Would you work here?

[JaertX]

Below are links to a local company that is looking for photographers. I've been wanting to do something on the side, but my long term goal is to get much better at photography and have my own studio. It seems like it would be more to my advantage to work as an apprentice at a top-notch studio, but I doubt many of them would want me for the hours I could work.

So would working some place like this be okay? Some of their work is okay, but I didn't see any "wow!" pictures.

Here is their main website:
http://www.sportcliks.com/index.htm

And you can see some of their recent work on this site:
http://www.sportcliks.com/mp_client/pictures.asp

Any comments would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!

[kenyc]

Looks like it would be pretty much "grunge" work if you ask me. If you need the money, fine or if this is the type of thing you want to get into doing yourself, then may be worth it. I'm sure there are things you'd learn.

KAC

[defordphoto]

Looks pretty cheesy to me. Their site is very elementary.

[codex0]

As RFMSports said, site is elementary. "Kool Cliks" and such are pretty cheesy. I didn't see anything that would really impress me as "professional" work currently up on that site when I looked quickly through it.

[JaertX]

I want to learn more than I need the money. Just wanted a few opinions. There are certainly more professional places around this area:

http://www.bluncks.com/
http://www.davyknapp.com/
http://www.amaphoto.net/

Maybe a bit arrogant of me, but I figured I'd have an easier time getting on there. But I guess that's not really the best thing either. When you live in a small town, your options are kinda limited. Anyway, thanks for the input!

[Inspired Photography]

The wedding shots posted look a bit average.

If you just want some work then probably go for it, but i don't think it will do anything for your reputation as a photog.

Rob

edit: Actually, the whole lot looks a bit average... but i shoot mainly weddings so that's where i looked first.

[Andy_T]

Just a thought ... if you want to do it more for the expertise than for the money, then a better photographer would be able to teach you more than a mediocre one (without me making any assession here which one is which).

Best regards,
Andy

[PhotosGuy]

Where does it say just what $s you get out of it?

[JaertX]

Thanks for all the opinions. And I agree, I think I'd be better off learning from a more skilled studio. I guess it wouldn't hurt me to just ask some of the better studios around here if I could be a grunt for them and get in that way instead of going with a crew like this one.

Frank-I didn't see anything about the exact pay. I doubt it's all that great.

[Tom W]

I have a rule - any web site or ad that uses extremely bright colors is probably not using good business practices - unless they are selling bright colored paint or something like that.

[tonytony]

They need a good webmaster. Their site is not elementary, it's plain bad.

Anyways, Good Luck mate.

[Carzee]

Tom - I think I know what you mean - LOL www.nikonians.com

[RichardtheSane]

I would say that any business that feels the need to use the google adbar on their website are maybe not worth considering.

[Ronald S. Jr.]

one of my favorite photogs, and a good friend of mine- www.cheslerphoto.com

He's one of the guys I admire. Hell of a guy.

[MTalley]

Two things struck me about that website/content:

1. On the website's front page:

ATTENTION!!!!
Due to the high volume of phone calls we are receiving now on a daily basis, we will be answering inquiries through our "Contact Us" page.

This will help us as well as you while we transition into having someone answer the phone from 8 to 5 M-F.

Translation:

I can't keep answering personal calls at work. They're getting upset with me wasting company resources for my side photography business.

2. Looking at some of the sports shots, I don't see much, if any, of the basic sports photography principles at work (peak action, shallow DOF, appropriate cropping). Honestly, and I'm not proclaiming to be an expert, most of the sports shots are of more of a "snapshot" quality.

[JaertX]

Thanks all for the input, again! I'd much rather give up this hobby than to become a mediocre professional. Heck, I'm probably already mediocre, I don't need to be taught that...I'd like to improve on it!

[Nidz]

I'd stay away from anyone who has a website with a cartoon title made out of a cheap clipart font and isn't even centered properly.

[MTalley]

Another thought for you. Are there any local camera clubs where you live? We have one where I live and many of the members have studios and/or do photography professionally, or at least semi-professionally. It's a good way to network and, if it's a good group, to learn.

[ACDCROCKS]

Tom - I think I know what you mean - LOL www.nikonians.com (http://www.nikonians.com)

It's Halloween on that site every day. They are comparing the 20D with the D100 :rolleyes:... NIKON D100 2001.....Canon 20D 2004....They sure are holding there breath on the D200... I almost feel bad for them.

[JaertX]

Another thought for you. Are there any local camera clubs where you live? We have one where I live and many of the members have studios and/or do photography professionally, or at least semi-professionally. It's a good way to network and, if it's a good group, to learn.

That's a good idea and something I hadn't thought of. I was thinking of joining the regional PPA to try to meet other photographers in this area, but that would probably be a better road to start on. Thanks!

[NBEast]

Wow, now that is tacky! Their shot of the week taken with a disposable? Times might be tough but geez, you sure can't put that one on your resume. Now if they let you fix up their site too, ... that seems to be their main failing (well, besides not having a real photographer).

[Tlee05]

You could give it a try you have nothing to lose, shame about the site!.

But you could do a photograph working for this company and make us go WOW. Also added work to a portfolio.

[JaertX]

You could give it a try you have nothing to lose, shame about the site!.

But you could do a photograph working for this company and make us go WOW. Also added work to a portfolio.

Well, that's true. It's probably very arrogant of me to think I wouldn't have anything to learn from this outfit. I certainly would. I am a bit concerned about learning correctly though.

You bring up a good point. I can either try to work on my own, or try something like this place. After all, if it bombs, my name's not on the business.

[defordphoto]

I would be concerned about photo rights, etc...There's no way I'd go close to this site. There's MANY better options to learn about this art and business.