How can I convince my parents too....?

I have been into photography since September , and I really enjoy it . I really want a DSLR and it's hard to get 500-600 dollars , when you don't have a job and your parents won't let you get a job . My parents told me a i don't need a DSLR, because they said my images aren't too great and I don't need it . They also think it's just a phase , and i won't be interested in photography anymore . So my question is how can i convince them to get me the DSLR , because it will take me years to save up 500 dollars, by recyling and washing cars .


Thank you :)

and if you want to see my images here they are :

http://www.flickr.com/photos/annafur/

Thanks The F stopped there but i will try to sell my images , and my parents agreed to me paying half , and them paying the other half .

This is a tough one. I'm a (veteran) parent and I think I am more in alignment with "F-Stopped" on this issue. I'm not sure why they won't let you get a job, but perhaps they have only objected to certain jobs and we just don't know the whole story. (You're 15, right?) If they've drawn the line in the sand, you can't count on getting them to cross it. I also know nothing about your family's financial condition, so I can't say that I just think they are being mean or cheap.

I am not 100% in agreement on starting on film, though. First of all, it is indeed different from digital and you know a lot about digital, whether you realize it or not. Second of all, even if you had a free camera, you still have to feed it. Buying film and paying for processing can be difficult if you have no income. If you want to set this up, though, I'd be happy to hook you up with "F-Stop" to arrange it. You know how to find me. If you don't have my address somewhere, you can use Flickr mail.

When I was your age, I was playing in a band. I really needed some better equipment. When I got my first bass and amp, I got an imported bass (which meant "cheap" in those days) and a well-used amplifier. I had some money saved, but had to borrow the rest from my parents. I probably had half and they fronted me the other half, which amounted to around $100. I really have no idea how much that was in 1964, but I think it was a lot. I paid off my dad with money that I made playing out in the band or other little sources like cutting grass. This took a little while, but about as soon as I had that knocked, I wanted a better amp and soon a better bass. Dad could understand about the amp, but he really didn't see any need for the Fender bass. This cost the princely sum of $271 and the one I had at the time seemed to sound pretty much like a bass. It took a little patience on my part, but as he saw that the band was doing well (working most weekends), he agreed to front me the money. I got him to listen to me about the "advantages" of owning a professional quality instrument and he went with me to the music store so I could actually show him how much better it was. Now he was a craftsman (not to mention a dentist) who understood fine things and the differences between that Fender and my Kent bass were obvious. I think he could see the passion in my eyes and hear it in my voice as I tried to sell him on my dream. Finally. I just don't know how to translate this into buying a camera.

Do you have any photos hung in your house? Maybe you can print them at home, but I don't know what kind of printer you have. You'd be limited to 8x10, also. You can get nice prints from Flickr, but they limit you to 8x10 and then jump to a poster size. You can get some intermediate sizes from http://www.mpix.com that look a bit more dramatic. (Of course, you need a credit card to deal with anyone on-line, so I don't know how that works with you...) If your folks saw the portrait of Lori that you just shared with us http://www.flickr.com/photos/annafur/225... and said you have no talent, it's going to be an uphill climb. If they saw it printed out at 8x10 (or 8x10.66 from Flickr), I think they'd have to be impressed.

Now, to get back to my music story. I used my music to pay for upgrades in my music equipment. Is there anything you could possibly do to use your camera to make money? I see a van parked in front of PetSmart every now and then to take animal portraits. Not that you'd want to work that way, but this tells me that people are paying money for pictures of their pets. You'd have to "deliver the goods" by getting someone else to make your prints (like Flickr or Mpix), because you don't want to be selling inkjet prints to people, but you can already deliver the goods with your photographic skills. Yeah, you are working with a 4 MP camera, but if you fill the frame (as you are already doing), you can go up to 8x10 with no problem. Maybe you can get a pet store to hang a small poster with your contact information. Maybe your vet has a bulletin board where they could do the same thing for you. If I saw that picture of Lori, I know I'd want to see MY pet looking so good!

Well, this is a record long answer, I think, so I'll close. If you want to contact F-Stop, I can help.

I like that idea - call your grandparents!

omg your so talented luv ur picturews Report It

I think your photos are great and your parents are being oppressive. I would try to talk to them and if you can't reach some sort of compromise, practice with what you have and save up on the way to your goal. Good Luck!

Great photos. You should take your feelings to your parent. Like making them go deep in their heart that you like photography and what you want to be in the future. A parent should understand that.

Good luck with life

Impressive photos and artwork. You certainly seem to have a creative flair. Perhaps you could consider a pre-owned model for a bit less money to start with....
Perhaps you could have a high school or college art teacher look at them and contact your parents about your potential...

Nice pictures. Why won't they let you get a job? I also hope you're considering a used DSLR or maybe even a used film camera.

i want you too see my friend nicole's style of photography. you can get some ideas from it :]

http://www.flickr.com/photos/poopingiscu...

but i think yours is pretty good, just add some "colors" in it

just hang in there... don't nag them too much... and continue to show and interest in your photography, and continue to save up for a dslr camera.... sometimes if we have to work really hard for something it is more valuable to us than if it were just given to us... if you keep your interest up for long enough your parents may see that you are serious and give you one for a birthday or christmas or they may see that you've saved your money for one and will decide to help you out... that is a MAYBE, i don't know your folks, but this is something that was done in my family. now i'm a grandpa and it is being done in our children's familys.

You certainly know how to lighting! Those photos are really good. Does it have to a dslr, how about a film slr- Canon K2 are going for about 200 dollars right now. I just bought a Dslr- rebel xt for 400 dollars, check the camera stores and see if you can't find one used for less. See if you can't sell some of your images to make the money. Try here:
http://www.redbubble.com

That's what my parents said... about everything. So forget about what they think/want because it's YOU that counts. And remember, if you don't get what you want, it's because you don't want it enough. I sold my D70 last year for next to nothing - had I have known, it would be on its way to your place. Maybe there may be some goodness in this place that a few might pitch in and contribute to a fantastic artist to be... or maybe someone might have an old one they don't want. OR show your parents the answers you are getting here about your photography or better still, find a photographer in your area to have a word to your parents.

Just some ideas. If I lived closer, I'd try help other ways.

Edit: Pringers - exactly my point! Trying to convice parents wont work. That's why she needs to go down another track. All very well waiting to prove herself to her parents, but that time spent proving could be spent on a real SLR learning, and just think what she could achieve! Look what Anna's producing on the camera she has! If that's what she can do in a point and shoot, imagine the value of the precious time her parents are wasting while telling her to "get a real job".

If you would like a film slr, I have a Nikon F-801s you can have if you want. Ask Dr Sam about it and he can tell you whether you want it or not. But if you want it, I would be more than happy to donate it to such a good cause. Dr Sam has my email address.

Another Edit: I have another idea, you could sell the F801s for a little bit to go toward a DSLR. I also have a 28 - 300mm Sigma lens I really don't want. That's the lens I started out on.

the f stopped there has no good advise for you child, that would not be a good idea at all what he said... trust me on this one i'm a parent and a grandparent, won't work. be patient and save the best you can and try to keep good grades so your parents may let you get a job, they may be trying to protect you though from the workaday world it is tough.

Pardon me saying this, but your parents are weird. Whatever happened to working to learn the value of a dollar? And I thought parents where always supposed to tell their kids what wonderful pictures they did.
I don't have any adice on how to conveince them, but if your parents wont let you get a real job, then do odd jobswith cash under-the-table. That was how I saved up money to buy paints and other art supplies. You could of course sell your photos. Take a SD card or CD with the photos to Wal-Mart and have the photo center print out a something like a 8"x11", put a frame around it and take it to a local coffee shop. I sell alot of my pictures like that for about $50 a piece. I don't know when you birthday is, but you could always just ask for money, and of course if you have a 'Super Granny' you could ask her. You can always sell stuff on ebay. For that you'll need a bank acount though. If you need help selling stuff on ebay, feel free to message me, as I would be more than happy to help.

Your pics are pretty good. I must say you have an eye for photos. I hope you don't mind, but I've mark your page, as I see lots of artistic elements I'd like to study and emulate in my drawings and paintings.
I wish the best you luck, with a little prctice you could become a phenominal photographer.

Your images are impressive, as is your personal drive. You didn't state your age, but that may be a reason your parents hesitate to give you the $500-$600 for a new DSLR.

As suggested above, you could look for a gently used camera, or even start off with a 35mm SLR. The techniques you'll master with a 35mm will make you a better photographer, in any format.

Another approach is to get an advanced slr-like camera,which, though limited in scope, will still give you great photographic opportunites.

My own daughter signed up for the school's newspaper and wanted to be the paper's photographer. I loaned her one of my old SLR's and was amazed at how her skills blossomed. Last year, I gave her a Nikon DSLR. She'd demonstrated the confidence and skills to use it and use it well.

You have talent. I hope you'll be able to bring it to fruition. Best of luck to you.

My son wanted an expensive computer for his last birthday, and we made a deal with him. If he can pony up half, we'd spring for the other half. He's actually been working it off ever since, and is nearly done with his debt. You could try to work out a deal like that with them. How are your school grades? If they're really good, you could ask to get paid for good grades. If they're not so good, you could ask to get paid for good grades if you bring them up. Parents like deals like that.

You can show your interest and commitment by sticking to your passion. Don't worry about getting the right equipment (expensive) yet. There is no end once you start concentrating on buying the "right" equipment. Once you have a DSLR (relatively cheap), you need lenses. Lenses for different types photography, they ain't cheap. Most proper lenses cost more than the camera itself. Then lighting, flash, reflectors, umbrellas, tripods, bags, dry cabinets, etc. It is a very expensive hobby!

You already have and can still take good shots with what you have. With a little bit of imagination, you can use a lot of things around the house to make good photos. It is the person behind the camera that makes the shot, not the camera itself. True you can't submit these to a stock photography site, but it does not make you less of a good photographer.

If you have friends who has access to it, you can borrow first. Or borrow your Dad's. I don't know how old you are, if you are old enough, try to work/help out around a photo studio near your place. Tell them you are interested in photography and ask them if you can help around the place while learning. They might even pay you. Most professional photographers I have met are very nice and helpful. They'd love to teach you a few things, and maybe even let you try.

Concentrate on learning and developing your skill and knowledge, and less on craving and buying expensive equipment.

Annafur,
Ignore what your folks say about your photos because their answers are generated only to support their advice regarding your direction...but show them respect too, sounds like an oxymoron I know but it isn't. School will help you regardless of your career path so stay focused on that.
I know it's almost unheard of today but I saved for 3 years to buy my first slr so be patient, who knows maybe the whole direction of this digital era will be more settled in a couple of years and you can make a better decision then.
In the mean time, take some of your work and show it to the photography instructor at your school, he might have some good advice for you and will be an asset to you in persuading your parents to encourage your hobby. What ever you do don't let this become a rift between you and your folks at this early age, they're with you for life and want the best for their child, photography is tough business and they know it, they are just being cautious.
BE PATIENT.

they're really good! i cant believe your parents said they weren't!
if i was you i would have a talk to them, and make some sort of deal, for example wait 6 months or so and if your still into it ask if they would consider it. or offer to pay a proportion. if that doesn't work, or ebay seems to hard for selling stuff on, hold an old school garage sale!! sweet. lol
good luck

Enter some photo comps.
Show your oldies you are good.

Cameta Camera store in Amityville Long Island sells used equipment. Because they are a regular store, they also warranty what they sell. Over the years I have purchased many used film cameras from them as well as my new digital equipment. They now have this on line "Canon Digital Rebel XT Digital SLR Kit|0820512627,0620531028|Includes Canon EF-S 18mm-55mmf3.5-5.6 II Lens, Lens Cap, Canon Battery Pack NB-2LH, Canon CB-2LW Battery Charger, USB Cable, Video Cable, Instruction Manuals (English And Spanish Versions) And CD-ROM. (E++/Mint-)| $389"

Not cheap, but less than $600 and a good start. At least that lowers the bar a bit. Now, sign up for their listings and every Sunday you'll get an email about what's new in stock.

Annafur, I agree with everyone about how good you are.
But I can also understand where your parents are coming from. That is a lot of money for the average family, a lot of hours of work. You may have to be patient and just plod along until you can get some money of your own, look out for competitions with prize money etc. You are doing really well with the camera that you have, and I would encourage you meantime to expand your experience by seeking out different subjects, and experimenting.

Re the job thing, perhaps they are just very protective and want to keep you where they can watch you. A lot of parents are like that.

I understand your frustration about all of this and I don't discount it, but I can see both sides.

They must be wonderful parents to raise such a gentle and creative daughter, so please don't listen to anyone who is rubbishing them, they have a job to do. L.

wow, I think your photos r extra awesome really gifted, why don'tt you get relly creative and make great efforts to raise at least half the monet to prove to your parents how serious u are maybe even sell photos or something.

the regulars in this category already know your work which is pretty awesome. I don't even have to check the link. I will later. But the answers you've gotten are rock solid. You've received some great advice. I just wanted to add that the DSLR will always be there, and the longer you wait, the better the technology will be out there. But if you insist on having it asap, then you could figure out a way to sell some of your other stuff in order to reach your goal. You might have to sell some pretty nice stuff, but at least you'll have the DSLR.

Oh, and your parents know nothing about photography, so don't sweat it.

If you can't afford a DSLR right now, don't fret it, most people can't afford one. $500 is a large amount of money for most.

The time will come when you will have a DLSR, however, do not overlook the equipment you have now!

Great pictures can be made with any camera. You can continue to practice composition and lighting with what you have now.

Prove you are intersted in photography long term. Forget the DSLR. Spend less to buy a used film camera,and some lenses. A Pentax K-1000 camera , and some K, or KA, mount lenses. Use these for another year, or two, and get some great images. Sell a few images, or enter them in contests. Save what money you can, and make what you can from picture sales. Then-a year, or two, or three, down the road-buy a Pentax, or Samsung, DSLR which uses the old K, and KA, mount lenses you already have. Currently, the Samsung GX-10 is such a camera. By then, there will be a newer model out, and the GX-10 will be selling at a discount price...of you can buy a used one. Either way you save money, and end up with a great system you can use for years to come. If you take photo classes, as all this is going on, that will help convince your parents, too. See if-instead of the DSLR now-they will spring for photo lessons from NYIP. They can pay in monthly installments, so it won't be such a big expense all at once...$50.00, or so, per month for lessons...intead of $600.00 all at once for the camera. www.NYIP.com.

It may behoove you to get you SLR from Ritz/Wolf camera.
Every camera purchased there comes with 18 free photography classes. They also have classes tailored to specific Camera models so you'll know how to use all the features Your skills are already impressive.But it never hurts to learn more. Good luck.

call your grandparents!

omg girl.your photos are absolutely real.
you definately have a talent for this.
can a grandparent help you with your situation?if not,you really need to sit your parents and show them your gallery of talent.all they need to do is see your wonderful work to appreciate it.you need to tell them that you have a passion for this and you are seriously interested in making a career out of this.good luck to you my friend.