Free!

[princer7]

That second listing is scary~ I can relate thought to starting somewhere...

Recently, I decided to take the first step at being more than a hobbyist. My services are "free" right now in a limited scope to help build a diverse portfolio. It is marketed as a limited time offer through my Facebook page waiving a sitting fee and providing digital prints. The page is viewed mostly by my friends and friends of friends - Not very high profile.

It is a win-win. I use it to expand my portfolio beyond my immediate family. My friends get beautiful photos of their kids. No guarantees about quantity of pictures yet. I am still working out the kinks to set up a strong base for what I intend to offer. The next step will be introducing a price list with prints.

I thought about Craigslist initially but complete strangers are not going to be getting my sweet deal - only a price list. Also there is a creepiness factor for soliciting portrait services to parents with small children without a solid portfolio to back it up.

[MikeC]

Good advertisement or marketing?

Both photographers has skills and just maybe they are just putting "out the word" Free to get clients. My first wedding was free of charge however, the wedding was for a good friend.

[KDuncanPhoto]

Hello folks! I appreciate that some of you had some nice things to say.. as for the others, I don't mind the "constructive" criticism... I never meant to offend any fellow photogs out there but nevertheless, I present my defense:

There's a reason this isn't posted in the wedding business section. It' FREE, not business.

I'm trying to get some experience and build a portfolio as a potentially serious wedding photographer. I followed some advise to offer my services for free... But yet, I dont see this as non-business... I see it as bartering. They get pictures, I get a portfolio. It's a win-win. Not as much pressure, and some interesting learning ops.

I've seen a lot worse. Too bad they feel like they have to give it away.

I feel that just jumping into the wedding photog business, and charging is a bad idea. I see wedding photography as a very serious business. Again, who said I'm giving anything away? The client and I both get something.

So what qualifies as 100% Nikon Professional gear.

Non-consumer level gear as far as I'm aware. I'm not going to show up with a d90 kit. I prefer full frame and fast lenses. That is what was implied by "pro equipment".

*assuming those are even his images

yes, they are my images...




So anyway, it's been awhile since I posted that ad... I'm surprised it is still up there... I ended up getting nothing but an annoying inbox full of ridiculous requests and "free christmas card photos too?" requests. I've gotten nothing out of it. But I did find this cool forum!

Hey, Anyone need a free assistant/2nd shooter? =)

cheers!

[brewercm]

Karl,
Welcome to the forum. No disrespect intended on the professional gear thing. Just seen a lot of people post things like that on Craigslist and they have something like a D40 with kit lens and call it pro grear. I've recently shot several things for free for friends and such using my D90 and D7000 but much better than kit lenses. Hope to get the 700 myself when possible.

Good luck in the venture as I'm right there with you in ways.

[Rson]

....I told you he has some skill.......

Karl, there is a forum for seconds in weddings (of course it is a mile long) but that is the best place to start....also feel free to jump in on requests for tag-a-long's and seconds in the same forum. Hell, maybe bite the bullet and hold some lights to get to know the primary shooter.

[groovyone]

Originally Posted by KDuncanPhoto

Hello folks!

Welcome aboard!

[auddii]

Originally Posted by KDuncanPhoto

Hello folks! I appreciate that some of you had some nice things to say.. as for the others, I don't mind the "constructive" criticism... I never meant to offend any fellow photogs out there but nevertheless, I present my defense:



I'm trying to get some experience and build a portfolio as a potentially serious wedding photographer. I followed some advise to offer my services for free... But yet, I dont see this as non-business... I see it as bartering. They get pictures, I get a portfolio. It's a win-win. Not as much pressure, and some interesting learning ops.



I feel that just jumping into the wedding photog business, and charging is a bad idea. I see wedding photography as a very serious business. Again, who said I'm giving anything away? The client and I both get something.



Non-consumer level gear as far as I'm aware. I'm not going to show up with a d90 kit. I prefer full frame and fast lenses. That is what was implied by "pro equipment".



yes, they are my images...




So anyway, it's been awhile since I posted that ad... I'm surprised it is still up there... I ended up getting nothing but an annoying inbox full of ridiculous requests and "free christmas card photos too?" requests. I've gotten nothing out of it. But I did find this cool forum!

Hey, Anyone need a free assistant/2nd shooter? =)

cheers!

Karl, to be fair, there were links to two ads, and your work I found a lot better than the others. Completely different leagues of skill sets (from what I can tell). The other ad, is more what I think of when we shake our heads at these ads. Less than stellar work, and they think they are amazing because they have a kit that "looks professional".

As for becoming a second shooter, I have no real suggestions. I got my gig by knowing someone else that wanted to stop second shooting. As was mentioned, you can post in the second shooter thread.

Also, I'd try to become active in the forum. Maybe put up some of your other styles of work in the showcase. People are more likely to choose a second that they've seen pop up and seen some of their work.

Also, keep an eye on the business section. Often an ad like this will pop up: In need of an assistant Tuesday January 10th, 2012

And also the wedding section: 2nd shooter need--Katy-3/30/12

Welcome to the forum!

[TxTowman]

It's not about the fancy gear, although it does make things easier.
A disposable 35mm in the hands of an accomplished photographer will produce much better results than a novice with the best pro gear in the world. Just my opinion, of course.

And Mr. Duncan does nice work.