If only I knew...

[carolinadg]

I, like a lot of people on here, am currently trying to figure out a way to transition from amateur to pro. Well, technically, semi-pro, just part time.

Anyway, as I'm trying to transition, I'm also trying to figure out at what point to stop giving away pictures for free, where to post them, where not to post them, etc...

But I'm sure others have similar questions. Some, like "what equipment should I buy" or "how much do I charge," are answered multiple times in this forum, so this can be more general, or can include the answers to those kinds of questions as well. So for those of you who are semi-pro or pro, share your best advice as to what you wish you had done differently. Whether it's when you set up your website down to what picture you wish you hadn't given away for free... Give your best, "If only I knew _____ when first transitioning from amateur to pro."

[PhotosGuy]

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

What has the evolution of your photography cycle been like? (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=420938)

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

See the .pdf link: Some Ideas for Creating Work and Getting Clients for Your New Photography Business (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showpost.php?p=4947428&postcount=15)

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

How do I get started? (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=517170)- Nature shots

So you want to be a photographer? (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=544289)

[convergent]

Figure out what genre you are good at, and concentrate on that. Don't ever give away your work for free... you value it at zero and so will your potential customers. Study what other pros in that genre are doing and try to replicate what they are doing. I am constantly looking at other photographers' websites in my genre and getting ideas for how to improve mine. Act like a pro if you want to be treated like a pro - form a business, pay your taxes, etc.

[amfoto1]

1. You would be best off learning the business under the tutelage and mentorship of an experienced, working pro. Try to find a job working with someone whose work you admire.

2. Make learning all the business aspects a very high priority, especially if you intend to be a freelancer or establish your own small business. There are thousands of failed photo businesses that were started by very talented photographers, who just didn't grasp and deal with the legalities, negotiations, pricing, accounting, etc. very well.

At the same time, there are probably more than a few highly successful photo businesses whose owners put in the effort in those areas, but are actually only "passable" or "good enough" or maybe even mediocre in terms of their photography.

When you want to make money from your photography, when you decide to make it your business, it's suddenly 90% about "business" and 10% about "photography".

[golfecho]

1. You would be best off learning the business under the tutelage and mentorship of an experienced, working pro. Try to find a job working with someone whose work you admire.



This is a great idea, but if I could add one thought.

My brother in law went into the advertising business by becoming an "apprentice" under the tutelage of an elderly veteran. The agreement (I don't know if it was formal or just an understanding) was that my brother in law would "buy out" the employer after a couple of years working for him, since he was only 2 - 3 years from retirement.

The lesson here is that if you can get connected with someone who is not only experienced, but who has a retirement timeline, you may find out it works out really well for both of you. The alternative is get the experience with a veteran who is not retiring, and then to help with clientelle, look at buying out an existing business.

Just my food for thought for the day.