Getting started
Rocketman766
Registered Users Posts: 332 Major grins
I hope I am not breaking the forum rules, but have some questions about taking sports portraits. First, I am very new to photography..very new. I just started taking shots at my daughters cheer events. The last event went well (for a novice) since I had at least 15-20 parents offer to buy the shots of their daughters that I took. Now some of them are asking me to do the team photos this year and possibly some posed shots. HELP! This seems overwhelming to me right now. How does one get a start doing this? I don't want to say yes and disappoint all the parents if they don't turn out as expected. At the same time, I would love to get my foot in the door for a start here. How did some of you get started? Just jump in feet first and see what happens? I would have to rent the "studio" equipment. I feel I don't have anywhere near the experience to attempt this...
0
Comments
Great that you're having fun!!! I'm sure your daughters and their friends are delighted.
As to your dilemma/question: I would ask YOU first: are you aiming at becoming a professional photographer (full- or part-time)? If so, I would NOT attempt something that you're not comfortable with/have the equipment for/know how to do.
If you set yourself up as a pro (by accepting a job and payment) without the knowledge/experience/ equipment, you are setting yourself up to fail (develop a poor reputation) and we all know that the first impression is the lasting impression.
If you do NOT want to become a professional photographer, why don't you just tell the parents that you'll take pictures and if they want any, you'll give them a digital file and they can take it to Walmart or wherever and do with it what they want?
By selling your photographs, you are perceived as a professional. First of all (depending on your state laws), you will need a business license, you will need to collect (or at least PAY) sales tax, and you SHOULD have insurance - oh and basic photography business stuff like model releases (especially for kids), if you want to use the images for your marketing.
Those of us who are professionals have spent considerable time, effort, and money gaining the experience, equipment, education (both technical and business) and effort to build our businesses.
The onslaught of digital photography and baby editing bundles on most computers or available at every drugstore or Walmart-type store have made it challenging. Every mom, dad, grandfolks & uncles/aunts have a digital camera and can take pictures. What stands between them and the professional is the stuff mentioned in the paragraph above.
Now, if your event does not have a professional photographer, then that would be a great way for you to get your feet wet - but if you do it without being prepared, you (and your customers) will be disappointed.
Why don't you offer to take some team and candid shots, perhaps put them on a CD and give them to parents. CDs are pretty inexpensive these days - just suck it up as part of the cost of education. THEN, if you have a good sized, fairly empty room in your house (or one where you arrange the furniture to get space in the middle or against a wall) fiddle around with a 'studio' setup. If you have desk lamps with flexible necks, you could use them and cut out a piece of a milk jug as a diffuser; hang a colored sheet on the wall and get your daughter and a couple of her friends to come over some afternoon to model for you. You'll find out what works for lighting; what color backdrop works well; what lens you need.
And join your state/regional PPA affiliate - most of the photogs in ours are wedding/portrait specialists (I'm the outcast equine photog) - you'll learn a LOT!!! Where do you live? Our state (NY) convention is coming up the end of March - print judging is truly an educational experience. The panel of judges score, then sometimes critique or challenge a print - you learn to see things you never thought of!
Good luck!! But think hard before getting all atwitter and agog and jumping in the deep end. :uhoh :help
Carol
As You Like It Productions
Equine photography in the northeast
Chatham, NY
Rags
I took a year to just shoot my daughters soccer team, and started posting them on a free web site for them to download. Then I just did a team picture and pose on field, purchased the mattes, and told my parents all I am asking for is funds to cover print and photo matte cost. Came out to like 8 dollars per parent. My soccer parents understand that I am not a professional, but they loved my shots enough to start buying. In turn I take a portion and purchase team equipment. Win, Win situation. I will not do the whole club photo's though. With 110 teams on our club, that would more than a full time job. Just breathe in and relax, and go slow. Enjoy.
Ron
The state convention is in Albany - so it probably wouldn't make sense - but Google for camera clubs/photography clubs or associations in your area. They're a wealth of information and I've found the folks to be very sharing.
Of course, part time professional is a possibility. Many of us are.
Thank you for recognizing the possibility of stepping on the pros' toes. It's possible that if your daughter's team doesn't HAVE a pro photog, that either (a) there aren't any in your area (I find this difficult to believe) or (b) some have tried and found it to be a losing proposition. In which case, you wouldn't be, but.... you don't want to hang out the shingle before you are confident of your skills AND business 'stuff', thereby getting a poor reputation. That'll stick long after you rival Ansel Adams.
Best to you.... and you can always contact one of the sports pros in your area to see if they ever need a second camera - or ask if you can come shadow them. This is where belonging to a club or association can be VERY helpful.
C
As You Like It Productions
Equine photography in the northeast
Chatham, NY