Poll for Photographers: Are you Amateur or Professional?

My best tip for you is to learn the basics of how to market yourself and your work. Too many starting photographers get wrapped up in the "shiney toys" & accessories, but think with the end in mind.

By that, I mean:

1) What would like to do with your photos? Do you want to submit them to stock agencies or open a professional studio, perhaps, or an "on location" studio?

2) What subjects are you interested in and do you really want to learn more about about?

3) What is the market(s) that support the types of photography you are seeking and are they profitable (if you are looking to make a profit?)

4) Do you want to see your photographs published or sell them to clients?

The first question to ask yourself is "What do you intend to do with your photography and what are your top 3 goals". See where your passions lie. Perhaps you only want to take photos for fun and become really great at it. That's ok too.

There are thousands of tips we could give you, but it helps first to know what YOU want to know more about and in what areas. I come from a marketing perspective since that is usually the ones that beginning photographers shy away from but really should explore first if they are serious about selling their art at some point.

It's easier to incorporate it as you go along rather then play "catch-up". But better late then "never".

By the way - Don't under estimate the power of a point and shoot. It isn't about the hardware you're using, but rather how creative you are behind the camera. The hardware and software is an extension of your creativity. The camera needs a real human being to press the shutter button. Pro photographers have made the covers of National Geographic with just disposable cameras when they lost their equipment during a storm in the sea.

No joke.

Audrey Ranieri

Photography Marketing Coach

"I Am Your Learning Curve"

www.kids-and-canines.com

I am also an amateur- but I just purchased the Nikon D3000, it is a great camera so far. It has an excellent guide menu that teaches you how to use the settings on the camera. This has been a huge help in giving me knowledge on how to properly use this device.

Advice: Anyone can be a photographer if they have an eye for beauty and can capture the moment. Work hard, and dont give up! Good luck!

Professionals get paid for their photographic work. Therefore I'm an amateur.

I consider myself an amateur, although my husband will say differently. Although I do quite a bit of work for pay, I do not make the majority of my living from photography. My main cameras are Nikons, F100 for 35mm film, and D80 and D300 for digital..

You have a nice camera that should give you good results for the time being. Here is my favorite link for new photographers:

http://www.kodak.com/eknec/PageQuerier.jhtml?pq-pa...

Bryan Peterson and Scott Kelby have great books that you should find helpful and interesting. Taking a class is always a good idea, also joining a photography club or group. Continue to learn and progress, and enjoy this wonderful hobby. Best wishes and happy shooting!

Amateur!

I have a Nikon D40 and will soon be upgrading to the D90. Plans for the future - D700. My first full frame and will be used in weddings! I hope :)

I have the 15-88mm kit lens that came with the camera, and a 50mm f/1.8 that I purchased separately some months back. I would like to soon purchase a wide angle as well as telephoto lens.

Tips? Research, practice - and have fun!!

i'm an amateur

i use an olympus e-500 most of the time.

the key is to have fun and enjoy yourself.

and take a few challenges.

join a local camera club or photographer's group they are fun and you can learn alot from the other members.

be open to taking a class or two at your local community college, they aren't expensive and again you will learn tons.

and develop a thick skin, some critiques can be brutal. and some people just critique whether you want one or not.

but most important is to have fun.

I am professionally amateur, I make monopoly money with my photography, I am self employed, I am paying myself with board game money. The camera I use is a nice little pink Disney one. (joking)

I am an amateur, and I use a Nikon Coolpix L100 (serious)

I'm a amateur. I have a lot of old film cameras and a few digital cameras. I much rather use film cameras. They're more fun to use. Practice, practice, practice.

I'm an Amateur.

I use an old school Nikon FM.

I don't really have many tips.

Amateur, aspiring professional. haha

My advise is to just never stop taking pictures. Take pictures of everything. everyday objects at weird angles. just play. experiment with angles and lighting. and have fun!

Best of luck