tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4421680040644307548.post6093065980500501294..comments2023-06-25T03:54:07.998-04:00Comments on Julie Paisley Photography: Newbie Do's and Don'ts...just a little bit of wisdom from little ole' me!juliepaisleyphotographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13880965432986718403noreply@blogger.comBlogger28125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4421680040644307548.post-71731054176210492472012-01-09T10:38:22.681-05:002012-01-09T10:38:22.681-05:00Well said and thank you so much for sharing your a...Well said and thank you so much for sharing your advise...<br />I am one of the "new ones" on the scene (in Ireland) and I started exactly as you did. After years of snapping everything and anything, upgrading to better cameras and even getting studio equipment I am still learning. I am doing a course at the moment and only recently started using manual (!!) on the camera. I am aware of mistakes I make but don't always know how to change them. My Photoshop CS5 is brilliant, but can't always fix those. <br /> <br />Fiends and family kept on telling me to go and do it professional, but I didn't feel confident enough. Only recently I created my facebook page to clear out my private one and to promote myself. I am still not sure how much to charge people that's why I hardly earn with my shootings yet, even offer free sessions to build up my portfolio and being confident enough to charge more. <br />Photography is my passion and I love working with children. I don't do it for the money!!! <br />It will probably take another few years till I'll be able to call myself professional. Photography is an art and you can't just copy and paste other professional photographers knowledge. But you can learn of them that's why I am greatful for people like you sharing your pictures, tips and tricks and treasure all your advise to grow with my camera to a higher standard. <br /><br />Thank you from a big fan of yours<br />BiancaAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4421680040644307548.post-45753638458834821172012-01-09T09:52:16.392-05:002012-01-09T09:52:16.392-05:00I found your site through the grapevine, beginning...I found your site through the grapevine, beginning with the 'be nice' project and wanting more to understand what it was about. All in all, 'be nice' fits in every aspect of life :) but it's so good to have the support of fellow artists.<br /><br />I've read this post and completely agree with most of what you've shared. I began my 'name' long before I put it out there into the local world, through blogging. Shooting with a simple camera {Canon Powershot SX110IS} manually for a couple of years, people would want me to do their portraits. I couldn't, just couldn't with a camera like that. They didn't understand that I would have felt like such a fake carrying around a little pocket camera for portraits. I worked my way up, purchasing the next step but not buying the DSLR {MISTAKE} - I hated that thing. Another Powershot but with the ability for bells and whistles - a great zoom but the manual abilities made me nutty. I needed more.<br /><br />Still, I wasn't out there locally.<br /><br />I purchased my DSLR and got acquainted. Shortly after, people were pushing again...get noticed.<br /><br />I began in October 2010, very slowly...not 'advertising' but by word of mouth. I've been on the internet world sharing my photography for YEARS, mostly through blogging and such.<br /><br />It's really difficult for me, personally, to put a price tag on this!! I see what others charge and it scares me to think of ever being there. I began at $50 also, like you....{honest with taxes and such - can't stand that part of business}. My biggest struggle is the money.Heatherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04693495698843336789noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4421680040644307548.post-56090070179911208972012-01-09T08:28:34.780-05:002012-01-09T08:28:34.780-05:00I do have to say that was well put!! I myself am s...I do have to say that was well put!! I myself am still learning and don't consider myself professional... I make that clear everytime some one wants a session with me! I can relate to your start off very well! alot of people don't realize all the work and time that gets put into the art that we do! but it is all worth it in the end when you see the faces of the clients when they see the finished product! Thank you reading this gives a lil encouragement and makes me realize I am not alone!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4421680040644307548.post-85136180165385364832012-01-09T02:54:48.940-05:002012-01-09T02:54:48.940-05:00So well said!So well said!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4421680040644307548.post-7640533164817290652012-01-09T02:21:02.989-05:002012-01-09T02:21:02.989-05:00Thank you for this. I am not the kind of person w...Thank you for this. I am not the kind of person who is a jump in there and trample toes. I am just the opposite but I am dedicated to this dream now. My baby step was deciding to purchase my first DSLR camera last fall. I have taken pictures almost everyday since the wonderful UPS man arrived at my door with my camera. I post on my personal FB page and have had friends ask me to take photos of them. It started there. I haven't been able to as of yet due to the winter yucky weather. Up until tonight I had no idea how to start this dream rolling. Now I do. Thank you for that. Now for the courage to do so. =)Patsyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07022872776227503721noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4421680040644307548.post-37996412977085967262012-01-09T00:58:55.968-05:002012-01-09T00:58:55.968-05:00I totally agree with what you are saying, it's...I totally agree with what you are saying, it's a responsibility (to take client's pictures) and it's important to explain what to expect from you.Mayhttp://www.memoriesandcolors.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4421680040644307548.post-4048967124107983882012-01-09T00:02:13.800-05:002012-01-09T00:02:13.800-05:00Thank you for the tips I have had my new camera a ...Thank you for the tips I have had my new camera a d90 for almost a year and I like you just wanted to do it as a hobby but have been getting a lot of questions about sessions So I have asked other more seasoned photographers for advice and very few will answer the questions so thank you for this adviceAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4421680040644307548.post-15090529305518678332012-01-08T23:02:15.510-05:002012-01-08T23:02:15.510-05:00Thank you so much for the refreshing take on newbi...Thank you so much for the refreshing take on newbies. I am a hobbyist and nothing more. I practice taking pics of my nieces and nephews. I've been asked to take others' pics. I always steer them toward a professional in the area. I have no plans to do this for a living at this time. I've had pros in my home area downgrade me. But I've also met pros who are more than willing to "mentor" us newbies. It's great to know you and others like you are out there!:)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4421680040644307548.post-8200964999404354342012-01-08T23:00:13.404-05:002012-01-08T23:00:13.404-05:00Well put. Thank you. I've been in business for...Well put. Thank you. I've been in business for less than a year (and will offically be paying my 2011 taxes!), but I have clearly posted on my website that I am, "up and coming photographer." Most clients are just thrilled at the thought of having a picture or two used in my portfolio. I don't hide my past - I'm pretty upfront with it. <br />On the flip side - I have been shunned so much by other photographers, even some that are not in my 'area.' It's been so discouraging. They've been so unwilling to answer 'newbie' questions, they were all there once too, right? I always hope and pray that I'm not stepping on anyones toes or doing anything that would be considered, "not cool." I'd honestly hope someone would tell me if I was. <br />I'm always learning and will always continue to learn. Maybe one day I'll consider myself (or another photog will) a professional too.Karey Ronnowhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05284400339362453352noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4421680040644307548.post-39919970296735880542012-01-08T22:58:56.483-05:002012-01-08T22:58:56.483-05:00This comment has been removed by the author.Karey Ronnowhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05284400339362453352noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4421680040644307548.post-20382330902925385682012-01-08T22:49:52.004-05:002012-01-08T22:49:52.004-05:00This is amazing! I am now two years into this &quo...This is amazing! I am now two years into this "officially part time", and got myself a business name- after several previous years just doing it for friends and family for a few bucks or as a gift to someone who otherwise wouldn't have had a wedding photographer. I always told brides/grooms how new I was, and I kept in close contact with my good friends who were seasoned professionals (and even referred a couple of clients there way when I knew I wasn't up to what they wanted) Even now I always speak highly of the professionals who inspired and encouraged me. Just this last few months, my work has reached a level where I feel I can start really calling myself 'a professional photographer'- but even at that I am still learning and have a long way to go. I've registered for a workshop with an amazing photographer I follow on fb, and I can't wait to learn more.... thanks for posting this article! I love it.<br />(oh, and for posting links on other photog blogs...this one asks for an account or a URL... so I gave my website as I don't have the other accounts....lol... see, now you've made me self-conscious)Sandrahttp://www.anotherperspectivephotography.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4421680040644307548.post-7727721055304983312012-01-08T22:29:20.841-05:002012-01-08T22:29:20.841-05:00Thanks Julie. I've been taking pictures for a...Thanks Julie. I've been taking pictures for a little while, but just in the last 6 months, been advertising more and getting more "non family" clients :). I know I am in more of the portfolio building than professional stage, but am taking strides towards that on a consistent basis. I appreciate you writing this, and all you do. Thanks!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4421680040644307548.post-90407278559622021872012-01-08T22:18:56.374-05:002012-01-08T22:18:56.374-05:00Newbie or not, I think your work is what people wi...Newbie or not, I think your work is what people will look at and choose you before another. If somebody has really good work when they start, then thumbs up. Clients have to take the fall if their photos do not turn out by knowing they did not do their homework up front. Clients picking a "bad" photographer will make them pick a good one next time. It is all by word of mouth both ways. A "bad" photographer will be out of business fairly quickly if I understand things correctly.<br /><br />Still, I think this article was great.Mariann Asburyhttps://www.facebook.com/BambinoZoomnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4421680040644307548.post-53572235539669480962012-01-08T22:11:54.503-05:002012-01-08T22:11:54.503-05:00I loved this article. I started out a couple month...I loved this article. I started out a couple months back and still working hard. Hoping to maybe someday even come close to some of you guys...Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4421680040644307548.post-10646971335954349322012-01-06T14:51:47.507-05:002012-01-06T14:51:47.507-05:00Thank you so much for your words of wisdom, I real...Thank you so much for your words of wisdom, I really appreciate you sharing your knowledge. :)<br />Diane <br /> A newbie to the 'art'.<br /> <br />www.picsbydiane.comAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4421680040644307548.post-19233144465640195062011-06-27T13:34:38.168-04:002011-06-27T13:34:38.168-04:00Thank you so much Julie! Reading this gave me &qu...Thank you so much Julie! Reading this gave me "warm fuzzies"! When I was first staring out I sought another photographer to mentor me because I really admired her work. She was so mean and hateful that I nearly put my camera down and walked away from pursuing my passion. I'm so grateful for photographers like you who really want to help newbies and yet maintains the proper respect for those who have worked so hard at their art! Thank you! I hope you have years and years of capturing beautiful moments for your clients!Kimberlyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16842297101950023675noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4421680040644307548.post-67535493892999094012011-06-27T08:40:09.834-04:002011-06-27T08:40:09.834-04:00Thank you for summarizing all of these tips in one...Thank you for summarizing all of these tips in one spot. I love that you emphasized the value of practice. It's hard to be patient, but it takes a lot of time and practice to develop your skills and your own personal style. I attended your workshop back in February, and that was a great starting point for me. Thank you for being so helpful to others--those like me who are just starting out and seasoned photogs as well.Susan Dixonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04097926923272368796noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4421680040644307548.post-11568485762081751362011-06-26T23:27:42.055-04:002011-06-26T23:27:42.055-04:00Great Article! I loved it :)Great Article! I loved it :)Cristna Miguelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11042700221388764478noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4421680040644307548.post-74770699609706158982011-06-26T22:38:04.786-04:002011-06-26T22:38:04.786-04:00As a professional photographer, I feel that I will...As a professional photographer, I feel that I will ALWAYS be learning. Therefore charging less for portfolio building did not make sense to me. I want people to hire me because they like my style, and my work. Discounting just hurts you in the long run, once is a while is ok but try using other incentives such as an extra photo sheet or not having a time limit while doing an event. Do not devalue yourself just because you are new and learning!! Your work, your art and your time are just as valuable now than it will be in 20 years. There is no change in how valuable you are, simply because you will always be learning and improving. To me, being a professional is knowing your limits, making those limits clear and doing your best no matter what. If I don't have the the style you are looking for I don't mind helping to find the photographer that is for you.Holley Leslie Photographyhttp://www.holleyleslie.zenfolio.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4421680040644307548.post-22697891095298262042011-06-26T22:02:59.171-04:002011-06-26T22:02:59.171-04:00I am going to share this! :)I am going to share this! :)Jaimehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14439309789804987851noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4421680040644307548.post-33261976571863387882011-06-26T21:32:33.717-04:002011-06-26T21:32:33.717-04:00Very well said. :)Very well said. :)Jessica Mariehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04653212040953848644noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4421680040644307548.post-44745434561498562602011-06-26T20:32:30.610-04:002011-06-26T20:32:30.610-04:00great article again and I so agree knowledge is me...great article again and I so agree knowledge is meant to be shared. thank you :)Brigitahttp://photographyinspirationblog.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4421680040644307548.post-18112156939010616482011-06-26T19:15:22.957-04:002011-06-26T19:15:22.957-04:00Thank you so much for this! I feel like I am alrea...Thank you so much for this! I feel like I am already following most your advice as a newbie, I will keep the rest of it in mind as I move forward. I agree with every word, and appreciate your candidness. :) <br />Thanks again for posting this, it was very encouraging and straight forward. <br />BTW, Your photos are stunning! Love your stuff!Emily Herbertnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4421680040644307548.post-62344888928906165822011-06-26T19:02:22.186-04:002011-06-26T19:02:22.186-04:00You put what I want to say in the BEST words :) Th...You put what I want to say in the BEST words :) This is so true and I did the same thing by practicing, practicing, and practicing and i agree striving to ALWAYS be better is a must! Thanks for this! I"m going to share it with some people I know that are starting out!Brittany Sweathttp://www.brittanysweat.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4421680040644307548.post-10718766478365829362011-06-26T18:37:27.894-04:002011-06-26T18:37:27.894-04:00This is very helpful! Thank you! I am at a point t...This is very helpful! Thank you! I am at a point that I want to be in business, charge for sessions etc without calling myself a professional, because I know I am not yet! I put 5-10 hours into each session between from driving to a session to delivering the photos, I feel I need to charge for my time at least! But I wondered if it is appropriate to have a website and call my self a "photograher". Notice I didn't say "professional". I have always made sure that anyone that asks me to do pictures has seen my work and knows that I am working toward being a professional. A couple never got back in touch, and totally understandable! I know I could have run into all kinds problems had they expected something completely different and were disatisfied! Thank you for encouraging us newbies! I know I ain't a professional and it gets under my skin when I see someone that still shoots manual and their photos just look like point and shoot snap shops and they call them selves pro so I can only imagine what true professionals feel! Again thank you for taking a moment to share your wisdom!<br /><br />I am going to share this on the page I just started "Just Starting Out Photography and Photoshop", I think others will find it encouraging too!Arminda Doziernoreply@blogger.com