Need some advice....

[kmp1191]

I have always enjoyed photography....and about 5 years ago, took some basic and advanced photography courses at the local college. I took a job with a local professional photographer as a part-time assistant, and have moved up to associate photographer. I love doing weddings and families, but have come to a crossroads. I'm contemplating quitting working for Photog Boss, and doing freelance on my own. I debating purchasing my own lighting equipment and backdrops and upgrading my camera body, but I'm nervous. It seems that everybody and their brother has become a professional overnight when they bought their digital camera.

Should I invest the money and go out on my own, or continue working & making money for someone else?

Thanks for your help....
marie

 

[MedCruise07]

I am nowhere near even contemplating photography as a profession, but could you do both? Invest in some equipment and start doing some freelance but also keep your present job? Or would the present boss not agree?

 

[mabas9395]

What is the competition like in your area. Is there plenty of work to go around? Your photo boss may be making the money, but he is also taking on all of the costs.

Some times it is easier to work for someone else, that way you get to do what you love and let someone else worry about the business side of things.

 

[jann1033]

i tend to agree with mabas on this. what is the economy like in your area? our's is horrible and probably not the best time to try to start up something that people don't "need" when money is tight if you need to live on it. if you can't do both( and some employers would probably not like that since you are competing with them) I'd call a small business agency( usually i think if you call job and family services or some one like that they could tell you who, it's called "score" around here but don't know if that is local or not) and talk to someone knowledgeable before i made the move. in our area that is a free service.

 

[kmp1191]

I haven't talked to photog boss about this. He and I have two totally different styles....he's EXTREMELY traditional and is completely unwilling to learn new techniques. He doesn't seem to care that some brides no longer want the same poses that were popular 15 years ago. We have discussed this several times, and he says that he's traditional, and if I want to shoot creatively, I can....but yet he doesn't use any of my work. He also likes to shoot, shoot, shoot, and then use photoshop to fix everything....color, contrast, lighting, etc....I'd rather shoot it correctly and use photoshop to color enhance, (black & white w/ the flowers in color etc.) I would also like to expirement more, and he says that there is no reason to. I'd like to get a friend of mine and do a "trash the dress" session....but he says that's stupid because it won't sell. I guess I'm wanting to be more creative and I feel like he is holding me back. There have actually been times after I've shot with him that I don't ever want to pick the camera up again. I've done several weddings, families and Sr. portraits on my own that he doesn't know about, and have received wonderful compliments and referrals. I'm not really worried about making a bunch of money, I just love doing it, but I think he is sucking the passion out of it for me.

Sorry for the whine/vent session...just in a weird place with this.

m

 

[DueyDooDah]

You need to leave the setting before you are too far gone to recover. There is no reason to work for anyone that makes life miserable. There is always another job waiting for your talent. Never let anyone tell you otherwise. Freelance while looking for other opportunities or pick up something that makes you happy while freelancing until you feel successful. Then choose the life you want. Don't let someone pick it for you.

Of course, if you are a bread-winner, you have other considerations - and opportunities if you work well with your mate.

 

[kmp1191]

Thanks Duey! That's pretty much what my husband says too. Photography is not my only job, but it is my passion. I actually use the money for extras. The first year I paid off credit cards, the second year I took the family to WDW for a week....It's not budgeted money. I love doing it, but I think it's time to cut ties w/ bossman. DH says he's sucking the creativity out of me.

Thanks for the advice guys....I think it's going to be a struggle....but heck, isn't everything these days?

Ok....so what kind of lighting equiptment would ya'll recommend?

m

 

[MarkBarbieri]

Ok....so what kind of lighting equiptment would ya'll recommend?

Alien Bees. It's not the best, but it's very good for the price.