make money off being a photographer, aside from doing portraits/event photography etc.
My dilema is, I would love a DLSR, but I don't have the money. I figured if I got some sort of money from photos, even small amounts, I can gradually build up my "DSLR" fund!
I think that with a bit more experience, I would be okay charging to do portraits etc, for a cheaper rate than most photographers and letting my customers know I am not the best photographer! LOL!!!
Are there any other ways to make some loose change off being a photographer????
Note - I am not under any illusions, I know my photos aren't the greatest, but I love what I am doing, and seeing as I have only been doing it for a month or so, I think that with experience, and better equipment, I could go much further!
You could always try what I'm trying and register at places such as http://istockphoto.com. But if you do, make sure you read their quality guidelines, because they test you on them during the registration process.
Like Coffee Club?! LOL!!! I take a billion and one photos there!!!
Steve - thanks for that link, I don't think I am quite up to scratch for that just yet, maybe once I have a bit more experience. I guess I could just submit and hope for the best, but I'd rather wait until I am confident that my images are worthy of their site!
My hubby's a professional photographer and tells me "You don't" ...
Ideally he wanted to remain only in portrait photography but where we live, that wouldn't be possible ... in some of the bigger cities he'd be right, but he's moved into weddings to ensure that the money he makes contributes to our living expenses (I always said he should anyway as he takes amazing wedding photos, but I understand why he wanted to avoid it - the time involved, and this isn't talking the 8 hours of taking photos on the day, is insane!) ...
I don't know what you could do to get your DSLR, but I say that when you get one, why not register a business and go from there ... when hubby started, he still had high prices, but he did discounts etc as "starter packages" ... or waived sitting fees ... then when he felt he'd produced enough photos and had enough experience as a professional, he moved away from this and charged the full fees (obviously he still does discounts for mates rates and different circumstances, or if someone puts in a big order, he often prints a few extra photos free of charge) ... but to just charge the cheaper prices, you might find you're de-valuing your photography ... I may get flamed for that sure, but that's what discussions are all about - sharing one's opinion :)
(Hope I didn't offend you with the links or comments Zeph!)
Thanks for those links, they were very interesting! I have a photo shoot with my brother in law and his newborn, and then one with my pregnant sister in another month, so I'll see how I go with those!!!!
@koshi, nice reads, both however failed additional costs. Cost of computers, accessories, building space (if they have a studio), Employee cost if they have employees, taxes, insurance. I am very happy being a hobbyist shooter. A lot of effort to become a pro and hats off to them.
@Jeff - both definitely failed to mention additional costs ... I shudder to think exactly how much the other half has put into equipment etc ... I often joke he only started his business because he knew I'd never let him spend that much on camera gear from our family money ;) And of course, like anything relating to technology, upgrades are a constant necessity ... and here I am still running my little 400D :(
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Steve - thanks for that link, I don't think I am quite up to scratch for that just yet, maybe once I have a bit more experience. I guess I could just submit and hope for the best, but I'd rather wait until I am confident that my images are worthy of their site!
Ideally he wanted to remain only in portrait photography but where we live, that wouldn't be possible ... in some of the bigger cities he'd be right, but he's moved into weddings to ensure that the money he makes contributes to our living expenses (I always said he should anyway as he takes amazing wedding photos, but I understand why he wanted to avoid it - the time involved, and this isn't talking the 8 hours of taking photos on the day, is insane!) ...
Just for interest sakes:
http://www.caughtonfilmphoto.com/costofphotography.html
http://hubpages.com/hub/10-Reasons-Professional-Photographers-Charge-What-They-Do
:)
I don't know what you could do to get your DSLR, but I say that when you get one, why not register a business and go from there ... when hubby started, he still had high prices, but he did discounts etc as "starter packages" ... or waived sitting fees ... then when he felt he'd produced enough photos and had enough experience as a professional, he moved away from this and charged the full fees (obviously he still does discounts for mates rates and different circumstances, or if someone puts in a big order, he often prints a few extra photos free of charge) ... but to just charge the cheaper prices, you might find you're de-valuing your photography ... I may get flamed for that sure, but that's what discussions are all about - sharing one's opinion :)
(Hope I didn't offend you with the links or comments Zeph!)