Re: Photography

digii_dave

Financial_Novice wrote: »

Perhaps I've only taken on board the downside of these arguments but I do find it worrying. My son is studying photography at present (1st year of a 3 year course) and he very keen and enthusiastic about it. He has done a few jobs taking promo shots of local bands and these have been well received, if not particularly well paid. Like any dad, I'm keen for him to achieve his goals and will help him anyway I can but should I be advising him to perhaps think about alternative careers if he can't make a living from photography?

If he is good then people will buy. i think the days of sky high, hard sell photography are going. Every other industry has to bring prices down so why is photography so expensive.
I often hear of people who fall for the "competition" scam where everyone wins and then gets hard sell to pay £20-£30 for a photo or the other day £600 for ONE picture and they paid it!!!! I bet they won’t go back and paid out of intimidation just as the elderly do when the double glazing salesman comes round and starts at 2 grand and then "Phones the manager" or "offers a board outside for a discount" and then suddenly you pay £500.

Photographers work very hard as it’s not just taking the photo. if your son charges very little i.e. mates rates, then what he is really saying is "I aint much good" Word will soon get around if you are reasonable and not greedy and above all can take a decent pick.

As for making a living, yes I had a great Christmas but still need my other job to pay my bills and its takes a while to get known. I believe photographers get known by recommendation and advertising in fact brings in very little. IMHO

Has your son done a web site?

Leaflets mean a bit of leg work but can be done on a home PC. He must be able to use one and do a basic design as kids are better than us oldies aren’t they?

Why don’t he pop into the local hairdresser and say I am studying photography and can I do a project with you if I give you some free picks? It won’t cost them nothing, he can take shots of the punters, the shop gets some for the wall, and he might get recommended. Same in barbers.

Put an ad in the local vets notice board PET Photography

Does he know any girls (whoppeeeeee) Can they do some modelling for him if he gives them a free pick. Stick the results on his website and the phone will ring. if he is any good at it. Practice makes perfect. The more you take the better you get.

Tell everyone you meet "Our/my boy/son/daughter is studying photography. Sometimes someone will ask for a biz card.

Put an ad on Ebay offering a free wedding tography for experience.

Don’t give up. The loudest squeak gets all the oil!

Good Luck :rotfl: :rotfl:

pinkpop_2

Hi first post on these forums I m studying for a degree in Photography and before that did an ND in photo and I dont think its as easy as some people think to earn good money from photography, with digital imaging very wide spread now everyone is an amature photogprapher meaning its hard to find decent paid work, especially as there are lots of people doing it for cheap now.

To photograph wedding you do need to a decent kit, camera, flash and several flash cards- NEVER shoot everything on one card if that card was to corrupt and you couldnt be restored that would cause problems so shoot on a couple.
INDEMNITY INSURANCE- you have to have it- to shoot a wedding you really need this insurance.

For the persons son who is studying I can completly identify my dad (bless) is always glass half empty and e constantly worries about a career in photography not being consistant and self employeed, suggestions; get your son to set up a website, persuade him to enter every photo competition he can- its all exposure, and find a niche whether its a style or type of photography and work experience it'll help build his contacts.

I love photography and anyone who can earn money from it (as i hope to) will have to work hard and beable to afford the intial outlay of equipment other than that if its something you want to do try it- be realistic though and remember make contacts its alot to do with who you know and as importantly who knows you!

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