I absolutely love photography and the act of photographing, well, anything! lol, I have thought many times about starting a business, but it is a lot of work and money to start up. Plus, I don't think I am even close to that level to start charging people!
Since my first year of 365 in 2011, I have started doing paid photography sessions as a supplement to my career (teaching). Since I don't have to work during the summers, I hope to do more photography then. I have done several senior portraits, family portraits, children and newborns, and weddings.
Starrted up a facebook page a few months ago and have had enquiries. I'm actually in the process of setting up an etsy shop , i'm not kidding myself that I'll make enough to change my life however if it can pay for some film/chemicals I'll be happy.
After 20 years in IT, I gave up a fairly well-paid and secure job last year to, primarily, give myself more time to do the things I really wanted in life. Those things have been the subject of my recent photos - travel, music and, of course, photography. I have set up a couple of websites (see profile) with a view to getting paid work. I've done a little but not a lot. It's just not enough to be a good photographer these days. You have to treat it like any other business and market yourself well in order to get the work.
I am lucky enough to have done several family shoots, engagement shoots, baby shoots, maternity shoots, children's portraits, and two weddings. BUT still have SO much to learn!
@losthorizon Yes they are. You know, I about hyperventilate when I think about doing a portrait session with someone. I had someone ask me to do an event and I was up for it and then bailed last minute. It was indoors and a zumba (full of movement) event though, and without a flash I knew I wouldn't do well. I really keep meaning to put my shots up online for sale and try submitting some stuff to stock sites. Just never make the time. This week. One shot up this week.
@amandal I think you could definitely sell your shots. You have truly amazing work. I understand the hesitation though. Hard thing to contemplate, at least for me it is. With no time, I'd be afraid I wouldn't be able to commit fully to it. As for my shots, I don't think so. Need to improve a lot more before I consider selling. I put a few of my most well received shots from here on Flickr and 500px and have gotten a really bad response. Just don't think my work translates well for sales.
@losthorizon I haven't had very good feedback from flickr, myself. It kind of makes me feel not very good at all! Pictures that are well received here barely get any views (if any at all) on flickr.
@amandal I have many friends ask me to do their photos and I chicken out. I did my friends baby Christmas photos and I nearly had a panic attack before I went over. I am a perfectionist… which can be good AND bad! I know this is something I would like to do professionally and get paid, but I also know that I don't know nearly enough to go there...
@dandelionmama I think that I need to do some probono shoots with friends to get more practice and then see how that goes. And I am sure that I can/should start selling things online (or trying anyway).
@losthorizon I haven't ventured into Flickr. It seems like one more way to waste my time. And I am already getting into enough trouble on here.
A decent percentage of my income comes from my photography, primarily print sales. But I didn't join here as a beginner, I'd already been taking photos for a few years prior to signing up.
Flickr, 500px, and other such sites are very unlikely to help you gain print sales. They are social networks aimed at other photographers, and most other photographers are very unlikely to buy another person's work. By all means take part (I do), but make sure you realise that what you're doing is fun, not business. (If you're marketing something of interest to other photographers, by offering workshops for instance, then these are excellent business resources, on the other hand).
You need to get your work seen by non-photographers if you want to make sales, so if you want to use social networking sites, focus on sites like Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ (but make sure you don't just gravitate to the photographers 'corners' of these networks, otherwise you're back to the same problem).
I couldn't have said it better myself, @aponi ! I LOVE taking photos, but the minute I have to do it for pay, it's no longer fun. I, too, have a need to eat and sleep in a warm house, so professional? Not happenin'! :)
@losthorizon BOOM, this inspired me to freakin' finally upload an image to Fine Arts America today. Let the money start rolling in;-). Anyway, it's a start. Thanks for the push, Beau and Shandy:). I needed it.
I may be wrong, but I believe @fotomama started as an amateur and now has her own photography business. In addition to family and children photos she also does commercial projects for comanies like Wee Squeak, Bubblegum Divas, Olivia Ann Collections, Child Style Magazine, etc.
She is, however, no longer doing 365... probably because she is so busy being a photographer and Mommy! Hop on over to her website - http://www.sweetshotsphotography.org/ - and see some of her amazing work.
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But I am really looking to be an assistant before taking on to much paid gigs.
@losthorizon I haven't ventured into Flickr. It seems like one more way to waste my time. And I am already getting into enough trouble on here.
Flickr, 500px, and other such sites are very unlikely to help you gain print sales. They are social networks aimed at other photographers, and most other photographers are very unlikely to buy another person's work. By all means take part (I do), but make sure you realise that what you're doing is fun, not business. (If you're marketing something of interest to other photographers, by offering workshops for instance, then these are excellent business resources, on the other hand).
You need to get your work seen by non-photographers if you want to make sales, so if you want to use social networking sites, focus on sites like Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ (but make sure you don't just gravitate to the photographers 'corners' of these networks, otherwise you're back to the same problem).
that would suck the fun out of it
and also I find I'm rather fond of eating and having a roof over my head
;-)
She is, however, no longer doing 365... probably because she is so busy being a photographer and Mommy! Hop on over to her website - http://www.sweetshotsphotography.org/ - and see some of her amazing work.