Baby/family Photography

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Rosebud44

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Hi everybody

I am just starting out and have been doing shoots on family and friends babies and so on. Do you think it would be a good idea to see if a photographer who does this for a living would let me spend some time with them, maybe even while they do a shoot to get some tips and idea's? I have no idea how to go about it as I don't want people thinking I am being cheeky ? Has anybody ever done something like that?

K xx
 
I figured no one would be interested in doing that so instead I started a thread asking people who their favourite children's photographer with an online gallery is. If you look up that thread you will get some links and you can get some inspiration from that perhaps?

The thread can be found at:

http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=223618
 
Barret .50 CAL ?:)
 
Seriously, allowing you to tag along so you can pinch possible work from them in the future, unlikely unless you travel well outside your area, even then probably not.
 
PsiFox said:
Seriously, allowing you to tag along so you can pinch possible work from them in the future, unlikely unless you travel well outside your area, even then probably not.
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That's what i think too which is why I have not gone down that road. It's an extremely competitive area.
 
Why not just stick to what you do (receptionist) and let the photographers do what they do. It's a nice hobby. Come back after 3 - 5 years serious practising with a great portfolio and you might just be able to start making money - IF the portfolio is good. Sorry - but these 'I've been a 'photographer' for 20 minutes and I want to start charging now threads - just pizz me off.
 
awp said:
Why not just stick to what you do (receptionist) and let the photographers do what they do. It's a nice hobby.
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That's probably the most pompous thing you've come out with, and even in my short time here there's a lot to chose from. :thumbsdown:
 
slimboy fat said:
That's probably the most pompous thing you've come out with, and even in my short time here there's a lot to chose from. :thumbsdown:
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It's true though - anyone owning a DSLR for 20 mins thinks they can call themselves a photographer and charge for what they do - it is laughable. :thumbsdown: At least I check my spelling! LOL
 
I need it up here! :)

So glad you're such an avid reader of my posts. :)
 
slimboy fat said:
Just figured that if I read all of your posts then maybe one day I might know everything as well. ;):D
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I have never said I know everything - I learn on every job too. :)
But to get where I am now would take you 40 years!

I'm not playing here any more - bored!
 
While AWP does have a special way of communicating I have to say I actually agree with him. And this is coming from someone who had the same intentions as the OP. I wanted to recover some of the money I paid for the equipment I have by using the equipment I have :) I then realised that I would be doing a sub-standard job... ultimately I would not be able to live with myself, it wouldn't be much fun because I would feel i was winging it the whole time, and I would probably end up with pee'd off customers.

Now, that's not to say that it can't be done. I know of at least one person on this forum doing the above and producing what I think are completely sub-standard photographs and from all accounts this person continues to have more customers. I just couldn't sleep at night myself.

Oh and I've had a dslr 3-5 years :) In fact I've had one quite a bit longer than that. I bought the 300d when it first came out! I should probably go on a training course at some point (or just give up)! :)
 
As with all businesses, there are markets for the top end togs charging top dollar as well as markets at the lower end who do not have the funds to do this and will use people who may not have a d3 or years of experience, but who take good pictures far better than the clients could.

Karen, when I next do a group baby shoot I will let you know and you are welcome to tag along.
 
When I joined, they told me this was a friendly forum.:thumbsdown:
 
I don't feel at all threatened by '20 minuters' (I don't work in that sort of market - thank goodness) but no-one should be learning their skills on paying customers! I'm really fed up with these 'everyone has to start somewhere' comments - of course they have but you don't start by charging for your services on an unsuspecting public! That is wrong. Learn the skills - learn the craft and then charge for your work. It does seem that anyone who can hold a camera for 15 minutes - ok - maybe 20 minutes - seems to think they have a right to charge for the drivel they produce! She can learn her skills and improve her knowledge before offering her services to a paying public. Otherwise she is doing a dis-service to the entire profession!
 
Maybe you had not read her posts but she has done unpaid work and is moving up to the next level. Most professions when starting out learn on paying customers. My mate is a car mechanic and often is assisting his apprentice on work. Trainee chefs may well have cooked your food last time you ate out. The person who fixed your plumbing may have only been going 1 week. One of my clients wanted me for their wedding. They have little money and offered me £200 for it which I turned down. The only hope they have is to find someone just starting and looking to learn. There is a great baby tog near me but that will set you back over £500 and quite possibly loads more. While their work is stunning, not everyone has that budget, so there is a market for newbies charging little.

Baby togging is results based. If the tog takes rubbish pics the client will not buy any, or just the one or two, so you are not ripping off the public.
 
awp said:
I don't feel at all threatened by '20 minuters' (I don't work in that sort of market - thank goodness) but no-one should be learning their skills on paying customers! I'm really fed up with these 'everyone has to start somewhere' comments - of course they have but you don't start by charging for your services on an unsuspecting public! That is wrong. Learn the skills - learn the craft and then charge for your work. It does seem that anyone who can hold a camera for 15 minutes - ok - maybe 20 minutes - seems to think they have a right to charge for the drivel they produce! She can learn her skills and improve her knowledge before offering her services to a paying public. Otherwise she is doing a dis-service to the entire profession!
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I thought you said 'you learn on every job too' :exit:
 
Rosebud44 said:
Hi everybody

I am just starting out and have been doing shoots on family and friends babies and so on. Do you think it would be a good idea to see if a photographer who does this for a living would let me spend some time with them, maybe even while they do a shoot to get some tips and idea's? I have no idea how to go about it as I don't want people thinking I am being cheeky ? Has anybody ever done something like that?

K xx
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What lences have you got?
 
I think Cambsno does make some good points. In any case I think we should go back to the OP's topic and stop this other discussion.
 
Wow - you know I have read a few posts from you to other people awp and I think your just rude! How dare you tell me to stay as a Receptionist, have you actually seen any of my work??

You do have to start somewhere everybody does? I have done tons of shoots for free and I have only just started to charge a small amount, the shoot is free and the client then buy's the photos they want, why is that so bad??? Not everybody has years and years of experience? I have not once since being on here think I am a pro of any sort which is why I have join this 'friendly' site in the first place

I was not trying to steal anybodies idea's or clients, just wanted to get some tips and see how a real pro is at work. It was just an idea.

Simon thank you so much for seeing it from my point of view, it's comments like awp that make me not want to post on TP anymore as how can a new perosn get any help or advice from just rude people
 
And by the way I am actually taking a Photography course in my own time while working long hours in a full time job and trying to be a mother to a 10 month old baby which should show you that I really want to learn and do a good job and not do this as just a 'hobby'
 
awp said:
I have never said I know everything - I learn on every job too. :)
But to get where I am now would take you 40 years!
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I doubt it. even in 40 years I couldn't achieve the level of arrogance, pomposity and rudeness you've achieved.
 
awp said:
Why not just stick to what you do (receptionist) and let the photographers do what they do. It's a nice hobby.
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:nono: That is so out of order. I can see the message you are trying to get across but how can you be so condescending?

I've see quite a few posts like that from you recently. I see what you're getting at but just leave out the carp like this before I call you a nasty word.
 
I don't think it's too unreasonable a request to ask for advice. Where would we be otherwise? There's such a big learning curve, not only on posing but on controlling the light as well.

Thank heavens all photographers don't feel the way AWP does. I've assisted on a couple of magazine shoots recently and whilst I think I'm a reasonable photographer, it's been brilliant watching and learning from others who make their living that way.
 
Dave Stone said:
I doubt it. even in 40 years I couldn't achieve the level of arrogance, pomposity and rudeness you've achieved.
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After reading this thread I have to agree with you dave. I honestly can't believe my eyes. Andrew, aside from the genius kirk thread, that first reply has to be one of the rudest replies I've seen on this forum.

Rosebud44 said:
Wow - you know I have read a few posts from you to other people awp and I think your just rude! How dare you tell me to stay as a Receptionist, have you actually seen any of my work??

You do have to start somewhere everybody does? I have done tons of shoots for free and I have only just started to charge a small amount, the shoot is free and the client then buy's the photos they want, why is that so bad??? Not everybody has years and years of experience? I have not once since being on here think I am a pro of any sort which is why I have join this 'friendly' site in the first place

I was not trying to steal anybodies idea's or clients, just wanted to get some tips and see how a real pro is at work. It was just an idea.

Simon thank you so much for seeing it from my point of view, it's comments like awp that make me not want to post on TP anymore as how can a new perosn get any help or advice from just rude people
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Rosebud44 said:
And by the way I am actually taking a Photography course in my own time while working long hours in a full time job and trying to be a mother to a 10 month old baby which should show you that I really want to learn and do a good job and not do this as just a 'hobby'
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And that, my dear, is what I call putting him in his place :thumbs:. Stick at it, you sound like you're putting the hard graft in so f*** the begrudgers. :)
 
I do wonder why some people think just because it has taken them 40 years to learn something they think it will take others just as long. I guess some people are just slower at learning than others :shrug:
 
corbystock said:
I do wonder why some people think just because it has taken them 40 years to learn something they think it will take others just as long. I guess some people are just slower at learning than others :shrug:
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:D
:clap:
 
I wouldn't worry about AWP, he trod on a snail the other day because it was following him around, there were two, but the other one ran off...
 
Thank you everybody :-) Sorry to cause a problem on here I have only just joined. I only meant that I have no idea how a real pro sets up and deals with clients and so on and was wondering if spending time with somebody who does it for a living would be a good idea.

I am honestly not trying to run before I can walk and have posted work on here for feedback. I have no problem with harsh comments about my work or people being honest with me but that comment by AWP actually really upset me. It's hard enough trying to go into something new and take changes in life without people like that.

I do free photo shoots and charge £5 for a digital image if the person wants it, I don't think that is being out of order and the people I have dealt with have loved the photos I have taken for them and bought my work, if they did not like it they would not buy.

Anyway just wanted to say thanks and sorry this question caused some problems.

K XX
 
Karen, there's no need for apologies! TP is an extremely friendly place on the whole. I have only been here 6 months and never seen/read nay major problems.

As people have said it's a web forum where you will occasionally come accross someone who is having a bad day, typing without thinking or generally being a tool! Unfortunately you on this come accross someone imitating the bluntest tool in the box!!

Kick back, relax, take your shoes off and enjoy the forum, it really is a friendly place :D
 
I can see both sides of the argument here, there is validity in what AWP said but also validity in the responses. From my own perspective :-

1) I have been checking out some local pro's who do weddings, babbies, general portrait etc. and while some are stunning, as many are producing at best mediocre shots using basic kit.
2) Years with camera is not a measure of performance. True, generally the longer you have been taking pictures the better your shots will be but people learn at vastly different rates. Without modesty, I am now at a level comparable to my friend, he has been a keen photographer for over seven years, I have had my DSLR just over a year. Just my nature, when I take an interest I eat, sleep and breathe it. Much of what I have learned has come from asking silly questions and posting poor shots on here but getting advice on how to improve.

To further illustrate point 2) above, I believe Edinburgh Gary has been on the scene for a mere 3 years but look at his pictures and business venture :thumbs:

There are sometimes as many exceptions to rules as there are rules themselves, I completely understand everyone who enjoys photography having a dream to make partial or full income from it, there are so many reasons why not to go for it that we really don't have to add any more on this forum :shrug:
 
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