The Perks of my Job

06 Jul 2010 3 Comments

by colsev in Uncategorized

Before I went into photography full time, I had worked for a large company my entire life, since I was 17 years of age.    There had always been stability in terms of medical aid, pension and sickness benefits.   When I was ill, I took off work and got a pay check at the end of the month.

So it’s been hard this time around, to try and focus on getting better and not worrying about money.   Being a photographer is my dream, but financially it is not the same as working for a boss.   Most of my money goes back into the business and I think clients do not even consider that when they fork out the money for their portraits.   They see it as you have taken a photograph on a digital camera, there is no cost involved.  Wrong!

I have received a lot of requests lately to mentor and I am quite willing to do it, and I will never put anyone off becoming a photographer but I think one of the main aspects most people have to consider is cost.  If you are a budding photographer starting out, take the following into consideration before you buy a camera and hand in your notice at your day job, so that you are at least prepared.

Camera (yes, you need one of those) – and just as you get used to the camera you will probably need to upgrade, or replace.  And a backup camera, just in case.

Extra batteries, a battery grip, and memory cards

Lenses (Oh lets not get started on the lenses, sob)

Lights (if you are going to do studio photography, and probably if you are not, you will probably need lights)

Decent computer to run Photoshop

With Photoshop must come the software, and the training of said software

Good backup drive

cd and DVD’s – lots of those to back up your shoots (yes, a backup of a backup) and of course to give your clients their pics on DVD

Marketing material (pamhplets, business cards)

Packaging – Boxes etc to present your work to the client

Then there are the props, I am a studio photographer mainly so I am a bit of a prop freak.  I love them.  Little hats, and baskets, and flowers and outfits.   I draw the line at proper costumes like bee’s and winnie the pooh’s but I love tutu’s and wings and things.  I never stop looking for props and am currently on the prowl for an old pram, have been looking out since I started this business actually – just haven’t been able to find something decent in my price range.

So, next time you pay for your photographs, please try and appreciate what goes into the huge prep behind them

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