Which area to start out in?

[Massicotte22]

I would love to make phtotography a career. when i first thought of making a living out of it I thought weddings would be a great gig to get into. however, i know there are and endless number of areas in the field and was wondering if some of you could recommend a focus that would be good for a newly professional photographer. i'd love to hear some some unique and unconventional ideas (good or bad) some of you have tried.

[formula4speed]

What are you good at and what do you like to shoot? Becoming a pro isn't as easy as just having talent and good gear either. If you want to go pro, you're probably better off starting as a second shooter for an existing photographer while making contacts and getting experience.

[robertwgross]

Before you try to go into business with a new product or service, look for a problem with the products or services that exist.

For instance, if you see examples of bad product photography, then get in touch with the company that had to pay for that crap. If your friends tell you that their wedding photography was too expensive, then try to do wedding photography for a cheaper price.

---Bob Gross---

[ACDCROCKS]

What are you good at and what do you like to shoot? Becoming a pro isn't as easy as just having talent and good gear either. If you want to go pro, you're probably better off starting as a second shooter for an existing photographer while making contacts and getting experience.

I agree on that.

[Screamer]

Building on what has been said..

What are you passionate about? What makes you *want* to do weddings over specializing in another field? Only you can answer that.

I'd suggest reading a book titled Starting Your Career as a Freelance Photographer by Tad Crawford. It's co-published with the American Society of Media Photographers. It's a good start that gets you to ask yourself these questions, while explaining all the ins and outs of the different specialty areas. I really like the format of it too. Since it's co-published you are just not getting one person's views. It's actually a broad collection of industry known professionals and university instructors giving you their perspectives.

Remember you are the one that has to pick what you want to do. You have to be passionate first and foremost...otherwise, it is just "work".

[Tigress]

I'm glad someone asked this. I'm in the same boat as wanting to make a living out of my photographic abilities. I may not be the best, but I love what I do, take pictures. I have to agree with the passion. You have to be passionate about what you do.

My suggestion would be to try a litte of everything you can think of. See what you enjoy the most, what you get the best results from. This is what I am doing.

I also agree with Bob, see whats out there and look to see if you can improve on it.

Screamer, I'm going to have to find that book too. Sounds like a great starting point and will probably be an eye opener too.

[Screamer]

Screamer, I'm going to have to find that book too. Sounds like a great starting point and will probably be an eye opener too.

You might want to check this one out too..

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1581151977/002-1032326-5603205?v=glance&n=283155&s=books&v=glance

[Tigress]

Oh great... now I'll have to start searching and checking out all kinds of books!! LOL

Honestly, I appreciate the help and guidance in the book buying direction. I'm always wanting to learn.

[Jon, The Elder]

I have been shooting for 40+ years in many formats - in the Industrial/Special machine tool industries.
Last year I discovered there were no regular shooters in horse events in my area (S.E. Michigan). I'm semi retired and now it's MY turn to have some fun and make a buck.

Bob G. advises, what I discovered and built on.

Just keep in mind - that growing the business and building your reputation will take as much as 80% of your time. The photography portion is just a small part of "Going Pro".