United StatesWhat is the best way to start out and do well as a young photographer?I am 18 year old amateur photographer and I want to know what is the best way to go about making this work for me.
A good place to start business wise would be a comprehensive business book like ASMP's "Professional Business Practices in Photography"
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1581154976/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_1?pf_rd_p=486539851&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=1581151977&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=1QM6B1S7EZZPG29J8YCB
or Leslie Burns "Business Basics for the successful commercial photographer"
http://www.lulu.com/product/file-download/2d-ed-business-basics-for-the-successful-commercial-photographer/12188998?productTrackingContext=search_results/search_shelf/center/1
These, and a few other titles are a great place to begin your business education.
Being located in the NYC area, you also have a great resource in other photographers who can aid in your education. I would suggest that you start interacting with your local ASMP members and attending chapter events as It is a great way to meet photographers with whom you can intern, assist, ask questions, get feedback on your work, and start to get a working knowledge of the business side of the industry.
You can find their homepage here
http://www.asmpny.org/
From a creative standpoint. Shoot what you love and start to develop a body of work around it. Define the areas and niches that you want to service and focus on creating work that stands out and sets you apart. Most importantly, never settle for mediocrity; care about what you do and don't be afraid to make mistakes or take risks. Making mistakes is one of the best learning tools out there.
Never stop shooting, never stop creating.
Hi Andre, I used to teach photography and also drawing. I insisted my students spent a couple of months drawing before I let them touch a camera. They hated me for it at the time but thanked me much later on. I guess what I am saying is the process involved in 'making' a drawing involves thought, perception and construction. If you apply that to your photographs, you stop 'taking them' and start 'making' them. Couple that with deconstructing the work of artists and photographers, studying the history of it all and soliciting criticism, you will be on hopefully the right track. My advice would be Art School not a Photo School
It is difficult to answer without knowing much more about you and your situation.
It is also a difficult question to answer as the industry has changed so much, with the internet and then digital, that answers that come from older photographers like myself who worked in the film era are not always the most appropriate or up to date.
One thing I can tell you is that photography as a career is like becoming a musician. teacher or nurse, a calling, where your need to do the work overrides your need to make your fortune.
If you don't think you can get up ever day to do this work, because you love it, then think long and hard about going down this road.
On a practical note either assisting or school will get you started and the internet is full of fantastic resources as you probably already know.
Good luck, and with a bit more information from your side, I am sure you will find a range of good answers here.
I went to photography school and was an assistant: Both had value but photo school was like elementary school and assisting was a masters degree. Find somebody in the field you are interested and work for what ever they will pay you.
Find at least one person to critique your photographs. We're all blind to our own productions. An independent evaluation is essential to becoming really good.
Andre,
You must have passion beyond just taking good photos, talk to anyone and everyone just like your doing here....Take lots and lots and lots of pictures and then take a whole lot more....Get up every morning at 3 am for 1 week, drive to some place in antisipation of the sunrise, oh and do it in 10 degree weather....and then come home thrilled. If you can do that, it's just the begining ....Much luck to you, and happy shoting.
This is a difficult question to answer accurately with the amout of information given.How much do you know about photography?
If you are learning the technical aspects joining a local camera club is a good place to start. Some clubs have pros that attend meetings and give seminars and also there is a wealth of information and learning opportunities within the membership.
Know your camera if you have one. Try to get your hands on a good quality DSLR. You can find good used equipment at a reasonable price.
Find a reputable photography school.
Study the work of professional photograpers. And remember Picaso's famous quote: "Good artists copy; Great artists steal". Look their work. Choose photos you like. Note what you like about the photos. Look at more photos.
Create your own photos and avoid the mundane and banal. All of the other shots that have already been taken a thousand times.
Try to meet other photographers and artists.
The answers below are great for what information you have given.
You may want to check out the following post as well to get a better understanding of what it takes to start off in photography:
http://www.shakodo.com/assignments/18/im-an-hobbyist-photographer-but-i-wish-to-start-making-small-amount-of-money-doing-it-how-do-i-start/
Good luck.
commented:
December 20, 2010
Ken Lee
Amateur
One more thing Andre. This is not an "Assignment" question so it should not be in this section. It should belong in the "Business" section. Please watch this next time! Thanks.
commented:
December 20, 2010
Ken Lee
Amateur