My 10 year High School reunion is in 5 months...questions

[FlipsidE]

So, I just found out today that my 10 year High School Reunion is only 5 months away (almost to the day). These next few months are gonna be busy busy busy tryin to drop the 30 or so lbs that I'd like to drop before making an appearance.

On the subject of photography though. By the time this reunion happens, I will have been studying photography for about 10 months...not nearly enough time to really train myself or be trained. But, at the same time, I'd like to show off some of my work if asked about it. I don't plan to bring a portfolio or anything as that would come off really cheesie.

But at the same time, if someone did ask to see some of my work, I'd love to point 'em to my (hopefully soon to be) website. But, as well all know, at a big gathering like this, just telling someone your website name isn't gonna do much good as people just forget.

So, I wonder...what's the best way to have a better chance for people to look at my work if asked...business card. Well, here's the problem. I don't have a business at all. So, I've been very hestitant about ordering business cards.

So, I guess my two questions are these:

1) What would you all suggest to help speed up my learning process in photography? I know this really isn't the best question, but I'm kinda at my wit's end here. I have a decent set of lenses for portrait and landscape shots. Problem is that I really don't have anyone to photograph, and I don't like to venture out into nature much (such a city boy). My landscapes would be nothing more than what one could get when pulled off on the side of the road somewhere or on a paved path at a state park somewhere. Macro would be my choice as th amount of things that could be shot with a macro lens is almost limitless even in the small area that is my apt complex. But, the macro lens + tripod that I would need would run me upwards of $700. If you throw in the $400 or so I already wanna drop on a treadmill, we're startin to see a lot of cash flowing out here...and I'm not sure I can afford all that right now for use over the next five months.

2) What would you all do about a business card if you didn't actually have a busines? I don't want to give off the wrong impression that I actually run a business. But, at the same time, this is an excellent way to network with others in many other professions which could possibly lead to future paid work for photography.

Anyway, enough rambling...opinions welcome, and thanks for stickin around for the read.

FlipsidE

[aam1234]

I'm not an expert, so I advise you not to take my suggestions very seriously.

For No.1) How about some flower pics. You have the lenses for it, and you have the 420 flash. And generally people (the right people ;) like flower photos.

For No.2) not sure if somebody is not interested enough, a business card would make him/her look at your website. I mean, if they are really interested they would write down the address themselves, no.

[Kinger]

I'm sorry I can't really help with the learning curve, but I can tell you what I plan on doing about buisness cards. I just recently purchased a pack of buisness card paper (the kind is perferated with a bunch of cards per sheet) well I plan printing something in reguards to amature photographer and such with my website and email (possible a phone#). This doesn't mean I have a buisness, but just easier to pass my info on to others. Oh forgot to mention I plan on using MS Publisher (comes with Office Pro) so this will be a cheap undertaking

[FlipsidE]

I mean, if they are really interested they would write down the address themselves, no.
- Hmmm...would you bring a pen and pad to a high school reunion? What about all the women in dresses. Would they be carrying around a pad and pen? This is why I think people may be interested, but very easily forget the web address. A business card or "amateur photogapher" card would probably help them to remember.

FlipsidE

[aam1234]

- Hmmm...would you bring a pen and pad to a high school reunion? What about all the women in dresses. Would they be carrying around a pad and pen? This is why I think people may be interested, but very easily forget the web address. A business card or "amateur photogapher" card would probably help them to remember.

FlipsidE

I'm not an American, so i don't know what a reunion is really like. In any case, you could "pretend" to "accidentally" have a pen and some pieces of paper to write quick notes on ;)

[FlipsidE]

Haha! Good point! Not a problem. It's probably gonna be a fairly formal event, though.

Thanks for the suggestion :)

FlipsidE

[Belmondo]

I'd pass out some very specific business cards giving people your name and your website address telling them you'll be posting photos from the reunion there. Most people will keep the card because they'll want to see the pictures. Once you have them at your website, you can do some hard selling there.

I can't imagine anyone will want to see any heavy self promotion at the reunion itself. You're supposed to be there to have fun.

[aam1234]

I can't imagine anyone will want to see any heavy self promotion at the reunion itself. You're supposed to be there to have fun.

That was exactly what I thought, and the person would appear rather lame for doing that (not you FlipsidE). That's why I suggested somewhat a "low key" approach.

[FlipsidE]

I don't think I've been gettin my point across quite right. Let me explain.

I'm not going to be going up to people there and saying, "Check out my photography work, here's my card. Make sure to drop by my site. Thanks!" Then, shake their hand, move to the next person, rinse, repeat.

But, in conversation, someone might ask, "So, what else do you do to keep yourself busy outside of working your day job?" This is where I would tell them that I'm learning to be a photographer. I really enjoy it, I try to focus in these areas, etc. If at this point, they say something like, "Really? That sounds like it'd really be a lot of fun, I'd really like to see your work sometime."

Whether they are serious or just want to make conversation, this is where I'd pull out a business card or something and say, "Well, since you mention it, here is my card. It has my website on it. Drop by and take a look if ya want." And that is where I'd leave it. No forced self promotion, but if someone asks...why not let 'em see it?

Or am I missing something here?

FlipsidE

[Jemmind]

why don't you print up a business card, just a small batch like was suggested above, have your contact info email, etc., on there, include your website, pass in on to people you talk to at the reunion saying that you'd like to keep in touch afterwards? I HIGHLY doubt I will go to mine next year, but thats another story, but there would be some people I'd like to keep up with that I haven't over the years. It would be handy if they had cards to do so. Hand it to them and say, you should call me sometime...or we should get together sometime....blah blah blah.
Just don't give it to somebody you didnt like back in high school! :)
Julie

[FlipsidE]

Julie,

Very good advice! Very good way to get my personal info out as well as maybe have some hits on my site.

Thanks for the great suggestion.

FlipsidE

[aam1234]

To be honest with you FlipsidE, I'm not sure why a business card should be involved at all. If it's a common thing in such an event, then pardon my ignorance.

[robertwgross]

Belmondo went to his last high school reunion and took photos of the class. You could see great detail, even the grain of the wood of the log cabin.

---Bob Gross---

[FlipsidE]

Belmondo went to his last high school reunion and took photos of the class. You could see great detail, even the grain of the wood of the log cabin.

---Bob Gross---
- LOL!!!!

FlipsidE

[Belmondo]

Belmondo went to his last high school reunion and took photos of the class. You could see great detail, even the grain of the wood of the log cabin.

---Bob Gross---

It was interesting to see how many of my high school classmates had actually started wearing shoes since then.

[PhotosGuy]

this is where I'd pull out a business card or something and say, "Well, since you mention it, here is my card. It has my website on it. Drop by and take a look if ya want."
Have you seen this?
Let's see your business card!
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=42328&highlight=business+card
Lots of ideas there.

[ssim]

I made some business cards in photoshop. Now I don't hand alot of them out so I'm not spending alot of money on them. I think that this has merit if it comes up in conversation.

As to the learning curve. I wouldn't sweat it. Go to the reunion and be yourself. Tell them that you have just started but it is your passion. If it really is they will be able to tell quite quickly from your emotion. Have fun.

I've been to 3 high school reunions and in my opinion too many people try to be persons that they really aren't.

[froman98]

I recently attended a friends wedding which was like a 5 year class reunion. At the time, I was doing some freelance web design as well as photography. When all of the old friends from highschool asked what I was doing, I let them know that I'm pursuing design and photography and handed them my business card. The business card was simple. It had my name (since I didnt have an established business then) on the front and on the back it had my website and my cell phone number. I got the business cards from walmart (Avery business card paper) and printed them at home. It was pretty neat because within 2 months of the wedding and reuniting with old friends, I got 4 jobs that kept me busy for a while. I would advise to go the business card route. Depending on how your cards look, it's a very discreet way of letting them know you're serious about what you do and it leaves a bit of mystery that will almost push them to check out your website or your portfolio out of curiosity.

As far as what kind of pictures to take, with spring approaching and summertime, your best bet would be of flowers and people. I find that you get AMAZINg pictures in the spring time and summer time (depending on what kind of weather you have) at the park. Photos of children playing and action shots of them going down slides, swinging, hanging or being any other variation of a monkey are very pleasing and IMHO are a good addition to a portfolio.

[Jon]

Belmondo went to his last high school reunion and took photos of the class. You could see great detail, even the grain of the wood of the log cabin.

---Bob Gross---

Those daguerreotypes really are wonderful, aren't they? I'm always impressed by how much detail I can find in mine :{)#

[ajbalazic]

Great thread FlipsidE. Judging from the photos you've posted, I think your learning curve is just fine.

Check out cmuntean.net. I love his business card on the front page (and his website is great too). Don't ever feel awkward about giving out a business card. Especially if it comes up in conversation. 90% of the time, the card will end up in the trash and the person won't remember you gave it too them. BUT that other 10% of the time your name will be be there for future reference.

Whenever I see a old aquantance, I look forward to hearing what they've been up to. Maybe the people who will see you at the reunion will go home remembering FlipsidE for his great career sexy girlfriend and his artistic creativity through his photography! (seriously)

I hope I'm not crossing any boundaries, but why not set up a business now that you've mentioned it. I don't know the laws where you live, but here in Ontario, there is a nominal fee to register a business and do a name search (if you need to create a name... but in photography, I would use your own name). In addition, any equipment you purchase can be claimed for tax deductions. Of course you would have to pay the tax man for any revenues (if you claim them).

Also, if you research the government in your area, there may be grants available to you (new business, artistic, minority...).

I hope I haven't rambled on too much or strayed too far off topic, but that's my 2 cents.

Cheers

[Merle]

flipside There are several sites on the web where you can post images you have taken.
If you have Microsoft word or publisher, simply buy biz cards at Office Max, and print them out on your computer, including the web address to your photography. You can also carry your camera with you and photograph some of the people and events at the reunion and give them a biz card, telling them to go to this web site to view the photographs of the reunion on the site.;) :) :D
http://www.imageevent.com/ (http://www.imageevent.com/)
http://imageshack.us/index3.php (http://imageshack.us/index3.php)
http://www.xpphoto.com/ (http://www.xpphoto.com/)

Good shooting to ya !!
Merle