I started my blog with a goal to post at least once a week, its only taken seven blogs to miss this goal!!!! But life got busy and I got lazy in the shorter free time I had. Photographers don’t work the 9 to 5 life, at least none of the ones I meet do, some of them work 9 to 5 at other jobs and then do photographic work after that and on days off, taking leave as necessary and generally having very little free time.
I was made redundant from my day job so have the added worry of looking for a ‘bill paying’ job as well as creating photographic images, (notice that I don’t say taking photos any more), it would be amazing if that bill paying job was connected to photography, but dream jobs are few and far between so I’m not going to wait for that miracle to drop in my lap.
I have been using some of this newly found time to network wherever possible to see what is going on with other creative types. I found a great studio group that has allowed me access to practice studio shooting with models, something that I couldn’t have afforded to set up if I was paying for the full shoot.
I have taken the time to meet photographers from the local camera club outside of club meetings and discussed issues I want support on, like printing and mounting photographs and the very complex Adobe Photoshop which has at times had me wanting to through the laptop out of the window!!
This has all involved something I wasn’t sure I had, compromise, negotiation, relationship building and mutual support. I’d always through I was a bit bossy, controlling, an upfront and tactless bitch to be honest. Honestly I did think the first two of those attributes would be helpful for a photographer having to work with a large group as in a wedding or event… However I have surprised myself with how much more I have to offer when I want something myself. Its difficult to not take advantage of kind, good people. Yet I find that by offering to pay for materials, respecting their experience, bringing the biscuits/cakes, and being honest, I am building up that support network nicely, Don’t be afraid to ask, I’ve found people like to share, they may not give you every tip they have, but they will steer you in the right direction.
Luckily I am getting some paying work, as since I’ve been putting more of these ‘professional’ looking images on my website and FB page I’ve had some interest, and actually got two bookings. Both involved meeting the client to discuss and decide on what was required from the images. While both are very different requirements the process was very similar, getting key contacts, who is involved, dates, times, purpose, making a shoot list of requirements. Getting the basics right at this stage means spending time planning, Funny that you don’t always take this time into account when working out your fees?
I’ve started to use that book I bought for bookings, it feels really good now its not just got dates of courses, meetings and photo opportunities in it. Is this is am I on my way? I don’t know but I unless I get a new job every day next week, I need a bill paying job in the next month or I’m going to be screwed for getting a flashgun before its needed in May!
deeteephotography 