Just curious

[CBass]

So im wondering how many of you on here are scared to jump into shooting photos for profit? I'm meaning more shooting weddings, sports events ect ... I seem to be getting more and more request from people to do such things but to be honest im to scared i wont get the shot so i just pass on the offers. I'm still new to photography (really new) and i just don't know enough to shoot these things. Its not that im not interested but i just don't think im ready. Have any of you felt this way, maybe some of you doing this type of work at one time felt this way. I'm so passionate (like everyone else) that i would feel like crap if i took on a job and couldn't deliever.

Sorry if this is the wrong section for this im not really interested in the steps to go about starting a business though. I'm just worried if others are like me getting offeres but not confident enough in my own work to try it. I guess maybe how did you over come that fear inorder to at least try it out?

[FullCountSports]

I can relate, I am new as well. I have been a member of this forum for two or three years, I think this might be my 8th post or so. I am starting to take on almost any type of photo opportunity that comes my way (except the weddings...don't want bride-zilla pressure). I look at some of my images and find a bunch of issues, but show them to others that like them very much. My thought is that I am harder on myself than others. I mainly do sports right now, and take a ton of shots. Out of ALL THOSE SHOTS, I'm definately getting several keepers.

That's where I am right now. I have been forced to step up to the plate and try to make a full blown business out of photography. We'll see how it goes.

Have a good one
Mark

[dpena]

well CJ i can honestly say im in the same boat. I find myself taking "several" pictures if i get a job offer/assgnment. My thinking is that one of them has to come out looking good. I also am harder on my self and it seems that i come out with a whole lot more better photos than i thought i would end up with. I think to myself even the great ones had to have started off feeling a bit uneasy asking "when and how much do i start charging" when should i venture out of family and friends and start charging....... i guess only we (ourselves) can answer that..... Good Luck

[bondarnes]

I commend all three of you for questioning your ability to handle assignments yet. I have been making a living with photography for over 35 years and the difference I see is that back then everyone learned their craft first, either by working for a photographer as an apprentice or by taking a lot of classes, then they went into business. So when we went into business we knew what we were doing and how to complete the assignment.

I took the latter route and have a Photojournalism degree. I also worked as an intern photographer for a newspaper. Then I worked for a church directory company.

Nowadays I see so many that go into business first then try to learn their craft. That seems backwards to me and the clients don't get the quality they deserve, but the photographer justifies this by charging almost nothing for their work. In my opinion if you are asking this question you are probably not ready to take the plunge.

[dpena]

yea i think your right mr don, i think ill just give up and do something else..... na just kidding. i can see exactly where your coming from, but even you started off some where under some one. some one with such a background such as your self with great refrences and a history of taking photographs would be upset at any one just coming on, without certian credentials. im pretty sure that not every one can afford a three thousand dollar photographer but would want some memories of their special occasion. my oppinion is that its not justified by the photographer charging next to nothing but rather a middle that reached between client and photographer... remember the ark was built by amateurs, the titanic by professionals. i saw that somewhere..... I say to the other rookies (as myself) keep going, dont give up and be honest in your work and others, you have to start some where, make it today and live it to its fullest !

[CBass]

don thanks for you honest comments. This is also how i feel i really would rather work under someone or go back to school to learn more. I'm 100% self taught and while im getting to know my equipment a lot more im still no where close. I made this post cause last week a good friend actually uninvited me from their wedding cause i refused to photograph their wedding. I was later told by the same person that i was to chicken and should just suck it up already.

I started to question myself thinking that hey maybe i should give this a try. However i deeply feel im not ready and if i jump into this and its fails i might lose my passion for photography. Anyway thanks for the comments everyone they are very helpful. I wonder if Ansel Adams ever got pressure to shoots weddings for family and friends lol.

[movingex]

Originally Posted by dpena

y remember the ark was built by amateurs, the titanic by professionals. i saw that somewhere..... !

SWEET!

[toverman]

Originally Posted by CBass

I wonder if Ansel Adams ever got pressure to shoots weddings for family and friends lol.

He would've if he hadn't spent so much time taking photos of mountains and stuff.

Teaching yourself photography can be great, but if you're serious, start learning from others (books, classes, apprenticeships, be a second shooter or tagalong at a wedding). If tons of people are approaching you about photographing weddings, you're welcome to pass them on to me and we'll shoot a few together!

[kenmyers70]

Originally Posted by dpena View Post
y remember the ark was built by amateurs, the titanic by professionals. i saw that somewhere..... !
SWEET!

I think Noah at least had a "Mentor"

[ggeen]

Me! I am an amateur and that is all I aspire to be. I enjoy photography. It is a great hobby and my favorite among all of my hobbies. Yes, I have too many. I am asked to shoot special events, birth days, after parties, ball games, etc. I decline. I agreed to shoot a friend's, daughter's soccer game because I want the practice. I ask for no money and to please inform the other parents that I am /not/ a professional.

I am donating the images to the soccer team at no charge but ask they do not expect the "killer" shot. It is not going to be there...well, not likely anyway.

Then again, don't ask me to secure your network. You cannot afford me. Yes, I am that good and expensive. The only free computer work I do is for mom!

-G

[dpena]

yes Noah had a "Mentor" and that "Mentor" lives in each one of us today ! so with that "Mentors" help all is possible , aggreed ?...... with out this getting religous. i dont want to get kicked out. so this is where ill stop.......

[texxter]

I think the fears go away as you develop more confidence in your abilities. But it's a good policy to develop significant competence before going at it as a business. When you're shooting professionally you cannot screw up. Not only that, you don't necessarily know what you're going to face - you have to be really good at solving visual and lighting problems. As a pro you have to get the shot(s) EVERY time, no matter what - this is both a high responsibility and hard to do consistenly well. Some photographers develop a formula to get the shots, and they stick to it, and they do the same thing every time - this is one way to gain confidence. Others don't have that luxury and have to improvise every time - that's the kind of photographer I really admire and aspire to be.

Almost anyone can get one or two good pictures shooting long enough and with luck. Getting professional results every time you pick up the camera, no matter what, that's another league altogether!

[speedshot]

I would agree I have been a photographer for over 15 years (for fun) and started getting paid for a while as a back up photog for a paper (sports) then I had to change to digital. after about 3 years of part time freelance for papers and doing a few weddings (as gifts ) Last year I lost my Job in the Rent a car world and now I am doing this full time ( I was planing to make the change anyway just got a little help ) Dont make the same mistake I did DO NOT under value your work just to get jobs, set up a pricing list and stick to it as much as you can. That way later when some of your orignal customers come back you dont have to explane why you have to charge a lot more now...... Just my 2 cents

[CBass]

Thanks for all the comments from everyone. I also thank those who have sent me pm's with advice as well. I'm not sure what im going to do at this point but i do know i got a long way to go before i will feel comfortable enough to make a business out of this. In the mean time its my passion so im going to enjoy it and shoot what i want when i want and how i want to shoot it.

[cajun angel]

I started out shooting MX. Now, I shoot school events, portraiture, and wish I could do more! I've been told, if I'm not nervous or worried before the event or date of a portrait shoot, then there's something wrong. So, that said, I hope I'll get more photo ops!