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A photographer without a Camera
Kerri McMullen, Student/Intern
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Pittsburgh | PA | | Posted: 9:25 AM on 04.02.07 |
->> I am without a camera now, but still want to do something with photography of course. What other areas of photography can I still do without a camera? Any suggestions? I am sure that I could assist someone of course, but not sure how to even get started doing that. What are my other options?
I am trying to get into the field, and make a little bit of money, so that I may save up to buy a camera of my own. I graduate next quarter and would like to get something going soon.
Just asking for a little bit of guidance-thank you |
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Kohl Threlkeld, Student/Intern
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Bowling Green | KY | USA | Posted: 9:50 AM on 04.02.07 |
->> Kerri-
You could work for a local camera store/ Processing lab. That way you could get a discount on a camera when you get ready to buy one. If you find a store that is a canon or nikon dealer then you can do direct factory purchasing from that factory and save ALOT of money on a camera, lenses and flashes. |
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David Bernacchi, Photographer
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Milwaukee | WI | USA | Posted: 9:56 AM on 04.02.07 |
->> Kerri,
Do you have lenses ? What were you using before? |
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Bryan Rinnert, Photographer, Photo Editor
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Raleigh | NC | United States | Posted: 10:13 AM on 04.02.07 |
| ->> Be a photo editor or researcher, not just for newspapers but magazines, online outlets. I did it for more then 8 years, though now I'm going back to having camera in hand. |
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Kerri McMullen, Student/Intern
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Pittsburgh | PA | | Posted: 11:01 AM on 04.02.07 |
->> I was using school equipment, and now that is very limited to the usage.
I have two film cameras, both Nikon, and both with very short lenses. |
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Jean Finley, Photographer, Photo Editor
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Iowa City | IA | USA | Posted: 11:28 AM on 04.02.07 |
| ->> Do you mean creatively? or as a job? |
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Preston Mack, Photographer
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Orlando | FL | USA | Posted: 11:46 AM on 04.02.07 |
| ->> Track down the freelance editorial and commercial shooters in your area. Introduce yourself and asst for them. |
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Nick Wright, Photographer, Photo Editor
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Independence | KS | USA | Posted: 12:03 PM on 04.02.07 |
| ->> What's stopping you from making photos with the cameras you have? |
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Colin Lenton, Student/Intern, Photographer
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Philadelphia | PA | United States | Posted: 12:23 PM on 04.02.07 |
->> Assisting is a great idea... also - it maybe considered risky but if you're serious about it, a small loan or a new 0% interest credit card can be a great way to get a camera...
Start taking jobs with that camera and you should be able to pay it off before you owe any interest, or at the very least - much interest. |
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Derek Montgomery, Photographer
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Duluth | MN | USA | Posted: 12:39 PM on 04.02.07 |
| ->> Build your website from the images you already have taken. A website can be one of the most valuable tools to market yourself and pick up new clients and work. So while you don't have a camera now, building yourself a website could be one of the most beneficial things you could do photography-related that does not include picking up a camera and using it. |
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Kerri McMullen, Student/Intern
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Pittsburgh | PA | | Posted: 12:43 PM on 04.02.07 |
->> Derek:
Actually I am almost done with my website, I just have to add the gallery section, which of course is the most important part of the site.
I guess my only hang up is that clients want digital format most of the time. I am not sure that I can dedicate the time or FIND the time to scan all of my negs after they are processed, which would be at another location. Plus, I do not have a flash for my camera either.
I just feel so constricted to do something that I do not want to do, well the shooting style. |
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Nick Wright, Photographer, Photo Editor
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Independence | KS | USA | Posted: 1:25 PM on 04.02.07 |
->> Walgreens Photo in this part of the woods charges like $5 to develop a roll of film and put the images on a CD with no prints and it's done in less than an hour.
No it's probably not "the best" but it could get you a handful of paying jobs, at least enough to get a digital body. And you'll probably have to forego shooting for clients that need immediate delivery, but you could focus on things like portraits or weddings or magazines or whatnot that aren't looking to have images emailed right from the event.
As to a flash, if you have to have one, you can get Vivitar 283s and 285s on eBay for very little. And you can also now get brand new 285s (which will also be safe for your digi when you get it) for just under $100.
Not trying to sound like an @$$, just trying to point out that there's still a lot you can do with a little gear. |
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Clark Brooks, Photo Editor, Photographer
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Urbana | IL | USA | Posted: 1:28 PM on 04.02.07 |
->> Kerri:
If I were in your shoes I would concentrate on serving client's needs with your film bodies, even if it means turning down some jobs. When you've reached a point where you are consistently generating enough income on average to make payments to pay off a camera body in 18 months, then buy your first dSLR or whatever gear you need to pick up. You don't have to acquire everything you need at once. It takes time, years (unless you win lotto or inherit large sums of cash) to build you equipment locker.
To speed the process I would get as many jobs as I could possibly handle, working as many hours as possible a day/week for six months, a year, or longer that I could. Meanwhile, keeping my living expenses as low as possible to build a war chest for buying the needed gear and to create a three month (six is idea, 12 months would be the bomb) buffer of living expenses so that I could comfortable jump into freelancing with both feet if I were you. The extended time period gives a comfortable amount of time to be able to locate or shop for good deals on used gear (or new) while you fill you working bag piece by piece.
Buying a gear with a credit card and entering the field as full time freelancer is risky at this stage IMHO for you. As others said in this thread, look for other photographers to intern or assist for a year or two so you'll learn more about the business, the markets that are available, and the opportunities that are available in your area that has either great potential or little competition from other vendors.
It has been said here before and I'll repeat it because it is important: Learn the business of photography and study what successful photographers do to market themselves.
A website is important (also, I recommend not using flash - but I think I'm too late for that), but you have to get out and meet people. Start networking with not only other photographers and editors, but business owners (if you want corporate work), high school juniors and sophomores (senior portraits), friends who are engaged or going to be so in the near future (weddings and engagement photos), and expectant mothers (newborn and baby pics) as examples. All of these groups and more are potential clients and people who will happily refer you once they see your work or become familiar with it.
Do be afraid to move. When you travel, shop the towns you pass through for opportunities. What are existing services? Is their a niche I could fill? Are there photographers here who could use an intern or assistant? Keep your eyes open for opportunity where ever you go.
You have the gear you need to get started, but you'll have to be aggressive in find opportunities to generate income to upgrade to the gear you want. While have dSLR gear would definitely be more convenient, if a shooter can't generate $$$ and clients with their film gear I don't think they will be able to do any better digital. |
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Wesley R. Bush, Photographer
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Nashville | TN | U.S. | Posted: 1:42 PM on 04.02.07 |
->> A part-time job with a bunch of quick overtime would easily pay for a new body. Bust out some quick hours somewhere and buy one. You can get a brand new 30D from Samy's for less than $1200. You could buy a used body for much less in less than a month.
The quickest sure-fire money-making scheme is hard work. |
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Gabriel Hernandez, Photographer
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Harlingen | TX | USA | Posted: 2:17 PM on 04.02.07 |
| ->> You can always pull out a loan from your bank and buy equipment with it. When I was in college I pulled out a 5,000 loan to buy a Nikon D100, Sigma, 14mm, 24-70 and 70-200 and a Power Book G4. Its not a fast camera or the best lenses, but I did get my portfolio done. |
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Darren Whitley, Photographer
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Maryville | MO | USA | Posted: 2:24 PM on 04.02.07 |
| ->> Holga! |
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Jeff Mills, Photographer, Photo Editor
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Columbus | OH | USA | Posted: 7:28 PM on 04.02.07 |
->> Not sure if you shoot Nikon or Canon but used Canon bodies like the Rebel XT can be had for around $400. Even older ones like the original rebel or the 10D for even less than that.
Sad reality though is that its a tough tough field, and trying to enter it with no gear makes things that much tougher. I think getting a body needs to be high on your list of priorities. Assisting and so forth can be a great way to learn as well, but nothing makes up for getting your hands dirty. Assist with some lighting setups and learn and then you've got to come home and try to put what you've picked up into actual use for yourself.
I don't mean to sound like one of those people who think the gear takes pictures, because yes, its the photographer, but at the same time, the gear is a big part of the equation. At least until we can hook a machine to our temples and print out what memories we have.
Why limit yourself to photographic jobs though if your looking to make money ? Photography is a horrible way to make money! LOL
Seriously though, why not pick up a few shifts as a waiter or something along those lines ?
I used to serve tables and made at least $100/night. I take it your still in school and have limited freetime but just pick up two shifts a week, such as Friday and Saturday and in one month you'll have made enough money to buy a decent body.
As someone else said too, maybe work the counter at a photo store. $8/hr, 20hr a week, and a discount and probably first dibs on some used bargins and you'll still have a body within a month. |
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Walter Calahan, Photographer
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Westminster | MD | USA | Posted: 7:42 PM on 04.02.07 |
->> Keep using, challenging and working on you mind.
Use your mind to see and compose images as you journey through your life.
Keep challenging yourself to see things that others don't see - a shadow, a gesture, light has it shapes and colors your environment.
Keep working to see and understand the world differently than the commonplace.
Photographers should be able to see photographs without a camera to the eye. |
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Wally Nell, Photographer
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CAIRO | EG | EGYPT | Posted: 9:41 PM on 04.02.07 |
->> In the interim, as somebody has suggested already, shoot with film. The only real difference between film and digital is the turnaround time for your deadlines. OK, it also depends on the scans you can get from your local lab. But seriously, what stops you from shooting film and just having it scanned to CD as some have said? Your only handicap will be if you are on a tight deadline, so you will probably not want to take any assignments with tough deadlines. But, nothing stops you from doing jobs with longer deadlines, like a few weddings, or portraits, or corporate work, ... and once you have done a few of those, you will have earned enough money to purchase what you need. One good wedding will purchase you a good DSLR body. 2 or 3 weddings will pay for a 1D MkIIn, ...etc etc etc.
I suggest that if you learn to work with what you have, you will become more versatile and will teach you to 'see' things just a little differently. In our world of photography, the big drive is to 'be different'. Shooting with film already makes you different. Exploit it. Don't see it as a stumbling block but an opportunity to produce something not everyone does. You have a film camera, learn to do cross processing and go shoot interesting portraits. |
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Ian Hurley, Photographer
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Boston | MA | United States | Posted: 10:32 PM on 04.02.07 |
->> Kerri,
There are a lot of really great photographers and photo/art related resources right in your backyard. Check out: Silver Eye Center for Photography, Carnegie Museums, Pittsburgh Filmmakers, The Manchester Craftsman Guild, ASMP Pittsburgh (for assisting).
If you're really into sports, contact the Pirates, maybe there's a way you can work/volunteer at PNC Park this summer.
With audio now a huge tool for visual journalists, you might want to contact WQED or WDUQ.
A good paying part-time job would also give you opportunities to keep shooting through the spring/summer while making a little coin for digital.
As others have already aptly stated, varying your experiences in life will yield a stronger eye, heart and mind. This will help you immensely as you enter the workforce/job market too. Be open to exploring new, unfamiliar ideas and journeys. The "bind" you're in now could most certainly work out to be a blessing for you.
I am from the burgh (and travel back there a lot), so if you're interested in talking more specifically, feel free to be in touch.
General:
http://pghfilmmakers.org
http://www.silvereye.org/
http://www.manchesterguild.org/indexflash.htm
http://www.cmoa.org/
http://www.wqed.org/
http://www.wduq.org/
Assisting:
http://www.pittsburghasmp.org/
http://www.editorialphoto.com/find/
Freelance Work?:
http://www.pittsburghcitypaper.ws/gyrobase/index |
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Colin Corneau, Photographer
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Brandon | MB | Canada | Posted: 10:38 PM on 04.02.07 |
->> Walter Calahan took my view on it.
But from the purely practical POV, why not shoot a few weddings? No problem shooting film for those, and the money is good enough in one or two shots to get a pretty good set-up, especially if you shop wisely. |
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Jack Megaw, Student/Intern, Photographer
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West Chester | PA | United States | Posted: 10:39 PM on 04.02.07 |
->> Kerri,
I find that I get good images with film- I get better ones with my digital-I am in no way dismissing film, If I were you I would perhaps do what I did when all my camera gear was stolen out of the back of my jeep (on Christmas day last year) is shoot film, and work at CVS , I sold a few of my better images, and within a month I had my D200.
Looking at your SS page you have some very nice images- and if you were to sell a few prints of some of your images I see you getting your DSLR sooner than you think.
Best of luck.
-Jack |
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Kerri McMullen, Student/Intern
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Pittsburgh | PA | | Posted: 12:14 AM on 04.03.07 |
->> I really appreciate all this advise. I suppose you guys are ALL right, keep shooting even though it is with my film camera. I just would rather spend the scanning time with other processing ways since that is available. However not available to me right now. A good kick in the butt and a realizing what I need to do is something I should had not needed. But I am just in a weird position with graduation closing in now.
Hey, if any of you need an assistant and you are close to the Pittsburgh area let me know..-thanks for all your help again:) |
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Jeff Mills, Photographer, Photo Editor
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Columbus | OH | USA | Posted: 1:04 AM on 04.03.07 |
->> Not to disrespect anyone, but come on guys, weddings are not to be taken lightly. Weddings are one of the most important days in the clients entire life and they should never be thought of simply as a way to make easy cash to pay for gear.
Wedding photography is one of the single most challenging types of photography out there. There is so much pressure to deliver and when your charing $1500 and up, you'd better be able to deliver. Never, never, never ever shoot a wedding without a backup body. What are you going to do if something breaks ? Tell the bride and groom they are out of luck and maybe Uncle Bob got some nice shots ?
If you want to shoot weddings, more power to you, but at least do it in a professional manner that won't hurt the industry and all the working men and women who are striving to still provide quality wedding photography. Thats a market segment thats really being hurt right now but all the people who buy their first DSLR and think they can shoot weddings.
Only when they get to the church do they find out that gee, that pop up flash on their Canon Rebel doesn't work to well and boy, weddings are actually pretty hard. Oh well they say, it was just for fun and to help pay for a new lens, no harm done (to them). To the B&G who hired them and have zero usable shots of the ceremony though its quite a different story.
So please, if you want to become a wedding phtographer, take the time to learn the craft and do it right. Assist another shooter first or work or a second shooter. Make sure you've got backup's for all your equipment. Make sure you have the equipment to handle any situations such as when the minister says "no flash" durin the ceremony. And seriously consider joining an organization such as the PPA that strives to promote these values. |
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Thao Nguyen, Student/Intern
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Syracuse | NY | USA | Posted: 1:30 PM on 04.03.07 |
->> This is probably not so great advice but I say purchase what you need with a new credit card that gives you a year or so with 0% interest and work your butt off! Even if its just working a entry job or something and shooting/assisting on weekends.
A flash isn't everything, most of my porfolio was accomplished by natural light so I wouldn't stress so much on not having one for your film body.
For me... laptop down (not paid off)... 17-35mm, flash, replacement camera body with working back- next on the list!
Student debts... ouch. But hey everything works out in the end! |
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Debra L Rothenberg, Photographer
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New York | NY | USA | Posted: 3:33 PM on 04.03.07 |
->> Since you already have a few Nikon lenses, why not invest in a used older Nikon body or the D80 with the 18-200mm lens. That lens will take you so far, you'll be amazed. And a new D80 plus that lens will cost around $1675
Debbie |
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Jeyhoun Allebaugh, Student/Intern
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Durham | NC | | Posted: 11:20 PM on 04.03.07 |
| ->> If you don't manage to pick up jobs after you graduate just make sure you don't put down your camera. I havn't touched my digital camera all semester except for internship stuff....working on film can be a blessing in disguise, it can really refine your eye and deepen your passion in your personal work. |
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Kerri McMullen, Student/Intern
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Pittsburgh | PA | | Posted: 10:00 AM on 04.04.07 |
->> Thank you for your advise everyone. I am going to get out there and start shooting with my film camera, and see how that goes for a while. I have been extremely spoiled with using a digital camera in the past,and this will be good practice for me.
It is just that clients usually want their photos right away and in a digital format. Not sure that I can commit to scanning the negatives, and the amount that there would be.
As for the wedding idea: well, I actually did shoot my first and ONLY wedding with another student/photographer. It went well I though, however I do not want to shoot anymore. That was a special circumstance, and the only other way I would do such, is that it was a family member or a very close friend. Weddings are NOT to be taken lightly. But I do not treat anything within my photography lightly. |
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Alicia Wagner Calzada, Photographer
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San Antonio | TX | USA | Posted: 11:19 AM on 04.04.07 |
->> I agree with the command to use your film camera, but also, have you thought about writing? The same skills that you need as a photographer- critical thinking, storytelling, you can develop while writing for your school newspaper or magazine. It is a much cheaper investment and it will add to your "toolkit," of skills as a photographer. It will make you a better photographer.
Another thing you should try to do while you are still in school is take a business class. All photographers need business skills. More importantly, I have seen photographers with business skills get ahead much faster than those without.
Neither is actual photography, but both will make you a better- and more successful photographer. |
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Kerri McMullen, Student/Intern
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Pittsburgh | PA | | Posted: 11:57 AM on 04.04.07 |
->> I have went through two business classes at my school. But I think taking them else where is even a better idea.
Also, our school does not have a paper really.
Thanks for the ideas. I will look into the classes. |
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