Amateur sports photographers

[SnJPhoto]

Anyone have experience in starting a sports photography business? I'm looking to hear some war stories from the veterans.

Scott

[Vegas Poboy]

Working with a guy who has started his for the last year. (he knew very little about photography). Me myself I rather do Semi Pro & adults more than children but since he had things in place I said why not.

Here is a few items to think about.

a. Workflow process from start to finish.
b. Price list of the local market
c. Get a couple of reliable & true photographers not some one who
just picked up a camera.
d. Network the area you want to make most of your money from
let everything else grow from there.
e. Beware of your donations/kickbacks to groups for your services
f. Make sure you deliver on the promise date.

Plenty more of info but these is some of what I've learned in the past six months.

I prefer doing general photography and freelance sporting jobs from there. The sport business end here locally is very saturated since the price of cameras is dropping & everyone thinks they're a photographer and runs to Sams Club or Costco for printing then lowball the product.
Pro work takes a great deal of your time with promotions, pregame/fight interviews & post.

All in all it can be profit just make sure you have a plan together before you proceed, in some cases all you may get is one chance.

Good Luck, hopefully this will help