what kind of photography do you do???

[esanchez]

I hope Arthur doesn't mind that I quoted him but he took the words right out of my mouth


"I am in photography because I enjoy it. I will never quit my day job to be a professional photographer.

Having said that, I wouldn't mind getting paid for the small amount of photography I do (if only to justify the expense of the equipment to the Mrs.)"

Everyone that sees my work says I do great work and I should do it professionally I don't agree. I don't like doing weddings, Quinceanera unless I'm the second shooter. And I have only done a few and I really don't like the enviroment. What else does everyone around here do photography wise and make money?? Do some of you do only studio shoots?? The people I know from around here do everything they can't do one specific job because its their primary source of income and they can't afford to do just one kind of job. I would like to do something in the weekends only for a few hours because I enjoy it and make extra money. With that said what kind of photography do you do to make money????

Any suggestions would be appreciated

[brad]

Its a good question.. I ended up as primarily a portrait photographer mostly by accident.. and even though I never thought I would, I love it. I love meeting new people.

[MyKey]

I photograph whatever takes my breath away!


Passion to me makes great photographs, simple as that!

[CaptainTom]

I had been making a bleak living as a commercial photographer. Working for some clients doing whatever they needed at the time. I am not a great marketer, so I floundered a few months, and had to go the "day job" route.
I still keep my contacts open, but have to give away many jobs to other photogs who can work at will during the week. It seems that once I committed to the day job, the photo jobs started to pour in.... go figure.
Right now I am relegated to shooting the occasional weekend gig for the local feed store, ballet studio, insurance company, etc.
But, I now have time to actually shoot some things for ME !!!!! I may have time and energy now (as well as the financials) to put together an exhibit for a local gallery.

My advice would be to go out and market yourself as much as possible. Contact local not for profit groups. They don't like spending money, but they do have money, and if you can convince them they need publicity, they might hire you for the occasional gig.
Contact all the local advertising, public relations offices in your area. They usually have a list of photogs and if you get on it, you might be surprised at the results. Check out your local newpapers. They pay pennies, but it can get you places you might not have access to normally.

Weddings are a whole seperate category, and I will leave that to those with more experience than me.

Good luck.

[esanchez]

Brad I'll PM I got a couple of questions for you. MyKey

I photograph whatever takes my breath away! Passion to me makes great photographs, simple as that

I do the same but would like to make money even if its a little money on the side and the pictures that I take right don't make me any money. And CaptainTom I know how hard it is to have a gig and not be able to make it because of your day good luck I hope everything works out for you. I'm more intrested in what Brad is doing...and as far as weddings I feel the same way I'll leave that to the pros....Thanks for the input...Anyone else???

[phiblue29]

I do 'events' mostly, that have spawned from freelance work for a friend of mine that owns a local entertainment magazine. He doesn't mind me talking to the Event Coordinators and giving them my own biz card while I'm there shooting for his magazine.

I have gotten access to some very good events/concerts and have garnered other contract work from the Event Sponsors, Coordinators, Artists, etc. Since my 'pay' from my friend is the access to such events-- I usually deliver a CD to him and the Event Coordinator of my best images with no complaints from him.

From these 'freebies' I send on CD I have been able to get larger paying gigs as "THE" shooter for the concerts/events as they travel! I get a call, "would you like to come to xxxx and shoot the xxxx concert/event next month?" I say yes or no as time permits and pick up my $$ at the end of the show.