Photography Tips Guide

lensmen2:

What essentials are necessary.. ?
Attitude..
KNOW your equipment and understand light..!
Having the “gift of gab” will help a lot too. Being able to talk a bit about almost anything can sure set the scene to a mellower place and calm nerves.
I do freelance here in the Tucson, AZ area. I promote my self as a camera for hire. I used to do weddings and graduations back in Michigan almost 25 years ago but found I was curious in way too many other aspects of photography to settle in on just 1 or 2.
I will still do the occasional wedding, but on MY terms now and anything that requires a tie and the proper clothing that goes with a tie, I don’t do. I do not dress up anymore.
You seem to already have what it takes. There is no ‘special equipment’ that makes a freelancer a – freelancer..! A camera, a lens or two and a understanding of what it is you want to do and how to do it. Then you go out and do it.
Every city has some kind of functions, open to the public almost every month. Car shows. Motorcycles. RV and Sports equipment. Fairs. Anything anywhere that can draw people and you can shoot “things” to hone your skills. Have simple cards made attesting to what it is you are.
My card is a do it your self kind on card stock via the computer. They are are plain ol’ B&W saying – Freelance Photography & Art. There are my home #, Cell # and a Fax #. I also have my e-mail addy. My name is at the bottom.
I went to different art galleries in the artsy fartsy areas of Tucson and asked what were the requirements to hang photographic work. I met what most asked and now have work hanging, and selling, year round. I also have a lil wall hanger with a stack of my cards and get even more work.
You seem to already have a plan and a idea. Go with it. If your area has the right environment for out door portraiture or such, work in this area too. Don’t become full of your self and keep your feet on the ground. Don’t complicate a shoot by being too technical or talking about yourself, your equipment, lenses or past shoots unless it is a very needful thing. Focus on – them..!
You talk as you slowly move around them as you look thru your camera, but always shooting. Once in a while, you may stop to brush hair in a better way, turn shoulders, chin up, chin down, etc…. all the while directing your assistant with the reflectors on what to do (my part time assistant is also my wife so her pay is taken care of in another package).
Don’t be afraid to go out on a limb once and a while. The limb may be stronger than you thought and what you learn is invaluable.
Buy equipment wisely and stick with name brand items as much as you can. Some of your clients may have backgrounds your not aware of and you don’t get a 2nd chance at a 1st impression… and showing up to do a serious shoot with Wal-Mart equipment may not cut it. Which brings to mind, your portfolio. If you don’t have one, make one. All prints should be no smaller than 11×14 but do NOT have to be full coverage. If you going for all out freelance work, your portfolio should reflect this and have a smattering of images from across the spectrum and NOT them of just the – lucky shots..! You must be able to reproduce, all tho not 100%, some of your work in case a client wants “that” look..!
I know this is long, but some answers are more than a yes or no here however, as I said, I think you have a good idea on what your doing and directions your wanting to take. Don’t get lost in the detail tho. Keep your eyes and mind focused, out in front, and let most of the little things squirm past you under your feet as you move forward. Most all of them will take care of them selves and spending time on them takes you away from the real goal.
Biggest thing – Have Fun..!! It’s what life is all about.
Bob – Tucson