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Hammy
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p.2 #1 · Best way to earn a living w/ Photography?

radiodenver wrote:
What really cracks me up is when I see the local "portrait" chains advertise a job opening for photographers. No experience necessary. $8 an hour. Now, is that a real photography job or would a kid starting out be better off working at McDonalds flipping burgers?

If by portrait studio chain, you mean: here is a camera, set to f/16, everything is in focus, with a wide angle lens and everything in the frame and strobes to illuminate everything.

If that is the case, then it is not photography as we know it. It is a stock setup and all they need is a people person to get the customer to smile, laugh, pose, and push the button. So I agree, no experience necessary.

Edited on Nov 13, 2007 at 03:25 PM

Nov 13, 2007 at 02:54 PM

leewoolery
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p.2 #2 · Best way to earn a living w/ Photography?

Snapware:

You have to treat this as a business and not come off as a hobbist or amateur if you want people to take you serious.

I have found being versatile is the best way for me to have a steady flow of work...year around. I could specialize but like using different photographic equipment and have varying subject matter and clients to work with every month.

This is what keeps me busy...

-Senior portraits...in studio and on-location
-family portraits
-commercial assignments
-high school contract for team and individual photos plus action coverage
-year-round youth league team and individual photos plus action coverage
-youth rodeos in the spring, summer, fall and winter...indoors and out
-summer and winter horse shows
-county fairs in the summer
-horse and livestock photography
-bull riding events
-gymnastics meets
-figure skating competitions
-hockey tournaments
-basketball tournaments
-wrestling tournaments

I never do work for newspapers 'cause I don't have the time ( and the pay is low ) and all weekends are booked so weddings are out.

A brick and mortar studio/office location is mandatory where clients can come in and view your products, for consultations, pick up photos and have pictures taken.

A personal web sight...even if you don't sell much from it...lends legitimacy to a photography business.

A system for on-location viewing and ordering of pictures at events I cover is mandatory for profitiability.

I rarely accept large events that I require more than one photographer, maybe two a year, but I have a customer service staff for weekend events and sometimes during the week to man the office when I'm on assignment.

I'm busy all the time and turn down more work than I accept.

There are so many opprotunities for enterprising photographers out there...
you just have to be aggresive and go get them.

Lee Woolery
Speedshot Action Photography
www.speedshotphoto.com

Nov 13, 2007 at 03:25 PM


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