How many Pro photographers are here?

when i was freelance, i tried to fill up whatever spare time i had with building up my stock library of images. currently using the image file. i havent given it the time of day properly yet but i introduced a mate to them and he's flying along. mixture of both client and stock i guess can work..

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The summer is here and the time is right,
We're going racing in the street..

Canon Forever

1Dmk2,10D, 20mm,28-70mm,200mm, Elinchrom3000,1500,600's,500's, Multiblitz200,Bronica SQb, expensive Manfrotto tripod

Hey

I have done a number of weddings, one CD cover picture and few family portraits. Al were by word of mouth, recently I set up a website.

Taka

I worked freelance on local papers. Private bookings for weddings, private sittings, photographed hotels for their advertisments in brochures etc. Plus anything else I could point my lens at. The problem was I found I spent 80% of my time either finding or bidding for the work rather than doing it. It's a good life, but not always an easy one.

Phil

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Regards....Phil

If it moves shoot it. If it doesn't move, still shoot it.

I make some money from my photos and from my digital art, I've looked at photo libraries and remain sceptical I'm looking for agents to sell my art and photos under licence to industry.
I also make embroidery, tapestry and rug making patterns from my work. Just started so will be interested to see how it goes.
Most of my money comes through Second Life, I sell my art and photography there as framed prints as well as putting it on my 3D models of pottery sold in SL. It's a crowded market so you need soemthing different for it to sell. I also do photos in SL and bring them out into the real world for promo work.

I wouldnt class myself as a professional photographer but i do sell my work... i often have exhibitions in libraries etc, and work weekends at shows taking photos of peoples dogs/animals, i have also had images published in magazines, but i have also heard if you are paid money in any way you are classed as a professional? as i have also tried entering competitions where it states not open to Professional Photographers..in brackets(have been paid for their work or had publications).
So where is the dividing line here?

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"Take only pictures, Leave only footprints, kill only time"



www.bevbarkerphotos.com
www.k9imageworld.com

Hi im a full timer .... i sell through photographers direct my web site galleries etc, i do everything ( well nearly ) advertising, gigs, prints, weddings, engagements etc and some design for CD covers, to make it your main income you need to be able to do a bit of everything in my humble opinion, tuition and photo days can be good as a full time income too.
i totally agree with Alistair about the micro agencies (dont touch them with a barge poll) they devalue not only yours but others work and ruin and cheapen the market! so much so you may as well set up a car boot sale stool and knock your pictures out for 20p each
good luck genese

Never been full time. Nearly made the break about fourteen years ago. Shot mostly equestrian shows for quick turn around payment, and shot a fair bit of magazine work for varous angling publications. That was mostly using velvia (for the mags) on my RB67 and a couple of T90's for the horse work. Those days are gone now and i'm all digital and I miss the RB. Now I shoot babies and lots of them. I also am the sole photographer for two wine merchants which is a nice earner, but they are fussy as hell. Done a small amount of weddings but never enjoyed it at all. I have total admiration for wedding photogs. Shoot fine art every now and again but artists can be a pain in the butt for paying on time.

weddings are a as and when ... i dont look for them nor do i advertise for them! they nearly always end up in a punch up! ohh god im cynical! to be honest id suggest anyone to enjoy photography as a hobby the reality of making a living at it is long tiresome and on some days soul destroying! (i could be having a bad day)

Hi Genese, your work looks good to me, and its nice to be in the company of guys who i am learning so much from. I have had really good comments, mediocre comments but no bad ones yet.....!? As for making a living at it take my hat off if you can find something you do well, like/love doing and get paid for it......

I am at the strictly amateur (2 months in) end of the hobby and you guys give me the motivation to go and have a go. Dont think i would ever have the nerve to even ask for someone to pay for my photos!!!!

If you are having a bad day...sometimes i am out at 5-30am not back until 8pm have to drive 3-400 miles and do 8hrs work in an office some days. Think of me...I know lots do that but i am not doing something i enjoy if you know what i am driving at.

Dennis

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Denny Boy

"Logic gets you from A to B, its your dreams that take you anywhere"

http://www.flickr.com/photos/dennyboy

Picture of me if you are curious!

I just think of my 10 years working for the NHS and thats enough to make me feel better about it all! there are times when i look at photography jobs and then think i should apply to do it full time under contract... but the pick and choose aspect goes out the window then!
i got to the stage when people would ask me to do photos for them alot... wheni started to thing ... would i ask them to come do my accounts for free or give me things from their shops for free NO! so thats when i decided it was time to set up on my own and use my gift to make money..
when phoning clients or drumming up trade or even dealing with agencies the worst anyone can say is no! either the image is wrong or your not what they want.
the main thing is you enjoy!

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The eyes are a window to your next pay cheque