Everyone Has to Start Somewhere...

[BeckyB916]

I'd say I've known that I wanted to be a photographer since I was around eight years old and I used my hot pink and black 28mm to take pictures of my Barbie's wedding.

In more recent years I've been trying to invest in pieces of equipment here and there where I can to try to get a better grasp for what I'm doing. I take pictures at weddings (as a non-professional, of course). I've taken pictures at family gatherings and even a couple for some friends who wanted someone to take pictures of their family gatherings. I've done a few sessions with willing volunteers to see what I can do in terms of an on-sight portrait setting. Needless to say I'm taking baby steps where I can!

What I'm hoping to gain for any of you who are willing to share is a little insight into some "next steps"... I'd like to build a portfolio but have NO idea where to start! I know what pictures I have that are personal favorites but have only a vague idea of what I would put in a book and present to someone! What size pictures should there be, are there any recommended websites, how many pictures total, etc?

When it comes time to officially put my name on something I'm completely stumped! My full name is Rebecca Marie Bridges. I've toyed with RMBPhotography, RebeccaBridgesPhotography, etc. but I'm female and 25 so eventually I'll get married and my last name will change so I'm unsure about using my last name. Also, both of my names are super common and I think there is another Rebecca Bridges out there that has a photography business (oddly enough...) Any thoughts on this?

I'm really open to any and all suggestions because I want to proceed the right way.

Thank you,

Rebecca

[DDCSD]

Can't help you with naming the business, but start posting your images for critique here on POTN if you want to get help on finding out what your best work is.

The good folks here will help you sort through your images and tell you what you can do to improve on them and start building a great portfolio.

[James Robert Gratiot]

I don't see a problem with keeping your maiden name even when you get married...

How about:

BeckyBridgesPhotography

Or there are lots of "cute" names you could make out of "Bridges" (although I'm not a fan of cute names.)

TwinBridgesPhotography
ElegantBridgesPhotography
Etc.

[P51Mstg]

Nothing to hurt the marriage thing........... But your last name doesn't HAVE to change when you get married..... Or you can have a personal and professional name. My XWFE did that one......... (two names)

Mark H

[Karl Johnston]

While asking for critique is good, try setting up a site here on flickr

http://www.flickr.com

It's a great way to connect with other photographers and get to know other styles of photography. Certain groups with different themes will offer you critique and people who enjoy your work and you'll get a sense of accomplishment when people comment or enjoy your work, too.

Focus on what you like, not what other people say is good or okay. Get critique to improve; but don't take photography to appeal to the common market. Some of the most successful photographers aren't seen as "greats" by magazines or your average jane or joe...some of the most successful see themselves as successful, first, and their work reflects their muse and vision.

It reverbrates through the image as it is found in the soul.

As for the name thing; make up a name based on your muse. It doesn't have to be your name.

Rebecca Photo.

The name thing is up to you,

post around this forum...tell about your pieces and what they mean to you, what attitude or emotion (or lack thereof) you're trying to experience or connect with or depict.

[Karl Johnston]

Also: Do a lot of random photography till you find what you like.

When you have found what you enjoy taking pictures of (nude, art, people, nature, liefstyle, commercial, aircraft, dogs, objects, still life, stock, kids, etc etc etc...) then you would be best specializing in that and buying gear/advancing skill around learning how to become better in that specialization.