Start something new in DFW

[johnstodd]

I want to build a new life in Professional Photography... I thought about creating a partnership with someone looking to do the same. I'm an in-experenced photographer (with 26 years of IT experience)... Ideally someone who has more experience than me (which is just about everybody at the professional level)...

Thoughts and suggestions are certainly welcome.

stevierayphotography@msn.com

"Nothing in the world can take the place of Persistence...not talent, not genius. Persistence always has and always will solve the problems of the human race".

[AndrewCCM]

Seems pretty common these days... I'd guess 9 out of 10 people getting into video and/or photography are current or ex IT professionals. I am one (current)...my partner (former).

If you are thinking about this full-time, you probably want to start by learning as much as you can and putting things into perspective. It is a field that is highly competitive and not super lucrative unless you stand out above most. However, this (and other places) are a good place to start. I'd decide on a business plan...Figure out the market and type of photography you wish to pursue then read, volunteer, emulate and shoot a lot. People here are very helpful.

Good luck from another IT professional/photographer in Arlington/Mansfield!

[babybluetx23]

Im also in the IT industry. I work for Verizon doing technical support for the FIOS (Fiber Optic Service). I too live in the Arlington/Mansfield Area

[CaptainTom]

I'd say that because you are in Mansfield you have an awesome opportunity to build and grow a business. That area is exploding, and as far as I know there aren't many established photogs down there. If you have the marketing skills you will also have a leg up on the competition. A good web presence is mandatory.
I would love to go back to "full time", but just haven't got the financial resources to wait out the start up period. I would be happy to speak one on one sometime.

There are a couple of others who have recently started studios up in the DFW area. I am sure they have some helpful advice.

[johnstodd]

Thanks Andrew...for your words of encouragement. I am open to Nights and Weekends if I can ever assist as part of the learning process.

[johnstodd]

Hi CaptainTom...I'll be glad to speak with you....send me an email...stevierayphotography@msn.com and I'll reply back with my cell. Thanks.

[rememberme]

I didn't realize so many IT people were photographers (or aspiring to become one). I was in the biz for 11 years and specialized in high-availability and clustering. I spent all day and a lot of nights with servers - alone or with a bunch of other tech guys (I'm a girl who loves to talk). Obviously, that didn't work out too well for me. Hee, hee. It took me 2 years to get up the courage to leave my job of 7 years and venture into this arena. I broke into my 401K and went for it. It's almost been a year. I've had so much fun and been so happy but the business side is not fun and it's what I seem to do the most of. I'm learning very fast - baptism by fire - the way I always seem to do things. I go to every workshop and seminar that I can and I network with other photographers to share ideas and resources. This has been very helpful. This forum has also been great. People ask me how I am doing this and the answer is "I have no idea - I'm just doing it." You can too. Good luck and welcome to the forum. :)

[johnstodd]

Hi Jodi...I enjoyed your reply...even smiled as I read it. You sound very happy about your move. That's great. I'm not sure where an amateur like me starts...but you hit some of the basics; go to workshops and seminars and network...take a lot of pictures and keep after it. If you ever need a rookie assistant (2nd shooter at a wedding) or something like that...let me know. I wish you continued good-luck. Thanks again for your reply.

stevierayphotography@msn.com

[Wes]

Steve! I totally missed this thread. Sorry!

I'm pretty much in the same boat as Steve. In fact, in more ways that one. My desk is about 20 feet from his. I, too, am a 25 year IT pro that's trying to go down the photog route. Jodi - I wish I were as brave as you. Don't quite have that amount of courage.

On a TOTALLY unrelated subject... Ahem.... Cynthia, dear? WHEN WILL VERIZON BE BRINGING FIOS INTO MANSFIELD?!?!?!? I'm so green with envy of those that I work with that live up in the Southlake area and have had the service for a while.

[rememberme]

You say "courage" ... could be "stupidity." Time will tell. We reach our 1 year anniversary in our studio Sept. 1 so that's good. Did I mention that the meal is bread and beans??? We'll be washing it all down with tap water. LOL! :)

[picasso]

I know this reply is a little late but just read the post and am new here. I too am an IT guy working in the Alliance Ft. Worth area. Thinking about changing careers and am thinking about photography as a possible avenue. Not sure yet about it but, I do enjoy it immensely. If anyone wants to talk about business ventures sometime give me a shout. I am always trying to look at business ideas/adventures.

Paul

[epoh]

LoL. Another IT person here who'd love to go full-time someday.

[TJPhotoGuy]

I wonder why it's true about IT people. Any theories? I personally think it's because it requires a lot of creativity, but most of us hate putting up with all the bs lol.

[picasso]

I think there is a technical aspect to photography that draws me. I am also left handed so, I have an artistic bent. Not that right handed people don't as well it just seems lots of leftys are artisic. My dad painted and had paintings in galleries for years so, I probably got some of his artistic yearnings but not necessarily his abilities : )

Paul

[TJPhotoGuy]

I agree - that's definitely another factor, the fact that there's a technical side. I really enjoy lighting, and the whole technical side to it. Good point. It's been said that photography is "1/2 art, 1/2 science."