[AMA] Let me Introduce myself - Family Photographer in Melbourne

[Deactivated] on 05/08/2021 - 10:37
Last edited 05/08/2021 - 12:02 by 1 other user

A father of a toddler, a security officer by profession who started taking photography seriously in November last year but did not resign from the full-time positing because of pandemic. I have had difficulty finding clients and people who would take my work seriously and honestly it is still a challenge because the market out there is very very competitive. Happy to answer any questions you may have regarding photography in general.

Mod: Please note that the AMA is for photography questions in general, promotion of a business is not allowed in any form.

Introduce Yourself

closed Comments

  • MS Paint on 05/08/2021 - 10:42
    +16

    We get it. You're into photography. Stop using ozbargain as your marketing platform.

    • CrowReally on 05/08/2021 - 10:48
      +3

      Relax, the camera will never replace the canvas, digital or otherwise. You two can co-exist.

    • [Deactivated] on 05/08/2021 - 10:55
      -4

      MS Paint. You comment on everything I post even it is not "Photography" related. :-D

      • MS Paint on 05/08/2021 - 11:15
        +10

        I know. I have nothing against you personally. I have a passion for photography also. I'm just tired of you looking for customers via ozbargain.

        • [Deactivated] on 05/08/2021 - 12:01
          +2

          I get your point. Thank you for the input.

  • CrowReally on 05/08/2021 - 10:47

    What cameras/photographic equipment do you own, and why? [is it all single lens stuff? DLSR? Mobile phone camera but you add filters in Instagram/Photoshop]?

    • [Deactivated] on 05/08/2021 - 10:59

      I use a Nikon D750 which will be replaced by something better. Lenses wise, I use Sigma Art lenses including 35, 50, 85 and 135 primes. I sometimes spend more time editing the photos then taking them. No, I use lightroom solely to edit my work. Photoshop plays role when I have smooth the skins, make something or someone disappear or any other manipulation. Its a powerful tool but not always used in my line of work.

      • CrowReally on 05/08/2021 - 11:47

        I thought the Nikon D750 was meant to be great. Is there a problem with your one or is it 'the industry expects people to have newer equipment' etc?

        • [Deactivated] on 05/08/2021 - 11:55

          D750 is a highly capable camera except some known flaws. You might get impacted by 1/4000 max shutter speed, High ISO above 6400 gets a bit grannier and only 51 focus points which are all set/available in the center unlike newer mirrorless which normal have 250+ focus points, ability to lock focus on eye and yes you can go upto 1/8000 if you have to.

  • dasher86 on 05/08/2021 - 11:33

    Do you ever run any competitions?
    :P

    https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/637981

    • MS Paint on 05/08/2021 - 11:44
      +1

      Like this one?

      • dasher86 on 05/08/2021 - 11:49

        ahahaha!

      • [Deactivated] on 05/08/2021 - 11:58

        Yes :-)

    • [Deactivated] on 05/08/2021 - 11:57

      Yes I did run a competition, months ago. A young couple won the competition and how i selected them was posted on Instagram reels AFAR.

  • brendanm on 05/08/2021 - 11:49

    Why not use higher res pics on your website?

    • [Deactivated] on 05/08/2021 - 11:58

      My website is under development. The person working on it is mate new into web development. we will soon update it with.

      • kerfuffle on 05/08/2021 - 12:02

        While on the topic of your website, you could do with some proofreading as well. I know English isn't your first language, however your website has a few grammatical errors, as do your post and comments here. e.g. it's profession, not procession.

      • brendanm on 05/08/2021 - 12:07

        Surely it's not hard to use high res photos though? First thing I'd check for a photographer, can they actually focus on the correct thing, or is a piece of the subjects hair in focus, and the face out of focus. Very difficult to tell in these. Also the first photo in the portfolio has a glaring editing issue, even with the low res.

        Also, the 4th photo down, shooting directly into the sun, with the sun off to the side, makes for a distracting picture. The eye is automatically drawn off the right, into the sun, rather than to the subject.

    • MS Paint on 05/08/2021 - 12:02
      +1

      this will explain it better for you

      • [Deactivated] on 05/08/2021 - 12:06

        +ve for you.

  • [Deactivated] on 05/08/2021 - 12:01

    What is a security officer? Do you mean a security guard? Because I'm pretty sure they don't earn ranks. And last time I check that's not a profession (or a procession).

    • [Deactivated] on 06/08/2021 - 16:15
      -1

      Security Officer

      • [Deactivated] on 06/08/2021 - 16:22
        -1

        And how exactly does one become a security officer? Did you get the required undergraduate degree and did you spend a few years in officer training? Because otherwise it seems like stolen valour.

  • hellobargain21 on 05/08/2021 - 12:08

    What are your thoughts on Carly Soderstrom?

    • [Deactivated] on 05/08/2021 - 13:27

      Read about her but don't remember much.

  • CrowReally on 05/08/2021 - 12:21

    The market is, in your words, very very competitive.

    We also know that there's reputational issues with photography firms ["Congrats, here's a $500 photoshoot voucher, at the end you'll get a single 4"x6" snap, a high pressure sales talk and no digital copies"].

    What's your strategy in light of those both. What are you going to do differently to everyone else to make sure you succeed?

    Also, what's the lens that food bloggers are meant to use? Is it f45 or something?

    • [Deactivated] on 05/08/2021 - 13:04
      +1

      I would avoid such businesses at all cost. When i was the only one earning and wife was looking after bub, I was looking for a family photographer and came across such businesses who would giveaway $4000 worth of services if signup in a competition etc.

      I eventually could not afford local family photographers for myself.

      I designed my package to be reasonable so people like me can afford easily.

      $320 for 22-25 digital images is what i cameup with.
      plus one A4 size print inclusive (I will send it as a gift)

      50mm and 90/105mm Macro Lens are widely used by professionals. The "F" in f/1.4 or f/16 is the stop number to let or block light into a sensor. @1.4 lens is wide open which lets more light into the sensor also you get more background seperation but most lenses are not sharp wide open.

  • Mechz on 05/08/2021 - 12:27
    +4

    Why would you want to move into a new profession in a saturated market where margins are slim to none and work is even harder to come by due to the pandemic?

    • [Deactivated] on 05/08/2021 - 13:17
      -1

      I didn't specifically invested in my gear to start a business but I was feeling worn-out at my work and hating 5 days/45 hrs a week rotating roster so I started taking photography seriously so so i could go part time and replace some of my income. I still haven't done it though.

      • popsiee on 05/08/2021 - 13:21

        How about contracting some Ebay photo work from 1000's of possible customers who are clueless .
        Key point demand is there hehe .

        • [Deactivated] on 06/08/2021 - 16:14

          No, I only photograph families. No events, no dead leaves, seagulls or products but thanks you for the input.

          • Hybroid on 06/08/2021 - 16:22
            +1

            @[Deactivated]: That's where you're going wrong then. You already admit you have difficulty finding clients yet don't want to listen when others say it's a dead end career.

            The only exception would be Wedding events, those will always still need a dedicated photographer.

            But if you don't want to do that, you're barking up the wrong tree. Families don't go out for photoshoots anymore. You have the proof yourself.

            Just stop and consider what others are saying instead of snarky comments like 'tram riders are all tram drivers' or 'take photos with your dashcam'. What. That's not the same concept as everyone having a camera in their pocket nowadays.

            • [Deactivated] on 06/08/2021 - 17:30

              @Hybroid: Look, Its my money, my decisions, my choices and solely my way of doing things. I didn't not ask you for suggestions or "show me the right way" Not sure, how you have interpreted this post and what are you really on about.

              If you believe phone cameras are equal to a DSLR, this argument or debate or whatever is it you are trying to start is already over.

              • Hybroid on 06/08/2021 - 17:32
                +1

                @[Deactivated]: Starting to think your attitude and arrogance may also be a factor in not securing work. Good luck to you anyway. Wish you the best.

                • [Deactivated] on 06/08/2021 - 18:18

                  @Hybroid: I knew you will pin it down to "my attitude". Perhaps, you should start understanding others point of view and positions without being judgemental and "bossy"

  • Duram on 05/08/2021 - 13:46

    Everyone with a phone is a photographer. Good luck, but I don't see this as a good idea.

    • popsiee on 05/08/2021 - 13:57

      Obviously you haven't look at the pics on Ebay .
      For me besides using generic pics my margin easily cover a stint for profession photos that I could never do

    • [Deactivated] on 06/08/2021 - 16:13

      Exactly like everyone riding a Tram is a Tram driver. Yup. you got a point! Congratulations.

  • onetwothreefour on 05/08/2021 - 13:50
    +4

    did not resign from the full-time positing

    https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/609640 I thought you did resign from your job?

    • [Deactivated] on 05/08/2021 - 14:35
      -1

      Found another position else where in a month's time.

  • Ocker on 05/08/2021 - 14:24

    So after a 9 month "apprenticeship" you are now classified as a "professional"?

    • [Deactivated] on 06/08/2021 - 13:23

      There's no such thing as a professional photographer, unless you take an extremely loose interpretation of the term professional.

      • [Deactivated] on 06/08/2021 - 16:11

        Lol, Don't worry, there is this another dude saying there is no such thing as a "Security Officer" and guess what, I am "Security Officer" as well as a "Professional Photographer".

        • [Deactivated] on 06/08/2021 - 16:23

          Ah, made up jobs. Might as well call yourself a King if you're just going to throw around titles you didn't earn.

          • [Deactivated] on 06/08/2021 - 17:33

            @[Deactivated]: Security officer is a title given by my employer and I am extremely proud of being called an "Officer" sometimes. Yes, Some staff members just call us officers

            seems like the word officer is working as a trigger here.

            • [Deactivated] on 06/08/2021 - 18:07

              @[Deactivated]: The word isn't the trigger, your bullshit is. Earn at title. You're as much as an officer or a professional as a 6 year old kid is a sheriff who sticks on a badge out of a plastic packet, with his toy gun. Be proud about something that's worth achieving, not a misleading title.

              • [Deactivated] on 06/08/2021 - 18:31

                @[Deactivated]: The example of 6 year old is making you look like a 6 years old. I get paid for my time where as a child with toy will not or maybe he/she will be if you are their employer.

                • [Deactivated] on 06/08/2021 - 18:35

                  @[Deactivated]: That doesn't make you an officer. In fact you yourself said you were a security guard. https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/534463 . I'm not sure how exactly you get paid for your time as a security guard seeing as you quit the roll with $2000 in your savings account and a $12,000 a year income from your partner to support both of you? Unless she pays you and made up the title of officer and you sit on the veranda guarding your house at night?

                  • [Deactivated] on 06/08/2021 - 19:23

                    @[Deactivated]: Educate yourself here
                    here

                    if you still don't understand that a security officer position does EXIST then i can't help you.

                    thanks for your inputs though.

                    • [Deactivated] on 06/08/2021 - 19:45
                      -1

                      @[Deactivated]: I think you're really failing to grasp the point here. I've drawn many analogies for you, but you seem to think that just because some moron makes up a title to make it sound more impressive (it really doesn't). It's like a Chiropractor misrepresenting themselves as a medical professional. But I think deep down you know this and you're in denial. You called yourself a security guard. You're well aware there is no distinction or difference in responsibilities and qualifications between the two.

                      • [Deactivated] on 06/08/2021 - 19:57

                        @[Deactivated]: click the links and widen up your knowledge chakra.

                        • [Deactivated] on 06/08/2021 - 20:05

                          @[Deactivated]: Keep living in denial. If you get self worth from a hollow title, and you have to die on this hill (in a job that you don't even do anymore), all power to you. I hope your photography leads to a real sense of accomplishment so you don't have to blow smoke up your own ass.

                          • [Deactivated] on 06/08/2021 - 20:11

                            @[Deactivated]: My job pays my bills and the designation is called security officer which really exists in the same world you live in. Doesn't matter what you think about the title or what you want to call it, I respect it.

        • Hybroid on 06/08/2021 - 17:17
          +1

          They're not really incorrect though.

          An officer is a person who has a position of authority in a hierarchical organization.

          Security 'officers' do not have any authority here. They can't even detain people, so they're security guards not officers.

          A professional photographer is a photographer who earns 100% of his income from photography.

          This does not apply to yourself by your own admission.

          Not sure why you're so insistent everybody else except you is always wrong.

  • Big Lenny on 05/08/2021 - 14:30

    how much money have you claimed from govt grants for your 'business'?

    • [Deactivated] on 05/08/2021 - 14:34

      none.

  • poboy on 05/08/2021 - 16:05
    +1

    Just wanted to say good luck with the business. It takes a significant effort to create a business. Hope it works out.

    • [Deactivated] on 06/08/2021 - 16:07

      Thank you. Hope for the best. I am not that person who would regret from a single failure. I love cameras like people love cars and phones etc no regrets even if this won't work out.

  • hasselbladsnapper on 05/08/2021 - 16:33
    +3

    I was an Industrial Photographer for 45 years, it's now saturated with so many "Professionals" I can see very little chance to make a living these days with the number of high quality digital cameras available. In the past with film it was a "Profession" but now most people can make quite good images themselves, possibly with the odd book or online tutorial.
    I would tell any of my family not to take this path for work, very unlikly to make a decent living from it, find employment in Health Services and enjoy photography as a decent hobby.
    However good luck with it.

    • MS Paint on 05/08/2021 - 16:35

      Username checkouts

    • [Deactivated] on 06/08/2021 - 16:06

      Yes, the market is very saturated and people are doing very well in terms of creativity. Not really difficult to make money but not that easy either. I don't think I'll replace my yearly income from existing job with photography. I started it to supplement or replace some of my existing income so I don't have to spend 45 hrs a week in the office.

  • OzHunterNSW on 06/08/2021 - 09:36
    +1

    I feel you reaching out to Oz Bargain may be an act of desperation.
    We all have cameras on our phones.
    We can simply print these images if we wish.
    I can't see your industry lasting very long.

    • [Deactivated] on 06/08/2021 - 16:03

      How about taking photos with your cars? Yes, its possible if you can fit a dashcam. Use dashcam to take your selfies and print them. Good luck with that.

    • dtxau on 06/08/2021 - 16:28

      That’s the same as saying:
      We all have legs/feet on our bodies.
      We can simply run and kick a round ball if we wish.
      I can’t see your industry lasting very long.

      But we know that the football industry is very lucrative, you just have to be the best at your art/skill/industry.

      So best of luck OP. I still think there’s money to be made in photography, but you will need to have a skill set/style/storytelling that no one else can offer, and that people are drawn to your photos and artistry.

      • [Deactivated] on 06/08/2021 - 18:16

        My industry will end tomorrow and I am in a completely failed industry which has no scope of making any decent money. I did mention about i am finding it hard to find clients but that is because I am only investing a Sunday on this at the moment and I have a FT job.

  • ozbjunkie on 06/08/2021 - 20:01

    How can I take tinder pictures which make me look optimistic, attractive, and like I am far more entertaining and interesting than I truly am.

  • Moderatorscrimshaw on 07/08/2021 - 12:32

    AMA ended, OP has disabled their account

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