Well, I have been taking more and more photos and thought I should look into doing it on the side for a little extra $$. I decided to shoot an email to a local photographer and ask for some advice. I asked how this person got started and what a new comer should expect, yada yada. I was patiently awaiting a response when a few days later it entered my inbox...
Excited to see what he had to say, I stopped what I was doing to devote all my attention to this email. But what I read was pretty discouraging. I know he wasn't trying to be rude, just honest, but it still was a little saddening.
The email explained that the Central Valley is not very big on sport, fashion, or commercial photography, but mostly portraits (big shock). The best way to get your foot in the door is to work for a photographer (be their B%&$#). That way you can see how the photographer photographs and also runs the business (boring! jk). And lastly, that it is not all about the art (huh?). Hmmm. Sad. The email went on to say that this is a really bad time to think about entering the field because of the economy (duh, it's a bad time to do anything!).
So, I am now pretty bummed. I was thinking I would get some fluffy response but I can only thank him for his brutal honesty. I will continue taking photos and maybe email some other photographers and try to get their take on the idea and hope they don't have the same answers.....
You should email our wedding photographer... he's so awesome and he would probably have some good advice for you. He's pretty young himself, not much older than 30ish. Go to his website... colinmichaelphoto.com. Just tell him you know me and ur not a stranger =)
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