How to make money and start a career in photography?

Question

I'm 15 and i'm interested in a career as a photographer.How can i start out and make some money? I know i have to volunteer and everything, but how can i sell some of my stuff to other people? And can i work anywhere with pay or intern somewhere that'll me build up a photo skills? And how do you start a portfolio? Sorry, it's 3 questions in one :)

thanks

Answer 1

Find people who need photography done (recent weddings in the paper, events, etc.)

I don't know any photographers that aren't independant.  All of them are on their own AFAIK.

Portfolio can be just a collection of pictures you've taken that show your strengths.

be sure to make your portfolio electronic, and create a website as well.

Then market yourself to people, churches, newspapers, magazines, etc.

Often it is freelance.

Answer 2

PART 1 PORTFOLIO: I highly recommend the book "Photo portfolio success," by John Kaplan. It can definitely answer all your questions and more. I've read the book three times now it's so informative. The book will tell you everything you need to know about choosing your photographs, basic placements of the photographs, etc. Pretty much anything presentation related.

Here's some tips in case you don't purchase the book:

1.Choose only your absolute best photographs.

2.Categorize them according to subject.

3.Your portfolio should only be one subject. Example: Nature. Then take a variety of photographs consisting of nature.

Example: You're into portraits. It is your strongest point. Take all of your portrait pictures and choose the best. Then, categorize them according to the type of portrait they are. Take a few photographs from each category and put them into your binder. A portfolio should be minimum of 10 photographs. Most places and companies want less than 20.

You can buy a Portfolio Binder at any arts store. They range from $10-200+. (Before purchasing the binder though, you need to decide what is going into it).

Also, if you do not know which pictures to choose -- only the best ones, though -- ask for people's opinions and go from there.

Also, for inspiration I would highly recommend getting a Flickr account. I find new things everyday on there!

Here's my account to give you a feel of what it is about:

www.flickr.com/ShortyDB43

PART TWO JOB: To gain photo skills, you can get a job at a studio. However, if you are just starting out you may have better luck working at a Target Photo Studio or a Wal-Mart Studio. Check around, see who is hiring. Bring your portfolio, if your images are good enough it may land you the job even with a lack of studio experience

PART THREE: There are many ways you can sell your photographs.

Internet:

Deviantart.com - Free

iStockphoto.com

Ebay.com - Close To Free

Shutterstock.com

Alamy.com

SmugSmug.com

Imagekind.com - Free

Also, you can sell images to friends and family. Another thing I've seen some artists do to sell their work is to go to a local flee market. Message me if you need more help.

Dana

Answer 3

This isn't an easy thing to do. Are you talking 35 mm or digital? You can start out by taking photos of things you want to take photos of. Most all photographers work alone,but some might have a helper.

First you'll have to decide what kind of photography you want to do. Sports? News? Glamour ? Pets ? The list is endless. And most pros stick to one subject matter.

You have to gain your skills and prove them before you can make any money. As there's tons of wannabe's out there.

Maybe you can join a local club and learn from them.

Answer 4

Yes, find a niche.

Don't under charge, never "give away" all your images on a CD and keep all your copyrights.  These things may sound like somethings to worry about later. Unfortunately, many starting photographers do and that is why they go out of business.  Because ultimately the cheap, bargain photographers are not offered the "money jobs".  

Your number one tool is your portfolio. Create a great portfolio. Create some cards to hand out with your photos on them. Then network, newtork network.

Rosh

http://www.newmediaphotographer.com

Answer 5

Do the right thing and study.