looking for help to get into photography

[marykay6]

I'm currently getting back into photography and am brushing up on my skills.

Im doing a course here http://www.hotcourses.com/uk-courses/Photography-courses-in-London/hc2_search.adv_col_do/16180339/0/search_category/KJ.1/qualification/Z,Y,Q,R,T,U,V,C/town_city/GREATER+LONDON/page.htm

what qualifications do i need to get into the actual industry and is it about who you knows?

 

[jonneymendoza]

You dont particularly need any qualifications to get in the industry as far as i know.

Whats more important is your photographic skills and business knowledge

 

[marykay6]

thank you how do you actually start getting job. do people ask to see your qualifications?

 

[marykay6]

is it just based on your work/portfolio?

 

[faddius]

Depends on what you want to do, most jobs your portfolio is stronger than your cv and qualifications, however some photography jobs pretty much demand qualifications such as medical / forensic photography.

 

[jonneymendoza]

Yea some jobs require u some qualifications depending on what type of photography. if it is freelance stuff like doing some landscapes, product shots or corporate events(weddings etc) u dont need qualifications.

Make sure you are good at the business side of things. that is equaly important.

the worlds bets photographer wont be able to make much money if he or she is not good at the business side of things

 

[KIPAX]

Its like saying you want to get into the building trade... theres so many different types of jobs..

Are you looking to work for someone or be self employed.. more important.. what type of photography? Thats important..

 

[KIPAX]

Make sure you are good at the business side of things. that is equaly important.

Or not important at all if your looking for a job as apposed to self employed.

 

[marykay6]

Its like saying you want to get into the building trade... theres so many different types of jobs..

Are you looking to work for someone or be self employed.. more important.. what type of photography? That's important..

thank you. I am looking to go into editorial or fashion and I want to hopefully do it as a business as i want to get away from 9-5.

Seems like a lot to think about though. i think the best thing is to work on my photography.

how did you get your break through into the industry?

 

[KIPAX]

thank you. I am looking to go into editorial or fashion and I want to hopefully do it as a business as i want to get away from 9-5.

Seems like a lot to think about though. i think the best thing is to work on my photography.

how did you get your break through into the industry?

no qualifications and no portfolio.. am in a small town.. did well and doors open everywhere..

if I was starting out then yes.. your portfolio will be worth more than any qualifications...

 

[marykay6]

thank you. you have been very kind. thanks alot

 

[jonneymendoza]

thank you. you have been very kind. thanks alot

How long have you been doing photography as a hobby?

 

[HoppyUK]

Work it backwards Mary. Find a few images of the sort you aspire to, google the photographers (many will have a website) or contact the publishers etc and ask direct.

You will likely find it a long hard road, and persistence in the face of adversity is a valuable asset, but we've all got to start somewhere

Also, business knowledge and ability to market yourself are at least as important as excellent skills with a camera (that bit's taken for granted).

 

[marykay6]

i have been doing it for a year now. i do alot of street shots of people and things but i dont have a website as yet. i don't know how to do photoshop. i just take loads of different shots and choose the best from the bunch. I really want to learn how to do advance photoshop. i dont think i am anywhere, where i would get paid by the bigger companies yet but in time i will its my passion and i love doing it.

How long have you been doing photography as a hobby?

 

[marykay6]

thank you

Work it backwards Mary. Find a few images of the sort you aspire to, google the photographers (many will have a website) or contact the publishers etc and ask direct.

You will likely find it a long hard road, and persistence in the face of adversity is a valuable asset, but we've all got to start somewhere

Also, business knowledge and ability to market yourself are at least as important as excellent skills with a camera (that bit's taken for granted).

 

[Lyonspride]

A friend of mine, his father started out doing macro shots of flowers/etc and selling them framed at markets and carboot sales, in 6 months he made enough to upgrade his kit several times... But due to losing his fulltime job, he started selling other stuff imported from China (toys etc) and in the end it was outselling his photography so he sold his kit.

 

[Daryl]

Hi Mary, Most of my career since leaving college has been employed as a staff photographer/technician, from Studios/Pro labs/police/National papers sports/school s etc archaeological...

qualifications and a portfolio are needed.

When i lived in London one of my best friends was a buyer for one of the italian fashion retailers... In that World it was more of who you know not what you know...

The few togs I met treated staff on min wage and like lackies...... I guess you let yourself get treated like that to gain contacts and knowledge of the industry.

Too many people full their own self importance in Fashion world.

Good luck!

 

[jonneymendoza]

i have been doing it for a year now. i do alot of street shots of people and things but i dont have a website as yet. i don't know how to do photoshop. i just take loads of different shots and choose the best from the bunch. I really want to learn how to do advance photoshop. i dont think i am anywhere, where i would get paid by the bigger companies yet but in time i will its my passion and i love doing it.

Learn as much as you can then you can decide what business you would like to get into