Essential The Official Photography Thread

[PimpHandStrong]

Quick question for the self made business photography brehs

How did yall get put on, I mean like give me tips on starting up a freelance type of business. I know its not going to happen overnight, but every bit of knowledge will do me good. What I want to do so far is create business cards and hit up local businesses for some social marketing ideas involving taking shots of their products. This job my wife is trying to pursue is a perfect place to start up shop since it focuses on children with needs and community based projects.

I'm still trying to solidify mine as well. I recently went to a photography conference which gave tons of insight. I highly suggest finding one and attend a few classes.

But a few things I took away:

- Use contracts for everything even FTP shoots

- Use an app to track your miles for tax purposes

- Identify what style of photography you do. Doesn't have to just one but clients being able to determine what you shoot by your social media and website is important.

- Be passionate. People usually buy into the person more than just the photos

I got some more notes I received but those were just a few.

 

[The Intergalactic Koala]

I'm still trying to solidify mine as well. I recently went to a photography conference which gave tons of insight. I highly suggest finding one and attend a few classes.

But a few things I took away:

- Use contracts for everything even FTP shoots

- Use an app to track your miles for tax purposes

- Identify what style of photography you do. Doesn't have to just one but clients being able to determine what you shoot by your social media and website is important.

- Be passionate. People usually buy into the person more than just the photos

I got some more notes I received but those were just a few.

I already got that down since I usually pitch things like I'm trying to sell stuff. I appreciate the tips though. One of my goals for 2018 is actually trying to go to a film festival where I'm at and just go to town with the photos. I know it's going to be a long journey, but the effort will be worth the drive.

 

[shutterguy]

Quick question for the self made business photography brehs

How did yall get put on, I mean like give me tips on starting up a freelance type of business. I know its not going to happen overnight, but every bit of knowledge will do me good. What I want to do so far is create business cards and hit up local businesses for some social marketing ideas involving taking shots of their products. This job my wife is trying to pursue is a perfect place to start up shop since it focuses on children with needs and community based projects.

I only do photography part-time as I have a FT 9-6. Best thing you can do is market yourself everywhere you can. Social media is a huge free advertising vehicle. I practiced my work and eventually got known in my area, then I researched for rates in my area, then priced myself to be competitive. Wedding and senior portraits are a solid area of income if you can develop a good work ethic and referrals. I had business cards made and started passing them out, contacted local companies for product photography. Worked as a 2nd shooter for weddings, then went and did my own.

The business is 90% hustle, 10% work. At some point you will have to get an LLC, gets you official and can help if a project turns to disaster which can happen.

 

[shutterguy]

Just got a tag on IG that a shoot I did was published. I love seeing this, the downside is the waiting period once you get the acceptance for your images in the mag to when they put them out. For example this was shot in Jan. 2017...

Unfortunately the hair and makeup artist I booked for this shoot canceled last minute so I had to shoot it as is...

 

[The Intergalactic Koala]

I only do photography part-time as I have a FT 9-6. Best thing you can do is market yourself everywhere you can. Social media is a huge free advertising vehicle. I practiced my work and eventually got known in my area, then I researched for rates in my area, then priced myself to be competitive. Wedding and senior portraits are a solid area of income if you can develop a good work ethic and referrals. I had business cards made and started passing them out, contacted local companies for product photography. Worked as a 2nd shooter for weddings, then went and did my own.

The business is 90% hustle, 10% work. At some point you will have to get an LLC, gets you official and can help if a project turns to disaster which can happen.

Appreciate the gems dropped. I'm trying to get something established because it's a long time coming. Since my job is mainly part time, this endeavor can actually work in my favor as far as hustling is concerned. What I really want to do is some sort of advertising for companies as far as photos are concerned. What I noticed about some businesses is that they market their products on social media without any type of flash or flare. This is where I want to come in. While I know it's going to take some time, I hope to actually get a side gig type of thing going with the ordeal until I become legit.

 

[aSniperJones]

Camera: Sony a7r III & a6000
Lenses: Sony FE 1.8/50, Sony FE 1.8/85, Zeiss Batis 2/25
How long you been taking photos: 2 Year
And your post one of your most recent photos: *this isn't one my most recent photo, my films & fotos are on IG @asniperjones and @taskforcevisuals

 

[shutterguy]

Bought this vinyl 3ft x 5ft backdrop paper to experiment with. Gotta steam it to get the folds and creases out. Doing some testing with a beauty dish and shooting at f/5.6

 

[VladTheImpaler]

From a recent photoshoot...

 

[8WON6]

 

[shutterguy]

About to start experimenting with some smoke bombs and lights. Found these on the Wish App.

Pro Smoke Cake Colorful Smoke Effect Show Round Bomb Photography Aid Toy Divine (7 colors).

http://www.wish.com/c/5a27b97c061be97c16a8588e

 

[Prynce]

She's cute

 

[MikelArteta]

Just got a tag on IG that a shoot I did was published. I love seeing this, the downside is the waiting period once you get the acceptance for your images in the mag to when they put them out. For example this was shot in Jan. 2017...

Unfortunately the hair and makeup artist I booked for this shoot canceled last minute so I had to shoot it as is...

was that for a porn dvd cover?

 

[shutterguy]

was that for a porn dvd cover?

Just a mag

 

[8WON6]

Got bored yesterday so i went and got some cheap props from Party City for self portraits.

 

[shutterguy]

Got bored yesterday so i went and got some cheap props from Party City for self portraits.

Nice shots! Some of our best work comes out of boredom and trying something different. I hit up an antique furniture and craft store to grab some stuff I can use for photo props. I need to hit up my local Party City as well.