Open Mike Night #3 - Getting Started
Friday, January 2, 2009 at 6:30PM Hi Everyone,
I hope everyone had a safe and happy New Year's celebration. This is going to be a wonderful year and I am so excited about what's in store!
Robert from Texas has the Open Mike Night question for tonight...and it's a good one!
I want to eventually start doing photography on the side. Nothing big, really. Just portraits. I shot a wedding a while ago...they seemed happy, so I guess that's what matters. I'm actually having quite a bit of fun with it. Any suggestions on how to get started?
There seems to be a little bit more to what meets the eye in this question. A lot of people truly enjoy photography on the side meaning they only shoot what they want, when they want and getting paid may or may not even be an issue. However, others would define "on the side" as making a decent amount of money, pretty much a second job, or path that will eventually lead to a career. So, I definitely need to make a very distinguished difference in having fun with photography as a hobby, and having fun with photography as a career. They are two very different ways of life!
I want to state very clearly that having fun in photography is 100% possible either way you choose, but choose carefully. I have read about people who had more fun pursuing photography on the side than when they went "pro". Why is that? Perhaps their focus changed? Perhaps being required to photograph daily changed their passion from when they used to photograph only when they felt like it?
On the flip side, I've also read about photographers who waited far too long to pursue photography as their career, choosing instead to be stuck in a job that means very little to them. Not using your talents isn't any way to spend a life either.
When your sole income comes from photography there is (of course) pressure to do your job and do it well for your paycheck depends upon it. Then there is the reality that much of your time will be spent on the business side of the house instead of time behind the camera. Sure you can out source many tasks, but that luxury will probably not come until you get more established. In the mean time someone has to do it and that someone is very likely...you.
Sadly, many career photographers' style reflects what they think their clients want instead of what they (the photographer) want. The key is to be you. Always. When you photograph with passion, a piece of your heart will be evident in every image and it will be a solid base for a great start to a photographic career.
As a hobbyist, you have the ultimate freedom. As I said earlier, you can truly photograph what you want, when you want because there are no limits to say otherwise. For the record, some of the best landscape photography I have ever seen was taken by hobbyists. They didn't let anything (including running a business) get in the way of their passion and it shows in their imagery.
I would highly recommend every photographer - whether just starting out or a 20 year veteran - to read Dane Sanders excellent book Fast Track Photographer. Dane has put his thoughts and beliefs on photography into such clarity that you cannot afford to miss reading this definitive manual on photography. I'm not sure if Dane even realizes yet how iconic his writing will be to future generations of photographers - it's that good!
There is an abundance of information on the Internet about starting a photography business that anyone can read, so I'll avoid a specific step-by-step how to guide here. What's my answer on how you get started? Pursue your passion. Photograph life. Learn as much as possible. Listen to your heart. Follow your dreams no matter what path they take.
Photography is a beautiful art. It allows us to express emotion and feelings in a very personal way, and the joy that comes from others desiring that art is priceless. Whether you are a photographer as a hobbyist, or a photographer by career choice, you have been given a gift to share with others. Make the most of it!
Best Wishes,
Michael
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Reader Comments (6)
Great feedback Michael! Thanks for giving back. Dave
Great post Michael, you have some major insight! I loved Fast Track Photographer and I totally agree, it's a must read for anyone even considering a career of any size in photography. As always, your awesome, thanks for sharing your knowledge (you are so not a "Grumpy"), and Happy New Year!
Hi Dave,
You are welcome! Thanks for stopping in and for your nice comment!
Take care,
Michael
Hi Christie,
Thanks! I'm definitely glad to not be classed as a "grumpy" and hope I never will! Giving back is such a huge part of what we do as artists. Have an awesome 2009 and thanks again for stopping in!
Take care,
Michael
I was so touched by your comments, I added them to the BUZZ section over at Fast Track Photographer. Thank you so much and bless you as you bless others.
- Dane
Hi Dane,
You are so very welcome and thank you for including my comments on your BUZZ section. You have given all photographers a wonderful gift! It's going to be a wonderful year, and I look forward to talking with you more in the future.
Best Wishes,
Michael