photography

weeclick

chickmug wrote: »

Without sounding too pessimistic it really is a tough time to get into it!

One major problem is the growth in ownership in digital cameras so everyone thinks they can take shots as good as a pro.

I have two chaps I know both pros and one was a wedding specialist who was always busy and always used film. However his work has been getting tougher and tougher so he was forced to take other 'none photography' work to make ends meet. The other has a much broader client base and has huge charisma but even so he is working so hard to keep the work coming in. I hear of lots of money being spent on big adverts and often with a a nil response.

I did meet one other chap who has gone into the 'second photographer' at weddings but doing the informal shots. Never heard of it before he told me but he told me that his clients are exteremely pleased and like his shots more than the number one photographers.

I go on the house selling board mostly having been an agent and find the qualilty of shots being used by some agents appalling. Anything there you could do teach them how to take or offer to take or offer to enhance what they have?

Completely agree with everything said especially regarding digital cameras - people think because they bought the latest camera they are brilliant, but sometimes thats just no the case - I had a photography student wanting a part time job, his photos barely passed as good snappy snaps and nothing more!

The 2nd photographer at weddings is something we offer as a company. (Theres only me and my partner in the business) and the clients seem to like the idea of an extra photographer plus its always great back up for us as it earns a little extra per wedding!

I think the trick at the minute is to find a unique approach to photography that makes you stand out above everyone else. Thankfully I've been lucky, caught on to a gap in the market on the more portraits, weddings side of things and seem to be doing well - just wish I could sell a few more of my stock photography as a nice side earner since thats where my real passion lays!

weeclick

Meant to comment about the estate agents side of things. Again I agree any help within that field right now Im sure would be appreciated. After all its the photos on a brochre that first attract buyers to a house and it doesnt do the market any favours when the photos could be better.

Ive spoken to local estate agents, put your name out there and you never know what you get back!

Debt_Free_Chick

Not sure if this is appropriate for you, but might be worth a look

Art Rising.com

the_cosmos_rocks

thank you everyone for your help.
i will try everything you have said
and again i agree with everyone wanting to be a photographer these days!
once again thanks

weeclick

yeh and to prove that point even more strongly I had yet ANOTHER photography student on the phone this morning wanting to tag along at our weddings - I worry though because its such a competitive industry at the moment do I want to show all my tricks to a student that graduates next year and uses my inside knowledge to his advantage - Im not so sure!

chickmug

weeclick wrote: »

yeh and to prove that point even more strongly I had yet ANOTHER photography student on the phone this morning wanting to tag along at our weddings - I worry though because its such a competitive industry at the moment do I want to show all my tricks to a student that graduates next year and uses my inside knowledge to his advantage - Im not so sure!

A new side to your business - teaching your techniques but make sure they pay you;)

mrbirchwood

the_cosmos_rocks wrote: »

i dont know if im in the right place here.
i am a practising photographer and i am looking for opportunities to get my work out.
i was thinking about trying different magazine.
does anyone know the way to go about it ?

thanks

Not quite sure if this thread is in the correct place ??, however
I'm sure that a moderator can sort that one..

If you are like me and into amateur photography?, I have come across
this site on moneysavingcashback, What the deal is, that you get
the royalty fee, if and when you photo/photo's are published.
May be worth a look if your into snapping..:j:money:

Unable to post link sorry..
Not quite sure if this thread is in the correct place ??, however
I'm sure that a moderator can sort that one..

If you are like me and into amateur photography?, I have come across
this site on moneysaving & cashback, What the deal is, that you get
the royalty fee, if and when you photo/photo's are published.
May be worth a look if your into snapping..:j:money:


Sorry unable to post the link from MSC..

weeclick

chickmug wrote: »

A new side to your business - teaching your techniques but make sure they pay you;)

I wish! And if we were getting paid Id bite their hands off but some are so cheeky to ask for the work experience PLUS get a wage!!

My problem is, my business idea is quite unique in Ireland, and definately within my local area, plus the way we approach clients is different I just worry that people would take advantage of that. I mean its happened already - a local photographer has stole our slogan and just changed one word - he even copied our package word for word and our prices!

Its sad that times have come so hard that they feel they need to take this from a very young, new business but on the other hand Im honoured people think we are doing something well and something right that its good enough to take from us.

But it just heightens my concerns for taking on students! We were thinking within the next 5 years to set up a side of the business where my business partner would take a group of students and train them for a weekend and make money that way - maybe we should start it sooner lol

DKLS

Are any of you photographers any good with a macro lens, and live either near London or West Yorkshire, I need an image of a close up of a syringe and my camera isnt up to the job.

Pm for info.