Any Photographers Around Here?

[megabyteme]

My wife has been into photography for the past 10 years, or so. My interest has been primarily just supportive of her. I have also kept up with most of the software end (Photoshop and plug-ins) during that time.

My wife has started getting a few for-pay shoots. We did a corporate Christmas party this year, and she has shot about 5 senior year portraits. Between the two of us, we have made everyone happy.

I am now starting to think it might be a viable source of income. I've got a bad back that limits me from doing much else.


Anyone here fall in the same spectrum- from enthusiast to semi-pro to pro? What are your thoughts? Have you made any money? Are you still in the process of learning? Maybe just buying pieces of equipment... I'd like to hear from you.

[iLOVENZB]

I did a photography class in my senior years of high school and I enjoyed it - manly enjoyed developing the images the dark room and capturing scenic shots. I would pursue it but couldn't be fucked paying for for the equipment.

Would you mind sharing some shots your wife has done?, non personal if you're uncomfortable.

[megabyteme]

The cost of the equipment is brutal. At least with digital, there are no chemicals, or darkrooms. Lots of lenses/filters can be edited in- that saves money, too. Even some of the studio lighting (strobes) can be replaced with daylight-compact fluorescent lighting. We have been picking up some low-cost studio items from Amazon lately. We'll get more expensive stuff later- if this starts to pay for itself... If not, at least we can get some good shots of the twins as they grow up. gfxnews.ru and bitme have had a lot of books and videos on lighting. Just watching a few of them has taught me enough to spot my wife's "trouble spots" in this last shoot.

She has gotten all of her work from word of mouth. We are still doing a lot of color correcting (I've been up all night fixing underexposed shots in Photoshop ), but the sessions themselves have been about $50 per hour. I know what she has to do to make things better for next time, so I think we can eliminate some of the touch-ups. Hopefully.

I will see what we can post. The pay jobs have all been portraits and a party, so that might be difficult. I should be able to find some in the next couple of days.

[Zorg]

I have been shooting golf tournaments for 11 years now, was doing up to 8/year but since the economy took a crap all but 1 had to cancel their tournaments.
Photography is just one of the things I do for income, the other things I do are automotive repair, build and repair computers, and video production, as well as working with a local photographer doing onsite portrait printing. He shoots and I process and print the orders.

My equipment consists of the following:
Canon 40D with grip
Canon 28-70 f/2.8 L Lens
Tamron 17-50 f/2.8 Lens

And since my brother and another friend of mine are into photography we all share equipment.
so between the 3 of us we have the following stuff to use for shoots.
2x 40D's with grips
Canon 5D
Canon 5DmkII
Canon 17-40 f/4 L Lens
Canon 24-70 f/2.8 L Lens
Canon 28-70 f/2.8 L Lens
Canon 70-200 f/2.8 IS L Lens
Canon 50mm f/1.4 and f/1.8
Tamron 17-50 f/2.8 Lens
Canon 580EX and 580EX II
Alien Bee Strobe kit, 2x AB400 and an AB800, softbox, stands, and umbrellas
DSC02475.jpgstrobes.jpgcanon-28-70l.jpg

[Zorg]

Here are a few more shots that I forgot to add to the previous post.

CRW_0398sm.JPG
april-nitto1.jpg
april-nitto2.jpg
set.jpg

[megabyteme]

Thanks, zorg. Sorry to hear so many of your clients have canceled out on you.

It's fantastic that you have so many shared resources amongst you! Most of the items at your disposal are on my "sad face pressed against the store window" list. Some of the ~$350 Canon lenses for portraits, and the Alien Bees strobe kit are on my "near future" list.

Since my health has taken such a hit over the past 2-3 years, I have not been able to ride my 2005 Kawasaki ZZR-1200 motorcycle. Recent conversations with the wife have really started me thinking about selling it, and buying pro camera equipment. I would also be looking at building a 20X12X12' high dedicated portrait "studio" under my deck. I believe we could bring in some income shooting senior pics, babies, pets, etc. along with some on-location (non-wedding ) shoots. We have realized the potential at this point...

[brightsid]

Have you tried micro stock agencies? I discovered them a few years back and if you manage to create a well organized gallery you can earn a few $$$.

For me it was the best way to finance the buying of new equipment every year. But I'm talking about my amateur needs

[megabyteme]

That idea came to me just a couple days ago. I do plan to look into it, and already have some ideas. Unless this goes the way most of my other plans have, this could work!

[iLOVENZB]

I don't see how you could make an regular stable income from photography. Unless you worked for a company like Pixie Photos.

I doubt you'd make much from those royalty free sites either.

[megabyteme]

Geesh, I won't come to you for inspiration, NZB.