Quote: (05-13-2017 08:24 PM)Sebastian Wrote:
I would start with older full frame cameras like nikon d700. Just ignore those new model cameras in 3000 and 5000 something unless you want to be one of those dads walking around on his neck shooting Auto. You just cant go back to crop sensor once you felt that shutter sound from full frame.
$
Put money in Glass. It doesnt really depreciates esp if you buy it used.
Sony A7 series is great if you plan to shoot videos too. Its favored by hipster photographers these days i believe.
To OP, how did you start charging decent money and getting clients?
I just wanted to do something on the side but its just ridiculous how much they are offering.
(Craigslist gig section. Usually no pay or under miminum wage. Competition is very high too)
Did you set up a nice website and just wait for customers who are willing to pay?
My story is just that, mine; everyone's mileage WILL vary. My first target was weddings (have not shot a wedding now in over a year, my own choice). When I first got into this stuff, a lot of people around me were getting ready to tie the knot. My very first weekend of shooting was the result for me putting out 'free engagement session' offers to some people who knew some people who were engaged. I did two for free, then started to charge a very low fee. The first wedding I shot totally on my own was the wedding of a couple of friends of mine; they wanted photos but were not picky and their budget reflected that - they paid me $1,000 to shoot their wedding. At the beginning it is fun, you are passionate and excited to really put into practice everything you've been learning (by assisting established pros), but there is also a lot of pressure because you need every gig to produce some portfolio-worthy images (so you can charge more $$). All the while, I am building up my blog and facebook presence. I slowly built up my portfolio and upped my price every few weddings. It was hard, I am over simplifying a bit. Word of mouth is powerful, I had some clients whose weddings led to several more (like a pyramid).
Another very important factor is where you are located - I am in Orange County. Compared to the USA overall, almost everyone here has money and, in many parts of the southern cali as a whole, people are willing pay more for what they want (or what they perceive they want). Weddings are a big business in LA/OC/SD counties, a huge business.
I am not sure exactly what is going up on craigslist these days, but what you describe sounds terrible. I did run into some clients who said 'Well this guys i offering everything you are for 1/3 the price, can you match?'. Well, the truth is it SEEMED to them that he was matching my services, but the reality is, they could not match my quality, customer service, references, portfolio etc. Did everyone buy it when I told them that? Not a chance. But you gotta call their bluff and be ready for them to walk away if they wont pay you what you want (I was always ready to negotiate a bit, but not down to craigslist numbers). If you are in business for yourself for a long enough time, you become at least proficient in noticing the signs of a bad client. Don't touch them, you'll get burned. Decent clients are out there. I have heard some bad stories from former 'craigslist clients', but also some good ones - it is simply a mixed bag.
I have also collected over the years a decent group of teams that I photograph. The systems are a bit more complicated, but there is still great $$ potential in this. I am now focused (punny) on architectural/design photography and have shot hundreds of commercial properties - caught a big break on that because I impressed the right extended family member. Once you get a foot in the door, you claw your way through that doorway. Got a drone too for this work.