Starting from scratch

[strangefarm]

Hey everyone,

I've always wanted to be a professional photographer, but I have no professional experience, nor have I taken any photography courses. So I've gotta make it happen myself, and I think I have a pretty cool opportunity to do that. Please tell me what you think:

My mom does interior design and would like me to photograph some of her work to make a portfolio. For this I'd like to use a better camera than my 5 year-old casual-use digital camera. So she's going to help me with the cost of a new camera and(!) pay me for the photos! I'm really excited about this, and I think it could be a good way to become an active photographer.

Here are my questions:

1. I don't know where to start in terms of finding the right camera. Does anyone have any suggestions about what kind of camera I should look for, good places to shop in Houston, or maybe some good websites to browse?...and uh, what kind of questions to ask?

2. ...actually I don't have anymore specific questions.

I'd love to hear what yall have to say. There's so much cool stuff on this forum. I'm excited to hear some replies.

Thanks

[VincentHerrera]

It would really be a huge benefit to decide what you want to do, then write out a five year plan. Follow that up with a three and one year plan.

The other option is to buy a ton of marginally useful stuff (and a few essentials), and photograph everything you can (regardless of subject matter). Then you can sell off your equipment in a few years for a tiny fraction of what you paid, take up massage therapy or dog grooming (both of which will still benefit from the first paragraph).

I'm not a jerk...well, I am, but that doesn't mean I'm wrong. Best of luck.

[AndrewCCM]

Keep in mind the "Business" portion is a lot more important than the equipment. If you are serious, you need to get your legal ducks in a row before starting to accept payment.

That is my best advice.

[texkam]

First you need to convince your Mom that the fabulous photos that you will be shooting of her interior design work are worth thousands of dollars. Hopefully that will help you afford all the great set ups that will be suggested.

[strangefarm]

Hmm, after reading the greetings on the introduction page I was expecting to get some positive and welcoming replies. Does anyone take this forum seriously?

[AndrewCCM]

You asked a business question in a business forum. Expect a business like response.

If you are just interested in equipment advice, try the equipment forum.

Many professionals in this field are a bit touchy when it comes to people that arbitrarily decide they are going into the photography business. The hobbyists have somewhat watered down the profession and as suggested in a previous post often spend a lot getting into the business, not adequately plan or setup or run the "business" and subsequently burn out and/or make little if nothing but a few bucks in their back pocket. This is not labeling you (at least I didn't intend on it with my response). It is a reality in this line of work where everyone and their dog thinks they'll make a business out of it.

You have to understand the advice given here "typically" is from people that are SERIOUS. Thus the SERIOUS advice. The minute you take money for doing a job (mother or not), you have to be prepared legally (ie, pay taxes).

Please understand that those that have put years into building their skills and business can be rubbed the wrong way when someone comes in and says they want to know what to buy to start their photography business. To many, (me included), it takes a lot more than money/equipment to successfully sustain a photography business. And as I originally mentioned, equipment is pretty far down on the list of priorities. Look at it from the other side...Someone doesn't have an SLR or know what they need, but is already declaring they are going into business in a business forum.

I wish you luck. Please don't get offended and take candid advice as just that...advice from those that have been there and done that (even from those that have "egos" as some suggest). :)

Take care,

[CaptainTom]

Originally Posted by strangefarm

Hey everyone,

I've always wanted to be a professional photographer, but I have no professional experience, nor have I taken any photography courses. So I've gotta make it happen myself, and I think I have a pretty cool opportunity to do that. Please tell me what you think:

My mom does interior design and would like me to photograph some of her work to make a portfolio. For this I'd like to use a better camera than my 5 year-old casual-use digital camera. So she's going to help me with the cost of a new camera and(!) pay me for the photos! I'm really excited about this, and I think it could be a good way to become an active photographer.

Here are my questions:

1. I don't know where to start in terms of finding the right camera. Does anyone have any suggestions about what kind of camera I should look for, good places to shop in Houston, or maybe some good websites to browse?...and uh, what kind of questions to ask?

2. ...actually I don't have anymore specific questions.

I'd love to hear what yall have to say. There's so much cool stuff on this forum. I'm excited to hear some replies.

Thanks

1- Most interior photographers are using the Hasselblad H3D-II-50 Digital Camera. You can get one through the Houston Camera Exchange.

First question might be " how do I get some experience?"
Second question might be " how do I learn anything about photography"

[Roy]

People on this forum can be positive and welcoming and even have a good time. That doesn't mean there are times we can't be serious.
From your description there's a lot more you need to learn than getting the right camera. There's many cameras that could do what you want but the camera is a tool and not the end all of good professional (paid) photography.

[Coelus]

Think of it as tough love.

[VincentHerrera]

Tough love, indeed.

I told my little sister almost the exact same thing I told you. I meant no offense, just trying to let you know what wish I knew when I jumped into this. It doesn't matter what type of business you want to start and run, as long as you know where you're going. Professional photography is a very general term, and making a living usually comes from specializing.

[park]

Originally Posted by CaptainTom

1- Most interior photographers are using the Hasselblad H3D-II-50 Digital Camera. You can get one through the Houston Camera Exchange.
"

I would bet that most are using Canon 5ds or 5D IIs with 24mm ts lenses. Very very few are using the H3D. Still we are talking about your mom forking out quite a bit of money to get you started. She would be smarter IMO to hire someone to do the job well now. I know that is not what you want to hear but a camera is not all you need. It is not what is in your hand but what is in your head that makes you a good photographer.

[Coelus]

Tom might be being a tad bit sarcastic too.

[CaptainTom]

Originally Posted by Coelus

Tom might be being a tad bit sarcastic too.

i was just testing the sincerity of the OP.
I would expect that someone actually listening to our advice would look up that camera. Then, when they find that is cost $35,000 they might have a couple of more questions.

It's hard to determine if the OP is pulling our collective legs, or is just seriously uninformed.

[strangefarm]

Thanks for the advice.

I know my "plan" sounds silly. It is, really. Sometimes I laugh at myself for getting excited because it isn't that great when I start thinking realistically. But I really want this and I've gotta start somewhere.

Keep the sarcasm coming. I deserve it.

I'll go get a camera, then I'll tell you about it. Exciting, huh?

[sanmay]

I Would Like To Encourage You To Go To The Camera Store And Look At The Cameras Your Self. There Is A Wide Array Of Cameras,there Is Something For Every One. If You Have No Experience With A Dslr Camera, I Suggest You Don't Get Anything Too Pro-like. A 50d Should Do Or Maybe Even A Lower Model, 40d Or 30d. Heck You Might Like Nikon Better Than Canon. You Might Be Overwhelmed With Features You Might Not Need Right Now, Just While You Experiment And Get Some Experience.

Just Go Out And Shoot Anything Rocks, Nature, Animals, Peolple, Places, Even Family Events(for Free). Any Thing To Get You Some Practice.
Just Shoot Shoot, Shoot. And Try Your Camera Out(read The Manual).

From There, You Might Want Start Building Up. Get More Lenses And A Speed Ligtht, Light Meter, Reflector, Tripod, White Balance Card, Lots Of Compact Flash, Lease A Building, Hire A Cpa And The List Goes On And On. The Equipment List Will Be Different Depending On What Your Speciality Will Be.

Once You Have Accumulated Your Endless Hours Of Practice And Endless Nights Of Shooting Free Stuff For Every One You Might Know In The World.
Go Get Your Tax# And Then You Might Be Able To Charge For The Next Birthday Party You Migh Be Shooting For Your Little Cousin.

Good Luck And Come Back And Check In With Us.