Somewhere in my boxes back at my parents’, there are piles of pictures of clouds. No, that isn’t a metaphor for anything. When I was in high school, I would buy disposable cameras to take pictures of clouds. I always wanted to take a photography class in high school but the fee put my parents off and I had work, on top of my extracurricular activities that would get me a scholarship to college. Later on in life, I continued to take pictures but never with intent.
Only in the last year or so have I really started to put my passions in the front lines of my everyday life and photography is slowly making its way up to the surface. I have been making more of an effort to capture the world through my eyes. I am nowhere close to a professional (I don’t even have a tripod yet!) but I’m pretty proud of some of the images I capture.
It wasn’t until recently that I even though of selling my pictures, let alone actually get photography gigs. It definitely won’t be often but I am planning on building up a portfolio, starting with my friend’s wedding in January. Yes, someone wants ME to take pictures of their big day…Crazy.
So the next few months will be spent learning as much as I can about taking wedding pictures, how to use my camera the best and even getting a tripod. Until then, I am trying to figure out the best way to sell my pictures before putting a “PQ Photography” tab at the top of this site.
If you’re a photographer, I’d love your input.
How did you get started? Any tips you have for a beginner? Where/how do you sell your prints?
My camera is a Sony Cybershot DSC-H55. You can find my pictures on my Flickr.
Kristin Reply:
August 26th, 2010 at 11:52 am
I agree with Suzie. If you’re going to take photography seriously you definitely need a pro camera. And lessons. Lots of lessons and practice! You’ve got the desire but you’ve got to get the technical and composition skills. Anybody with a camera can take photos but it takes skill, artistry, and a good eye to make photos that standout. Photographing people is difficult and if you’re THE wedding photography you’ve got a crash course to do and honestly, you might want to consider being the backup instead. If you’re just taking photos during the reception and whatnot it should be good practice.
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PQ Reply:
August 26th, 2010 at 1:40 pm
I will definitely be diving into this head first. I do plan on taking lessons and I take this super seriously. My friend is aware that I’m a beginner and still reached out to me to take her wedding/reception pictures.
I have a lot of friends who are amazing photographers so I will be picking their brains without a doubt.
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