I am not sure if this is the right place for this topic but I didn't see an area for it so I put it here.. LOL!!! Ok so.. I have been working on my photography for about a year and a half or so... Taking classes to learn the basics etc.. I feel like I am ready and my family definitly does.. However.... I just submitted my resume to another websites pro forums and I got rejected... They have soooooo many many members and people who apply to this sites pro forum that they can't take everyone so they narrow it down by a portfolio... They give the same generic reply to everyone saying they can't give personal critique because of the volume of applicants but that it's probably due to the lack of consisitancy of skin coloring or other minor areas that need to be worked on.. It kinda bummed me out in a way but then I was like.. Well just because a few people behind the scenes on a website don't particularly think I am ready does this really mean I am not????? So I am asking you.. What do you think?? If no what do you think I should work on.. I am not wanting you all to say yes.. I just want other opinions... and if you all think I am not ready then I will just have to work a little harder!! LOL Here is my myspace page I am using for now until I am ready for a real website!! Now this said.. I DON'T know everysingle thing there is to know about photography.. I still have a lot to learn.. so let me have it!!!
myspace.com/kristiedenton
Hellllloooooooooooo???!!!???! Is this thing on??!!!?? LOL!!!
Hi Kristie,
Here is my opinion on whether or not you should move forward and pursue your own business. I think that your work is good - there is room for improvement (as there always is for everyone!) but I really think that it is very good and that you could probably move forward with your photography business endeavors and find success in it. My only word of caution is to move forward slowly and not jump into too many jobs too fast. It's easy to get overwhelmed and I know that for me, at least, I tend to produce lesser quality work when I am under lots of stress and pressure. I think that you'll do well, but be sure to always keep learning!
P.S. I know what site you are talking about, and I definitely agree about the size and dynamic of that community. It's okay to just be you - have your work be your style, and not try to "fit in" with trends, etc.
-Alexis
I don't know the first thing about starting a photography business, but from my experience in the business world I say the best way to learn is by just doing it. And no better time than the present. I think if you have the means and the drive give it a shot. That way when you look back at the snapshots (yes there was a pun intended there) of your life you won't be wondering- What if?
Thank you so much!! My DH is working on a website for me.. I am sooooo excited.. I really think I am ready.. I am just really nervous!!
Kristie,
I wish you luck in starting your business. A new adventure for life! If you weren't nervous there would be a problem Keep us updated, and you'll have to show us your website when it is completed!
Thank you so much!
I wrote some articles that might help:
http://www.greendragonartist.com/Articles/articles.htm
I checked out your myspace page, and i think you have a great potential... but im getting mixed signals to be honest..
Some of your shots have amazing composition, and lighting etc... and the ideas behind them are great (particularly the ones from the lake with the runny makeup.. or the one in the forest with the chair and apple..? ) those were really magazine material .. but others seem perhaps lazy? less thought out? some are kinda cheezy... sorry.
A photographer is only as good as their worst photo, so consider only posting your best.. even on myspace.
Hope this helps.. ?
Cheers.
Brandon
Thanks Brandon.. I really do appreciate your honesty.. I can say that my passion is photography that isn't the norm to most people (like the runny makeup, apples in forest and that kinda thing) but around here in great ole Tupelo MS they like the more traditional look in pics.. So that is what I am practicing on is really nailing my focus and exposure and with portraits and stuff and then on the side doing some really funky work like I love to do!!! My next shoot is with a couple that just got married.. They want some edgy shots of them in water and sand.. I am crazy excited about that!!!!!!! Then I am shooting my sister (who was also in Playboy.. OH YEA!! LOL) soon as well.. She wants some really funky cool shots.. So I am really trying to think of some really crazy shots for that.. I was asked by a lady if she paid for it would I consider flying to Texas and take some Trash The Dress photos for her.. I AM ALL OVER THAT OF COURSE!!!! I take any chance I can where I can take pics the way I really want too..LOL
I am not sure I understand what you mean by being ready. If you are asking about being ready to be a professional, let your clients deiced. I have been around photography and art for some time now, and I am confident no one knows everything about photography, it is a continual learning process. If you want to use photography as a means of expression than express away and don't care about what anyone says, if you want to use it to make money show your work to potential clients they will let you know with their words and money if you are "ready". Don't get discouraged, continue to learn, grow, and build your personal style. To answer your question, I looked at your myspace and yes though some of your photos are expressions and not exactly conventional, most of your photography is definitly marketable.
Hey thanks Landon.. Sometimes I don't know what I mean by being ready either.. I do have a good many people wanting me to take pics for them I guess it's just me being really really nervous. I am such a perfectionist and I am so afraid of failure.. Thanks so much for your words of encouragement!!