Question by : Started a photography business but, I’m in a rut…?
About a week or two ago I started building my portfolio of family photography. So far I have done two free sessions with two mothers.
I am broke but I do have a DSLR and PS6. These things I saved up for and I am very grateful that I have them. I am learning how to use BOTH right now and feel somewhat over whelmed because, I feel like I suck… :/
Can someone give me honest feedback on my photo’s? I know I should watch youtube videos and I already am. I just need someone to let me know what my photo’s are worth and if they are “alright”.
This is sort of a sensitive topic for me but, I am willing to listen. Thanks
stagebergphotography.com
Also on facebook
Best answer:
Answer by Hugh Jorgan, at your Service…
Seems like your site does not have a portfolio available, so I can’t comment. And potential customers won’t be able to see what you can offer without one. Also, it’s nice that you like your horse, but personal info like that makes you sound like an amateur. Customers want your product, and not much else.
But the question I would ask you is why you would start a business and represent yourself as a reliable, capable photographer if, by your own admission, you ‘feel like you suck’ and you’re ‘learning how to use’ your equipment?
Give your answer to this question below!
Quite frankly, you do not have the skills necessary to be charging for your services at this point. Attempting to start a photography business now is putting the horse far before the cart.
The three images on your homepage have some serious issues with white balance. In particular, the skin of the child in the pink shirt on the lower right has a very distinct greenish tint. This issue is incredibly easy to fix–take one shot with a gray card for each new lighting condition you shoot in, and use a color sample from that gray card in PS6 to set your neutral gray.
The photo that you’ve chosen to promote your “Bump to Baby” package is basically a snapshot. While a shot like that is great for the family album, it’s not something that most people would actually pay a photographer for. The background is very messy and distracts from the subjects, and the lighting is extremely harsh.
My impression is that you really need to invest in building your skill set before you attempt to do photography for pay. You admit that you’re learning how to use both your DSLR and your post-processing software. While YouTube videos can help with that, they’re not a substitute for hands-on courses that will teach you exactly how to use your camera and software to get the shots you want. There are a lot of community colleges that offer photography programs, and even a semester in a basic course would make a world of difference in your photography.
Two weeks and you’re in a rut? Sorry, but you’re not going to make it.
For a photographer’s website, there is surprisingly few photos.
To be brutally honest, you’re nowhere near ready to start a business. In you’re own words, you’re still learning how to use your equipment. Would you hire a mechanic or a dentist that was still “learning how to use their equipment”? How everyone has come to think photography is as easy as getting a good camera is beyond me…
Most real photographers start off by taking classes, honing their skills over years of practicing it as a hobby, and start by working in the field as an assistant or second shooter to an established pro. Then, once they have the skills and experience/understanding of the field, they go pro.
I’m not saying that you “suck” or should give up – just that you’re a beginner. There’s nothing wrong with that. We all start as beginners. But you must realize your skill level is not yet high enough to charge people.
You have much to learn.
It’s not because you own a dslr that you’re automatically a professional.
Before burning your name to the ground you should seriously read about photography, join a local photography club & get some few class to help you move in the right direction.
No one like to be ripped off, including you, so show some respect and learn your trade.
Oh FFS what is the matter with people like you ???
You “started a photography business” and yet you go on to say how you are just learning how to use your camera and how you don’t even have a proper body of work to show peoploe.
YOU HAVE GOT TO BE KIDDING…..
Learn photography properly, learn about running a business and in about 5 years or so you MAY be ready to think about starting a photography business.
You are NOT anywhere near ready now.
I’m sorry, but I am going to have to come right out and just say it . . .
These photos on your site are just snaps, and not even very good snaps. I see nothing but poorly composed shots, some with horrible post processing, and some that are quite frankly laughable such as this one: http://nebula.wsimg.com/cb0f445908e7b4feec1da5904dba3f47?AccessKeyId=C45AC3A345EA39B63019&disposition=0
Sensitive topic or not, you need to know the truth.