Beginners Advise

[Jaybird28]

I advised my son to join a site such as this because I have learned from so many in such forums and no question is a stupid one (I hope). Hopefully you'll bare with the following questions. A career in Photography is his passion (21 years old) and he will do whatever it takes to get started .My advise to him was start by asking the experts. Go to Professional Photographers and ask questions. People with knowledge often times want to share their thoughts. _ Oh yeah some don't!! Sit by a Pro at a ballgame two hours before and see if he or she will shed advise. Ask people how Apprenteships work. Should he takes classes or is "Hands-On" the way to proceed? Tell Pro's he'll be the "Roadie" without pay to get experience???

Kind of all over the board but anyone willing to read and respond would be greatly appreiciated.

In his case, he works nights so getting paid is not goal out the gate.

[ssim]

You don't say what part of photography he wants to work in. There are many different options available in this industry.

If someone is wanting to make this a full time career and are at the stage in life that your son is, I would seriously suggest that he spend some time in college getting an arts degree that covers photography. In this day and age education is really taken into account when some of the big names are hiring. That is not to say that it cannot be done without this but it will give him the proper training up front.

Certainly trying to glean information from working professionals can give you some great information but I can tell you that if I am working a sporting event I don't want someone bending my ear when the action is going on. I always try to be cordial when there is a lull in the action but alot of amateurs can over stay their welcome, imo.

You can get some great information on forum boards but it is not always the most reliable in all cases. I still think the best approach is to at least go to a college and get some direction from a career counselor. Many of us have landed in our current jobs by going to the university of hard knocks but I find employers and even prospective clients are interested in what post secondary education we have behind us.

[amfoto1]

Yeah, the first step is to narrow it down by type or types of photography.

Once he answers that question, he can identify top photographers working in the field to contact and ask for more specific guidance. Most are quite willing to share and help someone who shares their enthusiasm.

For example:

A news photographer would most likely go to a journalism school.

A wildlife photographer might want to work on a degree in some animal science.

An advertising photographer may be best served by a degree in business and an internship in a shop that specializes in that type of photography.

Many people get started in various types of photography by getting a job as an assistant. That's a great way to learn.

Best of luck to your son!

[PhotosGuy]

"How did you get started" (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=174508)

Advertising - how to Start (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=357487)

How did you become a pro (or semi-pro)? (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=41194)