Newbie Question

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wilson1973

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Hello all newbie here....

I’m currently self employed in a web design capacity and am looking to retrain and expand my services into photography. I’m constantly reading articles about newbies / part timers that dip into the market with sub standard equipment and training and producing poor results, and how this tarnishes the industry and also dilutes both the cash that is available and the prices that are being charged for services.

I like to do things right both professionally and technically, I’m not one for cutting corners. Hence the following questions. I’m also UK based, if that helps. I’ve taken a look at several threads on here some of which are older, so am posting this to get a current view.

  • - Whilst I’ve been told I can take a good picture I don’t really understand the technicalities of the equipment I’m using. Is there a course available (distance or class) that can teach the technological side of the equipment i.e. what does what and when it should be used. Does anyone have any recommendations?
  • - I’m not sure whether to undertake weddings, this area seems to be saturated, not totally written off this idea. Am also interested in portraiture and product photography. What do people recommend as a good course / training (practical) for each of these areas – based on recommendation ?
  • - I’ll shortly be purchasing a 5d mk2 as a main camera (backup to be decided) and would welcome recommendations on lenses and accessories for each of the photographic genres mentioned previously.
  • - The best accreditation / affiliation bodies for the above genres or the industry as a whole ?
  • - Best insurance / indemnity available ?

For me it’s all about the right training and experience, I don’t feel I can offer a service without the correct training and expertise and I don’t believe for one minute this will happen overnight. I’m happy to take any training, tips or other recommendations anyone is willing to offer.

I've probably overlooked some fundamentals so any help is appreciated.

Thankyou… and begin the abuse ;-)
 
Firstly welcome to the forum.

Secondly congratulations on realising the need for training and good equipment.

There are some courses available for weddings etc and I have read some good things on here about some of them but can't remember which ones they were - perhaps a search will throw up some available in your area.

However all the areas you mention are liable to be full of people with the same ambitions so it's most important, as you realise, to be able to offer a totally professional service.

Unfortunately you will need more equipment - at least a second camera and lens in case of a failure of your main camera - if contemplating weddings etc.

You will also need a portfolio of good pictures which you have taken yourself.

And a good website - at least you appear to have the advantage here as a web designer.

You could try portraits by taking pics of your friends and relatives etc for free until you feel you have some reasonable pics - but remember you will be up against real professionals so your shots will, in the end, have to measure up to them.

But it's going to take quite a lot of time - and money - before you are able to start making good money at it.
 
I'll be watching this thread with interest as I am also considerign the same and am pretty much in a similar situation with knowledge and skills. Am finding it tricky to find a course near me - are there any recommended correspondence courses out there? Or are this generally not so useful?
 
Thanks for the welcome Peter.

I'm sure there is a lot to take on board and as I say I'm not expecting an overnight success. I already own and run a business and know the pitfulls and the time it takes to get a name for yourself so am aware this could be a slow burner.
For now though am looking for the best recommendations on the areas I highlighted.
Look forward to more responses

Regards

Lee
 
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