Finally did a few paying jobs now what?

[Mt Spokane Photography]

You've received lots of good advise, the issue is to prioritize it. This is a gear site, so the natural tendancy is to recommend more gear.

I'd recommend that you include lighting in your list of wants.

Then, a business plan that gets you from where you are to where you want to be. If you plan to do everything yourself, you will have to plan to be small. If you want to make a living, you will need to consider how to work your way up to get corporate advertising accounts. I don't think you will be able to make much of a living doing birthdays and senior photos. Weddings will require that you grow the business to have a assistant/backup. We all get sick or have accidents, but one slip and you are out!

There are some very good training videos on creative live, even coverage of the business end. Invest time and money learning.

 

[unfocused]

Dear Friends .
One of the top Photographer profession IN THE WORLD THAT ALL OF PHOTOGRAPHERS DREAM ( Include Me too---Ha, Ha, Ha----too small salary/ income to be the BEST OF THE BEST in this job):

" National Geographic Staff Photographer Earnings

National Geographic staff photographer Michael "Nick" Nichols avoids putting a direct figure on a staff shooter's annual salary, although he reveals earnings are in the ballpark of $100,000 each year. That figure, however, encompasses his salary as well as his own freelance work managing his archive of photographs for use in other publications and projects.

Job Outlook

National Geographic only employs five staff photographers, according to Nichols, and the bulk of its photos are contributed by freelance photographers. With 50 to 60 photographers employed regularly by the magazine, about 90 percent are freelancers being paid on a piecework basis. The five staff photographers employed by the magazines are experienced enough to have reached the final third of their career.



Freelance Rates

National Geographic's "Traveller" magazine pays photographers on a day rate for assignments. As of December 2010, its day rate is $425, with most assignments lasting 10 to 14 days. An average 12-day assignment would net a freelancer $5,100, although that rate also covers the necessary editing and post-production work needed to bring photographs up to the magazine's publishable standards.


Read more: http://www.ehow.com/info_7755532_salary-national-geographic-staff-photographer.html#ixzz2dr842rRe
"

This really puts it in perspective. Doing the math, a $425 Day rate means you would have to work 52 weeks a year, five days a week to earn $110,500. Of course, no freelancer would ever work that much. Probably lucky to work half that amount. And, that's for what passes as the top of the heap for photojournalism these days.

Now you know why people like Joe McNally, Scott Kelby, etc., focus on books, training videos and workshops. Actual photography represents only a small fraction of their income.

 

[KKCFamilyman]

Thanks to everyone for the feedback. I am just starting out and do not plan to quit my day job. This will never be more than a part time hobby. Just was looking for suggestions and got some so thanks to everyone who took the time to contribute.

 

[Famateur]

KKCFamilyman, thanks for asking the questions. It allowed me to benefit from the responses without having to have thick skin myself.

 

[syder]

The other thing you'll need for professional work is a thick skin. A paying client would have tore you a new @rsehole if you presented some of the stuff you've posted. And some will do that even when the work meets their brief and meets a professional technical competency.
It takes lots of things to go pro (from my experience in video that is) and a good camera is the least of it.

^^ this.

...and I'd add in bucketloads of patience and an unflinchingly polite and positive attitude in the face of frustrating situations...

For when you've met the brief and the client changes their mind and keeps wanting changes made because it turns out they want something different from what they've asked for... For when you have to deal with bridezilla over a year long period where she gets increasingly stressed out by having to organise her big day... For when due to circumstances beyond your control things look a little lame (there were three people at your corporate event... how do you expect it to look busy when there was no-one there?)... and for generally dealing with some fairly odious and obnoxious people who will be paying your bills for the time being.

Sure you'll also find clients who are a joy to work with, respect you and your work and make your profession fun and economically rewarding, but especially when starting out (as you don't have a load of clients who you enjoy working with on a regular basis and for whom you're their go to guy) you will probably have a few nightmares.

 

[adebrophy]

Hey - kudos KKC for taking on board some of that advice and changing up your site. The cut down selection of photos now does your ability justice.

Even if you are doing this on the side (as I am) then I still recommend looking at insurance so you can still keep yourself and clients safe. That's insurance as in a spare camera body and as in third party liability.

Also, I can echo the comments on learning lighting. I got huge amounts of great and free tuition from Adorama TV and David Hobby's strobist site.

Here's my gallery - www.xtrashot.com

 

[KKCFamilyman]

Hey - kudos KKC for taking on board some of that advice and changing up your site. The cut down selection of photos now does your ability justice.

Even if you are doing this on the side (as I am) then I still recommend looking at insurance so you can still keep yourself and clients safe. That's insurance as in a spare camera body and as in third party liability.

Also, I can echo the comments on learning lighting. I got huge amounts of great and free tuition from Adorama TV and David Hobby's strobist site.

Here's my gallery - www.xtrashot.com

Thanks
I did work on cutting it down. I do plan on working on my lighting. Definitely an area in need of improving but to be honest I am just going to take it as it comes. Skills need to be refined but insurance, business plans, seo are beyond the scope of the size I want to be and can commit right now. I have a great career and do not plan on turning this fun hobby to a job.

 

[AcutancePhotography]

Go to www.youarenotaphotographer.com

Look at the pictures

Don't do stuff like thatl ;D

Good luck with it.

 

[Dylan777]

It's not going to be easy. Could take year(s). If you really want it, learn how to master PP. Hint: Lightroom is not enough.

I have 4 friends(pro wedding). First couple years, they made no almost no profits. Years went by, they now top 10 wedding pro in Orange County, CA.

http://benjaminweddingstudio.com

 

[Sella174]

Go to www.youarenotaphotographer.com

Brilliant ... looks like the stuff of the "pros" in my locale.