working on this are doing it mostly on a volunteer basis and would love to have some help. Once you have a little experience doing that kind of work, it will be easier to get a job doing it as you move up to high school and college. When I was in college, you could make decent money as a freelance shooter for the yearbook and school newspaper. Two of the photographers that I worked with had started out in high school and were already good photojournalists. They would regularly sell some of their shots from sporting events or concerts to the local newspaper and even some to the Associated Press. As you get more experience and exposure, and make more contacts, you'll get more access to events where you'll have the opportunity to get shots that people will be interested in paying for. Best of luck to all of you.
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Samuel Smith |
no offense,but thanks for your help pops.
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Justin G. |
In a few years I'll be 14 and looking for jobs like these too!
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Samuel Smith |
that was great info chris,i just coouulldddnnnnn't help myself. and justin g.,surrrrrrre? grandpops
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Justin G. |
Well Sam that's how old my wife says I act so I figured that's what I'd put. hmmm I could be wrong.
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Justin G. |
Well Sam that's how old my wife says I act so I figured that's what I'd put. hmmm I could be wrong.
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Forrest C. Wilkinson |
Janis, Brenden, I myself am fifteen, and I work professionally with my friend who is almost sixteen (will be very soon), we both work for a very large newspaper call the Ft. Worth Star-Telegram which is the major competetor with the Dallas Morning News and is associated with NBC news. Here is how we got started: The way you're going to want to get started is getting of the ground with your monital income, you need to start geting people interested in buying your photos. Best thing to do this at, is school events, high-school mainly as the 7th and 8th grade events are not publicized enough. Young people's parents are always interested in good photos of their kids playing their favorite sports, simply get some good shots and bring 50 4x6 prints to the next game and show them to parents and sell them, this wont cost you more than $12 on Shutterfly or any leading photographic printing company. You must be responsible though, Janis, you cannot have unsatisfied customers at a young age because you will be fried before you know it. Also be careful because it is easy for people to take advantage of you before you get to a driving age, and if you do not be careful enough, you can end up getting in major trouble. First thing you want to do to avoid this is set up an LLP company so that you cannot be liable for anything more than you make, and you want to have a solid pricing system that cannot be changed. You want to be cheaper than your competetors by a lot, because people will patronize you as "not as good" as the older photographers. A good thing to do is go to certain sporting tournaments with photo printers and a fast running laptop so you can print of pictures on the spot at sell them. After you get a good business going where you're making at least $500 a month, you are ready to take the next step. And that is, purchasing more expensive equipment so you can get into the major photography market, journalism. We purchased several Canon L series lenses (the ones always referred to as "the big white lenses") and Canon 1D Mark II cameras so we could start our way to being up to the par with cameras. Then we took our photography to some local newspapers outside of our school. Let me tell you something, stay away from school newspapers, they are very diminishing to your resume as a young person because adults at major news firms laugh at school newspapers, especially since you guys are not in high-school. All adults will tell you "you should work for the school papers" but definitely do not do this. Now I know that being a contracted photographer for the large papers, you MUST be 16 years old, because you cannot rely on your parents driving you everywhere, the newspaper simply does not work that way. Also, insurance policies at race-tracks and some stadiums require you to be 16 or older to be in field areas (side-lines during pro football, camera ducts during MLB baseball). Also you will have to take into mind that if you do not start out with a small newspaper, like a local one that only prints 5-10 thousand copies, you will never make it into the market. You cannot go waltzing into working for major press companies without a solid resume at 14 years of age. And you need to be ambitious because no one is going to come to you, you have to go to them. After working for a local newspaper which printed 50,000 copies a week, and getting about 15 front page pictures for high-school football, we decided to move to the Star-Telegram. This year we were covering the National Champion Carroll Dragon Varsity Football team which was a very big deal around the United States which is what made us able to get into the major market. We were hired as contractees for the telegram and will be covering all kinds of events over the next year. During the summer, we cover Rangers baseball. One thing you must know is, to get in the big market at young ages, you have to have a big break, ours was the success of our High-School Football team. Hopefully you can find yours, good luck! -FCW
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Forrest C. Wilkinson |
One other thing I forgot to add, Janis, is that it will take you a lot more than the smarts to get big in the market of photography. You need to be able to get over your competetors early. To do this, you are going to need to spend money to make money, and unless you have a lot of money in your bank account as a 14 year old, you are going to need some investors. After you take some good pictures, show them to some potential investors so that you may get some money to purchase a fast shooting camera like a DSLR. I use Canon for the faster shooting cameras like the 20D and my 1D Mark two, the 20 shooting at 5 frames a second and the 1D shooting at 8.5, both at 8.3 megapixels will allow you to catch every moment. I wish you the best. -FCW
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Nancy Grace Chen |
I'm so glad you responded, Forrest. Actually when I was reading this question, I thought about you and was wishing that you could give some advice. I know you probably don't know who I am, but I've seen your work at digitalphotocontest.com (now gone) and was impressed... now I'm truly blown away by your business smarts and ambition. Best of luck to all you guys- Nancy
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Bobbi S. Tomes |
To the young photographers, I must say I admire your ambition and I am impressed. Wow! You dont know how bad I wish I had known that I would want to be a photographer when I was 14, 15, 16 years old! I am 25 and have four children along with a job that pays crap. So here I am still saying WHAT I WANT TO BE WHEN I GROW UP... Photography is starting to move along for me now, FINALLY! It has been painfully slow. You have it made, you are on the right road and all of us cheer you on. Keep your heads on straight and you will certainly go somewhere. Wish you luck. Bobbi
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BetterPhotoJim.com - Jim Miotke  Contact Jim Miotke Jim Miotke's Gallery |
Great discussion! Although many of you are young adults, I will certainly link to this from the BetterPhoto for Kids and Teens section. Your comments will help young teen photographers around the world. Here are my two pieces of advice to add: 1) Make up your own "freelance" jobs. Just shoot whatever events and subjects that interest you, to build up your portfolio. This will give you a running head start when it comes to getting jobs when you're in your early twenties. 2) Supplement your income in every way you can. The truth is you're choosing to take the more difficult path - the path of the artist. You can still make a great living at it; you just have to work harder. This is because most people will pay less for photos than they might for other services (such as medical, dental, legal, high-tech services). So you have to work harder and branch out. So you might want to do odd jobs to take the pressure off. I waited tables at night when I first started doing outdoor portraiture and weddings. I also did a paper route, worked at a planking factory, made sandwiches, sold sweaters, worked in various bookstores and camera shops, walked the beat as a graveyard shift security guard, worked for a CD-ROM maker that later turned into a stock photography company, developed Web sites for various high-tech companies, and worked for a major airline. That's a dozen and I know there are more... that's just want comes to my memory at the moment. You have to do whatever you can to pay the bills while your photography business is getting going. Also, it helps to be a generalist, shooting a variety of subjects and working along a variety of sales avenues in the photography field. For example, many successful photographers do both assignment and freelance work and sell their images via a stock agency. This is one of the best ways to balance out your income. You might also teach, leading workshops. I myself have developed a Web site the offers online courses, galleries, and Deluxe Web Sites. You can also write articles and books but I'll be totally honest with you: the money in such writing endeavors is not proportionate at all to how much work is involved. Only do this if you love writing and/or need to build up your creditability. Hope this helps! The bottom line is this: if you have fun, follow your bliss, do what you love, the money will follow.
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Abby Fleming |
thanks for the tips everyone. I had the very same question. =)
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Isabel L |
Wow! I'm glad I found this fourm I was just wondering the same thing as Janis! I had no clue there were so many other young photographers here at betterphoto.
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Matt Gerhart |
Im a student photographer. I have the same questions. And one way I tryed to check is online stock photography. does anyone know anything about it? becuase im still a little confused on how it works and if its for me. Thanks, Matt
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Mike Rubin |
Forrest- I'm impressed with your comments and your gallery. When I was 14 all I had was a Kodak instamatic (ask your parents about them,Or maybe they are too young to remember,LOL)
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Kara L. Hendricks |
Ok, I have a question.. I'm a bit older than 14.. 32 actually... Maybe the old one of this thread..lol But, I do have a 13 year old daughter that loves to take pics. and even has a free gallery here at BP.. So I love to see threads like this one.. Encouraging the young loves of this wonderful hobby..:) I see Nancy suggested going to sporting events and taking random shots of players... I can see that being a great start for some, but aren't there model release issues with that?.. All you would need is one aggravated parent that you captured their child on film in a recognizable manner and issues can arise... Especially sue happy ones.. I personally think it's ridiculous how sensitive people are.. But then I think some are just going through life looking for ways to cause trouble.. Taking images of people without their permission can get hairy, or so I have heard... Just be careful..:)
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John H. Siskin |
Hi everybody, When I was 16 I got a job assisting a commercial photographer over the summer. I learned more from him than any other photographer. I didn’t make a lot of money, but I got an education. Thanks, John Siskin
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Brendan Knell |
John, that's what I'm planning on doing this summer. Also, check to see if your highschool has an internship program. This is something I also want to do next school year.
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John H. Siskin |
I worked with interns from a local magnet school for a few years. It was an excellent experience for me & for them. Thanks for reminding me. Thanks, John Siskin
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Mark Feldstein |
So John, would you say it's a kind of a real plus and minus sort of thing, working with kids from a magnet school? Mark [oooooooooohhhhhhhh man, I can't believe I said that.] [G]
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John H. Siskin |
It's bippolar. John Siskin
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Michael A. Bielat |
That is super cool that you guys are already at this stage in photography. I started when I was 14 and am now 24. I worked in the field since I was 20 and now own my own company. I would agree with most people here that you should get into the yearbook, any photography classes, start a club at you r school and any other thing to get your experience. Photography is tough because it takes time and it takes money to get the gear to make you better. I used to just ask for photography equipment for my birthday and for holidays to keep getting more stuff that I could use. I am guessing it will be tough to get work initially simply because of your age and not being taken seriously. - I know our Buffalo News newspaper has a "Teen" section 1-2 times a week. Maybe you guys have something like that in your area you could jump in on and take photos for that. The news also lets people mail in their photos and they pay something like $50 per photo that they use. - Enter local contests (do you have a yearly Fair or something like that which has competitions) - I would also say to stay versitile now and shoot everything from families birthday parties to landscapes and every thing else under the sun. This way you learn all about every style of photography and when you get more involved you can carve you niche out and do what you like best out of them all.
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Patrick E. Domingo |
Hi! i'm new and I just signed up to get into this discussion =D I also would recommend starting on building a website (one of those easy website builders like googlepages or bravenet, you can go to my website if you wanna know more bout it =P) You may not use it yet, but it could save you time later on, and its also nice to have a place for people to refer to your rates and services so you dont have to keep talking. I am currently 15 looking for some sort of income from photography, because I love it as much as everyone here does. Do you think it would be nice to advertise? Like create a flier and post it in your local library or in the school.
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Sara M. Clark |
I would highly recommend starting in yearbook. I started video when I was 12, but when I was 14 I got into photography. I was invited to join yearbook, and then I grew from there. It gives you LOTS of chances to practice and improve.
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Michael A. Bielat |
A good thing is that with you all being so young is that you have your whole life ahead of you and if you "absolutely know" that this is what you want to do, then you can really prepare for this venture. When college comes up, go somewhere that has a great photography program... As a second major or as electives are concerned maybe go into management (start your own business) or marketing and accounting (so you can get the most bang for your buck and know how to work with money). You are young enough where you can easily dive into Photoshop and pick up how it works quickly, you probably are very good at working with computers, and I am sure with myspace, that you have some HTML coding skills that you can make a website... That saves you money and it won't cost you a dime!
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Jared L. Loftus |
this is awesome! I just turned 14 and to my continuous frustration I developed my intrest in photography AFTER my birthday. Anyway I live in the country so I am taking pictures of whatever I can find. I had no idea that I had any chance of selling photos at at my age so thank you for making this thread. this is one I will keep my eye on.
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Sisterlisa B |
My daughter is taking photos of her friends and then having them put on the photo bags you see around. Many moms love them and if there is a dad or grandparent who is willing to buy the photo bag for mom, then that is a plus. Consider creating a photoblog as well. See mine here:
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Sisterlisa B |
I know my daughter is going to ask this when she gets home, so I'll go ahead and ask it now. Can the teens here on Betterphoto sign up for the classes?? With a parent to help invest of course. ;O)
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Debby A. Tabb |
I think Jim gave more then 2 cents worth of good advise, and in the area of "Supplement your income in every way you can." You guys are in a prime place to make money at your craft. Besides the local Sports seane, which is a Great idea, Who would know more about what High School Seniors would like and think Cool, then those in Grades near thiers? So portraiture may be a way to get started making money, as you collect equiptment and expeiance heading towards your "Real Goals" Just a thought, Debby
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Jesse C. Plummer |
Janis, the first thing you need to do is get over the "smartest" kid in class hangup. I am sure you are bright and hope you go far but I am 36 and I used to think I was the baddest kid in class until someone just a little bit badder kicked my a$$ and proved I wasn't the baddest. Also, owning more electronics than either of your parents seems irrelevant to me. I own tons of electronics and most of it sits in a cardboard box stuffed in my closet in my office. The absolute best way to get noticed in freelance photography is to know your photographic skills and know where to market the images that come out as a result. For instance, I am a nature and wildlife shooter. I have TONS of deer, mountain goats, elk, buffalo and other wildlife. That is my personal preference. My artistic skill in photography lies with landscape and scenics and going to historical areas and making pictures. I use Photoshop tomake corrections and "age" the images. Look at my gallery. You will see what I am talking about. Now the next question would be how to identify what your particular artistic skill is. Well, you shoot everything. Until you find what your particular niche is, you shoot everything. Play with Photoshop, get the Photographer's Market Book and hone YOUR skills and artistic eye and then open that book and determine where you can start sending your pictures for consideration. Being young and up-to-date on technology may make it easier for your creative eye to be used with conceptual photography. Then again, it may have no bearing. Just get out there and shoot and learn Photoshop or Paintshop and then research your target niche market.
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Sarah |
Hey everyone, I'm 19 and new here, and this thread caught my eye. I'm a photography student and was wondering about starting up my own business, trying to sell some of my photos. Unfortunately I can't get the photo gallery to work on Better Photo, but here is a link to my website if anyone is interested in seeing some of my work. I know, it's really inconvenient :( -Sarah
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Sarah |
Here is my website address, if anyone is interested in sharing their opinions on my photography, please feel free to tell me :) http://www.sarahs-photography.zoomshare.com
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Annisa C. Nunn |
wow I didn't know so many people my age are on here i'm 13
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Kento A. Mizuno |
Hey, Well I'm 15 and got into photography in 2006 and I must say, it has utterly changed the way I see the world. I hope to become a pro when I grow up, anyway, for any TEEN that wants to get there photos published in a magazine read by thousands of people should probably check this site out. teenink.com Best of luck to all and keep shooting! -Kento Mizuno (i appreciate any comments or constructive criticism of my photos)
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Lisa A. Car |
Thank you everyone! I'm also 15 and I was wanting to know the same thing!
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Molly E. Baldwin |
Wow there's alot more teens than I thought on here! I'm 16 and thanks for posting this. I'm still trying to decide whether or not I want to go into photgraphy full-time as a career when I get older.
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Fuzzie W |
Hi I still have a couple years before I drive and I was just wondering in the winter there aren't many sports events to photograph but snow (In Canada) is always a nice addition to any photo. What would you recommend in the winter to photograph? Fuzzie
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Annisa C. Nunn |
if you have any siblings that would be a cool picture or it you see any animals in the snow that would be cool too
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Fuzzie W |
thx for the advice : )
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Annisa C. Nunn |
um I don't think so unless you can get someone to dress up like santa and have people pay to take pictures with him
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Terry Dickinson |
Since this thread was started by Janis two and half years ago, and several young people added their thoughts, (Brenden, Jacob, and others) it would be very interesting if they'd pop back in with an update. It might be helpful to find out where they are and what has or hasn't worked for them. Terry
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Samuel Smith |
hey,i know.since you all have contact info,am I missing something? the old fogeys ain't gonna help us..then take it from there and help yourselves?the knowledge accumulated would fill a bucket? your resentment,we won't help cause your young? the detrimental attitude. if you align yourself with the same thinking photogs?you will never learn. answers were given,but you say I will trust my young friend who has been shooting a whole year?the knowledge???? really??
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Kate Drennan Photography |
Wow I didnt know there were so many young photographers on here! I am 18 and studying photography in Perth, Australia. I am too looking for freelance work but finding it quite hard aswell to get someone or some companies to take me on board. Has anyone got any experience behind getting involved with magazine companies?? I would really love to take photos for one or at least do some editing work. Do you ask for work experience or a job straight away?
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R K Stephenson |
Hi, Kate, I just discovered this interesting thread and have some experience to share. This goes back to Jim's post from Aug '05, which is great advice. "Make up your own 'freelance' jobs." As you have undoubtedly found out, you're probably not going to get hired without some work experience. But magazines and newspapers are generally receptive to looking at your 'freelance' work since they always have pages to fill. Consider going out on your own and creating a photo stories. Then pitch them to magazines or your local newspapers. Shark Bay would make a good story, for example, or find some interesting aspect of Perth to photograph and write about. Put together some pictures and about 500 words and start pitching! It is much easier to get an editor to look at a 'finished' product than to talk them into hire you on spec. Cheers, RK
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Sarah G |
I only skimmed this. Legal side of things and only a thought... How do waivers fit into all this? You need them to put photos on BP. Pros need them for their books. How about for newspapers and the venues that this Q&A brought up? Do all of you have that covered?
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R K Stephenson |
Hi, Sarah, Not sure if this is a "devil's advocate" question or not but here are my thoughts: >> Do all of you have that covered? Yes. >> How do waivers fit into all this? You need them to put photos on BP. I'm not sure what you mean by "waivers". If you're referring to model releases, I have never been asked for and have not seen any requirement to have a model release for BP. Finally, as far as magazines and newspapers, the best course of action is to ask them what they require. Beyond that, there is abundant information about model releases elsewhere on this site and the Internet so I won't go into specifics. Cheers, RK
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Sarah G |
Yes, the correct term is model release. Here's the statement from BP: "Model and Property Release Uploader acknowledges that they have sufficient written permission of any recognizable locations or people appearing in the photograph to be able to grant to BetterPhoto.com the right to publish their photographic submission online, and hereby grant to BetterPhoto.com such right. " Taken from the " Terms & Conditions for Link: I brought the model release issue up because teens will need it for what they are doing too.
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R K Stephenson |
Hi, Sarah, >> I brought the model release issue up because teens will need it for what they are doing too. I'm not a lawyer, and I don't play one on TV, but this sort of blanket statement is a little imprecise. If you take a look at this article http://www.betterphoto.com/article.php?id=37 you will note that a model release is not an obligation simply by virtue of one's image appearing in print (or on BetterPhoto, for that matter). I don't want to spark an argument about something that is really off-topic regards the original question so I will simply repeat: Ask the publication what they require in terms of releases. Cheers, RK
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Theresa Edwards |
Thanks for posting all this information. I read everyones post. I just joined and photography is my passion. I am now 36 and want to really get into photography. I am not looking to make millions but just to be able to take great photos of people,weddings,sporting events that my kids are in and maybe pet photography. Of course it would be nice to make a living taking pictures. I should have done this at your young ages, but just didnt think it would make the money I needed. Well I as wrong. I should have pursued my dream of photography. So now that I have 3 boys and all play sports I have had alot of time to take pictures and my passion is back. So I am going to see where it takes me. To all the teens here stick to your dreams. It might take awhile, but with hard work you can make it happen. Have fun too for course. I have a 7 yr old that wants his own camera and I am going to help him pursue his interest in photograpy at his age.
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Aman Shah |
Thanks to everyone who has had an input on this subject, its been a real help. I'm 16 and have been at this seriously for about two years. So have a bunch of my friends.. but we can't seem to find work in the Boston Area. To respond to Janis, it might take a little bit of luck.. A senior at our school met a guy who knew a guy who knew of some Japanese company doing a ad shoot. Now he does alot of freelance.. And really.. not to be nasty, rude, mean, etc. but put the "smartest kid" and "all the electronics" behind you. Its all about what you can do with a camera. I would love it if I could get so constructive critism!
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Brian Cesario |
Hi everyone...Brian here. I'm another "oldie" (28), and breaking into the world of freelance photography. Anyone under 18 may have a hard time finding freelance work since there's likely to be a contract involved. By law, no one under 18 can independently sign a contract. Your best bet would be to get involved with school-related functions and activities. You may also want to get on the yearbook staff. Point is, make yourself (and your work) known to the faculty at your school...you can use them as references later on. Hold off on the freelance work until you're a little older and have gotten more experience. Trust me...it'll be worth the wait.
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Mark Feldstein |
Howdy gang ! I know this is a tad untimely, but I'd like to offer some input on the more recent postings here as it seems to all tie in together. First, on the issue of model releases, the editors of most publications I've worked for either assume that their photographers know the basic rules/laws that apply to what they're doing and it really doesn't take a law degree to do that. Rather, some good background reading should get you up to speed, like the books on business practices for photographers (particularly in the magazine trades) offered at ASMP.org. They don't provide answers for every situation (or forms) but they're quite helpful. As far as contracts go, some magazine contracts for actual assignments have language in them to the effect that holds you, as the photographer, responsible for compliance with all legal requirements connected with your assignment. AND that you agree to "indemnify and hold the publication harmless for any acts and omissions committed by you in the course of completing your assignment." In other words, you agree to shoot for them and sign off on that agreement, you're on the hook for their attorney fees, damages, and any other additional costs outside of the course and scope of your agreement to shoot the assignment. This is one reason why freelancers and/or staffers who freelance for other publications, have error and omission insurance (like malpractice coverage) AND professional liability insurance. That's an issue not to be taken lightly and it's part of the cost of doing business in this profession. As far as who can and cannot sign contracts, a minor under the legal consent age of 18 in most states, can, in fact, sign and be bound to an enforceable contract for "necessities" including food, shelter, clothing, and things necessary for their subsistance in the case of emancipated minors. In addition, even if less than 18 years old at the time the contract is signed, they may ratify it (reapprove it) after they reach 18. So yes, contracts with kids less than 18 may be enforced. Note, however, that when I went to college, I not only studied photojournalism and journalism, but also had a back-up career in case things in this industry ebbed and flowed with the economy and I needed some additional work to support my family with. THAT was a critical and really important decision. Most publications that accept the work of a minor, say a local neighborhood newspaper that accepts a track and field photo that you captured, and agrees to publish it, that doesn't require any contract, just an agreement of the newspaper to pay you for publishing that photo. Moreover, most staff photographer positions these days, are usually verbal agreements, terminable "at will of either party" other than a few specific provisions that may cover things like usage, royalties, etc., and for that, yes 18 years old or older is generally required for STAFF but not freelance gigs. Perhaps it would be somewhat encouraging to some of you to note that my first work was published by Learner Newspapers in Chicago when I was in 8th grade (yikes) and I had a staff position with them when I was 16 in high school, shooting assignments for a chain of neighborhood newspapers. At 18 I went on to a staff position at the Chicago Sun Times and it was an uphill battle since then. LOL !!! Part of the success in this biz is not only producing consistently effective and technically excellent work under all sorts of circumstances, but also being in the right place in front of the right editor at the right time. Last but certainly not least, if Aman sees this, feel free to drop me an e-mail and for what it may be worth to you, I'll be glad to offer some comments on your work here. Okie dokie? Take care all ;>)
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BetterPhoto Member |
I got my start by shooting school events. Unfortunately, I had to do these for free. Later, I started doing senior pictures and prom pictures. In 1979, some of my work was recognized by a company in California, which sent me to Europe, the rest is history. And Mark, The Sun Times is a great paper. I used to work for the Crystal Lake Herald. I just wish I could have gotten with the Times or the Trib.
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Mark Feldstein |
Howdy Mark !!! Nice to see ya, as always. You know, it's a small world, but I'd hate to have to paint it. LOL !The Crystal Lake Herald? I don't think they were part of Learner's group but I shot for the Evanston Review, the Wilmette paper and one out in Glencoe, all in the North Suburban area of Chicago. My editor back then was a guy named Mike Dungeon who did all their sports. He was a good mentor and cool guy. Mike encouraged me to call the photo editor at the Times and take him a portfolio. I was a stringer for awhile before I was offered a regular job on staff. My first real assignment there (after being in charge of darkroom clean-up and film stocking for 6 weeks
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BetterPhoto Member |
I mainly got the joy of shooting such fine things as dog shows ant the occasional sporting events. My funnest assignments were the cardboard cup regattas on Crystal Lake. Another fun assignment was the powderpuff football games. No, the Herald wasn't part of the Lerner Group. It was still a fun paper.
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BetterPhoto Member |
One more thing. My first pro gallery was at the Photoshow International at the Merchandise Mart in 1977. It was there that I got the job to go to Europe in 1979. It was also there that I discovered the first brand new camera I ever owned. That was a Minolta XG-7.
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Mark Feldstein |
My earlier work was mainly h.s. sports like football, track and swim competitions. Then I started getting assignments like 100 year-old birthday parties, library donations, (big stuff eh?) promotion portraits and highway construction photos. Once in awhile, I got shots of an accident. Then I branched into creating my own photo essays. With the Times, I continued to shoot hard news (chased a lot of fire
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Mark Feldstein |
BTW, has anyone besides Mark H. and I read the newest edition of PDN ? That's "Photo District News". Borders, BN.com, larger camera equipment stores, some labs sell it, libraries, large magazine counters, vendors, PDN Subscriptions...yes?? M.
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BetterPhoto Member |
The thing I really miss about the windy is walking down the street and having a seven course meal in seven different cuisines simply by walking into seven different restaurants. Walk into a russian restaurant for your soup, borscht, then to an italian restaurant for canneloni, then it's off to the local greek restaurant for a gyro, then to the deli for one of those huge zesty garlic dill pickles, then back to the italian restaurant for a scoop of spumoni, all on the same block. And people wonder how I stay so skinny.
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Mark Feldstein |
Yeah, on the North side, you can go through 7 different neighborhoods in 8 different blocks and hit all those different restaurants !!! STOP IT MARK, YOU'RE KILLING ME in California !!! We don't HAVE neighborhoods here. We have suburbs searching for cities. :<((( Things are getting worse... send Uno's or Due's FAST !!!
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BetterPhoto Member |
Whatcha want from Uno's, I'll have my sister get right on it. That is, if you send me some real, non frozen White Castle sliders.
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Elijah J. Kihlstadius |
Wow, I can't believe I read all that! I figure I'll join in with the trend of young photographers here! I'm 16, and I have been shooting for just over a year now. I have done portraits and a wedding, but nothing big. I love sports, and after reading this I am excited to go to a few games and see what I can do! On a little off-topic, any young photographers out there from Minnesota, please check out my forum: www.minnesotateenartists.proboards101.com
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Jacob Gambrell |
Very helpful
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Rosina Horst |
Wow I am impressed with the amount of people here on Better Photos that are my age(13) Do you think that if I would post a thread with some of my pictures on it people could specify which picture and what size of a canvass they wanted an I could get it for them? Can you message me through Better Photos if any one thinks this is a good idea or has any walls that needs a picture? They would be aroud a 100 dollars a canvass Thanks, Rosina Horst
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