Things you wish you knew before you started your photography business...

If movies are any indication, CGI is fast becoming common in non CGI centric movies and you wouldn't even know it. Cheaper than sending a crew out and waiting for a scene, like a passing train in the moonlight to happen.

It won't replace photograpy/photographe​rs, but it chips away at the available work that is out there. Bit by bit. Pardon the pun.

bohdank wrote in post #11499222
If movies are any indication, CGI is fast becoming common in non CGI centric movies and you wouldn't even know it. Cheaper than sending a crew out and waiting for a scene, like a passing train in the moonlight to happen.

Exactly.

bohdank wrote in post #11499222
It won't replace photograpy/photographe​rs

That's what drummers used to say, when the drum machines first came out, over 25 years ago.
Then they said you could never emulate the sound and feel of a vintage drum kit, being played by a guy with 'feel'.

They were wrong on both counts. 24 bit sampling technology, and the 'humanize' function to 'drag' and 'rush' notes just like a 'real' drummer.

bohdank wrote in post #11499222
...but it chips away at the available work that is out there. Bit by bit. Pardon the pun.

It does.

Unless one embraces it, and gets to the forefront in using that technology, and exploiting it, rather than attempt to compete against a machine.

.

It's unfortunate to what's happening to this thread! I think the title should be changed to "let's argue/ discuss the future of photography".

You're right...... back to the topic, at hand. Since I don't run a photography business, I have little to say other than expand on my original post. I think the business part of photography is occupying more time than the actual photography. Marketing, netwoking, getting your name out there seems to be what the established, successful photographers are doing. You have to find to differentiate yourself from the pack and often that could have nothing to do with the actual photography.

Ok, I'll stop

bohdank wrote in post #11499416
You're right...... back to the topic, at hand. Since I don't run a photography business, I have little to say other than expand on my original post. I think the business part of photography is occupying more time than the actual photography. Marketing, netwoking, getting your name out there seems to be what the established, successful photographers are doing. You have to find to differentiate yourself from the pack and often that could have nothing to do with the actual photography.

Ok, I'll stop

It will if you don't get good help like I said in post # 49. I'm a photographer. Is what I love. Accounting marketing running the business side of course I have ot get involved but I have great people that are very good in those areas that I rely on. Like I said in that post why should we be one of the professions that has to be good at it all. Thats crazy. Plus I'm usually to busy shooting and processing images or screw'n off on here to get heavily involved in the other aspects.

I'm still a one man show, but I'm intentionally keeping things very, very simple.

airfrogusmc wrote in post #11499456
It will if you don't get good help like I said in post # 49. I'm a photographer. Is what I love. Accounting marketing running the business side of course I have ot get involved but I have great people that are very good in those areas that I rely on. Like I said in that post why should we be one of the professions that has to be good at it all. Thats crazy. Plus I'm usually to busy shooting and processing images or screw'n off on here to get heavily involved in the other aspects.

My post was not directed at you or others that have agents booking gigs for them...etc...

bohdank wrote in post #11499416
You're right...... back to the topic, at hand. Since I don't run a photography business, I have little to say other than expand on my original post. I think the business part of photography is occupying more time than the actual photography. Marketing, netwoking, getting your name out there seems to be what the established, successful photographers are doing. You have to find to differentiate yourself from the pack and often that could have nothing to do with the actual photography.

Ok, I'll stop

The photography is important...you can't turn out absolute crap...but I think people have to like you first. I get as many compliments on my camera-side manner as I do my images. I also get the occasional referral from people who have booked me but haven't even had their session yet, let alone seen their photos.

bohdank wrote in post #11499519
My post was not directed at you or others that have agents booking gigs for them...etc...

Actually I don't have anyone and haven't had anyone booking for me. I just brought that up as an option for some though I do have a great account and someone helping with the business. I have a very strong client base and with the work load has been very strong so haven't really been in the new client mode in a while.

I totally see your point but I guess mine was why are photographers supposed to be the guys that do it all (which can be the absolute kiss of death in some cases) and some other creative fields like a chef for instance its really very common to see a partner with strong biz skills, or a restaurant manager that takes care of the front so the chef and be a chef.

Most really successful photographers I know have people to help them in areas that they are week in. I have a very, very good accountant. Well, we'll see come April Its never an issue of getting money back its usually how much I have to pay.

If you have to pay, you didn't have a very good year.

TopHatMoments wrote in post #11499694
If you have to pay, you didn't invest in enough crap that year.

I repaired that for you.

TopHatMoments wrote in post #11499694
If you have to pay, you didn't have a very good year.

Up until the point that you have to pay. I pay every year it just depends on how much.

cdifoto wrote in post #11499707
I repaired that for you.

Its not like I didn't try.

bohdank wrote in post #11499222
It won't replace photograpy/photographe​rs, but it chips away at the available work that is out there. Bit by bit. Pardon the pun.

Check out Bert Monroy

Problem is he can't do one of those in a 1/1000s

But it does show what is currently possible. It is quite amazing and gives one pause.