Am I good enough???????

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blackjack

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nikki blake
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This may seem a really stupid question but........

I am wanting to start offering my services as a photographer (mainly equestrian photography because, as a horse owner, it is something that I am passionate about) but having started to think about it and make moves to set everything up, I am now having a bad case of self-doubt. How do I know if my photos are good enough or not ??? I am happy with most of the work that I am doing and have had many favourable comments from people who have seen them but can anyone offer any advice as to how I can make sure that I am not getting ideas above my station, thinking that I am good enough to do this.

Sorry if this seems a bit daft but I would hate to make a fool of myself !!

All comments good or bad appreciated

Many thanks
 
Self doubt is a constant companion on a photographers journey. Other peoples work will always seem to wow you more than your own and fill your head with demons.

It happens to just about everyone at some point and you just need to have faith in yourself and push on. I suspect you are perfectly critical enough of your own work to know if it's as good as what's out there already.

In any case, it matters not one bit what you think about your shots, it's about whether people buy them or not. Give people that chance and see what happens. :)
 
A lot of it comes down to your own self confidence in your own ability and what your clients think of you.
If you are as good as you think and your clients like your stuff, spread the word, it'll work.

If you think you might cock it up you probably will.
However if you know your stuff and have a portfolio/history of proven good work then, why not. Go for it.
 
welcome! :wave:
you could always post a few on here and get some feedback....
 
Beaten to it by Mike but... It wouldn't be good for you to rush into this when everyone has told you that you can do it & you don't think that you can.
You should put up some images or a link to your website for us to have a look at - that way you'll get some honest feedback & can make a better judgement :thumbs:
 
To be honest, and I can say this as I've been running an Equestrian Photography business for a couple of years now, people don't really care all too much if the picture is on a tilt, if there is a car coming out of the back of the neck, or if they arent smiling.

What the horsey people want and love (again, my partner is a GB rider, and they run a large equestrian centre and have a client base of 5000+), it's all about capturing the horse in the correct movement/transition.

Yes, headshots are great, they get the aww factor and sell everytime. Personal shoots are where you can let your photography flare really show. Only in one-one positions, can you really get the picture spot on.

Send me a PM if in any doubt. :)

Lee
 
I agree with Lee on his movement/transition pointer. My biggest selling equestrian images were the ones with the inverted "W" leg positions where the rider was sitting up straight , feet not too far forward, etc.
 
moomike said:
I agree with Lee on his movement/transition pointer. My biggest selling equestrian images were the ones with the inverted "W" leg positions where the rider was sitting up straight , feet not too far forward, etc.
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Precisely.

The rider / owner doesn't care if it complies with the rule of thirds, whether the bekoh is interesting or not .... as long as the extended trot is uphill, powerful straight motion and rider looks half decent, you have yourself a sale.

I know photographers who just go out there and shoot everything, and you look at what theyve got and it's pap.

Some people just dont know what they're looking for .... :bonk:
 
Thank you everyone for your comments. I have added some photos now in Critique, Animals/Nature, titles Horses for Comment.

I would really appreciate anyone's comments or view on the pictures, good or bad.

Many thanks
Nikki
 
I would agree with most of what has been said on here but having covered a few shows myself :D I would say that the customers are becoming more discerning, I was at a show recently (not as the 'tog) and whilst I was in the tent checking out the quality of work from the competition I saw three people returning the images they had just bought because they were not good enough.

If you are serious about going down the equestrian route have a read of this guide I wrote last year, it might help.
 
Hacker, that is one serious bit of writing!
You seem to have covered almost all of the angles there.

Is there anything you would change, now that you have a couple of years worth of hindsight?
 
So Hacker: do you not have photo's on display at the event and reply on clients to view your www site and make orders after the event has finished...?
 
mmcp42 said:
Is there anything you would change, now that you have a couple of years worth of hindsight?
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Unfortunately I haven't covered as many local shows this year due to other commitments but for the ones I have done my approach is still the same.

theMusicMan said:
So Hacker: do you not have photo's on display at the event and reply on clients to view your www site and make orders after the event has finished...?
Click to expand...

I still don't show them at the events mainly because it would require extra staff with the necessary skills (and honesty :D). I realise I am probably missing out in the short term by not being able to offer the 'impulse buy'. If I thought I was going to stay in equine photography full time then I would invest in printers, van, staff etc but at the moment my photography is taking me down a different direction and the funds are needed for that.
 
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