How did you become a pro (or semi-pro)?

[Aylwin]

Not sure if this is appropriate here, but... I thought it would be interesting to hear your story. It'll be good for amateurs like me to see if I ever have a chance of taking this hobby to the next level.

- have you always wanted to do this or is it an accidental evolution?
- how long had you been taking photos before turning pro?
- how old were you when you started making money from photography?
- what were you before becoming a photographer?
- for the vets: do you still enjoy photography for fun?

[IndyJeff]

Not sure if this is appropriate here, but... I thought it would be interesting to hear your story. It'll be good for amateurs like me to see if I ever have a chance of taking this hobby to the next level.

I'm particularly interested in the following:
- have you always wanted to do this or is it an accidental evolution?
- how long had you been taking photos before turning pro?
- how old were you when you started making money from photography?
- what were you before becoming a photographer?
- for the vets: do you still enjoy photography for fun?


Damn so many question I had to quote to answer them.

Yes I always wanted to do this. I just knew how difficult it was and never really gave it a shot until I was older. It was more luck than accidental.

I got my first camera in 1967 for Christmas, been shooting ever since.

I was 37 years old when I made my first $100 from a camera.

I have been a lot of things, a bouncer, a bartender, a salesman, supervisor, drove a truck, a cab, supervisor for a multi million dollar construction company (if you are ever in Indianapolis and see the IUPUI Natatorium I ordered the big round glass window that faces NY street). In the shadows lurking always, was my photography tho.

Yes I still enjoy it. More and more of my income is coming from photography and the thrill of of good catch is still a rush. When you push that shutter and see the results it is a "pat on the back for being on it" type feeling. I guess for me it is like a touchdown catch or a game winning shot or hit type thing. The satisfaction of knowing you did what you were supposed to do is such a high for me.

Most guys I know who do some sort of sports photography knew someone that got them hooked up. Once they had the foot in the door, they proved themselves.

Everybody wants to start out shooting the NFL or the Indy 500. Most don't and never will get the chance to do it. My suggestion is start small, a local high school football/baseball/basketball game, a local small oval race track, anything local. They often are dying for someone to do the shooting for them. Sow your seed where it will grow and you never know what a good crop you may reap. You will make connections that may land you a chance at a higher level of that sport.
Example: I have a nephew who is playing HS football, he is a senior this year. My sister called me and asked if I could call the coach and see about getting some shots of him during the game. I called the coach and proposed that I could cover their games and post the images on my site for sale. In return I would provide images for their website at no charge. He jumped at the offer. Last night was the first game I covered. A local online news site called me at 8am this morning. They wanted to buy some images for their news site. Guess what? I now will cover as many games as I can, post the images for sale, supply some for the team website and sell images to this news site for their use. They will not only pay me but will put up a link to advertise my site. FTONews.com (http://ftonews.com/fc-roncalli.html) I was surprised because I didn't think the shots were all that great. It is my first attempt at HS football but, the guy just loved what I had. Can't wait to see what he says when I figure this out LOL.
I am telling you, it all just falls together once you get started. Just remember, one way or another you gotta get paid, from somebody, someway.
While on the sidelines of that game last night, I met a publisher of a small local that probably will use some of my shots, two reporters for other newspapers who wanted a card, and an ex-pro quarterback. Getting people to know your name is what it is all about, that is how the money is made my man.

Damn I ramble on don't I?

[defordphoto]

- have you always wanted to do this or is it an accidental evolution?
- how long had you been taking photos before turning pro?
- how old were you when you started making money from photography?
- what were you before becoming a photographer?
- for the vets: do you still enjoy photography for fun?

First off, I am a semi-pro. I hold a regular 5-day-a-week job as a Construction Project Manager for a major property management firm based out of Portland, Oregon.

I always had an interest in photography. From the first (my first camera) Kodak 126 film camera, to my first SLR, a Hanimex-Praktica, to my newest baby, the Canon MKII.

I always remember as a kid looking at the big, black Nikon and Canon cameras. Always wanting one. They looked so cool. I read so much back then about photography. Any magazine, tons of books. I was feeding my brain in a frenzy.

And, as it turned out, had a natural knack for photography. My relatives, neighbors and friends over the years always wanted prints. I never sold them. Just gave them away.

I was not really aware of the talent I had and I always strive for more. I see so, so, many samples of things I'd love to shoot. Some of them I have achieved, many I have not. There's always this hunger eating at me to shoot better. Shoot more. Shoot different.

So, anyway, the answer to #1 is that it's an accidental evolution, but a natural one in my case and I've already answered #2. I will be 51 this Friday.

How old was I when I started making money? I've made a few bucks here and there over the years, but it's started to snowball here just in the past year via my website. I have never promoted myself for work (yet).

Already answered #4, though I have been anything from a Jet Engine Tech (USAF) to an apartment manager and maintenance tech.

#5: I can't imagine not liking it, but the larger jobs do present some time management issues because I still hold a regular job. Other than that, it's a freaking blast.

[Aylwin]

Wonderful stories, guys! Keep 'em coming! :D

Jim, I have a day job too and have every intention of keeping it. I work in telecommunications and make a decent enough living. Still, I find the prospect of making money from photography very appealing. It's fun just to think that someone would actually be willing to pay for something I do as a hobby. And who knows? Maybe one day I'll be good enough to become a real photography (after I retire, of course). :roll:

[sGu]

I'd say i'm a semi-pro, simply because i'm not living on money earned from photography, at least not yet; but consider amount of photography related work i do, i'd say it's pro amount.

I shoot for premiership football in England, pretty much 2-3 games per weekend, also F1, hopefully grand slam at wimbeldon this year.

And every important press conference with different clubs here, also interviews with paper i'm working for.

Soon my friend and I will start marketing our studio and wedding photography, then i'll be REALLY busy :shock:

[IndyJeff]

sGu I know your football and my football are different yet there are many similarities when shooting. I was wondering when your shooting do you use more than the center spot focusing? I used the center spot Friday night and was wondering later if I should have used all 3 spots.

[Dave2003]

Not sure if this is appropriate here, but... I thought it would be interesting to hear your story. It'll be good for amateurs like me to see if I ever have a chance of taking this hobby to the next level.

- have you always wanted to do this or is it an accidental evolution?
- how long had you been taking photos before turning pro?
- how old were you when you started making money from photography?
- what were you before becoming a photographer?
- for the vets: do you still enjoy photography for fun?

One thing I am interested in is if anyone has made any decent amounts of money from Stock Photography and evolved to being a Pro this way? I am a member on Can Stock Photo (http://www.canstockphoto.com?r=513), and they pay up to $4.00 commission for each photo they sell.

By the way I am just starting out so would be interested to know.

[sGu]

sGu I know your football and my football are different yet there are many similarities when shooting. I was wondering when your shooting do you use more than the center spot focusing? I used the center spot Friday night and was wondering later if I should have used all 3 spots.

Hi Jeff,

Sorry for this late reply, I do use centre point to focus, but not all the time. It depends if i shoot landscape or portrait format, if portrait, i set focus point where player's eyes are, then switch back and forth when i rotate camera.

[midastouch]

sGu ..I'm interested in your path to sucess.

How did you get from nowhere to Premier league in 7 months?

[sGu]

well, i'm one of the lucky ones, i'd say.

when i first started shooting, i had no intension to become a pro, just purely interests. Then i started reading more and more about techniques, how to and especially how to make money from it.

Couple of months ago, i had a chance to sit in a meeting with managing director of a major sports publisher in Asia, and they showed a lot of interests in my work and would like to see more, especially sports shots.

I took their trial and they applied accreditations for me, here i am, been shooting premiership games whenever i get accepted for accreditation. Hopefully soon i'll have a premiership license, then things will be much better and i'll of course be much busier.

It's a short version of a long story, but i hope it gives you an idea :D

[cmM]

I guess I could chip in here, since I had my first paying job a little more than a week ago, shooting a few fashion shows for a local clothing line. I'm shooting some more fashion and a wedding this coming month.

I just kept trying to spread the word by giving away business cards, sending people to my website, and eventually the designer's asistant e-mailed me and asked me to do this for them. I'm expecting more to come since instead of charging the industry standard (or somewhere close) I charged for my expenses only and the rest of my services to be paid in advertising.

[Tiger1]

Aylwin,

I'm not a pro or a semi pro, actually I am a little new to digital and trying to become a good, better, best "digital" photographer. However, I have literally thousands of film shots that I have taken over the years as reference photos for my watercolor art career which is extremely good. I've been published twice by major publishers and am in negotiations with another international publisher for my artwork. I exhibit in about 20 major fine art festivals in 7 or 8 states a year and my work is in about a dozen retail art galleries across the US. I also have original artwork in more than 30 states in the US and in 17 foreign countries.

I try to compose my reference photos for composition, interest and variety so they can be "almost" exactly what I paint, subsequently, the photos have some artistic value, even though they are not as "photographically" sharp, clear and free of noise as I would like them to be or as they should be photographically. Remember, these were meant to be reference photos. Folks who purchase art from me and others from my public exposure have seen these photos for their artistic value and have asked to purchase them. Therefore; my purchase of a good digital camera and lenses and my reason to become as good as I can become with digital protography.

So the only reason that I reply, and I repeat that I'm not a pro or a semi-pro, is to give you another perspective or avenue for not only an avocation but a business in photography -ART. There are many other photographic paths out there for photographic business success, you just need to investigate and use your imagination.

Good luck to you! :D

[Aylwin]

Tiger1, great story indeeed! Thanks for sharing! :D

[golfecho]

Wonderful stories, guys! Keep 'em coming! :D

Jim, I have a day job too and have every intention of keeping it. . . . It's fun just to think that someone would actually be willing to pay for something I do as a hobby.

Aylwin,

Its funny, but that exact thought has passed my mind many times early in my career. I'm talking about flying though. Soon, I was flying in the military, and over and over again I thought how great it was to be paid for doing what I love. My only thought is, if you really love it (such as the photography), them make in happen. I think it is far better to be happy doing your work, than working to be happy when you never quite get there . . .

Gordie

[Jon, The Elder]

- have you always wanted to do this or is it an accidental evolution?
- how long had you been taking photos before turning pro?
- how old were you when you started making money from photography?
- what were you before becoming a photographer?
- for the vets: do you still enjoy photography for fun?

I was pulled in to my brothers industrial ad agency to "help out".
I immediately discovered the excitment of both medium format, still work and 16mm film Cinematography. I was "taught" (read IGNORED) by the resident "professional photograper already on staff. He soon threw one too many temper tantrums and was let go (read FIRED).
This put me into a sink-or-swim situation as the 'senior' guy. What a wild ride that was for quite some time.

Learning three similar crafts (Video phased in about 1982) has kept me in this crazy business since that time.
Image capture in one form or the other has been a large part of my life since then. Not always lucrative, but always interesting.
There are a few regular contributors in this forum who understand the strange fascination and passion that photography can have for someone. If it truly gets into your blood, then it is there for life.

Yes I shoot for enjoyment. No matter what the subject matter, if you pull off the shot, that little tingle that belongs to you for an instant, is yours to enjoy.
Ask Indy Jeff or PhotosGuy...they know what I mean.

[Vegas Poboy]

Not sure if this is appropriate here, but... I thought it would be interesting to hear your story. It'll be good for amateurs like me to see if I ever have a chance of taking this hobby to the next level.

- have you always wanted to do this or is it an accidental evolution?
- how long had you been taking photos before turning pro?
- how old were you when you started making money from photography?
- what were you before becoming a photographer?
- for the vets: do you still enjoy photography for fun?

Since 1974 I've always been curious about photography and went through various cameras. I'm from a General Motors town no one every spoke about photography, media or those type of fields. It was always welding, electronics or mechanics.

In 1983 I bought my first SLR while in the military and would shoot often while reading books and waiting to see the images a week later. In 2003 I finally decide to quit half stepping and go to school after my teenage daughter didn't want to hang out with her father anymore. Since then it's been GREAT !!!, I've taken classes every semester and have become a decent semi pro photographer.

All I wanted was to learn to take the camera off of program and fell in love with it more than ever. I started making money after my second class where I had pretty much learn the basics of film and intro to digital. With the encouragement of my instructors I started to advertise grow from there. I still do electrical work doing the day for a utility company and won't quit. Afterwork the camera is in my hands shooting sports, commercial and editorial assignments, I've also landed a job as a instructor at the college I started at.
Photography is fun & I'll always make it fun, I'm not trying to make a living at it only an enjoyable hobby with financial rewards. I keep my pricing right in with the pros and I turn away jobs that I know I can't handle or have the knowledge of.

Most new camera owners today hear what $$$ a photographer can make but don't understand the business side of the job or the tech side of creating an image and that makes a bad name for photographers because of the quick dollar someone is trying to make.

Best advice is Love it, Learn to Create the image within the camera and use photoshop as an extra. Learn your market value and don't be afraid to say no to a job you can't handle.

Good Luck to all

[thekid24]

although I probably dont make as much as others on here.It really came down to what I thought would be fun.I am a traditional artist at heart.But only in pencil or pen and ink,imnot very talented when it comes to adding color.And I saw so many pictures that I would have loved to recreate with traditional art,but was lacking in that category.So I picked up my first digi camera 2 years ago.A panasonic Lumix and took very candid,random shots but then wanted more after a year or so.Then I got the Canon Powershot S3 IS and loved it but then quickly maxed out the dslr-like features on it after only 5 weeks.I sold that and combined money that I had and got the camera I have now.The XT(350D) and have loved it ever since.After a few months of having this I now know what I want to shoot for as a living.And that would be sports photography.Although I am currently shooting portraits and such,thats just to earn enough money to purchase the camera body that would best suit fast action.Again I wouldnt say I have earned alot of money but its enough for me to get a new lens and camera bag which arent cheap.And in doing so I have learned so much in a short span of time and am wanting to know more.This site along with the camera shop I buy from have been a massive help and greatly appreciate it.I can look back at some of my first questions on here and think,wow I had no clue what I was talking about,lol.But it comes down to being extremely fun for me.

[jaypie77]

I always liked photography and people told me that I was good at it, but I never thought I was that good or that I could make money. After being an economist, a political consultant, an IT guy, and some other crap, I met a designer on a temp IT job and he hooked me up with a photographer. I've been assisting, shooting and learning/improving my skills for a couple years now and I don't plan to ever go back.

[PhotosGuy]

Actually, the job I wanted in biochemistry took too long to come through, & I'd been working in Detroit 6 months when it did come through. I told them to forget it, as I was having too much fun!

The story is in this thread: Your pathway to today (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=174508)

[michael_]

Option 3 for me

i think there is a huge grey area here, some people class pro as in a league of their own, some say if you make enough money to support yourself, some people are not the best photogs but make a living off of it and some people are in a league of their own but dont so who is the pro?

- have you always wanted to do this or is it an accidental evolution?
since i started taking photos? yes

- how long had you been taking photos before turning pro?
for me pro is me taking the next step and trying to make a business from it, so 2 years

- how old were you when you started making money from photography?
30

- what were you before becoming a photographer?
property developer, still am as another business

- for the vets: do you still enjoy photography for fun?
n/a

[sierra_nova]

Cool thread. i love hearing other people's stories!

- have you always wanted to do this or is it an accidental evolution?
Since year 11 photography at high school. I took the class for fun, picked up a camera, and the rest, as they say, is history.

- how long had you been taking photos before turning pro?
Well. What's pro? I've earnt my income from photography since I finished highschool. But there was uni, so work was part-time, and then fulltime working for a rather large photography company that produces the fast food equivilent of portraiture. almost 2 years ago I quit and started my own business.

- how old were you when you started making money from photography?
17

- what were you before becoming a photographer?
A kid!

- for the vets: do you still enjoy photography for fun?
I don't consider myself a vet, but yup - to a degree.

Cheers!
Naomi

[ssim]

Much like alot of people I had an intense interest in photography. I can still remember my first 35mm camera which I still have. I immersed myself in as much information that I could find. I was going out with a lady at the time and she surprised me by giving me a Pentax 6X7 one day. She would later become my wife.

I never had a good feeling about doing paid work with 35mm format but the 6x7 was another story, it gave great results. I started out by doing a few weddings for some friends and relatives and everything that I made went back into equipment. It just sort of grew from there.

Then came children and my priorities changed from trying to drum up business to just shooting them. I took about a 8 year sabbatical from doing free lance work. It's not that I didn't want to do work, it is just that my life priorities at the time changed.

Once I started back in it was nearly the early days of digital work but I continued to work in film, almost entirely in 6x7 or 645 format. I then got a part time job working at an established studio in the city I lived in that had a couple of different locations along with a small retail operation. I spent slightly better than 2 years working for him and I learned so much there. I did finally get to the point where I was allowed to take on assignments all on my own and never really screwed up anything to the point where it had to be re-shot but some of it certainly wasn't up to the standard of what the owner could do. He made it look so good and so easy. I learned how to spot prints, the art of taking paint and removing blemishes, dust spots. Sort of a very manual healing brush. He had his own darkroom operation and I took alot away from the time in there as well.

I got transferred from my normal job a few times and each time I managed to get business in the new city. I had amassed alot of equipment, during a time when you didn't have the option of upgrading as often as we do now. My day job got to the point where I wasn't very happy with it. I always had the philosophy that "if I quit having fun going to work, its time to quit going to work." I took an early retirement from them and started to freelance more. It was not long before I took the plunge and decided to work full time at this. That was a little more than 2 years ago and I couldn't be happier. It is paying the bills and then some.

Some of the things I learned along the way, were things like your reputation is everything, never take on a job you are not equipped to do. Live to your deadlines and if they do have to slide make sure you keep your customer informed. Most importantly I think was that do not buy your jobs. Anyone can get work when you almost give it away. If you are intent on doing this and make a living from it you have to charge market rates. The old adage, know your friends but know your enemies even better applies to your competition, you have understand what they are doing.

I found a niche in doing commercial work. It is much more lucrative than say weddings or portraits though I do them as well. I shoot just about everything for one ad agency. We understand each other quite well and it is a business relationship that is good for both parties. This is an area that is not highly targeted by the weekend warrior shooters. As well the agency was tired of trying to work around the photographers full time jobs which impacted their work. It is amazing at how much one can bill on these jobs and they don't even blink, of course this is all predetermined.

My only regret is that I wish that I had done it earlier. It is certainly not easy but I find it quite personally satisfying on both an economic and a personal level by knowing that I am filling a demand and doing a good job of it. When you get repetitive business from the same customer you know that you are doing something right.

This is a subject that I could write alot about but this is my process in a nutshell.

[airfrogusmc]

Got my first 35mm (Canon EF) while in Japan when I was in the Corps. Got addicted to photography and my good ole Uncle Sam owed me 4 years of college so after working construction for a few years and shooting some weddings on weekends I went to college full time and got a B/A in photography. I shot weddings all through college (35mm) and then when I graduated I went to work full time for medium format studio that did portraits and weddings. I did custom B&W printing and portraits also worked with clients booking both weddings & portraits and working with them on reorders.

A couple years later I found out about an opening at a high end studio and got hired. There I did all the darkroom work and worked with clients. We also did some catalog work (large format) and portraits. Learned so much at both of these places about business which helped me beyond words when I opened my own business.

Was there for a few years when I found out about an opening at a hospital. Got the job and while working there I started booking weddings using allot of the skills and contacts I got while working for others. I knew I didn't want to shoot lower end weddings so I hooked up with a couple of wedding consultants and got into a good market. My wife ran the office while I worked at the hospital doing everything from surgical procedures, headshots, environmental portraits, advertising, B&W printing (had a darkroom there).

Got divorced and I was still full time at the hospital and after almost 20 years of weddings was ready for a change. Wife kept the business and I stayed at the hospital. After a couple years I started my own business doing environmental portraits, events and advertising mostly in healthcare and because of all the contacts I made over the years have been able to make a decent living. Remarried and thats where it stands today.

I've been so very lucky in the fact that I've been able to work full time in photography and make a decent living at it since graduating. I learned so much from some of the people I worked for about how and how not to do business. Looking back it seems like all of the jobs I had was preparing me to be exactly where I am today. I didn't plan it that way. Probably couldn't have if I wanted to.


I just wanted to add there is some VERY good advice in SSIMs post...

[NC_Photo]

Not sure if this is appropriate here, but... I thought it would be interesting to hear your story. It'll be good for amateurs like me to see if I ever have a chance of taking this hobby to the next level.

- have you always wanted to do this or is it an accidental evolution?
- how long had you been taking photos before turning pro?
- how old were you when you started making money from photography?
- what were you before becoming a photographer?
- for the vets: do you still enjoy photography for fun?

No, I always *enjoyed* photography but as a child I wanted to be a lawyer and during high school wanted to be a teacher. No one ever tells you about the fun jobs you can have - you tend to only learn about the practical jobs.

I have taken photos since I was a kid, but got my start in high school. After taking a photography class (basic b&w class) I decided to sign up for "photojournalism" where I was one of a couple photographers for the school yearbook and newspaper. I had a fun time doing it but after graduation I left for college to major in Elementary eduation.

I was 18 the first time someone paid me to do photography.

Before being a photographer I was a freshman in college, majoring in Elementary Education. I spent a year at college before I realized that was not what I wanted to do. My boyfriend was going to move to FL (from NC where we live) to transfer schools and finish his degree. I decided to go too and when I saw the school had photography he urged me to "go for it" and change my major. It was THE BEST DECISION I'VE EVER MADE.

Yes, I do enjoy photography - although I don't consider myself a vet...lol. I'm a recent college graduate and just started my first job with a local studio. I've photographed more since May than I have in my entire life. I've also learned more in these last few months than I ever learned in school. I'm thankful for my education but I'm also thankful to get the job I got for my first one. I became a photographer immediately and not someone's camera bag carrier like I expected to get for my first job.

[ChrisRabior]

I'm 25 years old, so I guess my story is one that's still in the early development stage.
When I was in high school, I was a music fanatic. Wound up getting a 3.2MP junker that I took with me to shows. At the time, 3.2 was HUGE. The hobby evolved into part time work. Got paid (whether by money, concert tix, etc) for letting some of the bands I shot use my images. A buddy of mine even got me a brief position doing shots for the local weekly entertainment magazine in the area.

Then came college. Goodbye photography. Computer Engineering sounded awesome until I hit my senior year, and hadn't found a single job I actually enjoyed in the field. Took a break from school before graduating (much to the chagrin of mom/dad). Revamped my passion for photography with a Rebel XT and kit lens, ironically at the same time my father decided to look into going into business for himself doing photography (portraiture).

Same thing happened all over again, only this time I was proactive in looking for work. I worked with FanPhotos and a few local music journals. Tested the stock waters with some of the micros, realized I could sell, switched to traditional agencies (which so far have been treating me fairly well), and kept looking for work.

Eventually would up with a site that promotes the scene of Detroit. I work cheap for them, but they get me connected with clients that pay very well. I'm currently a staff photographer for them. The relationship I have with the site earned me a spot as a staff photographer for a large MMA competition in Michigan (3 events in May alone). I also started working a great deal with a music studio. The producer and owner saw my work, loved the live concert shots, and bring me on all the time to cover bands that they're working with, be it in the studio for live recording, music video shoots, or simply to a venue that they're performing at.

It's paid for all of my gear so far, and was actually a major portion of my tax return. I never really expected to have this become a profitable venture, but it has. To top it off, it's provided me with opportunity to meet some really interesting people (Motown legend Martha Reeves, Dr. Jack Kevorkian, Senator Gravel, countless musical acts, an American Idol star, some professional sports stars.. the list goes on)

I'm in school again to become a CRJ major, and going into law enforcement. I'd certainly like to keep photography as a second career, as it's going to make an excellent second income and hopefully a great retirement job. I'm hoping to pick up a few more regular clients, and possibly adjust my rates so that it's more profitable, but for now I'm quite happy with how things are turning out.

[FlyingPhotog]

I fall into the 3rd catagory as well. I've worked in Sports Television as an on again, off again freelancer (I've held some full time gigs) since graduating from college in 1984.

I've always owned an SLR of some kind (starting with and AE1) and have always enjoyed photography. I'd say the digital revolution was the impetus for me get serious about my shooting so I've focused as much or more on lenses than bodies. Good glass is so much better than mid-range glass...

I've done shots for friends and family over the years but this past April was a high point for me with some corporate/industrial sales and getting two photos published in the sports section of the Richmond Times Dispatch last week (the photos accompanied the article on FOX Sports' Chief Spotter for NASCAR .. if you saw it...)

I'm now actively persuing personal and professional relationships based in photography (Joined a flesh and blood Photography Group, POTN, ISAP, Fence Check, etc...) and am making a concerted effort to get my images in front of a wider audience.

Trying new things, learning new skills and on it goes... Looking to catch that break that I know is out there for me. I'm the best photographer that no one has heard of .. yet!

[1downfall]

Damn so many question I had to quote to answer them.

Yes I always wanted to do this. I just knew how difficult it was and never really gave it a shot until I was older. It was more luck than accidental.

I got my first camera in 1967 for Christmas, been shooting ever since.

I was 37 years old when I made my first $100 from a camera.

I have been a lot of things, a bouncer, a bartender, a salesman, supervisor, drove a truck, a cab, supervisor for a multi million dollar construction company (if you are ever in Indianapolis and see the IUPUI Natatorium I ordered the big round glass window that faces NY street). In the shadows lurking always, was my photography tho.

Yes I still enjoy it. More and more of my income is coming from photography and the thrill of of good catch is still a rush. When you push that shutter and see the results it is a "pat on the back for being on it" type feeling. I guess for me it is like a touchdown catch or a game winning shot or hit type thing. The satisfaction of knowing you did what you were supposed to do is such a high for me.

Most guys I know who do some sort of sports photography knew someone that got them hooked up. Once they had the foot in the door, they proved themselves.

Everybody wants to start out shooting the NFL or the Indy 500. Most don't and never will get the chance to do it. My suggestion is start small, a local high school football/baseball/basketball game, a local small oval race track, anything local. They often are dying for someone to do the shooting for them. Sow your seed where it will grow and you never know what a good crop you may reap. You will make connections that may land you a chance at a higher level of that sport.
Example: I have a nephew who is playing HS football, he is a senior this year. My sister called me and asked if I could call the coach and see about getting some shots of him during the game. I called the coach and proposed that I could cover their games and post the images on my site for sale. In return I would provide images for their website at no charge. He jumped at the offer. Last night was the first game I covered. A local online news site called me at 8am this morning. They wanted to buy some images for their news site. Guess what? I now will cover as many games as I can, post the images for sale, supply some for the team website and sell images to this news site for their use. They will not only pay me but will put up a link to advertise my site. FTONews.com (http://ftonews.com/fc-roncalli.html) I was surprised because I didn't think the shots were all that great. It is my first attempt at HS football but, the guy just loved what I had. Can't wait to see what he says when I figure this out LOL.
I am telling you, it all just falls together once you get started. Just remember, one way or another you gotta get paid, from somebody, someway.
While on the sidelines of that game last night, I met a publisher of a small local that probably will use some of my shots, two reporters for other newspapers who wanted a card, and an ex-pro quarterback. Getting people to know your name is what it is all about, that is how the money is made my man.

Damn I ramble on don't I?
I just read through this post. I hope this will be me soon. I love shooting my kids sports and some families have wanted my pics....I am not to nervous anymore...and hopefully will have some sold this season!

[Karl Johnston]

Yearly update: Feb 2010
- have you always wanted to do this or is it an accidental evolution?
Accidental evolution.


- how long had you been taking photos before turning pro?
A yearish.

- how old were you when you started making money from photography?
20

- what were you before becoming a photographer?
Lost. :D


- for the vets: do you still enjoy photography for fun?
Yup, though, still gotta find a way to make the time to do fun stuff.

The road to pro is easy, it's sustaining that is the problem

[harroz]

k, this is probably going to be a long one......
have you always wanted to do this or is it an accidental evolution?
I always liked photography, loved looking at photos in magazines, my walls when I was a kid were covered in motorcross and surfing photos, I just thought they were amazing.
It wasn't unti lI was in Australia that I conjured a girlfriend at the time to buy me a camera for xmas, A Pentax slr with a 28-85mm lens, nothing flash. This was in approx 1991. Then a year or so later I did a night course to learn the basics, keeped shooting,, it wasn't an all absorbing thing, just a hobbie of sorts. In 1997 I came home to the Sth Island and spent the winter snowboarding, I'd been working hardout for the past 34 years and so wanted to take a break and change of course in life but didn't know what. My flatmate was one of the country's best free riders at the time and he knew a lot of good riders, I took some photos one day and got them developed and people were praising them at a party that night. So that pretty much changed my attitude to photography. So I woke up one freezing cold morning, leaned out of the bed and switched on the heater, waited a while, then opened the curtains, and lay there as I had nearly everty morning pondering what i was going to do with my life while looking at the mountains. BOOM- decision made- I WANT to be a photographer and WANT an image on the front cover of a magazine( It happened 3 years ago;-)) I made3 a heafty decision that I would never work again under any circumstances unless it was photography related and part of the road to my goal. so when I left the mountains I did a diploma in freelance photography, walked into every lab in the town until I got a job, I realized if I wanted to do this prperly I needed to know what happened in the lab with the film. So, the first lab was a bulk printer, then 3-6 mths later I moved to a more detailed one, they had more experienced people apply, but I had the attitude. For them I started shooting also, sports teams etc. then had to do a small (20-30 people)Uni graduation, I was suppose to have the main photographer come and show me what to do with the lights etc. a phone call an hour prior to leaving we get a call and he can't make it, so I was thrown in the deep end really as I had to use lights and set them up etc. daunting at the time, but it threw me into it and everything snowballed from there. After working there for a year or so I went back to Australia and started working for a family portrait company, within 6 months I was claimed as their #1 photographer, out of 40 people. I brought their NZ business off them and came back home, in the meantime I was doing all sorts photographic of work on the side, weddings, some commercial & advertising etc. About 1.5 years later I looked into going on cruiseships, was told it was hard but i managed to get on one, I went on my first as a photographer, then 2,3,4, as photographic manager/photographer. The 2nd ship we went digital, the third ship we set up the first 100% digital ship for the company from scratch. the last contract was to run a department in the Bahamas but if fell through, we spent 2 months there and realized it wasn't going to work. I met my wife on the first one, we trained her up and we worked together on the ones after. We came back to NZ(Auckland) in 2005 and I set up a little architectural photography business, it went well, but things changed in our lives and it was a rollercoaster ride for a bit. I was also shooting other stuff as well and this is where/when I got my first cover shot. We got the opportunity to go back on another ship that went everywhere in 6 months so we did it, hard call but worth it. came home after that to where I grew up and I threw in the camera for the first time, really I was burnt out, I'd just spent 6months going from Athens to Antarctica and back and I just couldn't be bothered anymore. So I started doing lighting designs for a local lighting company here, that lasted 4 months and an opportunity came up: I have brought a franchise in real estate photography. so being a new person to my area this was perfect for me to have a base income to build off. And thats where I'm at now, building all the other work up around it. I've been lucky enough to have a few breaks and gain some good clients, and I've been one off tutoring in a school and for local youths in a youthfest. It takes time and hard work.



- how long had you been taking photos before turning pro?
at a guess 10 years, but not too solidly until the later years

- how old were you when you started making money from photography?
shhh ;-) 28
- what were you before becoming a photographer?
A bum ;-) I'm a qualified landscaper and a qualified roofer. Althoug I have done an astranomical amount of jobs. I was a bum for a few years though. I worked approximately 6 mths a year for 4-5 years, I lived to surf in those times and did what it would take, sleeping on remote beaches in Australia and surfing with dolphins are memories that are unmatched to date;-)
- for the vets: do you still enjoy photography for fun?
I'm no vet(vets work with animals right?;-)). I don't pick up my camera for fun, BUT I still get an amazing buzz when it all works out. I push limits all the time, test things etc, I might spend 2 weeks trying something everyday until I've got what I want and that gives me a huge buzz when I get it. then I go and use it on a job. I think as long as you are pushing your limits and progressing you will never get bored, and you'll always enjoy it, but as it is a living it is what I constantly think about 24/7, so the last thing I want to do is take my camera anywhere when it is off time.

Funny thing is when I decided I wanted to do photography in the room that morning, I was thinking, how can I snowboard and surf all my life, this added to the decision. I haven't shot a snowboarding image since, and don't ever take my camera surfing. I like it like that. I'd just worry someoe was going to steal it from my van anyway!

to those who wish to move forward- do it, take the steps, 1 step leads into 2 steps, then 3, next thing you're running!
you've seen the posters on the walls, just do it.

[SoundsGood]

Wow, old thread! Looks like a good one, though.

[michaelanthony]

Photography started as a hobby for me back in 1996 at the age of 26. I learned by trial and error on an old Canon AE-1. Shot portraits for friends while holding down a full time job in Jail/Records for the Beverly Hills Police Department. I became intrigued with photography based on my job duties or processing juvenile offenders, shooting their mugshots.

In 1998, after leaving the police department, I stepped up to a Canon Rebel and began shooting the nightclub scene. Over the next 4 years, I met a handful of the right people, and found myself shooting headshots for aspiring actors and musicians. At the time, I was working a day job as a financial analyst for DirecTV.

In 2002, at the age of 32, I decided to take the plunge and leave my day job to pursue photography full time freelance. Within a month of launching my website, www.8x10proofs.com, I managed to get signed by a Hollywood agency, http://www.shootingstaragency.com/anthony.php, shooting red carpet and celebrity events.

Working the red carpet, I gained exposure to a vast resource system of publicists and Hollywood agents. Networking like crazy, I managed to get headshot deals with various B and C List celebs. Treating them right, it opened the door to their personal referrals, and business snowballed for me. I went from shooting 2 to 3 headshot sessions per weekend, to 7 to 10 per week.

In 2004, at the age of 34, I got an offer to become a full time staff photographer at a clothing retailer, Hot Topic (www.hottopic.com), as head photographer for their women's plus size division, Torrid (www.torrid.com). Having had a daughter the year before, the prospect of having a salary, full medical/dental benefits, AND getting to do photography everyday was just too good to pass up, so I figured why not.

It has been a great road so far. I really got lucky as I went from relatively no experience to agency, and salaried in a matter of a couple years.

In the past couple years, I have managed to discover Jordin Sparks as a model before American Idol, shot David Hassehoff's 2008 calendar and his crazy greeting cards at Target, and shot some cool musicians from Plain White T's to Marilyn Manson to Ozzy Osbourne.

I am not much of a gearhead, but I now do shoot with a 5D and looking at the 1Ds.

[1downfall]

Photography started as a hobby for me back in 1996 at the age of 26. I learned by trial and error on an old Canon AE-1. Shot portraits for friends while holding down a full time job in Jail/Records for the Beverly Hills Police Department. I became intrigued with photography based on my job duties or processing juvenile offenders, shooting their mugshots.

In 1998, after leaving the police department, I stepped up to a Canon Rebel and began shooting the nightclub scene. Over the next 4 years, I met a handful of the right people, and found myself shooting headshots for aspiring actors and musicians. At the time, I was working a day job as a financial analyst for DirecTV.

In 2002, at the age of 32, I decided to take the plunge and leave my day job to pursue photography full time freelance. Within a month of launching my website, www.8x10proofs.com (http://www.8x10proofs.com), I managed to get signed by a Hollywood agency, http://www.shootingstaragency.com/anthony.php, shooting red carpet and celebrity events.

Working the red carpet, I gained exposure to a vast resource system of publicists and Hollywood agents. Networking like crazy, I managed to get headshot deals with various B and C List celebs. Treating them right, it opened the door to their personal referrals, and business snowballed for me. I went from shooting 2 to 3 headshot sessions per weekend, to 7 to 10 per week.

In 2004, at the age of 34, I got an offer to become a full time staff photographer at a clothing retailer, Hot Topic (www.hottopic.com (http://www.hottopic.com)), as head photographer for their women's plus size division, Torrid (www.torrid.com (http://www.torrid.com)). Having had a daughter the year before, the prospect of having a salary, full medical/dental benefits, AND getting to do photography everyday was just too good to pass up, so I figured why not.

It has been a great road so far. I really got lucky as I went from relatively no experience to agency, and salaried in a matter of a couple years.

In the past couple years, I have managed to discover Jordin Sparks as a model before American Idol, shot David Hassehoff's 2008 calendar and his crazy greeting cards at Target, and shot some cool musicians from Plain White T's to Marilyn Manson to Ozzy Osbourne.

I am not much of a gearhead, but I now do shoot with a 5D and looking at the 1Ds.
Man I am so hooked on these stories! Great stuff. Based on all that i have read here, it does not seem to far for me now. I am planning to have decent income by 5 years time from photography, and still working day job and coaching soccer and working on the house and working out.....hmmm..i have time!

[TARPONTIM]

I have been taking photos since I was a kid. Ironically my fathers best friend had a professional studio wich I was brought to quite often. I liked watching the pictures appear on the paper in the big trays with the chemicals. Unfortunatly I never showed interest at photography when I had such a valuable resorce right in my lap.
Well being an avid fisherman and taking photos of everything I and everone caught over the years I developed the eye for taking a good photograph.
When the digital camera hit the scene I got an epson and realized that the shutter lag made what I wanted to do impossible. Then I bought a rebel and started to shoot read and study anything I could.
I knew that photography was a passion I would love to pursue and as I improved I started to get a lot of pressure to sell my work.My friends own a cafe and they asked me to put photos in there shop well people loved them and then they started to sell. Then I was accepted into a gallery and then I became a contributor to Saltwater Sportsman Magazine. I am preasently working on a project from shooting in Fiji for 3 months and I am openening another small gallery tomorrow.
I realized that you need to have a speciality to get started and my passion for fishing and capturing those spectacular split second images was more fun than catching the fish.
I have been very fortunate to meet some great photographers and I am slowliny realizing I am pretty good at it. I fight with my confidence knowing that there are so many great photographers with tons more schooling and experience than me. But I have had people in the buisness tell me that I have a natural ability.
I still have a day job but I dream that some day I can follow my passion full time.
This forum has been an incredable resorce. I THINK THIS FORUM IS AWESOME.
TIM

[Karl Johnston]

Got my first 35mm (Canon EF) while in Japan when I was in the Corps. Got addicted to photography and my good ole Uncle Sam owed me 4 years of college so after working construction for a few years and shooting some weddings on weekends I went to college full time and got a B/A in photography. I shot weddings all through college (35mm) and then when I graduated I went to work full time for medium format studio that did portraits and weddings. I did custom B&W printing and portraits also worked with clients booking both weddings & portraits and working with them on reorders.

A couple years later I found out about an opening at a high end studio and got hired. There I did all the darkroom work and worked with clients. We also did some catalog work (large format) and portraits. Learned so much at both of these places about business which helped me beyond words when I opened my own business.

Was there for a few years when I found out about an opening at a hospital. Got the job and while working there I started booking weddings using allot of the skills and contacts I got while working for others. I knew I didn't want to shoot lower end weddings so I hooked up with a couple of wedding consultants and got into a good market. My wife ran the office while I worked at the hospital doing everything from surgical procedures, headshots, environmental portraits, advertising, B&W printing (had a darkroom there).

Got divorced and I was still full time at the hospital and after almost 20 years of weddings was ready for a change. Wife kept the business and I stayed at the hospital. After a couple years I started my own business doing environmental portraits, events and advertising mostly in healthcare and because of all the contacts I made over the years have been able to make a decent living. Remarried and thats where it stands today.

I've been so very lucky in the fact that I've been able to work full time in photography and make a decent living at it since graduating. I learned so much from some of the people I worked for about how and how not to do business. Looking back it seems like all of the jobs I had was preparing me to be exactly where I am today. I didn't plan it that way. Probably couldn't have if I wanted to.


I just wanted to add there is some VERY good advice in SSIMs post...

Wow, if I could read a library on everything you know I'd sit at home for 6000 weekends in a row if I could learn everything you did!