I have a plan now I need to work out how to bring it together

[Rachel B]

So I love photography, and I really want to make a go of doing something with the passion that I have for taking pictures.

Eventually photography is going to be my real job although I don't expect to make a living from photography yet, eventually I want it to bring almost the same amount of $$ as my part time job at best buy. I have low expectations of what I can earn, especially as a beginner, as I shall be working for free to start with (hopefully assisting photographers)

Right now my equipment is:
Canon 30d,
Canon 50mm F1.8,
Canon 17-40L F4,
Canon 18-55mm 3.5-5.6 kit lens
Canon 430exII flash
Omni-bounce diffuser
BG Stand
1 white roll seamless
BG paper
2 Cheap lights with umbrellas from B&H
1 reflector
$80 tripod
Photoshop Elements 6

Ok so to become a photographer and earn money at it, I need experience, equipment, a good portfolio and good marketing.

To get experience I need decent equipment, I want to specialize in photography involving people, seniors weddings, family portraits etc.. So What should I add to my list of equipment?

I will be getting a second body, I will be getting a 5d, how ever this is not going to happen straight away as it costs to much $$$$, I was also thinking about an 'ideal' lens that is going to be great to use in many situations and I was thinking about the 85mm 1.8 ($360) Should this be sufficient or is it a bit of a cheapo lens to be doing professional work with? I understand that taking great photos is not just about the equipment, but i know having decent equipment is going to get me better results and last me longer something costing half the price.

Getting experience and building my portfolio are going to come hand in hand, but is going to be the hardest part for me. I need to get out and start becoming available for anyone who requests help, my work seems to be getting in the way with alot if things that happen I missed out on a fashion show-that would have been good fun and experience and the somethingthing happening this Saturday.

I have thought about going to school and taking classes, the thing that is stopping me at the moment is we are not sure we will still be in the country in a years time. School is going to be an option once we know what is happening with husband and his orders.

Right now building experience, confidence, knowledge and my portfolio are probably the most important things for me to aim at. As for marketing I have my portfolio (http://rachelclarephotography.com/) and I have placed an order for some business cards, but that about as far as I have got.

I still need to get a business license-although I don't think I need to do this yet as I am not actually a business, I am preparing to become a business (does anyone know when I should be getting a license?) This is my plan... :) If you have any suggestions or advice on what I should be concentrating on please let me know, I dont want to over look anything!

Thanks for taking the time to read this long post!

[Alleh]

You don't need to add anything you just need to own what you have. No amount of new and better equipment will get you clients you need to just keep shooting on a daily basis. I recommend reading as many books as you can. I have spent more on photography books that you have on camera equipment it is all about learning. You can always sell the books or trade them in after you study them through.

[Tom Reichner]

Hello, Rachel!

I enjoy seeing your apparent passion for this endeavor. One thing I did not see you mention, and that is what type of photography you are interested in pursuing.

If you're not too choosy about what kind of photography you do, then you should be able to find a wedding photographer that would mentor you in exchange for serving as a 2nd shooter (if you're ready for that).

If you prefer not to shoot weddings, then kid's sports leagues or portraits are another good option.

If you prefer not to shoot people, then the road to success will be longer. Perhaps you can shoot homes and properties for realtors. Or residential landscapes for landscape design & installation companies. They always need images of their work for use on brochures, websites, etc. Same thing goes for remodel jobs, additions, etc for construction firms.

Think about what type of photography you want to be doing. This will determine what steps you take next.

-Tom

[stathunter]

My opinion is that you need to shoot a lot more-- you will get better and develop the ability/skill/business experience to have the confidence in selling your skills to others.
What are you making money on now in photography? Start small, aggressively market and then sell, sell, sell.
Making a living in photography is 10% photography and 90% selling.

[Rachel B]

Thank you for the feed back, I agree Books are great, I recently bought one to help me with pose my subjects.

the type of photography I am interested in is people-weddings, portraits, pets and such. out of those I may decide to stick to just one type, but as the only wedding I have been to in the last 20 years is my own I need to get out and assist some photographers tio see exactly what it is all about, I have enjoyed the few portait sessions I have done.