How did you get your start?

[dw75209]

Did anyone get start in a portrait studio?

I have opportunity to get a position on a portrait studio, it seems that I could learn a lot (sales, lighting, marketing, etc) and I would really like to take advantage of the opportunity. My dilemma is that it pays a considerable less amount of money that what I current make and it would also require me to work there on the weeks; which take away from additional money that I may on the side.

So my question(s) are as follows:
How was it and did really help with your development in photography and or business? Has anyone face with this choice; this and did it pay off to make the sacrifice of less money for awhile?

Any thoughts are suggestions would be greatly appreciated


Don

[DEMDeepEllumMusic]

First thing is this a "real" studio or one of those Mall Portrait Places. If it is a true photographers studio then you may possibley learn a lot while if it is a MPP then spend your money on some good books and a good set of lights and ask questions here.

[dw75209]

Portrait Innovations

[ShaneKislack]

I not so sure you'll learn alot in a portrait 'studio'. You'll learn one set up really REALLY well, but from what I've seen it's pretty standard. However, if you aren't good with people (which is 50% of the biz) then it might be a good place to get experience.

I don't think you'll learn anything inventive...but it beats flipping burgers or digging ditches.

[HotHolly]

They look like similar to the Picture People...in which case, I dont think they will be much help. From my experience, the best way to have your own studio is to jump in, shadow a pro photog, or figure out some way to get more shooting and studio expereince. I can't even tell you some of the things I learned this year alone. Thats my 2 cents anyway - fastest way to learn it is to do it...

[ndsimm]

ditto, about the only thing you will learn is how to upsell the customer on a package. they probably don't change their lighting, probably won't allow you any creativity, and none of the work will be yours.
You will do a lot better volunteering with a photographer on your free weekends...you could learn a heck of a lot more...

[CaptainTom]

A cut in pay to get some time in a mall studio is not my idea of a good career move.

Check with some of the small independent studios in your area. They may need a part timer who is willing to learn, as well as schlep the equipment, etc. Most photogs will talk your arm off about what they do if you let them. Get into a position where you can learn the ropes without getting hung.

[HotHolly]

Originally Posted by CaptainTom

Most photogs will talk your arm off about what they do if you let them.

Very true!

[exposedmedia]

If you find an independent studio make sure it specializes in portrait, wedding, or along those lines. If you find one that shoots for the masses such as school portraits your not going to learn much.

[HeatherLou]

I Started out working for Wal-Mart Portait studio and then later at Kiddie Kandids. While I really enjoyed working for both these companies, I agree that your not going to learn much technical stuff from them. You will learn how to deal with children, how to do basic posing and sales, (say what you will, but sales is part of our business and is a hard tool to learn for some people) I would suggest not quitting your current job. I learned more in 5 months on the forum then I did in the 5 years I worked in the studios. My suggestion is to find a mentor!

[HotHolly]

Originally Posted by Heatherlou

(say what you will, but sales is part of our business and is a hard tool to learn for some people!

Ditto - you can be the best photog ever - but if your sales skills are lacking it doesnt matter.

If you are super bent on learning, books are your BF. I can't tell you how many books we read. (I'm on my 3rd time through the CS2 book and OMG! I think I could read that 20 more times and still feel like I only know 1/2 of all the things it can do) Basics of posing and lighting are all layed out in full color pictures via Amherst - search Amazon for the books - those are good starter books.

[LEATHERNECK]

I would say the same as the rest...your better off learning what you want and need through books, mentors(friends) and good ole practice. When Glamour Shots first came in-
to vogue I was given an opportunity to work at one but turned it down after hanging out and watching them work for about 2hrs. Big mass production like an assembly line. Same lighting configuration, same poses etc....the more and faster you can shoot'em the more
money. And your not really the one making the money. I took some continuing ed courses
at college...learned alot, made new friends and on my schedule.

[LadyShutterBug]

library, library, library. and you might have to spend some money on books as well.

and don't just read up on photography-- read up on small business. read up on customer service. think about business plans.

i started out on my own reading a lot of books, shooting my kids as test subjects, and offering free and low-cost sittings to neighbors and relatives. i learned by doing, and i learned by doing my way. kept my old job while i was developing a customer base and getting my name out. when i took the plunge and started concentrating on my business full-time, yes, we had to seriously cut back on spending for a while because i wasn't instantly bringing in income.

[dw75209]

Thanks everyone for the replies.