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New and would love some cc
I am new to photography and I trying to make it a business, please give me some honest CC on my work and on the best ways to advertise.. I am moving to SOMD in 2.5 weeks and I would love to get steady work once we get settled.. TIA
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TIA I really need any and all advice and comments!!
http://www.ashleygunninphotography.com/#!portfolio
My comment is simple.................learn and practice. You are not ready to present yourself as a professional photographer.
Start by looking at other photographers work. You seem to be focused on people, families,. kids etc. There are quite a few really good people photographers here, look at their work.
Post one or two of your best images and ask for specific ways to improve.
No one can magically become a good photographer without effort and time.
The image you posed has been taken without care in bright sunlight with shadows and blown out areas. The tone is cold rather than the warm glow of impending motherhood. The hand of the woman on the left is way to dark ever emphasizing knuckles. The hand on the right is blown out without any detail.
I do like the concept, but again it takes time and experience to turn an idea into a great photo.
I am sorry if this seems harsh. It is not meant to be, it's intended to be honest. providing false praise is even worse.
If you are determined to get better than stick around read, learn, ask questions and be prepared to work hard.
Good luck!!!
Sam
Cowboydoug
Certified Journeyman Commercial Photographer
www.iWasThereToo.com
I was going to post "oh look, another soccer mum got a camera", but figured it would be unfair. Unlike most of the soccer mom's i've encountered, you are asking for an opinion, and do not settle for the oohs and ahhhs from facebook friends.
I looked through the site and facebook stream.. and I'd say I wouldn't be advertising at all.. I'd be reading more books, buying DVDs on photogaphy and attending seminars. While at that, I would be shooting as much as I can and asked people to tear my images apart, and not get butt hurt about people being negative.
That was my start, anyhow. I've learned a great deal from guys on this and few other forums.. but i also have heavily invested into literature covering the topic at hand.
My Site
My Facebook
Good luck!
(and where/what is SOMD?)
Cowboydoug
Certified Journeyman Commercial Photographer
www.iWasThereToo.com
Ashley,
I am not tying to be harsh. I am trying to convey a realistic view of your work. Yes we all have to start somewhere, and trying to apprentice with an established photographer is one way in addition to classes and self study.
The area that that sparked the responses was your original post asking for advice about starting a photography business and advertising.
The work posted is practice. Portfolio work is your very best work to show clients.
Don't run away............go to work!!!
Sam
Is there anything I can do to help? An impartial eye might help you gain some confidence as well as give you a specific direction. I really like some of the work on your facebook site. I'm wondering why some of those images aren't in your port.
Do you own a reflector? Using one might help you control some of the light in some of the images, especially when a subject is backlit. Are you familiar with basic compositional rules like the "rule of thirds?" http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rule_of_thirds
Website | Galleries | Utah PJs
Ryan- Thank you for your kind words. I was not aware I had pictures on my FB that were not on my site.. umm I will need to look into that. I don't use a reflector but I was told that would should be my next purchase so I going to look at getting some along with some clips. I am aware of the rule of thirds I don't think I am doing it correctly, but like I said I am very new. I am shooting with a Cannon 60D and I am using a 50mm 1.8 lens; but I am looking at getting a 50mm 1.4 usm; but I am not sure if I should get that one or a 85mm 1.8 usm..
I really do need to make some what of a career out of this so I know I have a long way to go to get there. I have been told from many people forums are the best place to learn, so I am here to learn..
You have a decent sense of your subjects within the frame so the next logical steps are to take note where they are in relation to the environment.
Look at what's behind them
Watch where they are located in relation to the sun
Make sure that they are not halfway in the sun and halfway in the shade
Try to always place them in the shade unless you shoot at dusk or dawn
Use fill flash if needed
Decide weather you want to shoot shallow or wide aperture based on the background and the effect you want
Learn the rule of thirds but don't be afraid to break it every now and then
Practice these things before you purchase more equipment as buying more stuff will only make matters more complicated until you have a better understanding of light and how to use it to your advantage.
It's true we all have to start somewhere and you seem to have a good loyal client base so you have a great foundation in which to grow in.....
Good luck and keep shooting
Natural selection is responsible for every living thing that exists.
D3s, D500, D5300, and way more glass than the wife knows about.
I'll echo this, but what reyvee said is very true. No amount of gear will improve your technique. Less gear will, i.e. using a 50mm f/1.8 exclusively will teach you to move around your subjects.
To that end, I'd make one suggestion: learn to use the histogram on the camera, as it will tell you how to avoid over-exposing digital images.
Forum for Canadian shooters: www.canphoto.net
Back in the day, when I used to teach to rookie reporters, I'd show 'em my gear: the digital rig, the 580EX, the big telephoto. I'd get 'em to guess the price. Then I'd do a live demo of how $4,000 of camera gear could produce total crap out of a basic head shot (lined up against a wall, direct flash) , while a $150 POS point and shoot could do so much better with the help of three steps from the wall, a business card and an elastic band to create a quick flash bounce/diffuser. That's how I'd start my "it ain't the gear, it's the user" discussion.
Forum for Canadian shooters: www.canphoto.net
www.cameraone.biz
Lets talk about the business part. For me here is all the stuff I would have to have
Master Business License = $125
Local business license = $40
Website (other than Facebook) Photobiz.com does one for $125 + $150 for a shopping cart and then anywhere from $15-150 a month to host images
Business Insurance - You will want this if you plan on shooting in someones home ( you light shorts out their house = you pay the damage)
Register business name - This will vary, for me it will be around $40
Purchase web domain - Again will vary, for me it will be around $40
Apply for tax ID number - $25
Total startup = $725 on the low end
Hackbone made a very key point pertaining to cost. EQUIPMENT! Your camera is only going to last so long before it will need to be replaced. Same thing with the lenses, speed lights, studio lights, umbrellas, soft boxes, ect. If you are like myself and only have one body at the moment (I am deployed) and cant afford to purchase a back up or replacement you will have to put some of that $85 to the side.
Im not trying to shoot your idea down. I am just trying to provide the same good advice that was provided to me. Make sure all your ducks are in a row, and you will be fine. Like Hackbone said photography business are going out of business right now due to bad planning and many other things. My friend struggled the first couple years he had a studio. He didnt take all of the outside factors into consideration before setting his prices and had to work hard for the last year and a half to get things back on track. I wish you good luck!