I need help big time

Byker28i said:
If you shoot in raw then you can have it in colour, B&W, anything you want.
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Why do you need Raw to be able to shoot in B&W??

Sorry that sounds totally wrong, It shoots in colour.. if you have it set in B&W mode then thats how it processes the shot to Jpeg in cam, If you shoot in Raw then it wont shoot in Bl&W, even though it shows it in B&W in the preview :thinking:
 
I love them photo`s byker, breath takin they are :) Also i`m not a DJ no lol And tbh Im not looking to make money out of it, but that would be a bonus :)
 
DJMorgan said:
I`m 20 years old and i have been into it for about a year now, just only had a 5 MP camera on my phone for earlier photo`s. I`m currently using a

Sony Cyber-Shot 7.2 x3 Optical zoom, High sensitivity ISO 1000
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So your basis for wanting to turn professional is your photography done with a mobile phone and a point and shoot.

That's almost as good as the old "they are nice holiday snaps, will you photograph my wedding?" :lol:
 
If you are going into it as a profession, then you will need to make money..

I reckon this has to be a wind up.
 
DJMorgan said:
I recently started getting into photography a lot, so much iv started to want to make a profession out of it
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DJMorgan said:
tbh Im not looking to make money out of it, but that would be a bonus :)
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I think you need to work out what "make a profession out of it" really means.
 
DJMorgan said:
so much iv started to want to make a profession out of it
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DJMorgan said:
Im not looking to make money out of it, but that would be a bonus :)
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Not to be pedantic but...

Dictionary said:
profession |prəˈfe sh ən|
noun
1 a paid occupation, esp. one that involves prolonged training and a formal qualification : his chosen profession of teaching | a lawyer by profession.
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No snow here... but I think it works pretty well...



(shot on a 3.2 mp Canon Ixus point-and-shoot - so it's not absoloutely essential to have a £2K plus slr - though it is nice :lol:)
 
Trev Rich said:
Why do you need Raw to be able to shoot in B&W??

Sorry that sounds totally wrong, It shoots in colour.. if you have it set in B&W mode then thats how it processes the shot to Jpeg in cam, If you shoot in Raw then it wont shoot in Bl&W, even though it shows it in B&W in the preview :thinking:
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thats kinda the point with RAW you make a BnW image afterwords (so can choose) and with jpeg you are screwed if you chose wrong
 
Everyone's got to start somewhere guys, he's only 20 and has more than enough time to develop into a professional photographer. You can sense a love of photography with anything that'll take a photo, if the core interest is there you can explore and go further. Nothing ventured, nothing gained!

The only thing to be wary about is any expectations that it'll be easy, or quick.
 
-Rob- said:
So your basis for wanting to turn professional is your photography done with a mobile phone and a point and shoot.

That's almost as good as the old "they are nice holiday snaps, will you photograph my wedding?" :lol:
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I`m looking for advice tbh and you seem to be takin the **** outta me a slight bit which i don`t appreciate, I had to take photos on my phone before hand because i didnt have an actual camera to use. So at the time i had no other choice.
 
I started a similar thread on here a few weeks back. The simple answer is that you have to learn to stand up to be able to walk and you have to learn to walk before you can run. And if you want to make money out of photography (other than a few pence) you'll have to run.

It appears you have never even used a DSLR. You haven't even stood up yet :)
 
I have to admit you've jumped in with both feet a bit, by saying you want to make a profession of photography (and thereby putting quite a few of the Pro's on here on the defensive) without having a great deal of experience (which gives the Pro's a way to explore your messages for their own sense of amusement).

I'd put the profession aspirations on the back burner, go out an shoot lots of photo's - lots of styles, types etc. - just to find your own niche, and your own style. Put a real portfolio of work together, posting images on here for Critique (not plain criticism - helpful constructive critisism by other photographers who've been through the same process you're going through) Grow a thick skin - you have to love the photo's when you;re taking them, and be prepared to hate them when you look thorugh later. Accept that you may have a "keeper rate" of maybe 1 in 100 (or lower if you're shooting fast moving subjects with moderate cost kit) but be happy for that 1 keeper!

It's a long journey - i've been using a camera for over 30 years, but I started actively taking photographs maybe 9 months ago. I've taken over 4500 pictures this year, but still haven't taken one that I dare submit for the annual TalkPhotography calender. As I say - it's a long journey, but it's worth the shoeleather. And, to end on another cliche, The journey of a Thousand Miles begins with a single step.

Welcome aboard.
 
Some people have read (misread?) your initial post as you wanting to set up shop and start charging straight away. I actually read it as you want to start on the long road to possibly becoming a pro, and want a pointer in the right direction. (see my earlier post on page 1 for my advice).

It seems though that you have an awful lot to learn, from what you've been saying you're at the very, VERY basics. But that's not to say you can't get there with some effort.. but you've got to get to amateur before you can get to pro ;)
 
DJMorgan said:
I`m looking for advice tbh and you seem to be takin the **** outta me a slight bit which i don`t appreciate, I had to take photos on my phone before hand because i didnt have an actual camera to use. So at the time i had no other choice.
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I apologise if I appear to be taking the ****. All I'm trying to do is point out how ridiculous it is that someone so brand new and naive in the world of photography is claiming to be a professional. In this thread you are looking for advice on how to become a professional yet in your welcome thread you say you have just become a professional. Either way it sounds like you expect to be making money from it in the very near future.

Start with the very basics. Get yourself an entry level DSLR (that's one of them fancy cameras with the changable lenses), read the manual from cover to cover, read various photography books/magazines/forums to learn as much as possible and get out there and enjoy learning how to take a good photograph. That will keep you busy for a few years, then you can start to think about making money from it.

I don't mean to put you down but if you try to run before you can walk then you'll get no where. At the moment you don't even have your shoes on.

Good luck with everything.
 
How to move on,
You don't say what your current profession is, but when I was lookign around at photography courses this year, my local college were pushing a foundation degree in photography as a good way to learn/start in the business.

I know of one student who left this year who now works for the local press.
It might be something worth looking into, although would be full time education.
 
tbh everyone has to start somewhere. maybe some of the more "experienced" posters on here should remember that and not take the p*ss.

DJ - Get a decent dslr with a kit lens and take your camera with you everywhere. and i mean everywhere. you will soon find out what type of photography you like best. then you'll probably change your mind several times (because nearly all of it is brilliant). Then be prepared to spend serious cash on a glass, flash, tripod, bags, cards, software etc etc. its an expensive hobby and you will always want more. But if its what you want to do then go for it. everyone has to start out somewhere. get on a course where you can learn more and mix with like minded non p*ss takers who are also starting out. have a steady income so you can fund living expenses as well as money for camera equipment.

you are young enough to make it work for you as long as you have the drive, ability and a little bit of luck. it may not work out but at least you have the balls to give it a go.
 
DJ - pay no attention: we all started somewhere...Practice, practice practice - it was 10 years before I started earning properly...and nearly 30 before I was able to put my skills (????!) to full-time use...
 
Give it a few more years Rob and you'll start getting good at it :p :lol: ;)
 
You go for it, but dont try to run before you can walk. Good luck, read lots and practice.
 
addicknchips said:
tbh everyone has to start somewhere. maybe some of the more "experienced" posters on here should remember that and not take the p*ss.
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With respect, a lad comes onto a photography forum, and says he wants to be a pro photographer, has taken some good shots on his phone, hasn't heard of an slr, and has no idea in which area he would like to work...a little ribbing is to be expected, isn't it? I'm still not convinced this isn't a wind up.

I'm all for encouraging up and comers...but I wouldn't post on a motorbike forum saying I hadn't passed my test yet but how do I go about becoming a pro racer cos I'm really good on playstation, or go on a cooking forum saying I'd seen Gordon Ramsay on the telly and I want to be a pro chef, and I'm really good at microwaving meals...

I don't think the abuse dished out has been in any way harsh, it's just been a little gentle poking, mixed in with a whole heap of sound advice.

Lighten up a little, a bit of humour won't hurt him.
 
Sorry wobbler ,I've had a shocking day n need a good night sleep tbh. I mean I'm really tired n ranted a bit there.
 
Depends on what you want to do. most Landscapers work with Galleries etc. and sell the odd one here and there.

Don't stick to it as a hobby. There are 101 ways to make a living at this. sometimes frugal others rolling in it.

I've worked in Photography for 20 years. I unlike many on here would get a job in a pro lab or in the industry somewhere.

If you need to do a day/full time job then get one in the industry.

Before going self employed I have worked in studios/Pro-labs, Been photographer for national paper agency/Police Scenes of Crime/Schools/Holiday camps/cruise ships etc. There are a hundred ways to get on the ball...

If you want it bad enough you will get it. I went self employed 2 years ago like I said. And in that first 2 years I am looking for offices, teaming up with a pro lab. Looking for 2 new photographers and office/sales team.

It's hard work but I'm earning 6 times what I did for other firms.

Get into the industry. Learn what works and what does not.

you'll get there. Make a living from that hobby.... I did and so have many others!

good luck.
 
Wobbler said:
With respect, a lad comes onto a photography forum, and says he wants to be a pro photographer, has taken some good shots on his phone, hasn't heard of an slr, and has no idea in which area he would like to work...a little ribbing is to be expected, isn't it? I'm still not convinced this isn't a wind up.

I'm all for encouraging up and comers...but I wouldn't post on a motorbike forum saying I hadn't passed my test yet but how do I go about becoming a pro racer cos I'm really good on playstation, or go on a cooking forum saying I'd seen Gordon Ramsay on the telly and I want to be a pro chef, and I'm really good at microwaving meals...

I don't think the abuse dished out has been in any way harsh, it's just been a little gentle poking, mixed in with a whole heap of sound advice.

Lighten up a little, a bit of humour won't hurt him.
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To be honest I'm not taking the **** I'm being serious, I'm not sure what exactly i have put in this thread but i certainly wouldn't class myself as pro but I admire professional photographers and wish to learn more.

I'm thankful for everyone that has given me some amazing advice and I am probably jumping into this two feet first but this is something I have a passion about and wish to learn more and hopefully create this into a career at some point in my life.
 
DJMorgan said:
...I'm not sure what exactly i have put in this thread..
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Why not go back and read it then?

I'm calling wind up too. You can't post pictures but you can pick out bits of quote in bold. You english fluctuates between aweful and acceptable. There's no way on earth that you wouldn't know what a DLSR is if you had a remote passion for photography as you would have been coverting one for a long time. :naughty: :bonk:
 
KIPAX said:
Exactly what Gary said.. But I would add.. your first step is to decide what sort of photography you want to get into...A portrait photographer will have different advice to a news , wedding or sports photographer for example.

No point asking advice on what area of photogrpahy to get into.. thats something only you can decide based on what you enjoy and what your good at.

Personally I dont think you have any real idea of whats ahead. The chances of making a living out of it are slim. Some of us do.. But I put in a hell of a lot more than 40 hrs and over the next few months I will spend many a cold evening sat in the rain and freezing weather hoping to make a weeks wage... My point being.. Its not a case of take good pics so start a business :)
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:agree:
 
bbb said:
Why not go back and read it then?

I'm calling wind up too. You can't post pictures but you can pick out bits of quote in bold. You english fluctuates between aweful and acceptable. There's no way on earth that you wouldn't know what a DLSR is if you had a remote passion for photography as you would have been coverting one for a long time. :naughty: :bonk:
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So what your saying is because my english isnt as fluente as anyone else, that proves i ain`t passionate about what im doing? I didnt do so well in english at school minus math`s aswell which i am going back to college at the moment to redo, Stop acusing me of being a wind up! If i really wanted to wind people up i would be 12 again, and to be honest iv not long started getting into it properly for the past few months i have developed a really big passion for it. I am not going to waste my time on this site just to cause trouble because i am not that type of person!

I`m starting out where everyone else has so give me a chance!:thumbs:
 
DJMorgan said:
So what your saying is because my english isnt as fluente as anyone else, that proves i ain`t passionate about what im doing?
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Not what I said at all, I was saying there was inconsistency in the standard of your English through this thread, which you can't be bothered to go back and read. This made me think that something was not right.

You've got all the chances you need, you don't need me to give them to you. You've got access to the internet and a camera. People have given plenty of good advice already. Now it's up to you.
 
DJ - It's not hard to tell you are young. The number of TBH's, IV's and ATM's throughout your writing gives it away. You write like my kids use SMS.

Buried back within this thread someone said you need to develop a thick skin, and I agree.

There are many, many people on this forum who will give you good advice and solid critiques of your photos.

My advice would be to put up with the ribbing you will get, and learn from this group of people on this forum! This is a wonderful group to be a part of.
 
Yeh thats true wool, Sorry about all the Sms`s writing, its just habbit and to be honest i think thats why i am going back to college is because my English is that bad lol Yeh i will develop that thick skin.
 
Come on guys, give him a break. To be honest I knew at the age of 16 that I would have loved to have a career (yes I use that word advisedly) in photography. However opportunities to do so were extremely limited and were not going down well with those who must be obeyed (parents) who thought it was probably a passing phase. Yeah right, I'm 45 now and still at it!!

DJ you are young, you have found something that you think you have a passion for. Why don't you investigate doing a course after college? Seems like a good way to get a photographic education since you are the right age?

In the meantime, there is a lot to learn. The basics are all built around exposure. You need to be able to get that right in each and every photo (digital is a little more forgiving) So start at the beginning and learn ISO, Shutter speed, aperture and how they relate to a picture.

It can actually become quite an academic subject if you study the history of photography or some of the physics that go into chromatic aberration and inverse square law relationships with lighting. But then that's part of the fun!
 
Good luck, I would say just get stuck into the hobby for the time being, see how it grabs you. If you find yourself in a position to make a go of it, then why not, Just don't rush it too much...

Gary.
 
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