Getting Started

[Mindless]

I've decided that I really like photography and would like to try it as a profession as well as get some "on the job training". The thing really holding me back is lack of experience and no formal training to make up for it. So, question is, what would be the best way for me to go about finding job openings and getting my foot in the door? I've found some listings of job websites and craigslist, but is there somewhere else I should be looking?

[HotHolly]

Some photogs are self trained and others hook up with a pro photog or a photo mill to get experience and figure things out. I wouldnt diss the photomills. I know several great photogs who started at one. Keep reading and learning. You'll never know everything.

[ChristopherCoy]

I took photography in high school, worked for a video production company for many years, 'apprenticed' under a professional after school, and yes even worked for Glamour Snots.

I put my camera down for nearly ten years, but recently bought a DSLR and have gotten bit by the bug again. I too would like to build it into a profession, but there are so many things to learn and know before going forth.

I'm currently assisting my Sister in Law on as many shoots of hers as I can get to. I also burn up the internet forums reading as much as I can, since I can't afford a full college class on the matter.

Unfortunately, I have to keep my day job for now, but I'm going to keep practicing in hopes that I'll be able to do this full time in the next few years.

[HotHolly]

Originally Posted by ChristopherCoy

I can't afford a full college class on the matter.

You can contact your local colleges about auditing a class. There is a usually a reduced fee. At ACU its only $35 to audit, but to take a class for credit is over $3K. Audit = lots of info on the cheap.

[Mindless]

Well, to my surprise I got a reply after posting in the Resume section of Craigslist from a Emag company to take shots during a interview(s). Now I'm kind of freaking out because this would be my first paid shoot and I have no idea what the whole process is. Is this normal? Did anyone else feel unworthy with your first photography jobs? Any advice?

[jeffro20]

Originally Posted by ChristopherCoy

I took photography in high school, worked for a video production company for many years, 'apprenticed' under a professional after school, and yes even worked for Glamour Snots.

I put my camera down for nearly ten years, but recently bought a DSLR and have gotten bit by the bug again. I too would like to build it into a profession, but there are so many things to learn and know before going forth.

I'm currently assisting my Sister in Law on as many shoots of hers as I can get to. I also burn up the internet forums reading as much as I can, since I can't afford a full college class on the matter.

Unfortunately, I have to keep my day job for now, but I'm going to keep practicing in hopes that I'll be able to do this full time in the next few years.

Does Glamour Snots pay worth a damn?

[HotHolly]

Originally Posted by Mindless

Well, to my surprise I got a reply after posting in the Resume section of Craigslist from a Emag company to take shots during a interview(s). Now I'm kind of freaking out because this would be my first paid shoot and I have no idea what the whole process is. Is this normal? Did anyone else feel unworthy with your first photography jobs? Any advice?

Remember this - EVERY photo gig is different with different expectations. ASK them if they have your expectations written or if they can tell you. If its written, your job is easier. Make no assumptions. Each company is different. Each company will have different expectations. Asking is normal and professional.

btw - I think Glam Shots, Sears, and gfb maybe even WalMart may pay some photogs better than they pay themselves. GASP! I know, right? I went there. Not to hijack the thread or anything, but whats up with all the snarky comments lately?

[jeffro20]

Originally Posted by HotHolly

Remember this - EVERY photo gig is different with different expectations. ASK them if they have your expectations written or if they can tell you. If its written, your job is easier. Make no assumptions. Each company is different. Each company will have different expectations. Asking is normal and professional.

btw - I think Glam Shots, Sears, and gfb maybe even WalMart may pay some photogs better than they pay themselves. GASP! I know, right? I went there. Not to hijack the thread or anything, but whats up with all the snarky comments lately?

Blame it on the Texas heat.

[ChristopherCoy]

Originally Posted by jeffro20

Does Glamour Snots pay worth a damn?

I dont know, I dont remember...

I remember we had industrial sized welding clamps to hold the "size 2" formal wear closed in the back though....

ChristopherCoy added 0 Minutes and 16 Seconds later...Double Post Merged Below

Originally Posted by jeffro20

Blame it on the Texas heat.

....aint that the friggin truth.

[jeffro20]

Originally Posted by ChristopherCoy

I dont know, I dont remember...

I remember we had industrial sized welding clamps to hold the "size 2" formal wear closed in the back though....

ChristopherCoy added 0 Minutes and 16 Seconds later...Double Post Merged Below



....aint that the friggin truth.

What we don't see...nobody knows.

And to think the summer heat is only beginning....

[ChristopherCoy]

Originally Posted by jeffro20

What we don't see...nobody knows.

oh I know.... I have visions that are forever etched in my memory. OUCH! There goes one now....

[Mindless]

Originally Posted by HotHolly

Remember this - EVERY photo gig is different with different expectations. ASK them if they have your expectations written or if they can tell you. If its written, your job is easier. Make no assumptions. Each company is different. Each company will have different expectations. Asking is normal and professional.

btw - I think Glam Shots, Sears, and gfb maybe even WalMart may pay some photogs better than they pay themselves. GASP! I know, right? I went there. Not to hijack the thread or anything, but whats up with all the snarky comments lately?

Thanks Holly. That just made it easier for me to ask the questions that I wanted to ask them.

About the heat, I think we've lucked out so far this year. It was quite pleasant all the way through May. Lets just hope mother nature doesn't try to make up for it.

[jeffro20]

Originally Posted by Mindless

Thanks Holly. That just made it easier for me to ask the questions that I wanted to ask them.

About the heat, I think we've lucked out so far this year. It was quite pleasant all the way through May. Lets just hope mother nature doesn't try to make up for it.

Mother Nature was easy on us last summer.......we're due for multiple days over 100 degrees.

[HotHolly]

Originally Posted by jeffro20

Blame it on the Texas heat.

Is anyone on here actually sitting outside typing? Ya know, like your house blew away in the last storm and you didnt find a new refrigerator box yet? Oops. I think I was just snarky. Apparently its contagious. lol.

And OP - NEVER feel like its armature hour to ask exactly what the person hiring you wants.

[photopam]

Originally Posted by ChristopherCoy

and yes even worked for Glamour Snots

I worked there too, Chris. Hated every minute of it, but I did learn a lot about posing. No more big hair and nasty wraps when I was there. More modern. They did really screw you over on the the pay too. Make $x and hour OR x% commission. And Photogs got the LEAST % commission! I was at the Parks in Arlington. Million dollar store my last year there...

I went to college and learned photography, so I had a small amount of confidence. Working in a studio was nice to see the office side of photography that you don't learn in school. Now, since I am home with the kids, I do it on the side, and I keep practicing (on my kids). I still have a lot to learn and remembering that stuff is the other trick!