How to work with a Pro???

[MVines]

Hey All,

I am very interested in turning photography into a business. I know there are a lot of pros out there, but am wondering how to get started. I am planning on going back to school this fall with a Visual Comm major, my speciality will be photography. I would be willing to help out around the studio, on shoots or whatever.

I live near Evansville, IN if anyone local happens to see this. I would like to hear opinions as to how to become more professional at this. I say more professional, because right now photog is just a hobby.

Thanks for the advise,

Melissa

[jaypie77]

Melissa,

Here is the easiest way for you to get in with pro photographers near you:

1. Google photographers in your area, then call them and introduce yourself and what you're interested in doing.

2. Get your phone book and call all the photographers that are in there, same as above.

This is the best way. Photographers will be glad to hear from you.

GOOD LUCK!

[PhotosGuy]

You used a "good" title, so be sure to look at the "Similar Threads" links at the bottom-left of this page, too.

[Phil Light]

Originally Posted by PhotosGuy

You used a "good" title, so be sure to look at the "Similar Threads" links at the bottom-left of this page, too.

I've been on this forum for several years and I never noticed that before. Thanks Frank!

[rabidcow]

I would tell you to swing by and I will put you to work, but I am up in Indy. Quite a drive for you.

[Mike30D]

Good luck, most pros will tell you "No, I don't want to train my future competition."

If you're looking for any wedding experience, then you might want to sign up over at DWF. A start membership is free and that will allow you to look at the ads posted by pros looking for tagalongs/assistants.

The forums at PWP also do this, but I believe you have to have a website to be member.

I'm not saying don't call up photographers or studios and ask if they're looking for help, there are a lot of photogs out there that started this way. I am saying that it's not always that easy.

[Phil Light]

Originally Posted by Mike30D

Good luck, most pros will tell you "No, I don't want to train my future competition."...

In my opinion (for what that's worth), any "pro" who has this philosophy is probably pretty insecure about his/her own abilities. No one can handle all of the photography jobs that are and will be available. If you are good then give back a little, teach, mentor, etc.

A few years ago I was asked to shoot a wedding. Since I didn't have much experience at weddings I asked a pro acquaintance if I could assist him (free) with a few of his weddings. I was turned down for the reason stated above. I ended up shooting the wedding anyway without his help. I had results that rivaled, and in many cases exceeded the quality he produced, and ended up in the long run getting several jobs that would have gone to him.

[Mike30D]

Yes Phil, I agree but sadly that's the thinking going around nowadays. I managed to find a pro looking for a tagalong/assistant. It's nice to see pros looking out to help out the newbies.

When I get to that point of my photography career I don't want to be like that. I want to help out a newbie just like a pro is currently helping me.

[Phil Light]

I know what you mean. There is a lot of satisfaction in teaching what you know to someone new to photography. And they usually never forget. I'd rather be surrounded by friends I've helped who may have gone on to obtain greater skills than I have, than to view everyone around me as competition trying to take business away from me.

[MVines]

rabidcow, thanks for the offer. I used to live in greenfield, it is a shame I moved south.

Thanks for all the advise guys!!!

Melissa

[Mark1]

One key is to let them know you are willing to WORK. As in carry the equipment into and out of the locations. Sweep the studio, wash the windows. etc etc. Its called paying the dues. Nobody will hire a newbie to be a second shooter. But most when they see they found someone willing to put up with the BS of the industry, will eventually do a brain download.

[amfoto1]

Also poke around in the "Services Wanted" forum here. You never know!

[Lonnie]

I'd make up a portfolio of photos you have taken, and show up at the studios in person instead of making a phone call. It's way easier to say "Beat it kid" on the phone than in person.

[primoz]

Originally Posted by Mike30D

Good luck, most pros will tell you [i]"No, I don't want to train my future competition."

That's not entirely true. When I was entering this bussines many nowadays friends, but total strangers at that time, were happy to help... with tips and advices or even with lending piece of equipment to some stranger who actually was their direct competition in PJ bussines.
I have no idea if it's still so today, but at least I personally try to do for newbie, what those guys did for me years back.

[jaypie77]

Originally Posted by Mike30D

Good luck, most pros will tell you [i]"No, I don't want to train my future competition."

Sounds like a couple of people have had this experience here, but I have never, in 5 years, ever ever heard of anything like that. I guess I've been lucky.

At worst, I have had people who are not interested or whatnot, but if you make 100 calls and 1 comes through with something useful, you win.