Freelance Photography

[TypeRPersonality]

I noticed many members of this forum have a job dealing with photography.
Is it an easy field to get into?
Do you have to take a class to be considered professional?
I'm not looking towards doing photography as a career, but perhaps as a side job.
Just wondering the thoughts of the many great photographers here.

[Nemesis]

Nobody here can say they make a living off doing photos. At least that I know of anyways. Most of us do this as a side profession. Is it a easy field to get into? Sure, just pick up a camera and start shooting. Someone could like your style and hire you. Its not that hard. But with prices of DSLRs going down, you'll find yourself having a harder and harder time standing out. A lot of times folks that want to start in the field, get small jobs at first. Some clients that I visit for a small job sometimes ends up in 5 or more recommendations, and its almost like a pyramid effect.

A lot of the best photographers in the world are self taught. Going to a school where you can get a major in it, im sure is helpful, but I could also get a degree in Art, but I could still suck at it. As a wedding photographer, Ive seen many proofs and prints that other photographers have provided and I ask how much they pay. Im astounded at the amounts that are forked over for halfbaked mediocre photography in my opinion. Lets just say, the saying you get what you pay for doesnt always apply. But thats my opinion after all. There is a very large market for wedding photography, but its a profession that has its pitfalls. I can go into these , but im afraid Id probably bore you. I however enjoy the high stress, and rewards from being someones photographer.

People often ask what kind of camera do you use. And what is funny is, how often do you ask a famous painter or artist what type of brushes they use? Same thing. We all have our different styles , as this is an art, not just simply taking a photo with a piece of equipment.

[TypeRPersonality]

Thanks for the input. It's most likely a side profession I plan to pursue.

[Nemesis]

Cool, well good luck with it! Learn fundamentals and your equipment first (READ THE MANUALS), then go out and have fun!

[speedminded]

First ask yourself what is professional? Getting paid for doing something technically makes you a professional, now whether it's "professional" quality work with professional ethics is an entire differant story.

To go along with jorge, better equipment definitely does have it's advantages but is completely useless if you don't know how to use it or simply don't have an eye for the final product.

A true professional photographer is comfortable in ANY situation, whatever the lighting or scene is they can still make something work. Very few on here can do, I know I am farrrr from it...

[RUSH]

People often ask what kind of camera do you use. And what is funny is, how often do you ask a famous painter or artist what type of brushes they use? Same thing. We all have our different styles , as this is an art, not just simply taking a photo with a piece of equipment.

I may have to go against this....IMO
But the part about this is an art is right on key!

I have a site I always look at when Im ready to purchase a lens, go look at photos taken from a canon(like a 20D or 30D) and photos taken from a nikon(D70 or D200) and you will see a difference in the two types of models. http://www.dpchallenge.com/lens.php

I know I will be looked down apon from the Noinks as nikon users call thereselfs, but I like the look from a canon photo then a nikon!

[speedminded]

I may have to go against this....IMO
But the part about this is an art is right on key!

I have a site I always look at when Im ready to purchase a lens, go look at photos taken from a canon(like a 20D or 30D) and photos taken from a nikon(D70 or D200) and you will see a difference in the two types of models. http://www.dpchallenge.com/lens.php

I know I will be looked down apon from the Noinks as nikon users call thereselfs, but I like the look from a canon photo then a nikon!

i can get the look of a nikon, just turn my saturation up like 50%

[RUSH]

Same lens different cameras
Nikon....
http://www.dpchallenge.com/image.php?IMAGE_ID=388808

Canon
http://www.dpchallenge.com/image.php?IMAGE_ID=426491



I know photoshop helps with some of there photos, but if you look at all of canons shots, they look kinda artsy/dreamland and what not, but I like that a lot! Sorry for the links, but there gay when it comes to posting pics off that site!

[RUSH]

i can get the look of a nikon, just turn my saturation up like 50%

lol...yeah but the canon has a unique look in there photos!

[Nemesis]

Nikon....because L is for Losers LOL