Start Up -- Requesting Help Please

[TwinsInParadise]

Hi to any and all who happen upon my request (or plea) for help. I have been taking photos and loving it for as long as I can remember and, for whatever reason, only recently considered turning it into my profession. I am interested in purchasing a professional quality digital camera and am seeking guidance as to which brands/models/etc. are best.

Thank you for your time!

[Sebastian]

For whatever reason???

I suggest you learn about the business of photography, go talk to some pros, find out what niche you want to market yourself, find out if the area can bear another photographer, do some research into what exctly is in demand in your area, see if you can provide something different or innovative.

If you think a pro camera is what it takes, you mind as well not even bother. I'm gonna be honest with you, you even asking that question hints that you are not at all prepared to attempt this. Talk to anyone experienced in the field and the one recurring theme is that the camera is the LAST thing someone needs to be a pro. As a photographer, you primarily network and sell your CRAFT, and the craft depends entirely on you, not on the camera. Learn how to see, learn how to take pictures with whatever you have, and then if people like what they see and are willing to buy it, keep selling it until an upgrade is required due to failure or need.

What exactly did you intend to do? Shoot events? You will need a camera, loads of CF cards, flashes, probably a laptop. Intend to sell onsite? Add several computers, printers, and manpower. To that, add insurance. Portraits? Lighting, backdrops, a light meter, stands and a space for it all. And above all else, LEARNIGN HOW TO USE IT EFFICIENTLY, AND WITH GREAT RESULTS.

I'm not trying to rain on your parade, it's just that if there ever was a business that you just can't turn into a profession overnight, this is it. Take some time to learn about the business, about where you fit in, and especially where your SKILLS fit in. Otherwise you will be out faster than you got in.

Whatever you do, I wish you luck. Oh, and to answer your question, get a two used 10Ds or D60s. Phenomenal image quality, and having two gives you redundancy. That will also leave a little bit of cash for all the other crap you'll need. Good luck.

[TwinsInParadise]

Thank you for your input, Sebastian. I didn't realize exactly how much information was needed in my original post, since I am new to this site. I posted again and with more information-- and in a more appropriate forum-- in the Digital Camera Forum.

I feel the need to explain myself further, since my parade was indeed rained on. I have been taking pictures of friends and family for many years with, according to them, great success. They have all very much liked the results of their photo shoots with my old 35mm and current digital camera. My college photography professor enjoyed my work, as well. I don't especially care for the digital camera I use now (a Sony Smart Zoom MVC-CD350, 3.2 megapixels), because it doesn't take the picture fast enough unless I am in bright light and have the camera set to action, no flash. Taking pictures of my 1 year old twins, neices, nephews, and friends' children requires something that takes the picture (even indoors) quickly. This camera often leaves me with blur. I have managed to get a lot of great shots despite this, though I know I can do better with a better camera. I am in the position to buy a high-quality camera right now and was looking for advice to that end.

To be honest with you, I didn't want to include too much information in my first post because a) I thought it was really no one's business what my reasons were for not considering photography as my profession sooner and b) I was embarrassed that my knowledge of cameras and equipment is not anywhere near the same level as my actual ability to take photographs.

Thank you again for your input and time.

For whatever reason???

I suggest you learn about the business of photography, go talk to some pros, find out what niche you want to market yourself, find out if the area can bear another photographer, do some research into what exctly is in demand in your area, see if you can provide something different or innovative.

If you think a pro camera is what it takes, you mind as well not even bother. I'm gonna be honest with you, you even asking that question hints that you are not at all prepared to attempt this. Talk to anyone experienced in the field and the one recurring theme is that the camera is the LAST thing someone needs to be a pro. As a photographer, you primarily network and sell your CRAFT, and the craft depends entirely on you, not on the camera. Learn how to see, learn how to take pictures with whatever you have, and then if people like what they see and are willing to buy it, keep selling it until an upgrade is required due to failure or need.

What exactly did you intend to do? Shoot events? You will need a camera, loads of CF cards, flashes, probably a laptop. Intend to sell onsite? Add several computers, printers, and manpower. To that, add insurance. Portraits? Lighting, backdrops, a light meter, stands and a space for it all. And above all else, LEARNIGN HOW TO USE IT EFFICIENTLY, AND WITH GREAT RESULTS.

I'm not trying to rain on your parade, it's just that if there ever was a business that you just can't turn into a profession overnight, this is it. Take some time to learn about the business, about where you fit in, and especially where your SKILLS fit in. Otherwise you will be out faster than you got in.

Whatever you do, I wish you luck. Oh, and to answer your question, get a two used 10Ds or D60s. Phenomenal image quality, and having two gives you redundancy. That will also leave a little bit of cash for all the other crap you'll need. Good luck.

[another view]

Like Seb said, "get two". Murphy's law, you need to be covered. This isn't just camera bodies, but lenses, flashes and cables too. If you want to do this with film, then a great lab will be a huge help. If you want to do this with digital, then you are your own lab!

I shot an outdoor event on Sunday on digital. Part of it was shooting under a big tent that was yellow and white with open sides. They gave out bright orange t-shirts to wear at this event. Even with fill flash, I still had a lot of color correction to do when I got home (with all of the orange/yellow) - only took an hour for all the shots, but that's because I've done it before. If it was film, the lab would do it and it wouldn't take me any time. Another example of having a situation to deal with (horrible light) and having to deal with it.

There is a lot to it, and what you need and how you'll work will be dictated by your customers (like any business). The difference between a pro and an amateur is that a pro has to come back with the shot. Doesn't matter if the camera locked up or got dropped or someone threw it in the lake, that's why there's backups.

What type of photography are you interested in? You might look for an established pro in that field that you can assist.

[Sebastian]

I understand your reasoning behind not giving much more info to begin with, but holding back doesn't really give us enough info to give you a good recommendation. Thanks for elaborating. I read your post in the digital camera forum, and it really doesn't tell me much more. The two cameras I mention will handle anything you look to do and more.

If you intend to do this as a side business to your daily job, get the cameras I suggested and go from there. If you intend to drop what you're doing and pursuing this full-time, it will take MUCH more than just a camera.

I suggest you start freelancing, try to build a portfolio, see if you can actually sell anything. And go from there. Family and professors telling you they like your work doesn't mean anyone else does, and that will make selling it very hard.

Check out the forums on robgalbraith.com, sportsshooter.com and search google for any questions you may have. Business isn't discussed here very often, the people here are enthusiasts. A few of us make money off of photography, but the numbers are not large. The two sites above have a much larger contingent of business-related discussions and forums.

The camera is the easy part, do your research on the business end of it all if you ever wish to succeed.

Like I said, I don't mean to make this sounds impossible or like a bad idea, it isn't either of those things. You just really need to be able to understand the business in general, as well as in your area, so you don't screw yourself over. Spend a few months reading and asking questions of those who are doing what you want to do, see what they have dealt with and how they market themselves. If someone doesn't want to tell you, move on to someone else. There are many good people out there that will help you out, as well as those that won't want to work with you because they're scared of competition. The latter are not the ones you want to be dealing with.

Or, another route would be to see if any photogs in your area are looking for assistants. Great way to learn while being paid for it.

Good luck with it all.

[another view]

I wasn't sure where to start either...

A digital SLR (DSLR) like the Canons that Sebastian mentioned or a Nikon D70 will handle totally differently than a compact digital camera. The thing that hurts about buying a second one as a backup is that DSLR's are constantly being improved so a 2-year old camera may only be worth a fraction of what you paid for it. You'd have to work a lot to justify that expense! I'd stick with either Nikon or Canon.

On the other hand, great film cameras are a bargain now. I shoot weddings on film and have two really nice cameras - today both would cost (used) about the price of a new leftover Canon 10D (recently replaced by the 20D). You do have film/lab costs, but a good lab can make a print from a negative that's a stop or two off. If you're that far off with digital then you're out of luck. One less thing to worry about (too much) during a shoot.

I've done a little wedding photography and enjoy it (some day I'll eat my words) but it's a very stressful day. Miss a shot and you may not be able to re-create it. If you don't know you missed a shot until the film comes back or you're downloading cards, then you have a bigger problem!

It ain't the easiest way to make money but it is pretty rewarding. Personally, I have a day job and do the occasional photo job that's within my comfort level.

[TwinsInParadise]

Thank you both very much for your recommendations. I apologize for not including enough information in my original posts. I was trying to avoid being too longwinded and wasting anyone's time and managed to waste everyone's time anyway. Jackpot! Sorry again. ;)

Here is my deal at the moment.... I am a full-time mother of twin girls in the Florida Keys. I also help my husband run our commercial fishing business. The main reason I want a new camera-- aside from the fact that I dislike my current one-- is that I want to know my camera and equipment inside and out long before ever taking professional pictures. My goal right now is to learn and practice as much as possible, improve my skills, freelance part-time, and start to build a clientele (even if it is among friends and family-- or through their referrals-- at first). I have no intention of starting a business that I haven't the time, talent, or know-how required to back up.

Photographers in the Keys are few and far between, as are events that would keep a full-time photographer busy. I mainly intend to take portraits, both individual and group, and do the occasional wedding, graduation, Christening, or even fishing tournament-- when I'm ready for it. Lucky for me, I do not have the added pressure of having to turn this into a money-making business; I can do it because I love it. I have no idea how open to the idea of an apprentice any pro around here will be, but I'm definitely going to look into it. Talking to them couldn't possibly hurt!

For now, I'm going to keep talking to people like you all and see what I can learn. I'm also going to post a few pictures to be critiqued. I hope I'll hear from you over there, too!

Thanks again for all your help. It is greatly appreciated!

--- Another View... For a very long time I resisted the change from film to digital. It somehow seemed unnatural to me. Now that I am using a digital camera and can pick and choose my pictures, edit them at will, etc., I am kind of hooked. Aside from that, though, there are virtually no good labs around here with which I can work. I do not know the first thing about developing my own film, but do know my way around the computer; at this point, I figure I should just go from there and see what happens. Which do you prefer, when it comes right down to it? Also, do you do many portraits at all, or only events? Just curious. Thanks!

[another view]

Which do you prefer, when it comes right down to it? Also, do you do many portraits at all, or only events? Just curious. Thanks!

First off, I think you've got a good plan to get started. I work in an office to pay the bills which leaves my evenings and weekends open for photography (fit in with everything else, of course). I started shooting events out of personal interest, then when I felt confident I started freelancing for a weekly paper. Might be a good thing to check out, especially if you're shooting digital - by the time film comes back from the lab and gets scanned, then it's not news anymore! It's lower stress because if I didn't come back with a shot then it's not the end of the world, unlike some other types of photo jobs.

The stress of shooting a wedding makes me want to keep my life as easy as possible. I also have a great - but expensive - lab to work with. Hope they stick around awhile, but the good ones are closing because of the switch to digital. With digital, the exposure has to be right on (heard it will only tolerate 1/3 stop over, 1/2 stop under for top quality work). On a sunny day with a bride in a white dress with a sheen and the groom in a black tux - you'll lose the detail in both because the contrast range would be too high for a digital camera. Digital is like shooting slides, but the highlights blow out even easier.

That said, as I get more used to digital and the cameras get better, I expect to do almost everything digitally at some point. Probably in the next year or two. Problem is the backups, I have one DSLR and not sure what I'd buy for a second one. All of the newer ones use different flashes and cables (remember, two of each!). I can probably get by without a laptop for awhile and using the desktop at home. I haven't done many portraits, mainly events and weddings. I've also photographed some bands when I was doing work for the paper.