Aubzie Arts And Photography

Five years ago I returned to the world of photography after a 20 year absence. Then I was a ‘struggling-professional’ photographer. I gave a face to the following type jokes:

Question – What’s the difference between a professional photographer and a McDonald’s family-pack happy meal?

Answer – The happy meal can feed a family of four.

I started in photography for the love of it. Eventually, I decided that all I had to do to become a professional photographer was to pass out my business cards and wait for the telephone to ring. I confused my love of photography with success as a ‘professional photographer.’

For me, being a ‘professional photographer’ dampened all of the joy that photography had given me over the years. I took on jobs that weren’t challenging or profitable. I didn’t take the time to figure out what type of photography offered the most profit for the effort, resources and time investment. I didn’t pay attention to where my best potential customers were or how to ‘over deliver’ on my services to them. Although I went about operating my ‘professional photography’ business with all the best of intentions, plans, enthusiasm, and commitment, I had doomed myself to predictable failure. Of course, I recognized this ‘after’ I ran out of money, enthusiasm and hope. Hindsight is often 20/20.

Now I have returned and my excitement and enthusiasm is even more intense than twenty years ago. The world of photography is exploding in growth and changing almost just as fast. Since I am older now, I should be more mature and better able to make well thought-out and researched business decisions. Well, sometimes I act my age. Other times…. Here are some of my lessons learned.

The greatest aspect of current photography, for me, is technology. I prefer digital over film. Digital allows me to shoot and practice more than I could with film. Also, I can manipulate the photo to get the best image possible. Technology helps me to find information to help me make business decisions. Technology now helps me to target my potential customers and market specifically to them. Its not a hit and miss marketing exercise.

I found photography books that helped me to focus on a profitable photography niche. Prior to finding the books I had absolutely no concept of what a photography niche was or how important it is to being a successful photographer. There are many very good books about successful photography business. For me, one of the best (after my 20 year absence) was “The Business of Studio Photography” by Edward R. Lilley. His book kept me from repeating my costly mistakes of the past.

Twenty years ago I had never heard of stock photography. Now, stock photography is where I put most of my scheduled time when I am shooting for business purposes (versus shooting for my love of photography). There are a lot of books about stock photography. “Sell and Re-Sell Your Photos” and “Sellphotos.com” both by Rohn Engh, have been two of the best investments that I have ever made. I have a clearer understanding of the business of stock photography and where I fit. Stock photography is experiencing a great deal of change. Some long time stock photographers simply don’t like what is happening. Other long time stock photographers welcome the changes and adjust accordingly. Since I am relatively new to stock photography, the changes have little meaning or consequences to me. Author Michal Heron’s books “How to Shoot Stock Photos That Sell” and “Pricing Photography” were very valuable in broadening my understanding of the stock photography business. The latter book also offers pricing information for assignment photography.

There are many different types of photography. You can take pictures of anything and there is someone out there somewhere who would like to see the pictures that you take. So, photography is a great field to get into.

What is landscape photography?

Landscape photography is a great field of photography, especially if you love nature and if you love to travel. You can travel the world taking pictures of beautiful scenes across many countries. Of course, this is landscape photography on a big scale. Not many people are lucky enough to start off traveling the world.

But you can find beautiful landscapes right where you live. That’s the great thing about nature, it’s everywhere, and landscapes are everywhere. And that same sunset behind the mountain that you’ve seen everyday since you were a kid may look pretty amazing to someone who has never been to the mountains. Seeing the sun rise up out of the oceanfront may be absolutely astonishing to someone who has never been to the beach. It’s all relative.

What you may see every day is someone else’s treasure. If you can open your eyes to the beauty and see it, then other people can see it in your photography. It can be simple and everyday or it can be vast and amazing. It’s all about the great pictures you take. You may see a night city skyline, a series of lightening bolts or an interesting cloud; it’s how you take the picture that makes it beautiful to someone else.

How to Learn Landscape Photography

If you are serious about landscape photography, you should take a course. You may have already had a course in photography but you will want to take one specifically for landscape photography so you can learn how to get the best pictures possible. You will want to learn what film to use and how to work with the sunlight or other natural light. You will also learn about achieving a sense of balance and scale, how to photograph running water and similar issues that a landscape photographer might face.

If you can’t find any appropriate classes in your area, you can find them on the internet. You can also find many groups and message boards designed for landscape photographers to meet, share photos and tips and ideas. You can get tips and advice for your questions if you join these groups. You can also view the work of others, some that may be much more experienced than you. You can learn from them and their photos.

It is clear that charities are having to become even more inventive with their fundraising ideas these days, and fun running events are among the most interesting ones around.

I know quite a lot about these because of my fairly serious cheesecake habit. I had been searching for a way to work off the extra pounds for a while and going to a local gym just didn’t seem to do it for me. I tried playing football with a group of work colleagues but the post-match food and drinks just seemed to make me add on more weight.

A friend then suggested then suggested that I look at doing these running events for charity and I knew right away that it was a good idea. I get to lose a few pounds and do something worthwhile at the same time.

For All Shapes and Sizes

As I was quite badly out of shape I decided to take the training easy and work up to it. I needn’t have worried though, as the events are light hearted and there are even people who participate in them who seem to eat even less fruit and vegetables than I do.

It might not be everyone’s cup of tea, of course. I just have happen to have been looking for a way to keep fit which fits my lifestyle and needs, and running events like these are perfect for me.

It is not true that there is no money in photography. For those who are truly gifted, fame and fortune is easily achieved. In fact, there are a number of photographers who have reached the top of their field. There are actually a number of jobs that a photographer can get into. Pictures and visuals are important in most media and talented “lens” men are very much in demand in the market especially now with the age of multimedia.

Below are just some of the areas where photographers can get into and believe it, one can earn big bucks in each!

Magazine and newspaper photographer

Although it is more lucrative to do freelance photography, it is best for photographers who are ,just starting out to first establish contacts and build a name through magazines and newspapers. This is also the best place to earn experience in photography as you will encounter different kinds as well as interact with different kinds of people.

Newspaper photography is harder and more spontaneous compared to magazine photography, which is primarily shot in locations. When working for newspapers, one must be able to develop an eye for photos that will capture the readers attention as well as tell a story with its images.

Advertising agency

Another area where a photographer can get into is to work for an advertising agency where they will be conceptualizing ads for campaigns. One can start as a photographer and then gradually climb up through the ranks. One can even become an art director or if there is talent in conceptualizing, even a supervisor for overall operations.

Fashion shoots

A photographer can also work in fashion shoots. With much experience, they can even conceptualize a shoot and be its overall director. Most fashion houses hire photographers when coming up with a new collection for the season.

Event Photographer

Events like concerts and special occasions like weddings and debuts will require photographers who will document the event. Pictures are actually a large part of the preparation for the event and is almost as essential as the food.