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| *SoulEyes Photography>>>Nature Photography |
Can I make a living by taking pictures and how would I go about it ? |
People say I should be a photographer, but I am unsure if I could really make it work. Not sure how much it would cost of starting a business with photography and all the equipment I would need and extra's . And is there a place where I can get help and can I do it by living in the columbus, ohio If anybody has any helpful ways please let me know I sure could use all the help I can get. I'm just a amateur with this and not sure in what to do next. I have a good eye for detail and like taking pictures of nature scenery and animals . help! First take some photography courses. You will be expected to know composition, exposure, film types and capabilities, cameras of most formats (view cameras, medium format, 35mm and DLSR's ) and when to use them. That is the technical end of it. Once you have that under your belt, find a successful photographer who will take you on as an assistant and spend a few years learning the business and some of the practical ways to overcome specific challenges some clients can bring to you. Equipment wise your investment will depend upon the field of photography you eventually settle on. Figure between $10 - 20,000 for the cameras, lenses and a couple of good tripods and if you are going to have a studio, be prepared to spend another $20,000 or so. Source(s): Editorial, sports and glamour photographer if you want to test your aptitude -the market speaks. Try istockphoto.com. They sell your images - you create em. It's easy as pie and if your good, you can do quite well. Then take this portfolio (they paid for you to develop) and have a few of your own shows. People LOVE great photography and your reputation will proceed you. Good luck. Rhonda, I attended OIP+T and reveived a professional degree in Portraiture. Since then (1979) I started my own studio, buying equipment, building clients, etc. The studio has been very uplifting, and profitable over the years. It allows me the opportunity to exercise creativity which keeps the "HOBBY" feel about the business. Without that I might as well flip hamburgers at McD! It takes some $ to get established in equipment and advertising, but with some searching and studing, good equipment can be found. Advertising will change as you have more to show future clients. I started out shooting medium format professional camera using film, and for the last few years I have gone totally digital. I believe it took me some time after all the years of shooting film, to really trust digital to be as good as film in the quality realm. I have been very pleased with my Canon 5D that is able to shoot up to 13mp. images in the RAW format. Having done my homework, I have noticed that many of the photographers ( and I use that term lightly) in the area are using 5 - 8 MP digital cameras and are feeling very happy with their work. Anyone can purchase that quality of camera from walmart or sears, but you will need to possibly look closer at a higher end professional camera to have the lattitude to play and change on the fly. Just as an example, when I purchased my Canon system, I searched quite some time over the internet and different up-scale camera shops, and the majority of my leaning was towards the Canon vs. Nikon. I must admit that sometimes it is just a matter of choise and/or what one might be more familiar with. I wasn't familiar with either since I had been using larger professional film cameras, and they work differently. As for types of photography that makes money, it would have to be People before scenery, since the couple getting married I'm sure makes more $ then trees and animals. :)Gotta pay the bills. There are a million photojournalists out there with their digital cameras hoping to get just one shot that sells to some big magazine. My suggestion would be that you need to learn the professional skills of lighting ratios, posing, etc. in a closed studio or on-location environment, growing your client list, and still take those pictures of animals and scenery that you like to take, just to keep the hobby feel in your heart. And, possibly sell that as well on the side. There might be a quick answer to this whole situation. I actually live only 2 hours away from you in Celina, Ohio. I have been looking for someone that might be interested in purchasing my business, equipment and all, along with my training them. I have been in this business for nearly 30 years, and have everything that is needed to operate a studio. This might be a possibility for you to get your feet on the ground in photography with a studio that is already in operation, or just buy the business (files, etc.) and equipment and move it back to Columbus. But, I would be more than willing to teach you the art of PROFESSIONAL photography until you feel comfortable to take out on your own. There is nothing better than going out on a shoot and watch someone work and have them talk to you as they shoot as to what they are doing and why. If this might interest you, or even if you might want to set down and talk, just drop me an email: tastudio@yahoo.com Do not be overwhelmed by the construction of your dreams, they are so beautiful and rewarding with every step you take forward. Graduating from Ohio Institute of Photography and Technology in 1979, with a Professional Degree in Portrait and Wedding. NOT to mention, nearly 30 years of learning and operating a studio in the REAL WORLD. :) |
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