How do I pursue a career in photography?

Wanting to pursue a career in Photography. Like a Glamour Shot studio. ?

• Hey everyone!! I just wanted to post a question about this, because i have no idea where to start! For the longest time i have wanted to open my own photography/glamour shot studio! But the problem is i have no experience in photography at all. lol. I know i have to take classes and stuff but i'm not sure what ones to take. I've been to and graduated from hair school so i know how to do the hair and makeup, but not totally sure what classes i should take. I know i'll probably have to enroll in a buisiness management or some sort of business class, on top of the photography classes. I know that it will take a few years but i just want to get started as soon as possible. Can anyone help me as so where to start? Are the online classes a safe way to go? Any information or suggestions would help me out!! Thanks so much! :)

• Answer:

  Ok...the best $20 bucks I ever spent were buying "Understanding Exposure" by Brian Petersen. Good books to begin with and it might be cheaper than college Good luck! Update: Here is more stuff I thought of that might help you The foremost important component is your skill set. In other words, you can not be a photographer if you don't know how to take, compose and make photos. Here is my item list based on my own personal experience: a) Get a Digital SLR. I recommend the Canon 40D sold at Costco for about $1300 with a single lens or wait for the 50D to be sold next month. Once you become familiar with the Camera you will begin making a list of the lenses to add later on depending on your style b) Get a set of external light modifiers. I recommend the Sigma 500 series flash at about $210 is cheaper than Canon's, the Adorama Budget Studio Monolight Flash with a snoot and soft box for about $100, Understanding Exposure by Bryan Peterson for about $20 c) Print a nice photoalbum of the best pictures you have taken to show you work d) If you have taken pictures of other people print their best pictures in 5x7 or 8x10 and give them away so they see how good photographer you are. They might hang them on their walls and their friends ask who took the picture e) Get a domain name of your own (not a free one from yahoo or else) something like www.kntmendoza.net to showcase your photography and for people to see their proofs and place their orders f) Make it a point to take one picture a day that would be a 'money-shot': a picture someone might be willing to pay for it g) Become so good that people will come to you and work around your personal schedule. That works for me h) Become familiar with Photoshop at least to be able to offer the same shot in Color, B/W, Sephia and learn to crop the pictures or create collages Got any questions?