becoming a professional photographer...
Discussion
...what does it take? I really want to pursue a career as a pro photographer and am just wondering what is the best action to take. I want to get into a few different areas - automotive/product/fashion/wedding but only really have experience in automotive, and I don't have any photography based qualifications.
Do I :-
a) spend all my spare time taking setting up mini studios at home etc and going out taking as many decent pics as I can which are relevant to these areas to try and build a good portfolio?
b) try and get work experience with a photographer? if so, is there anyone out there wishing to help me?
c) get a photography qualification?
d) other?
I'd be interested to hear how other people have made it as pro photographers.
Cheers
Mike
Do I :-
a) spend all my spare time taking setting up mini studios at home etc and going out taking as many decent pics as I can which are relevant to these areas to try and build a good portfolio?
b) try and get work experience with a photographer? if so, is there anyone out there wishing to help me?
c) get a photography qualification?
d) other?
I'd be interested to hear how other people have made it as pro photographers.
Cheers
Mike
why not do all of the above?
im not a pro photographer - im a video cameraman, but im quite unhappy with the job im currently in- but i know i should really be making short movies at the weekend, going on short courses etc etc, if i really want to get to be shooting in the areas i'm interested in.
If photography is your passion, and you want to make a living out of it, then I think you have to go at it 120% - remeber, especially these days, lots of people want to be a photographer- competition is strong, but that doesn't mean you can't succeed. Just means you have to either be lucky, or work harder than everyone else, or happen to meet the right people. (or all of those)
best of luck!
im not a pro photographer - im a video cameraman, but im quite unhappy with the job im currently in- but i know i should really be making short movies at the weekend, going on short courses etc etc, if i really want to get to be shooting in the areas i'm interested in.
If photography is your passion, and you want to make a living out of it, then I think you have to go at it 120% - remeber, especially these days, lots of people want to be a photographer- competition is strong, but that doesn't mean you can't succeed. Just means you have to either be lucky, or work harder than everyone else, or happen to meet the right people. (or all of those)
best of luck!
andy-xr said:
Get contacts. Lots of contacts
And that is what it all boils down. It doesn't seem to matter how good you are/think you are, if you don't have a foot in the door, a recommendation etc, you're not going to get much work.I would personally not pursue a career and rather have fun with the photography and aim to improve your skills and knowledge along the way, don't get hooked up on wanting to go pro. You'll only be disappointed by how broke, lonely and un-glamorous it really is.
As for your questions:
A: You can do, but you'll likely just get fed up of taking photos as you're not doing it for fun.
B: That can help your understanding of the work and you'll likely learn something new. As I said in my e-mail I'd be willing to have you assist.
C: Absolutely no point, in my opinion
D: Just have fun with it, don't aim to make it a profession. Don't work for free and don't undercut other photographers leaving them out of job, currently happening to me and I'm furious. Also, don't jump the gun and e-mail perspective clients until your work is at least as good as what they are having produced for them already, art-directors are always being emailed asking for work, so if yours doesn't stick out it'll just get binned, and they'll remember looking at your site before, the next time you email them!
You said be interested in how others became pro, how I became pro is pretty boring really. Started taking photos of BMX after borrowing a friends camera and really enjoying it. I knew an editor of a BMX magazine and after a few years I started to do some work with them, not a lot but it was nice to see the photos in an international magazine. Then I learnt to drive and started to take photos of the cars that I borrowed from work using the techniqus that I'd picked up from shooting BMX. I posted the photos on various forums photo sharing websites, I branded myself as deanphoto (oh boy do I regret that now). That lead to a few people wanting me to photograph their cars, most enthusiasts know of someone in the industry, no matter how big or small a player they are. The word spread, I met a lot of people in the industry through contacts and it then started from there, editors etc were recommending me to other editors, PR's, on-line mags etc etc etc. It just spiralled from there, almost all of my work was coming through recommendations or direct from my website and I couldn't get to a lot of the shoots due to work. It was this and being totally fed up of my job I thought I'd give it a bash.
2 weeks after handing in my notice all my other colleagues were made redundant. I missed out on a large sum of redundancy pay and I could sure do with that now, I've never been so broke in all my life. It's all very well having a few freelance jobs here and there but actually getting the money off of the clients is a nightmare!
In hindsight, I wish I'd not jumped so soon as it's proving difficult to get work, even if you are on a magazines freelancers list or the client loves your work. For example, I'm one of 30+ photographers that evo has at their disposal, seen any features from me recently? No. Same goes for most clients, they all have their photographers that they've used for years and years, so why would they want to risk trying a new photographer? Not only that, but as somebody mentioned before everybody seems to be a photographer these days, so you better be good and have something original that your perspective client wants.
Thanks Dean(photo)
, some really good advice there. Sorry to hear it's not going as well as planned, hope it picks up for you soon!
ETA Out of curiosity Dean do you only do automotive or do you ever get comissioned for other areas of photography?
, some really good advice there. Sorry to hear it's not going as well as planned, hope it picks up for you soon!ETA Out of curiosity Dean do you only do automotive or do you ever get comissioned for other areas of photography?
Edited by 4Lmike on Friday 3rd December 10:49
As I say to everyone that wants to be in the music biz...(which, unless you look like Kylie is as fickle as being a pro photographer) keep a day job, do it as a hobby, then semi pro, and when you can give up the day job - great.
Having said that, I did exactly the opposite, and jumped blind - but was REALLY lucky to land on soft ground.
Having said that, I did exactly the opposite, and jumped blind - but was REALLY lucky to land on soft ground.
//dean said:
andy-xr said:
Get contacts. Lots of contacts
And that is what it all boils down. It doesn't seem to matter how good you are/think you are, if you don't have a foot in the door, a recommendation etc, you're not going to get much work.I would personally not pursue a career and rather have fun with the photography and aim to improve your skills and knowledge along the way, don't get hooked up on wanting to go pro. You'll only be disappointed by how broke, lonely and un-glamorous it really is.
As for your questions:
A: You can do, but you'll likely just get fed up of taking photos as you're not doing it for fun.
B: That can help your understanding of the work and you'll likely learn something new. As I said in my e-mail I'd be willing to have you assist.
C: Absolutely no point, in my opinion
D: Just have fun with it, don't aim to make it a profession. Don't work for free and don't undercut other photographers leaving them out of job, currently happening to me and I'm furious. Also, don't jump the gun and e-mail perspective clients until your work is at least as good as what they are having produced for them already, art-directors are always being emailed asking for work, so if yours doesn't stick out it'll just get binned, and they'll remember looking at your site before, the next time you email them!
You said be interested in how others became pro, how I became pro is pretty boring really. Started taking photos of BMX after borrowing a friends camera and really enjoying it. I knew an editor of a BMX magazine and after a few years I started to do some work with them, not a lot but it was nice to see the photos in an international magazine. Then I learnt to drive and started to take photos of the cars that I borrowed from work using the techniqus that I'd picked up from shooting BMX. I posted the photos on various forums photo sharing websites, I branded myself as deanphoto (oh boy do I regret that now). That lead to a few people wanting me to photograph their cars, most enthusiasts know of someone in the industry, no matter how big or small a player they are. The word spread, I met a lot of people in the industry through contacts and it then started from there, editors etc were recommending me to other editors, PR's, on-line mags etc etc etc. It just spiralled from there, almost all of my work was coming through recommendations or direct from my website and I couldn't get to a lot of the shoots due to work. It was this and being totally fed up of my job I thought I'd give it a bash.
2 weeks after handing in my notice all my other colleagues were made redundant. I missed out on a large sum of redundancy pay and I could sure do with that now, I've never been so broke in all my life. It's all very well having a few freelance jobs here and there but actually getting the money off of the clients is a nightmare!
In hindsight, I wish I'd not jumped so soon as it's proving difficult to get work, even if you are on a magazines freelancers list or the client loves your work. For example, I'm one of 30+ photographers that evo has at their disposal, seen any features from me recently? No. Same goes for most clients, they all have their photographers that they've used for years and years, so why would they want to risk trying a new photographer? Not only that, but as somebody mentioned before everybody seems to be a photographer these days, so you better be good and have something original that your perspective client wants.
If I was in your shoes I'd honestly think of leaving it a year or two, wait till the 'crisis' blows over and work on developing your technique in the meantime. Magazine & advertising budgets have been hammered (lots of magazines have gone in the last two years) so its maybe an even harder industry to get into right now, and there's always the spectre of a client folding two days after you've delivered a shoot (I've heard of it happening more than once...).
Edited by trackdemon on Monday 6th December 09:44
I agree with all of the above BUT if you have a good business brain and can sell your services (not wait for people to come to you) and are VERY flexible about the sort of work you do, you can make a living doing photography.
I am making a living taking photos of families in the studio now...Not what I want to do but I only have to work 1 or 2 days a week.
I say do it (just not in the Berkshire area I have far too much competition here already)
Ian
I am making a living taking photos of families in the studio now...Not what I want to do but I only have to work 1 or 2 days a week.
I say do it (just not in the Berkshire area I have far too much competition here already)
Ian
Edited by 01101001 on Monday 6th December 11:43
4Lmike said:
b) try and get work experience with a photographer? if so, is there anyone out there wishing to help me?
Do this.Your car stuff is pretty good, I would push this. Aim to be the very best, and get known for one style.
Weddings etc are fine as a way of making cash but will make keep you there.
Photograph what you love as it will always make for a better image.
I don't photograph weddings, children, animals or ugly people. I have no interest in any of them, and this would always show in the end image. Some markets are harder to get into/make money at. Talent is useful, but business and marketing sense is more important.
A lot of very interesting comments, mine you are not going to like
The industry is changing and has been for some time, where it will be in 10 years worries me a lot.
I would compare the biz to trying to make it as a rock star.
Its tough and its about lucky breaks, few get them.
As a businesss, this is a hard one. Open a shop do lots and lots of boring wedding shots day in day out and it will destroy your love for it.
Don't give up a job to be a freelancer unless you earn minimum salary, have no family and can support yourself for at least a year.
To make it you have to be much more than a good photographer, you need personality, back to the rockstar thing. I knew a guy who did nightclubs he had the skills of a conman to get into clubs. Its not just about holding a camera.
If you lack the personality and confidence you will find it almost impossible. As a freelancer you are constantly competing if you are not the Alpha one you are going to lose out time and time again.
I've had a look at your shots, they are okay, I would guess you are using entry level kit and you've been at it less than year. Look the best advice I could give you is treat it as hobby and specialise in what you enjoy doing.
If you like naked chicks then do that if you like cars then stick with that, what ever you do enjoy it and if you specialise you'll seperate yourself a little from the hordes of freelancers out there.
As full time profession, bottom line is...I wouldn't
and if i've depressed you, you could slways proove me wrong;)
The industry is changing and has been for some time, where it will be in 10 years worries me a lot.
I would compare the biz to trying to make it as a rock star.
Its tough and its about lucky breaks, few get them.
As a businesss, this is a hard one. Open a shop do lots and lots of boring wedding shots day in day out and it will destroy your love for it.
Don't give up a job to be a freelancer unless you earn minimum salary, have no family and can support yourself for at least a year.
To make it you have to be much more than a good photographer, you need personality, back to the rockstar thing. I knew a guy who did nightclubs he had the skills of a conman to get into clubs. Its not just about holding a camera.
If you lack the personality and confidence you will find it almost impossible. As a freelancer you are constantly competing if you are not the Alpha one you are going to lose out time and time again.
I've had a look at your shots, they are okay, I would guess you are using entry level kit and you've been at it less than year. Look the best advice I could give you is treat it as hobby and specialise in what you enjoy doing.
If you like naked chicks then do that if you like cars then stick with that, what ever you do enjoy it and if you specialise you'll seperate yourself a little from the hordes of freelancers out there.
As full time profession, bottom line is...I wouldn't
and if i've depressed you, you could slways proove me wrong;)
Decent portfolio and people willing to pay you money for your photos, plenty of people churning out mediocre photos and earning a living, a few talented types actually do a really good job and earn well. Half your time on marketing and the rest of the time taking and then editing the photos. Lots will be down to your inter personal skills.
h
ks. Try turning up to your first editorial car shoot with that whole 'confident-rockstar-snapper' thing going on, and quickly realize how wrong you are. And never get booked again. The days of shooting hazy snaps of stars stumbling out of clubs, just as you stumble in - and getting paid handsomely for it - are long gone.....
"Rockstar thing" Did someone really type that? 
TheCoolerKing said:
To make it you have to be much more than a good photographer, you need personality, back to the rockstar thing. I knew a guy who did nightclubs he had the skills of a conman to get into clubs. Its not just about holding a camera.
If you lack the personality and confidence you will find it almost impossible. As a freelancer you are constantly competing if you are not the Alpha one you are going to lose out time and time again.
Sorry, but if your aim is to try and get into the car photography game (which is one of the areas the OP wants to know about) then the above strikes me as bIf you lack the personality and confidence you will find it almost impossible. As a freelancer you are constantly competing if you are not the Alpha one you are going to lose out time and time again.
ks. Try turning up to your first editorial car shoot with that whole 'confident-rockstar-snapper' thing going on, and quickly realize how wrong you are. And never get booked again. The days of shooting hazy snaps of stars stumbling out of clubs, just as you stumble in - and getting paid handsomely for it - are long gone....."Rockstar thing"
Did someone really type that? Edited by trackdemon on Sunday 12th December 23:20
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