Young Photographer Help

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Oliver

New member
Im a young photographer - 16yrs old - and Im looking for a way to get out there and do something with my talent (so its been called), has anyone got any ideas or tips?
Thanks
 
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Snap Happy

Senior Member
Re: Young Photorapher Help

Yes, two things come to mind to start off with. Firstly enter photographic competitions. You should finds some around. Join a camera club in your local area.

The next thing is have you considered formal training? Do some photography course that has a recognized (by the industry) standard. Get a portfolio together, about 12 or so photos approx A4 in size, or 8x12 inch will do. Get them matted and so on to present to people as your..... "work"

So, get know, get some stuff entered into competitions and inquire about formal training/qualifications. It's a start.
 

Browncoat

Senior Member
Re: Young Photorapher Help

The best advice I got: Get out there and make photographs.

Second: Check this out. It's also a good idea to try and hook up with a local pro who is willing to show you the ropes. Volunteer to lug camera gear around in exchange for knowledge and shooting experience. That stuff is more valuable than anything read from a book or learned in a classroom.

Good luck! :cool:
 

Snap Happy

Senior Member
Re: Young Photorapher Help

The best advice I got: Get out there and make photographs.

Second: Check this out. It's also a good idea to try and hook up with a local pro who is willing to show you the ropes. Volunteer to lug camera gear around in exchange for knowledge and shooting experience. That stuff is more valuable than anything read from a book or learned in a classroom.

Good luck! :cool:

Very good advice.

I spent time with my TAFE teacher, back in the late 1970's working his other photography jobs. I learnt more with him then I did in any classroom. He appreciated the helping hand.
 

Carolina Photo Guy

Senior Member
I respectfully disagree, Naja.
Telling Oliver that it is a bad time for him to get into photography at the age of 16 is like telling Churchill he should have stayed out of politics at the age of 20!

Oliver...
NOW is the time to perfect your craft and find your niche. Get out there and start photographing any and everything you can point a lens at.

You may or may not know what you love about photography. But you will NEVER find out until you fill up a few memory cards. Until then, NEVER listen to anyone that says you are wasting your time. Remember, Gordon Ramsey always thought he would be a great footballer. Good thing he put on an apron.

Hope this helps.

Now get your butt out there and shoot something!

If you need anything, let me know. I'll do what I can.

Pete
 

fotojack

Senior Member
I totally agree with Pete on this! Get out there and shoot! Help is just a mouse click away in here, with lots of people willing to help a budding photographer. :)
What equipment are you using? Camera, lenses, flash, etc. Fill out the rest of your profile with as much information as you're comfortable with, and it will make us helping you a lot easier.

Happy clicking! :)
 

ohkphoto

Snow White
Hi, Oliver
Pete and Jack are absolutely right. You'll only hone your talent by making photos. Photography Competition Network is a great place to find competitions. Some are free and some post the entries online so you can get an idea of what others are doing. Also, start posting some of your photos in the critique thread, and the weekly challenges thread will give you a weekly task to improve your photography. The members who participate in the critiques are usually right on and very kind.

We love the idea of having such a young photographer on board . . . sigh . . . oh, to be sixteen again (with all this current knowledge! LOL)

Never let anyone squash your dreams. Your dreams are sacred to you and should be respected by everyone.

So let's see your work, Oliver!

Best Regards
 

Carolina Photo Guy

Senior Member
Naja;
Even though I don't sound as erudite as you, I do have a competent grasp of the english language. I read every word that you input. What I did not realize was your incredible business sense in addition to your formidable photographic skills.
I realize now that your innate business acumen far exceeds mine. I understand that your ability to foresee the need to instantly acquire skills on the spur of the moment without the need for finishing practice is so much more grounded in reality than myself. Foolishly, I sought to encourage a young man to hone his skills so that when the time is right, he would be able to show a prospective employer his abilities.
I bow to your superior grasp of economic trends.

I is just some dum ole red neck.

Pete

And Naja, I really don't care if you keep giving me BAD ratings. The people here know me. I have EARNED the respect here. You haven't.
 
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ohkphoto

Snow White
Foolishly, I sought to encourage a young man to hone his skills so that when the time is right, he would be able to show a prospective employer his abilities.

Well put, Pete! You can encourage me any time even though I'm not a "young man starting out in photography" LOL
 

Browncoat

Senior Member
You've all received positive ratings from me to counter what has been done. If I could remove the negative ratings completely, I would.

Naja, grow up. No one here has done you wrong, and passing out negative ratings to longstanding members generally doesn't sit well with the community and staff.

When I read your post earlier today, I didn't have time to comment myself or I would have said the same things. Unless you have some all-powerful knowledge that the rest of the business world lacks, your judgment is not an accurate barometer for market conditions. I'm quite certain there are hundreds of thousands of UK photographers who are flourishing right now. The economy is bad worldwide, but those who are driven to succeed...do.

NEVER discourage young people from pursuing their passion.

Most of your advice was spot on, and thank you for the encouragement to take up formal schooling and joining camera clubs and other things you mentioned.

Thread locked.
 

fotojack

Senior Member
Damn! Ya beat me to it, Anthony. Took the words right out of my mouth! Anyway.......moving right along........back to taking pictures. :)
 
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