Professional Photography

[stonefiend]

So, I'm considering becoming a professional photographer. I know some of you shoot pics for a living and could use beta on where to start, how much I'd expect to earn, what I need to learn etc. I know it's hard work, but I think it would be fun work. I'd like to take it from a broad range approach from weddings to outdoors/climbing to abstract art and see where things fall in.

My question is where to start... I know I'll need a decent starter digital slr. Someone said the Canon Mark 4 is what he uses, but It's freakin' expensive after lenes, tripods etc. Plus I'll be beating it up, so durable is good. I'll probably need photoshop and take a class. What else do I need to get started?

Thanks yo'llz.

[pmahnn]

This is like saying you want to become a professional F1 driver. All you need is the car!

Got talent?

[pmahnn]

You must be trolling.

[stonefiend]

Most of my photography has been half-assed, usually due to a lack of planning (hey here's my phone.. I'll take a pic!), but I have taken decent shots with luck, timing, and a rad subject. I do know that my better shots come from putting myself in places that are difficult to shoot from.

I could probably race F1 if I had the car. I'd probably wreck it around the first bend, but you live and learn right? I mean, I have no beef with heel-toe double-clutching son.

[Lox]

Go post this thread to photog forums and link up to here plz.

[KIX]

taking the live and learn mantra to heart, take a pic of yourself punching yourself in the face.

I'll pay.

instant pro.

[600#gorilla]

once upon a time i told an old girlfriend of mine that is a big dollar stylist for fashion photographers in NY and LA that i wanted to "learn to be a photographer" - mind you this was a long time before digital - and she looked at me like an idiot (i was) and said "then just BE a photographer".

one of the most profound things anybody has ever said to me.

however, i will also say to you that if you figure out how to make money being a photographer - and it's not a soul crushing story - let me know!

there is so much that one needs to learn that has nothing to do with taking pictures to be a "professional" level photographer that it's hard to imagine at first. check the latest issues of Climbing and Urban Climber magazines for tips on becoming a pro shooter and see my two page spread that if i ever get paid for it - i will totally be suprised.

[slim]

Most of my photography has been half-assed.

Read this again. Contemplate.

I could probably race F1 if I had the car. I'd probably wreck it around the first bend, but you live and learn right? I mean, I have no beef with heel-toe double-clutching son.

No you couldn't. Your neck muscles would be useless in sustained high G turns. And F1 drivers don't heel toe, and double clutch. They have no clutch (well they DO, but they only SLIP it on the start, after that it's automatic). Paddles SON. Even Nascar drivers and WRC drivers who try out F1 cars end up being 5 seconds off the pace of a real driver. And that is an AGE in a sport where lap times often differ by HUNDREDTHS of a second.

You HAVE to be trolling right?

[skav]

This is exactly what the world needs, another douche with an expensive camera calling himself a photographer.

[toivo]

once upon a time
one of the most profound things anybody has ever said to me.

however, i will also say to you that if you figure out how to make money being a photographer - and it's not a soul crushing story - let me know!

eternal sunsets. video feeds replaced photography. long livethe soul.

[opie]

................................... of Climbing and Urban Climber magazines for tips on becoming a pro shooter and see my two page spread that if i ever get paid for it - i will totally be suprised.

Took R&I over a year to pay me for a couple of photos. Do not plan to make your living doing climbing photography.

Oh and have a blast with the Weddings. I have a hard time here in El Paso, as everyone wants me to shoot quinceaneras and I fucking refuse to shoot them. My current plan is to get debt free and revisit photography on my own terms. I am positive I will always have a day job. At least I will be able to pay for the travel once I start my travel photography career, when I retire.

Good luck.

[Lox]

Just do art you can actually sell instead.

[pmahnn]

I have a hard time here in El Paso, as everyone wants me to shoot quinceaneras and I fucking refuse to shoot them.

Reasons? Other than it being some fairy-tale pink princess bullshit, of course.

[stonefiend]

hashish is not art. it's a dirty ball of trichomes mang.

[joy]

I am positive I will always have a day job.

this is probably not relevant to the question at hand ...

[Lox]

hashish is not art. it's a dirty ball of trichomes mang.

That's not hashish. That's Tom Friedman. Untitled, 1992. Feces on a wooden pedestal. Pedestal: 20 x 20 x 20 in. (50.8 x 50.8 x 50.8 cm); and feces: 0.5 millimeters.

I'm sure whatever art you produce will be equally shitty...

ZING!

[stonefiend]

..amazing.

[skav]

That's a high brow put down right there.

[600#gorilla]

[Cardboard_Dog]

This is exactly what the world needs, another douche with an expensive camera calling himself a photographer.

could not have said that any better. Perfect.