I live in the Elgin, IL area and really want to break into photography and start my own business. Im looking for a program to learn digital photography at a school no online but the only thing I can find is a Bachelors which is 3-4 years or noncredit classes which are pointless… Anyone know of anywhere or have any ideas other than Harrington College of Design???

The College of Dupage in Glen Ellyn has an excellent photography department. One of the instructors lives in Elgin, so the drive can’t be too bad.

If you know anyone who has a current Mac computer, you
can use IWeb to create a website showing your recent
photographs. Set up an .mac account [$99 per year] and
publish your IWeb webpage(s).

Acquire from Vistaprint.com a colorful business card
by selecting from their many templates a suitable one
that meets your needs. Make sure to list the URL of
your website along with a telephone answering device.
Do not place your home address or anything personal
such as a cellphone on this businesscard. Then when
you receive the finished business card, pass it around
to various churches, temples and the like to solicit
business.

When you receive a major photography assignment, visit
your local professional camera store and "rent" the
necessary camera equipment to fulfill this assignment.
When starting out, you don’t want to tie your money up
with a piece of camera equipment which because of ever
changing technology "becomes obsolete." Remember, that
90% of professional photographer are not "buying"
camera equipment continually which can easily become
outdated; instead, they merely "rent or lease" the
camera equipment for set period of time; thereby
keeping their money for other expenses. Even though
you may have your heart set on an SLR and film, you
may have to give up that concept for the moment, since
digital photography offers the most economic method of
photo reproduction. Digital imagery is easy to edit on
a computer and the print quality is often far superior
to regular film-generated prints.

You want to buy an "essential/basic" DSLR system which
has an all-around affordable accessory lenses, then
consider the award winning Pentax KD series beginning
with the Pentax K100D 6.1 mp DSLR with "image
stabilization" built into the camera body. "Image
stabilization" is essential for allowing you to take
telephoto pictures at weddings, parties, while on the
go and you don’t have to drag along a tripod to steady
your camera. Unfortunately, Canon and Nikon have
chosen to install their "vibration reduction" devices
into very expensive auxiliary lenses. But getting back
to the Pentax K100D which comes in a starter kit
consisting of two Pentax lenses: a 18-55 mm. normal
lens and a 50-200 mm. telephoto which sells for $650
at samys.com. Again, the Pentax K100D starter kit runs
circles around the D40 Nikon!

For digital print processing, find a private
professional film processing lab who can handle all
your client’s print orders. And with a resale license,
you will be qualified for considerable "professional"
discounts on lab fees. A search on the Google and
Yahoo for wholesale photo albums will connect you with
various distributors who, again, you can sign on as a
photography studio and get a dealer’s pricing for any
number of albums, guest books, etc.

Instead of renting a studio, take people pictures at
local parks and beaches and for indoor shots, go to
the client’s residence or office to set up a photo
shooting environment which consists of a set of
lights, reflective screens, background drapery, etc.

Good luck!

I’m wanting to start my own photography business. I start taking classes in about 5 months and I want to purchase a good camera before I begin. My price range is cheaper than $2,500.00 but can be up to that amount. I would really like to hear from photographers who are experienced and can give me good advise. I’ve been thinking about getting the Canon EOS 50D Black 15.1 MP Digital SLR. Is this a good camera? any specific Lens anyone recommends to go with it? Any help I can get I will much appreciate.
To Bob, looks like someone doesn’t know how to read. I START SCHOOL IN 5 MONTHS. but i need to get equipment first so i’m wanting advice. This is a long term goal. So next time you want to try and criticize maybe you should read the question.
To the person defending Bob. All I wanted was a little advise. If so many people are asking these questions then skip them and move on to another. Alot of you " top contributors" just have to comment on everything to bring your little points up. this is why I hate asking a questions cause I will always get these people that have no answers at all they just feel the need to say something. If your not wanting to help just please move on to the next question.

Got to ask this.

Why on earth do you think you can start a photographic business if you have absolutely no idea about photography???

My budget is 10000 rs. and I want to buy Digital Camera and Deskjet colour photo printer whose cartages are refilled.

Dear Sir

Thats great news.

If you wish to know what camera to buy try the camera section of answers.

For my Digital Photography class, we have to make a poster with a flyer, business card, envelope, and postcard for a business. If you were doing this, what business would you do? A restaurant? A pet adoption center? I need some ideas, so anything helps thanks

Wedding photography

I’d like to let people know I’m a student and that I’m providing affordable digital photography. Any ideas for what to put on the business cards ? I will use a photo that I took as the background.

I would definitely recommend getting a toll free number (like 1-800 or 1-888). It will greatly increase your call volume because they make your business look more professional. If you’re interested in getting a toll free number it’s best to do a little research on the subject first. There are a lot of companies out there; some are good and some are total scams. You’re going to want to look into ownership of your number. This means going with a company that allows you to keep your number for as long as you, or your business, need it. This also means no contracts as well as the ability to port, or transfer, your number at any time. In my experience the top providers of the most basic service plans would be Opex or www.TollFreeNumber.org. If you’re looking for a more complex system with extensions or other features www.VirtualTelecenter.com has that covered with some of the industry’s lowest rates. If you’re just starting out the basic plan should work fine until you feel the need to upgrade. I hope this helps.

Trying to come up with a creative name for my photography business. Does this metaphor jive?

How’s to try and define the metaphor within the context of its usage.

Right well here is my situation.. I’m 17, in my first year of sixth form studying English Language, Sociology and Fine Art. I’m expected to get B’s at the end of the year. As much as i like school and the subjects i do, there isn’t anything i want to do at University.

My hobby is photography, i just have a normal digital camera. No knowledge of light, lenses, composition or anything like that. But i still want to be a photographer, as in Weddings, family photos, model portfolios, landscapes e.t.c. I’ve seen photography courses at various University’s, but non of them are what i want. So, here is my proposal, and i want you guys to tell me if its realistic.

1.For my 18th Birthday (in September) my parents are willing to buy me a professional camera, then get some practise with that.
2. Finish my A Levels in July 2011, and have good grades to fall back on.
3. During that summer, get a job (as in a shop assistant or something) to get money. At the same time go to a photography course to gain knowledge and skills.
4. After the course start doing one off jobs for people (Cheap but enough to make a bit of profit), and advertise myself in shop windows/the internet/newspaper e.t.c.
5. Hopefully my business will grow and grow into something professional.

Is this realistic/a good idea? I don’t mind the truth

Hi

I own a commercial studio (take a look at www.powerhousephoto.co.uk) and we get lots of people coming to us for advice on how to get into this industry. My advice to you is based on what’s worked for the vast majority of photographers working in my region, and the ones working here:

Try and get some work experience in local studios (You may have to work for nothing) during your summer time. Just a couple of weeks work will at least give you the reality of doing this as a profession – you will either be encouraged or give it up as a bad idea.

Go to uni and do a degree in photography or an hnd at a college. This will teach you the fundamentals and lots of practical skills (It takes years to perfect, so 2-3 yrs at Uni is time well spent) I’d recommend Blackpool and Newcastle as two respected for Photography. I’m sure there are others (Leeds is getting better) During your summer time, hire yourself out as a photography assistant to local commercial studios. Expect to get paid 50-75/day – it;s not great money but it;s fantastic experience.

After Uni, try and get a job at a studio, or go freelance and continue assisting. In the meantime, build up your own portfolio and style. By this time you will understand the industry and what sells.

Next step is freelance photographer – u can work for studios and try to get your own independent commissions.Day rates vary from 200 – 300/day pending experience/how good you are. Once you have built up enough of your own commissions, you can go it alone with your own studio.

Overall time to get from where you are now to up with your own independent business is 5+ years.

Hope this helps

Neil

Managing Director
Powerhouse Photography

http://www.powerhousephoto.co.uk

I just graduated in Fine Arts – Studio Photography – I did plan on obtaining a masters in art administration; however, I had a baby in my last semester and that plan vanished. I figure my only option with a new baby and three other children is to start my own business. The problem is since I studied as a Fine Art student my knowledge in digital is very limited. I always had a point and shoot digital and I received a SLR digital a few months ago. My knowledge is growing everyday but I also need to learn color because I’m use to black and white film.

My current (very simple) plan is the following:
(Background knowledge: I do live in a enriched art community – I do not have a lot of money – current equipment- film and digital SLR, clip lamps, white and black cloth backgrounds and no studio just a area in my house)

The plan. Starting out I want to sell my work on the internet and outdoor art markets. In addition,start to take outdoor photos of children, single adults and couples. I do not have expertise with weddings so I’m nerves about that.

Question – Do anyone have any advice for me? How to get started on a small budget? If the plan is going in a good direction? If I should look into another direction? Equipment I need to buy the is not expensive? Advice on marketing is needed. Feel free to give additional advice.
Thank you!

From my experience, it’s possible but it’s going to be hard and grueling. Photography is a job with hard competition, you have to be extremely good or extremely original. I’m not saying you can’t do it, just keep that in mind. The best thing I can say is to get involved with social networking sites(ie. Myspace, facebook, DeviantART, redbubble modelmayhem etc.) and promote yourself through there. It won’t cost you anything either. You can also sell your photos through deviantart and redbubble but its hard.(I’ve only sold 1 print through deviantart). Modelmayhem is the best way to go if you need models to start off with. They will work for free a lot of the time.

You can also make cheap fliers if you have an understanding of photoshop, print them out at staples or something, not too expensive. post them around town. (not sure if that’s illegal or not where you live though haha, it is here)

As for equipment I’m not so great on that… I’d say start off with some cheap studio equipment, a softbox or photography umbrella. The backgrounds will be good. You can also depend on the natural areas around where you live for photography, (that’s what I do and it works pretty nicely).

You already have a good camera though so that should be all that’s really necessary until you build up a portfolio. just be resourceful and use everything around you.

I hope that helps. I’m not an expert on studio photography, I mostly work with bands and models in the alternative scene(music, underground, metal scene) so I mostly do conceptual/themed shoots and I take pictures at concerts for bands as well as promo shoots. I’m also a photoshopper.
Heres a couple of my pictures if you care to take a look hah: http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd10/your_maja/efde2a5ef5af65482763a18ba38d19ca.jpg
and

http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd10/your_maja/Sometimes___by_korn13blind.jpg

I hope that helps you out! My style is probably way different than yours though so you may have to take different paths to get to your destination of your self owned business. Good luck though!

I have a few plain muslins. I have the 20′ by 10′ muslin scaffold. I am looking to do weddings and pictures of familys either in or outdoors. A lot of my family and friends want portraits done for themselves or for christmas cards. I own a DJ business and would love to do the photography and DJ to save people money. I looked at a few cameras..I dont need it to do video but want nice solid pictures. Looking to spend no more than 500$ am I out of luck or is there a VERY nice digital camera for under 500$?
I have a few plain muslins. I have the 20′ by 10′ muslin scaffold. I am looking to do weddings and pictures of familys either in or outdoors. A lot of my family and friends want portraits done for themselves or for christmas cards. I own a DJ business and would love to do the photography and DJ to save people money. I looked at a few cameras..I dont need it to do video but want nice solid pictures. Looking to spend no more than 500$ am I out of luck or is there a VERY nice digital camera for under 500$?

*NOTE I assumed that taking classes and getting some experience was a given ..but I do plan on doing these things. I am looking for a decent starter camera..I have seen cameras for over 5K but I am not looking to be a prfesional over night..and for those who are going to say "another photographer..great" comment somewhere else ..I am serious about the craft and looking for advice. I dont plan on being the worlds greatest tomorrow.. I have a DJ comp. with no exp & one of the best

You may be in for a rude awakening. A $500 camera is not going to make you a wedding photographer. Neither will a $5000 camera, nor any combination of equipment, no matter how much it costs. It doesn’t sound like you are ready to shoot weddings. First you need know how and experience, and from your question it appears you have neither. The fact is, you cannot get set up to professionally photograph weddings for $500, at least not in digital. Shooting weddings is not like taking snapshots, or even doing portraits for Christmas cards. Also if you are the DJ, it would be impossible to do the photography and keep the music going.

If you are interested in the photography of weddings, ask a wedding pro if you can shadow them for a wedding or two, maybe carry gear or set up light stands. You will need a solid foundation in the basics of photography, either through school or from shooting for several years as a serious hobbiest. You will need to plan to apprentice with an established photographer for a season or two. Then you will need equipment, at a bare minimum two bodies, two flashes, several fast (expensive) lenses covering a focal range from wide angle to telephoto, and the brackets, cords, diffusers etc etc that go along with all that stuff. Not to mention a fast computer, Adobe Photoshop, and the post processing skill to go along with it.

Shooting weddings ain’t brain surgery, but it requires more skill and experience to do well than many people realize. Not to mention a hefty investment in equipment. Do some research into the business, read Steve Sint’s book "Wedding Photography: Art, Business and Style" before you decide to go any further.