Having a Hard Time Getting My Name Out

[Viva-photography]

I am 15 years old. Trying to get my name out as a photographer is extremely hard.
I have had associations email me to come shoot events and when I show up they act SHOCKED that I am so young. :(
I want to start doing photos for hire and that sort of thing.

I may not have 20 years under my belt, but I take good photos!
so i think to myself...
Is experience really that big of an issue?

Any advice how to convince people that my age isn't a determining factor on the images they'll get? Should I just make a huge portfolio? I recently got some of my photos into an art museum, do you think that will help me at all?
http://www.viva-photography.com/

[spiralspirit]

keep shooting. 15 years old is very young...in Canada you can't even be employed or have a Social Security number until 16. Even if you take great pictures and are very dependable, you can't be held responsible in contracts and thus people will be leery about dealing with you. Why don't you try being an assistant/second shooter for a while first? Not because you need to be, because I'm not talking about skill at all, but because that way someone else does the negotiation and is the face that people talk to.

[Viva-photography]

Why don't you try being an assistant/second shooter for a while first? Not because you need to be, because I'm not talking about skill at all, but because that way someone else does the negotiation and is the face that people talk to.

yeah...thats what i've been thinking about. I may call up some local photographers in the area.

and dont worry. im not taking that as an insult. :D haha

[Comerfjc]

I almost cringed reading that. Not because it's naive or anything at all like that, but because your age is definitely going to be a huge determining factor when you're 15 and trying to get into a business like this.

Got a website we can see?

The best info I can give as far as getting your name out there... sounds remarkably difficult at the age of 15. Get out, shoot, network, get to know folks, etc. I think part of the reason most folks would be hesitant to do business with you is because you can't really sign a contract at the age of 18.

I'm actually not even clear on how old you have to be to run a business, I think a sole proprietorship is legal below 18? ???

Yikes, good luck. :(

[Viva-photography]

I almost cringed reading that. Not because it's naive or anything at all like that, but because your age is definitely going to be a huge determining factor when you're 15 and trying to get into a business like this.

Got a website we can see?

The best info I can give as far as getting your name out there... sounds remarkably difficult at the age of 15. Get out, shoot, network, get to know folks, etc. I think part of the reason most folks would be hesitant to do business with you is because you can't really sign a contract at the age of 18.

I'm actually not even clear on how old you have to be to run a business, I think a sole proprietorship is legal below 18?

Yikes, good luck.

i do have a website, but its very empty at the moment since I just switched hosts.
its a little embarrassing (since its so empty) but once i get it filled up in a couple months i'll be happy to let the whole wide internet see.

im gonna edit the original post.
its not really a business im trying to start...just... photos for hire, you'd say?
not weddings yet, but birthday parties, senior pictures,etc.

[Comerfjc]

Gotcha. Well, do you have any photos online at all that we could look at? Would give a better idea of where you're at and how to advise. Unfortunately, because of your age, people are just going to look at you differently, assume certain things. You're definitely warring against stereotypes here.

If you're someone who's doing events, you need to be friendly and outgoing, able to engage folks and hold your own in that particular social setting. Specifically, you need to be able to sell yourself to folks much older than you, because they're the ones who generally have enough money to hire a photographer. This, then, lends itself to lower prices, but if you really want to do this, you still need to be able conduct yourself like a businessman. The advice above about getting some second shooter jobs (Even ones you don't get paid for) are excellent! You want to do stuff that'll get you both experience AND a portfolio. When people ask you what you've done (And this is true at any age) you want to be able to rattle off a small list of things that'll show you're competent. Couple that with a good portfolio and a winning, friendly, professional attitude, and you're on your way!

As long as this remains something you're serious about and are willing to devote some energy to, it's something that can be done. But if it's just something on the side where you're hoping something comes your way, you'll get no respect and no work. Building the image of a professional photographer at your age can definitely be a rough, uphill battle, but it's certainly not impossible. ;)

[shum]

Probably you should upload some shots that you have taken up until now, even if you dont have a running website. Many people young and old claim that they are great photographers, let others be the judge :)

[theextremist04]

I'm eighteen and in a similar boat, so here are some tips.

1) Get involved through school. Best way to get access- you won't get paid but field passes/court passes at sports events make shooting more fun. And most schools have decent setups- mine has D80s/pro lenses (24-70 2.8s, 70-200 2.8s, etc.)
2) If you do freelance stuff, don't expect to get paid. Sorry, but it just sucks that way.
3) Just because old people don't necessarily take better pictures than you, they're still more reliable than you. Do you have access to a car? Your driver's license? How much small business experience do you have? How many sucky situations have you been through?
4) Don't expect to be a pro photog when you grow up- the work usually sucks, except for a lucky few.
5) Have fun with it! Doing it for the money can ruin it. Enjoy your youth while you can. Take lots of pictures and spend way too much on gear before you have to worry about stuff like a home or food.

[CliffordPhotography]

I'm eighteen and in a similar boat, so here are some tips.

Enjoy your youth while you can.

bw!

[Comerfjc]

5) Have fun with it! Doing it for the money can ruin it. Enjoy your youth while you can. Take lots of pictures and spend way too much on gear before you have to worry about stuff like a home or food.

THIS

[Karl Johnston]

I'd rather be paid than popular ;) have fun, make money when you can...and the rest will come.

[Tumeg]

I got into photography when I was 15. I'm still only 17 now, but I'm still going strong.
When I started I INSTANTLY found a local pro who was willing to teach me and take me on shoots with her. This helped me gain experience QUICKLY.
After just a year of doing that and posting stuff online (Facebook and flickr), my friends and friends-of-friends learned that I was a photographer, liked my stuff, and come to me for their photo-needs.
The people contacting me are really branched out there, but are all connected with previous 'clients' via word of mouth.
So my suggestion; just shoot your friends, and post the photos on Facebook or MySpace, where friends (even people you know, but not exactly are close to) can see them, and see that you're a photographer. It really will help.

As for the age thing and people being shocked; you're not the only one!
Even though I inform people before they meet me how old I am, they are still shocked when they finally do meet me.
I work hard towards appearing professional (in e-mails, phone calls, and on my blog and website), that they completely forget I am as young as I am, and treat me with respect.
Sure they are shocked, but if you're good enough and if you act mature\professional enough they really won't care.

After 2 years of doing this, I am [surprisingly] getting a rather steady flow of paid work, including; corporate events, family events, weddings, portraits, engagements, and even school photos.

Good luck :)

[MJPhotos24]

I am 15 years old. Trying to get my name out as a photographer is extremely hard.
I have had associations email me to come shoot events and when I show up they act SHOCKED that I am so young. :(
I want to start doing photos for hire and that sort of thing.

I may not have 20 years under my belt, but I take good photos!
so i think to myself...
Is experience really that big of an issue?

Any advice how to convince people that my age isn't a determining factor on the images they'll get? Should I just make a huge portfolio? I recently got some of my photos into an art museum, do you think that will help me at all?

Unless you're a prodigy not hiring a 15 year old for any gig. You can't enter into a contract, experience is a must, there's more to being a photographer than just taking good photos (which is a whole other debate on what is good and not), the art museum is great but so many could care less about where photos were used or what not, they want just to see the results (OK, maybe that's just the good clients), 15 year olds want to be a photographer this month - next month it's a rock star because they're so sick on guitar hero, which makes clients wonder will they even be doing it next event when they need someone, etc, etc, etc, etc. This is what goes through a clients mind when they see the age.

Relax, practice, don't worry about making a business yet. Find what you love to shoot, don't do it free, but don't take no as anything personal. You have to realize in this business no thanks is what you hear most often no matter who you are.

[harroz]

funny, now that I'm old I can act the goat and they forget how old I am and give me respect ;)

I got into photography when I was 15. I'm still only 17 now, but I'm still going strong.
When I started I INSTANTLY found a local pro who was willing to teach me and take me on shoots with her. This helped me gain experience QUICKLY.
After just a year of doing that and posting stuff online (Facebook and flickr), my friends and friends-of-friends learned that I was a photographer, liked my stuff, and come to me for their photo-needs.
The people contacting me are really branched out there, but are all connected with previous 'clients' via word of mouth.
So my suggestion; just shoot your friends, and post the photos on Facebook or MySpace, where friends (even people you know, but not exactly are close to) can see them, and see that you're a photographer. It really will help.

As for the age thing and people being shocked; you're not the only one!
Even though I inform people before they meet me how old I am, they are still shocked when they finally do meet me.
I work hard towards appearing professional (in e-mails, phone calls, and on my blog and website), that they completely forget I am as young as I am, and treat me with respect.
Sure they are shocked, but if you're good enough and if you act mature\professional enough they really won't care.

After 2 years of doing this, I am [surprisingly] getting a rather steady flow of paid work, including; corporate events, family events, weddings, portraits, engagements, and even school photos.

Good luck :)


all of it's true, great advice!
Unless you're a prodigy not hiring a 15 year old for any gig. You can't enter into a contract, experience is a must, there's more to being a photographer than just taking good photos (which is a whole other debate on what is good and not), the art museum is great but so many could care less about where photos were used or what not, they want just to see the results (OK, maybe that's just the good clients), 15 year olds want to be a photographer this month - next month it's a rock star because they're so sick on guitar hero, which makes clients wonder will they even be doing it next event when they need someone, etc, etc, etc, etc. This is what goes through a clients mind when they see the age.

Relax, practice, don't worry about making a business yet. Find what you love to shoot, don't do it free, but don't take no as anything personal. You have to realize in this business no thanks is what you hear most often no matter who you are.

[elysium]

i do have a website, but its very empty at the moment since I just switched hosts.
its a little embarrassing (since its so empty) but once i get it filled up in a couple months i'll be happy to let the whole wide internet see.

im gonna edit the original post.
its not really a business im trying to start...just... photos for hire, you'd say?
not weddings yet, but birthday parties, senior pictures,etc.
To be honest, this should be the first thing I would put a priority on. What I did to start was any event at clubs/bars or anywhere where we had parties for birthdays etc with friends, I took my camera. Put that towards my portfolio.

Get friends to help you pad out your portfolio asap since the big thing is going to be is that people are going to look for you online etc and then judge your work level.

Once you have your site up etc, you can build on top of that.

[Nightstalker]

I could echo all of the other comments about the age issue but how can you turn it to your advantage so that you can earn some money from it and gain some exposure so that you can build on it in a few years??

Personally I would not look at trying to contract with event organisers and the like as they will be prejudiced by your age.

I would start by networking amongst your peer group and aiming to get some paid gigs from people that at least know who you are either directly or by referral - I know at your age I'd have been more comfortable having my portrait done by someone around my own age than by a 60yr old. I'd have been happier because I would have felt that you were more in-tune with current trends and thus better able to make me look good.

[shack]

You can't enter into a contract, experience is a must, there's more to being a photographer than just taking good photos (which is a whole other debate on what is good and not)

It is a business first and foremost. There are lots of photographers that take "good photos". If I'm paying for those photo's (especially as a business or organization) then I want someone who understands all of the nuances of their business as well as mine. Only experience will get one those credentials. As others have said, find oportunities to work with an established pro as an assistant or second shooter.

[Karl Johnston]

So I went through your posting history and found this:
I am 15 years old. Trying to get my name out as a photographer is extremely hard.


but thats because im 15 and dont have 5k
hahaha.


I am a 15 year old photographer, so I have to shoot on a budget and cant leisurely go out and buy lenses and flashes and goodies of...

You seem to use your age as an excuse a lot...stop that. You don't want to be known as the 15 year old photographer...then stop making it the issue :D

I'm 21 and I would be in national geographic next year but I'm 21 and I'm not.

See how silly it sounds?

[Gel]

Offer your services for free to people who aren't looking for a photographer.

You'll get lots of practice and build a good rep and paid work should follow.

Never do weddings for free, ever.

[KRS]

I am 15 years old. Trying to get my name out as a photographer is extremely hard.
I have had associations email me to come shoot events and when I show up they act SHOCKED that I am so young.

Maybe it's because they can't contract with you and you can't contract with them ???

[KenVP]

i do have a website, but its very empty at the moment since I just switched hosts.
its a little embarrassing (since its so empty) but once i get it filled up in a couple months i'll be happy to let the whole wide internet see.

im gonna edit the original post.
its not really a business im trying to start...just... photos for hire, you'd say?
not weddings yet, but birthday parties, senior pictures,etc.



Hate to be that way but at your age, you can not own a business, you can not get a tax ID, therefore charging anything for a photo can land up getting you pinched up with uncle sam...... With that said I wouldn't give up, I would keep at it and keep your chin up. Work with networking, Facebook is a great way to spread the word when used properly. Look into getting your site set up and keep it updated with your most recent work, every time you add an image gallery rtc, tell your people on facebook, and watch the hits roll in.

[toin9898]

I'm in the same boat, I'm 15 too. Though, recently my name seems to be getting out more and more.

I still do the majority of my work for free (excluding weddings) but it's important at first to get your name out there.

Are you near any universities? - Go to some sports events and take pictures of that. (I do football in the fall and am starting to do basketball)

Get your friends to model for you - you get portfolio pictures and they get Facebook profile pictures, win/win .

Bring your camera to school on event days and for sports. Take pictures of the festivities, make your camera visible and post the pictures on Facebook - Your school and peers will immediately think of you when it comes time for photos.

Make sure your parent's friends know you're a photog.


You eventually get used to people being shocked by your age. At the wedding I shot while I was 14, the people were looking for my parents who they thought I was shooting with.
At Christmas time, I shot for an elementary school. They all sat on Santa for their portraits and in between kids I talked with Santa, he thought I was in College at the least. You should have seen his face when I told him I was 14. :lol:

Anyway, you have to work for free to get your name out there at first. Once people see that you're competent and not running around with a P&S, boosting the contrast and saturation, they'll want you. Just keep trying, you'll get there eventually.

[Viva-photography]

I'm in the same boat, I'm 15 too. Though, recently my name seems to be getting out more and more.

I still do the majority of my work for free (excluding weddings) but it's important at first to get your name out there.

* Are you near any universities? - Go to some sports events and take pictures of that. (I do football in the fall and am starting to do basketball)
* Get your friends to model for you - you get portfolio pictures and they get Facebook profile pictures, win/win .
* Bring your camera to school on event days and for sports. Take pictures of the festivities, make your camera visible and post the pictures on Facebook - Your school and peers will immediately think of you when it comes time for photos.
* Make sure your parent's friends know you're a photog.


You eventually get used to people being shocked by your age. At the wedding I shot while I was 14, the people were looking for my parents who they thought I was shooting with.
At Christmas time, I shot for an elementary school. They all sat on Santa for their portraits and in between kids I talked with Santa, he thought I was in College at the least. You should have seen his face when I told him I was 14.

Anyway, you have to work for free to get your name out there at first. Once people see that you're competent and not running around with a P&S, boosting the contrast and saturation, they'll want you. Just keep trying, you'll get there eventually.

Thanks! :)

[HappySnapper90]

I am 15 years old. Trying to get my name out as a photographer is extremely hard.
I have had associations email me to come shoot events and when I show up they act SHOCKED that I am so young. :(
I want to start doing photos for hire and that sort of thing.

Is experience really that big of an issue?



Keep in mind that no organization will "hire" you to do "work" for them because you are a minor. You'll need to have your parents take care of all agreements, payment, negotiating for any "official" work if you so get that far. In the U.S. anyone under the age of 18 is legally "not of sound mind" and cannot enter into a legal contract. Even getting a job under the age of 18 requires parent consent and possibly require a physical exam as part of employment requirements.

And yes, depending on the type of photography experience is needed because rarely everything goes smoothly. You only know how to handle adverse conditions if you've experienced problems etc. This is one reason why teens drivers have such a higher rate of car crashes than those age 25 or older. And you're not even old enough to drive a car! Parents will have to transport you around for photography - not a good image booster. You'll need to be in control of your own transportation.

[philwillmedia]

I am 15 years old. Trying to get my name out as a photographer is extremely hard.


With all that experience and work history under your belt, I'd consider retirement.

[zagiace]

You cannot legally enter into a contract agreement until you are 18. Learn as much now as you can about how to start a business and of course how to shoot a variety of situations. Then, when you are 18 you will have a nice background to start.
Any inquiries you have now should be notified up front your age before you accept any jobs.

[Tumeg]

With all that experience and work history under your belt, I'd consider retirement.

Uncalled for.

[turbo212003]

Uncalled for.


It was a joke, CHILL.

[mikekelley]

With all that experience and work history under your belt, I'd consider retirement.
:lol::lol:

[mritchy]

Age has nothing to do with it. I started shooting weddings less than a year ago when I was 18 andI was fortunate enough to shoot almost 50 last year. I have a little over 35 booked for this year too, so am hopoing to hit around 75 for the year. When you are starting out it is important to take things as they come. I am assuming that you are still living with your parents? If so, take this time to build our portfolio extensively and then when and if you go off to school start to try and put your name out there.

[BradJohnsen]

hey Viva, legalities aside, if anybody gives you crap about your age, just tell them the Twilight movie posters were shot by an 18 year old. Age has little to do with skill or talent.

[griptape]

Age has nothing to do with it. I started shooting weddings less than a year ago when I was 18 andI was fortunate enough to shoot almost 50 last year. I have a little over 35 booked for this year too, so am hopoing to hit around 75 for the year.
75 WEDDINGS in a year? That's a wedding every 4 days practically. And if you include engagement shoots... How on earth would you have time to process and get prints to the couples? Sorry to go off topic, that just boggles my mind.

But honestly, if I hired a 15 year old and hadn't seen their work, I would seriously second guess myself when they showed up. But if you can deliver consistently what your portfolio shows, you shouldn't have much to worry about. Everyone has already discussed the legal side of things, and they're all correct. But cover your expenses and build a great portfolio and you'll have a good head start when you create an LLC and get insurance.

[zagiace]

75 WEDDINGS in a year? That's a wedding every 4 days practically. And if you include engagement shoots... How on earth would you have time to process and get prints to the couples? Sorry to go off topic, that just boggles my mind.


I was thinking the same.... I could not do it.

[Viva-photography]

ok. my website is up.
you guys can critique me now. :P
what i really want is: would you ever think of hiring me as an assistant?

http://www.viva-photography.com/
(will edit site into original post)

[Karl Johnston]

Don't list your gear. Maybe if you're a wedding guy, but generally it doesn't matter...let alone don't list your suppliers - your clients will go through them, not you.

Try to organize your galleries a bit more consistently...say if you're catering to be a portrait or wedding/lifestyle photographer you may want to title your galleries which will be relevant to your clientele. Example: Engagements, Couples, Weddings, Families

Or if you're me, catering to mostly gift and art clients; open edition prints, collector's edition prints.
But then that's a pretty unique horse on its own..so we'll stick to the former for example.

Assistant question..well how good are you at trudging through 3-4 feet of snow ? :lol:

[zagiace]

Nice start,
I would suggest to concentrate on a particular type of work and give your portfolio some focus. When someone looks at your initial gallery they should be able to define you.
Remove the equipment and software list. Maybe add an artist statement with your goals and artistic view.
If you really want to display a variety of work get separate sites for each genre.

[Viva-photography]

Don't list your gear. Maybe if you're a wedding guy, but generally it doesn't matter...let alone don't list your suppliers - your clients will go through them, not you.

Try to organize your galleries a bit more consistently...say if you're catering to be a portrait or wedding/lifestyle photographer you may want to title your galleries which will be relevant to your clientele. Example: Engagements, Couples, Weddings, Families

Or if you're me, catering to mostly gift and art clients; open edition prints, collector's edition prints.
But then that's a pretty unique horse on its own..so we'll stick to the former for example.

Assistant question..well how good are you at trudging through 3-4 feet of snow ?

ok. i took my gear list off. I've got some people that want me to do their senior pictures when everything comes back to life out here, so thanks for that advice :)
although i am NOT AT ALL ready to do weddings. im still an amateur. that's why i got the idea of being someone's assistant. i could go to a couple weddings, get a feel for how everything works, watch how the professional guy works and acts around his clients and maybe chip in a few shots.

3-4 feet of snow? :D hahahaha.
and i thought the 8 inches we got here was alot!

[mritchy]

75 WEDDINGS in a year? That's a wedding every 4 days practically. And if you include engagement shoots... How on earth would you have time to process and get prints to the couples? Sorry to go off topic, that just boggles my mind.

But honestly, if I hired a 15 year old and hadn't seen their work, I would seriously second guess myself when they showed up. But if you can deliver consistently what your portfolio shows, you shouldn't have much to worry about. Everyone has already discussed the legal side of things, and they're all correct. But cover your expenses and build a great portfolio and you'll have a good head start when you create an LLC and get insurance.

It's a lot of work, but if you have one on a Friday, then Saturday, then Sunday, there's 3 in a weekend. Not to mention having 2 in a day. Engagements Friday or Sunday afternoons when you are not shooting weddings. It's not as bad as it sounds and having something constantly new to edit keeps it fresh.

[cattalk124]

You should have a statement on there that you are a high school student, that way they won't be shocked.

[Karl Johnston]

^I probably wouldn't suggest that for safety reasons...and probably because it would mean an instant-click-away.

Don't want an issue don't make an issue :D

[Steveo_pro]

As the post earlier said ' Twighlight posters were shot by an 18 year old'
True and he is very very good -
http://www.joeyl.com/
check it out..
Your work is good for your age, but is a little safe and almost like your are trying to be too old and copy a mediocre portrait business model. But its not fully pro yet, so get some local commissions and get your cool mates and wannabe models and musicians to pose and try different lighting and moods.

Stop looking at friends flckr and facebook photos, look at professional photographers websites this is where its at, and that level is very high - aim there.
Best of all got to college or Uni to study photography and you will be blown away, then assist some advertising photographers who will then blow you away again after thinking you know it all after Uni, you will learn more in 3 months than in the last five years, then in a couple more years you will be very very good ! :cool:

[zelseman]

As the post earlier said ' Twighlight posters were shot by an 18 year old'
True and he is very very good -
http://www.joeyl.com/
check it out..
Your work is good for your age, but is a little safe and almost like your are trying to be too old and copy a mediocre portrait business model. But its not fully pro yet, so get some local commissions and get your cool mates and wannabe models and musicians to pose and try different lighting and moods.

Stop looking at friends flckr and facebook photos, look at professional photographers websites this is where its at, and that level is very high - aim there.
Best of all got to college or Uni to study photography and you will be blown away, then assist some advertising photographers who will then blow you away again after thinking you know it all after Uni, you will learn more in 3 months than in the last five years, then in a couple more years you will be very very good ! :cool:

Or research your butt off and work even harder, dont worry about the $100k for art school, and still be very good. Either way, good luck.

[theextremist04]

A few things-

-get your watermark off your pictures! They're right click protected, it's more distracting than it's worth.
-your portfolio gallery is...uninspiring. Show me some shots that move me!

Your pictures really aren't bad, but they just aren't anything special.

[Viva-photography]

A few things-

-get your watermark off your pictures! They're right click protected, it's more distracting than it's worth. Ok. I took off the water marks.
-your portfolio gallery is...uninspiring. Show me some shots that move me!
Heheh. Im working on it. Trying to squeeze some shots out here and there, but once spring rolls in around here I'll be shooting portraits and the such. I have so many ideas for those. (not to say they probably haven't been done before at some time, just saying that they should be eye catching
Your pictures really aren't bad, but they just aren't anything special.

thanks for the advice. :)

[Karl Johnston]

It's better to show just 5 good images than 25 bad ones and 5 good ones mixed in the mess. Only show your verrrry best and try to build up a theme. No more than 20 images per gallery (for presentation or portfolio).

For selling stuff ..well that's different, but keep it under 100, I'd say, I don't know of anyone who has the time or the patience to go through 100 images. 100 unique images, not just the same image changed color or where the couple moved 1 inch so it looks like you're scrolling through a time lapse. Don't take "capturing the moments" too literally ;)

[Viva-photography]

i still havent sold one photo on my site. :(
(although its only been a month. i doubt many people know of its existence)

[philwillmedia]

I am 15 years old. Trying to get my name out as a photographer is extremely hard.
I have had associations email me to come shoot events and when I show up they act SHOCKED that I am so young. :(
And you are surprised by all that?

I may not have 20 years under my belt, but I take good photos!
but are they GREAT photos.
from what I've seen on your site, there's nothing there that are GREAT and make me go "WOW!!"
Most are nice or OK, but that's it.
Theres quite number that I wouldn't have even bothered putting up.

so i think to myself...
Is experience really that big of an issue?
So, do you think you won't be a better photographer in 1 year, 5 years, 10 years than you are now?
That's called experience.
No disrespect, but at 15 you've got comparatively no experience.
Anyone can hold a camera to their nose and push a button.
A bit of experience would have told you which images not to put up on your website or which ones could have been improved before you put them up.
Spend some time to learn the craft of photography first.

Any advice how to convince people that my age isn't a determining factor on the images they'll get? Should I just make a huge portfolio? I recently got some of my photos into an art museum, do you think that will help me at all?
http://www.viva-photography.com/

All of the above.
Start putting out outstanding quality work that's different to everyone elses.

To me, you sound like a typical "Y Generation" who expects everything be done for you and you not have to do anything to achieve success.
Your reality check has just bounced.
Expect things not to be easy and expect to fail at some stage.

Except when learning to swim, start at the bottom

[KRS]

You should have a statement on there that you are a high school student, that way they won't be shocked.

Just say Student...?

[KRS]

....selling photos of other people (DECA events etc)???

[Bumgardnern]

You are 15 take some time to enjoy photography. If I were you I would concentrate on putting together a portfolio of images that you truly love. Create your visual style. Then sell that visual style. At 15 I know that I did not have a visual style. Don't worry about the money now.

[Vascilli]

Don't trick people into hiring you. Make it clear from the start how old you are so people don't end up surprised. (Read: Flippin' mad) I tried making it in the industry at your age (I'm 17 now) and besides lack of time (School) there's a lot of things that minors can't do. Insurance is one, contracts are another. I've done one paid shot so far and thankfully I didn't need either two.

Last advice: Don't stop shooting.

[MJPhotos24]

Don't trick people into hiring you.

Couple years ago I was hired to do an event with another photographer, he lied to the company about what he had and could offer. When they told me what he said I told them he does not have that set up, but they insisted he said it so would take his word. Well, he lied and ended up leaving two days of shooting with nothing usable and hasn't been seen since, I guess he still shoots but the reputation of lying to get the gig got around so he's not at any events I shoot because nobody will hire him. So that's some pretty good advice, a bad reputation gets around just as much as a good one - actually more so!

[Viva-photography]

From all the advice given I have come to a conclusion:

I will keep my site up through highschool to make photos available to parents, etc.

Instead of trying to push my photos really hard, I am going to work on technique and try to break out of my shell. Right now I feel like I'm holding myself back and just taking pictures of what people expect to see. I'll work on technique, etc and practice shooting in all kinds of conditions.

Over the next month or two I'll call up some local photogs and see if they need an assistant.
That could give me experience in the field at weddings, etc and it would be a great way to get my name around and get familiar with some people.

Once I get a job over the summer I can start saving up for some better equipment that can provide me higher quality photos and more flexibility. (an external flash, good telephoto, nicer body)

Once I go off to school (college) I will try to take some photography classes during my time there.

I know that I dont really want to be a photog as a day job, so I would just have to see where life takes me from there.
So, do you think you won't be a better photographer in 1 year, 5 years, 10 years than you are now?
Of course I don't! Where would you get the conclusion that I think I'm already the best I'll ever be when I'm only 15?
I am an amateur. Much so. And I already know that.

[HappySnapper90]

Once I get a job over the summer I can start saving up for some better equipment that can provide me higher quality photos and more flexibility. (an external flash, good telephoto, nicer body)

I know that I dont really want to be a photog as a day job, so I would just have to see where life takes me from there.


If you only want to do photography as a side job, I suggest not spending money earned during the summer immediately on more photo gear. It sounds like you will need all the money you can get for college. Buy more photo gear after college when you hopefully can get a decent paying job and have real income. What you have now will do fine for improving your photography skills.

I guess we're in the "instant gratification" area. "why save for college when I'll be in debt most of my life - spend while in debt and 'enjoy' it"? So many high school kids spending $300 on ipods and phones, plus mp3 downloads instead of saving money for college. Apple's marketing has really worked at the price of the value of building up savings for college.

[Viva-photography]

If you only want to do photography as a side job, I suggest not spending money earned during the summer immediately on more photo gear. It sounds like you will need all the money you can get for college. Buy more photo gear after college when you hopefully can get a decent paying job and have real income. What you have now will do fine for improving your photography skills.

I guess we're in the "instant gratification" area. "why save for college when I'll be in debt most of my life - spend while in debt and 'enjoy' it"? So many high school kids spending $300 on ipods and phones, plus mp3 downloads instead of saving money for college. Apple's marketing has really worked at the price of the value of building up savings for college.

oh no no. :D hahaha.
I do great in school, I've already been called by colleges and the sort. I plan on getting a nice scholarship.
(of course i'm not expecting a full ride, but a Niiiiiceeee sum of dollar signs)

[philwillmedia]

...I am going to work on technique
Sounds like a good plan

Over the next month or two I'll call up some local photogs and see if they need an assistant.
Not a bad idea, but I reckon you'd be better off if you actually went and saw them in person as opposed to just a phone call.


So, do you think you won't be a better photographer in 1 year, 5 years, 10 years than you are now?

Of course I don't! Where would you get the conclusion that I think I'm already the best I'll ever be when I'm only 15?

From the following...

A: the title of the thread.

and this
B:
I am 15 years old. Trying to get my name out as a photographer is extremely hard.

and this
C:
I may not have 20 years under my belt, but I take good photos!

and this
D:
so i think to myself...
Is experience really that big of an issue?

All from your opening post in this thread.

[Karl Johnston]

I'm sad now...colleges never called me :( ?

[mritchy]

I'm sad now...colleges never called me :( ?

Don't be upset. That allowed you to go to the school you wanted. I would rather go out and search for what I am looking for than to have schools call me and tell me that I should go to their school.

[Tom Reichner]

I'm sad now...colleges never called me :( ?

Don't be upset. That allowed you to go to the school you wanted. I would rather go out and search for what I am looking for than to have schools call me and tell me that I should go to their school.

Unfortunately, for some, not having colleges call and offer a scholarship may mean that they don't get to go to any school at all.

I think that having collages call you would be an advantage. Just because certain colleges call doesn't mean that you can only choose from among those schools - you can still go out and "search for what you are looking for", whether colleges are calling or not.

[Hikin Mike]

First off, if you want to be found in search engines, you need a bit more info on your <title> tag page than "V!VA". You should include your town/state and what you do. Nobody is going to Google 'V!VA'. ;)

[theextremist04]

I've had the majority of colleges call me after I'm applied.

And FYI, college is still way more expensive than you think- the hundreds of thousands of dollars in scholarships I've gotten don't mean it's cheap. I'm not planning on any new gear in the next four years.