Ok time for some words from a noob.

I stole my daddy's camera and started taking pictures. I liked what I saw. I got recognition for it. So, I kept shooting. I get better every time I take a picture. I enjoy this as a hobby and I am excited that I have been able to make some money doing what I enjoy.

Yes, I watermark my pictures. Guess what, a real photographer, a true artist and many others can critique my photos and tell me what is wrong with them. I encourage that! BUT a business would be satisfied in using my photos, people are in some cases willing to pay for them. If I leave them unwatermarked, they get stolen! Think of it this way. I had a 1993 Ford Ranger as my only truck. Now its no expensive, classy or decent vehicle in some people's eyes, but I still have the right to protect it from being stolen!!!!

I do not see anything wrong with calling what I do a photoshoot and charging money. People are happy with my quality of work, however I do not expect to see anything of mine in the high museum. What is sold and is in the market is on a different scale. My interest in photography is on the market side. Unfortunately, I do not feel like I am an artist to the extent that I am truly expressing myself yet. I still feel that I am just getting 'good' at certain techniques. I hope that that will one day change. For now, I am content with what I am doing and I do not regret my actions.

That being said, I have noticed, with the help of these threads that I have let my photography go static. I have not been in an environment where I get critique that helps me improve.

True Story,
Kevin BandyDesign (shameless plug)