Newborn Photography HELP!!!

[GatoAzul1968]

i dont think your bullying me but your all saying alot of negatives and feels like your trying to put me off what i wan't to do. I've said from the very beginning i am a total beginner, i have a dslr yes and i am 100% well aware this does NOT make me a photographer..

Hello Catlin, how are you? I hope your dream keeps you alive to become a newborn photographer. As you were saying that you are a total beginner. Can you go to your local college to learn how to use DSLR? You need to know how to use DSLR before you start learning about newborn photography.

 

[Box Brownie]

I am pleased to see that you have distilled your thoughts and current plans into a couple of posts.

Writing such intentions/summaries/plans does or should bring some focus to the path and in regard to the plans an initial base to be working from.

 

[Box Brownie]

as we said earlier that aint legal - 19 year olds are supposed to get full min wage after year 1 (5.13 p/h) https://www.gov.uk/national-minimum-wage-rates you need to be having a serious chat with your employer

thankyou very much for this i need to be speaking to someone about that

What Pete says about min wage and what you are being paid suggests something is wrong. Is the employer a recognised place for childcare training? The reason I ask as surely there is training body that regulates such matters and perhaps that organisation has oversight of the wages such trainees are paid??? Do you have a contract of employment......what does that say about your hours and wages?

 

[caitlinjade95]

Hello Catlin, how are you? I hope your dream keeps you alive to become a newborn photographer. As you were saying that you are a total beginner. Can you go to your local college to learn how to use DSLR? You need to know how to use DSLR before you start learning about newborn photography.

Not currently i work full time but im hoping they bring photography as an evening class they do a beginners one where you learn apperture shutter speed and manual controls etc. I do all of that but its the technical element of it that i need to learn now so im hoping they bring it as an evening class!

 

[caitlinjade95]

What Pete says about min wage and what you are being paid suggests something is wrong. Is the employer a recognised place for childcare training? The reason I ask as surely there is training body that regulates such matters and perhaps that organisation has oversight of the wages such trainees are paid??? Do you have a contract of employment......what does that say about your hours and wages?

im supposed to work 37.5 hours and get paid for them but i currently work 40 verging on 45 some weeks. Yes its a recognized place for childcare. She told me my wage would go up on my birthday (i turned 19) and has found a way to say 'oh your wage will go up when your qualified (may) in may ill have been there for 2 years and 5 months. Im wondering if it dosn't go up because each course takes a year to complete such as i started my level 2 in january last year and im not doing my level 3 which will take a year. I might speak to citizens advice, will they help me with that?

 

[Box Brownie]

im supposed to work 37.5 hours and get paid for them but i currently work 40 verging on 45 some weeks. Yes its a recognized place for childcare. She told me my wage would go up on my birthday (i turned 19) and has found a way to say 'oh your wage will go up when your qualified (may) in may ill have been there for 2 years and 5 months. Im wondering if it dosn't go up because each course takes a year to complete such as i started my level 2 in january last year and im not doing my level 3 which will take a year. I might speak to citizens advice, will they help me with that?

Hi

1) I took as a given they were a registered childcare place, what I was asking was more about whether the training is controlled by a regulatory body. If so does that body oversee the training compliance and terms of employment of trainees?

2) I think the CAB would be a good first step to getting some good advice.

3) when you go for advice make sure to have ready a copy of your employment contract plus as I ask in #1 above any supporting data in regard to whether your position dictates that min wage is not dictated by whether you pass your exams.

3) for what it is worth my reading of the site Peter linked to is explicit as you are over 19 even though under training therefore should be on min wage. Your employer seems to be making it up she goes along.

Edit - the gov site has a link to its own help line for reporting and asking about min wage situations. Here is the Linky. https://www.gov.uk/pay-and-work-rights-helpline

 

[GatoAzul1968]

Not currently i work full time but im hoping they bring photography as an evening class they do a beginners one where you learn apperture shutter speed and manual controls etc. I do all of that but its the technical element of it that i need to learn now so im hoping they bring it as an evening class!

Sorry that what I meant "evening" classes. Sorry I did not mention it. Don't really need to do full-time course anyway

 

[joel222]

Ask Joel if he used a newborn bean bag and backdrop set for these.

http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/threads/newborn-images.575648/[/QUOTE

@caitlinjade95 has messaged me and I told her that I used a bean bag. I've since came across this thread so thought I'd elaborate a bit more on here.

I used a £25 bean bag (not made specifically for photography), a cheap ebay backdrop stand to attach the blankets, two lencarta smart flashes - one with a 120cm octabox facing the subject and the other facing the wall to bounce in a bit of fill (I started out with a 60cm softbox and speedlights a couple of years ago and would be able to get a near enough same result from them now as what I currently use but I'm lazy so prefer the octabox as it's easier to use plus the recycle times are instant).

I haven't read the full thread as I haven't got three hours to waste :banghead: but from what I've read I think you need to get more familiar with your camera before buying any beanbags/stands etc. If you're desperate to blow some money buy a yongnuo speedlight or two, some yongnuo triggers, a 60cm softbox, a lightstand, and an adjustable bracket to hold the speedlight onto the stand. This may cost you around £100, and even if you move onto better lights in the future these will always come in somewhere. Play around with those for a good while until you have a good understanding of how to control your lighting through your camera, and until you understand about lighting position, then think about buying things to do a real life shoot.

This is just my opinion, I am no where near as experienced as 90% of the people on here. I was in your position three years ago and with the help of people on here, practising, reading books, practicing, watching tutorials, and practicing much more, I'm better than I was but still nowhere near where I want to be with my images. You need to take peoples advice. We've all wanted to spend money on useless items when we started out but trust me you don't need it yet.

 

[Phil V]

im supposed to work 37.5 hours and get paid for them but i currently work 40 verging on 45 some weeks. Yes its a recognized place for childcare. She told me my wage would go up on my birthday (i turned 19) and has found a way to say 'oh your wage will go up when your qualified (may) in may ill have been there for 2 years and 5 months. Im wondering if it dosn't go up because each course takes a year to complete such as i started my level 2 in january last year and im not doing my level 3 which will take a year. I might speak to citizens advice, will they help me with that?

Hi Caitlin
2 points:
Firstly, your employer can't carry on paying you the under 18 apprentice rate once you're 19 (if you're not in your first year).
Secondly: if I give you some sstudio lights, will you a: pay the postage, b: not buy any posing stuff or props till you've got your head round the lighting? (you can reply by PM

 

[WelshNoob]

@Phil V If she answers no to A and B I'll answer yes to A and promise not to buy any new born posing things.

 

[caitlinjade95]

Hi

1) I took as a given they were a registered childcare place, what I was asking was more about whether the training is controlled by a regulatory body. If so does that body oversee the training compliance and terms of employment of trainees?

2) I think the CAB would be a good first step to getting some good advice.

3) when you go for advice make sure to have ready a copy of your employment contract plus as I ask in #1 above any supporting data in regard to whether your position dictates that min wage is not dictated by whether you pass your exams.

3) for what it is worth my reading of the site Peter linked to is explicit as you are over 19 even though under training therefore should be on min wage. Your employer seems to be making it up she goes along.

Edit - the gov site has a link to its own help line for reporting and asking about min wage situations. Here is the Linky. https://www.gov.uk/pay-and-work-rights-helpline

I photo copied my contract today so im all ready to go and get some advice on this i am so glad you pointed this out to me! She's defo making it up as she goes along lol

 

[caitlinjade95]

Sorry that what I meant "evening" classes. Sorry I did not mention it. Don't really need to do full-time course anyway

im waiting for an evening class to become available

 

[ChasG]

Good luck. At least I got one thing right.

 

[caitlinjade95]

thankyou for your reply about this, ignore my message i just sent to you lol!!

Im 100% going to get the flash/speedlight thingy lol and start with that first, ive taken classes and i know my camera pretty well obviously there is always room for improvement in learning and i plan to of course.

I'm taking everyones advice and concentrating on the lighting first...im on a mission to hunt down the one i need! lol

 

[Phil V]

@Phil V If she answers no to A and B I'll answer yes to A and promise not to buy any new born posing things.

Caitlin is all sorted.

 

[huffy]

Caitlin is all sorted.

Well Done Phil

 

[caitlinjade95]

Caitlin is all sorted.

woo hoooo!!! i bet your all thinking 'thank god for that!!' haha ;D

 

[Phil V]

No worries, Sandbrook isn't far from my daily commute and always enjoy a nice meal at the Copper Pot. Seriously willing to help out if required.

Hi Sharky
I've offered tel and Skype help, but Caitlin might want some more practical help too if the offer is still open. Being shown is 20 times better than being told.

 

[Sharky]

Hi Sharky
I've offered tel and Skype help, but Caitlin might want some more practical help too if the offer is still open. Being shown is 20 times better than being told.

Top man Phil, if practical help is needed no problems with that. Maybe a mini-TP northern meet as i imagine there'll be a few us who are local to Rochdale / Manchester .

 

[Box Brownie]

@Phil and @Sharky

Good on you guys, super community spirit with suitable lighting and mentoring support all being her dream is one step closer.

 

[caitlinjade95]

it certainly is one step closer, i feel like im going somewhere now i dont feel as stuck in a rut then i did before!! youve all been the biggest help in the world

 

[ChrisHeathcote]

I've been following this thread, more out of curiosity than anything. On occasion I have been tempted to interject but stayed out of it until now. Reason I am diving in now is because I would like to nominate @Phil V for a Top Bloke award. His advise has been clear and helpful (as always), he has maintained a professional demeanour and then to top it off has been incredibly generous and helpful. All in all and as I don't have champagne, a will have to do

 

[Box Brownie]

woo hoooo!!! i bet your all thinking 'thank god for that!!' haha ;D

'Tis yet the start of the path.....I look forward to seeing the results of your well lit subjects

 

[Box Brownie]

I've been following this thread, more out of curiosity than anything. On occasion I have been tempted to interject but stayed out of it until now. Reason I am diving in now is because I would like to nominate @Phil V for a Top Bloke award. His advise has been clear and helpful (as always), he has maintained a professional demeanour and then to top it off has been incredibly generous and helpful. All in all and as I don't have champagne, a will have to do

+1

PS.........ooooooh, Jaffa cakes..

 

[TheBigYin]

@Phil and @Sharky

Good on you guys, super community spirit with suitable lighting and mentoring support all being her dream is one step closer.

absoloutely - nice one guys, just another example of why I love this place... @caitlinjade95 - well done for sticking in here, you're setting out on an interesting, wonderful and often frustrating journey which I hope will help you reach your chosen destination.

 

[Fodrigal]

Top man Phil, if practical help is needed no problems with that. Maybe a mini-TP northern meet as i imagine there'll be a few us who are local to Rochdale / Manchester .

I'm up that way and more than happy to share knowledge (as a complete novice myself it wouldn't so much be sharing as taking )

 

[caitlinjade95]

I'm up that way and more than happy to share knowledge (as a complete novice myself it wouldn't so much be sharing as taking )

oo your close to rochdale? where are you from?

 

[caitlinjade95]

thankyou yin im determined and excited now i know what i need and where to begin hopefully next time i start a thread its to show off some lovely photos!
He has been incredibly helpful as have alot of people on here and i apprecaite all the advice so much!

 

[Phil V]

My plan was to PM these to Caitlin, but:
As there's a few who've watched this thread who don't venture into the lighting forum, here's a few links you might all find useful.
One softbox Youtube link
The magic of distance
Feathering a Softbox

as a start (I claim no credit for the contents, these people are genuinely good)

 

[Box Brownie]

My plan was to PM these to Caitlin, but:
As there's a few who've watched this thread who don't venture into the lighting forum, here's a few links you might all find useful.
One softbox Youtube link
The magic of distance
Feathering a Softbox

as a start (I claim no credit for the contents, these people are genuinely good)

I think I am going to have look in more often to learn and keep up myself

 

[Box Brownie]

Hi Phil

Do you think this that I spotted over at PoTN is a useful guide?

http://posingapp.com/

 

[Phil V]

Hi Phil

Do you think this that I spotted over at PoTN is a useful guide?

http://posingapp.com/

I've got it, I've never used it, I suppose it depends on circumstances and learning styles.

 

[caitlinjade95]

Thanks for the links phil im watching them now!!

 

[caitlinjade95]

Quick reply to say a massive thankyou
A - for helping me with the photography
B - for the wage info

Im happy to let you all know thanks to you guys i have been backdated a months pay (i was at a loss of 439 pounds) this went back into my bank today and also my wage has gone from £3.68 to £5.13 so instead of a seriously crappy 500 a month im finally on 800!!

Although my mums expecting board now -.- damn it! haha but just a huge thankyou to you all for such a big help in both departments!!

 

[ChasG]

Congratulations

 

[big soft moose]

Im happy to let you all know thanks to you guys i have been backdated a months pay (i was at a loss of 439 pounds) this went back into my bank today and also my wage has gone from £3.68 to £5.13 so instead of a seriously crappy 500 a month im finally on 800!!

Although my mums expecting board now -.- damn it! haha but just a huge thankyou to you all for such a big help in both departments!!

Yay glad to be of service

 

[caitlinjade95]

so glad you all mentioned it i'd have carried on like nothing was wrong if you hadn't!!

 

[Phil V]

Quick reply to say a massive thankyou
A - for helping me with the photography
B - for the wage info

Im happy to let you all know thanks to you guys i have been backdated a months pay (i was at a loss of 439 pounds) this went back into my bank today and also my wage has gone from £3.68 to £5.13 so instead of a seriously crappy 500 a month im finally on 800!!

Although my mums expecting board now -.- damn it! haha but just a huge thankyou to you all for such a big help in both departments!!

Stick the back pay in the bank and save it towards some proper training. Buy your mum a bottle of something nice.

 

[Box Brownie]

Quick reply to say a massive thankyou
A - for helping me with the photography
B - for the wage info

Im happy to let you all know thanks to you guys i have been backdated a months pay (i was at a loss of 439 pounds) this went back into my bank today and also my wage has gone from £3.68 to £5.13 so instead of a seriously crappy 500 a month im finally on 800!!

Although my mums expecting board now -.- damn it! haha but just a huge thankyou to you all for such a big help in both departments!!

Caitlin

Thanks for posting your update, I am pleased for you and that your path has a few less rocks on it

 

[Box Brownie]

Stick the back pay in the bank and save it towards some proper training. Buy your mum a bottle of something nice.

More sage and timely advice from Phil