Just bought a Nikon D3x, how to professionally advertise?

This is the first time I have ever given a Ken Rockwell link the thumbs up. Perfect AuBit.

Don't get too offended by fishmiester, he always lays it on a little thick, although it's the truth.

Try not to be too offended by other answerers

They are all right in saying 'just because you have a pro camera, you are not a pro photographer.' It really isn't that easy. You don't just pick up a professional camera and a professional series lens and call yourself a professional photographer. Like you said, you have just started, and you can't expect to start making money right away, nothing works like that.

Invest in a few books and enrol in some classes (both readily available.) You'll learn a lot from the books and classes. Also, when you first get a 'pro' camera, every picture you take with it is good in your opinion, because you are just starting out and you have never seen anything like it before.

Definitely, stay away from the weddings for now. That often proves disastrous, we see it a lot here.

Take it slow, enjoy and practice it, then worry about making the money later.

I think you ought to take some classes before you start advertising.

DSLRs are not that easy to figure out (unless you're using Auto mode. NO professional photographer that I know, and I know many, uses Auto).

For example:

Do you need to shoot RAW or JPEG (that's an easy question too)?

Do you work in Manual or Auto? Doesn't matter how nice your setup is if you don't know how to control it.

What happens when you're D3x freezes at wedding?

What happens when you're in a dark church and your photos turn out dark and blurry?

Do you know how to use Photoshop or Lightroom?

How are you going to instill confidence in potential clients when you've never done a wedding, portrait, or anything?

Do you know how to counter tungsten lighting?

Do you know how to use flash? I guarantee that if you want to shoot weddings you will need to know how to use flash.

Great equipment means nothing if you don't really KNOW how to use it.

Edit to add:

to the dude below: He got this camera yesterday, I'm pretty sure he's no Ansel Adams. He deserves whatever he gets for saying that photography is easy.

Edit again: Picturetaker, didn't mean you, sorry about that :) I figured your answer wasn't real. I meant linecook, but was too lazy to go back and find his name. My mistake!

But I am on the fence about this question being real or not. There are people that do this exact same thing as the OP said he did, so it may be real or it may be a joke. But I chose to take it as real (obviously).

You have a camera and lenses that most people just dream about owning. You are also talking about sort of competing with people who have been in business for a long time AFTER an education in the school of hard knocks so you can see where some of your answers are coming from.

You need to be able to produce a product that people are willing to pay for and then give you referrals. I suggest that you take a photography class at your local junior college and spend a lot of time reading everything you can about lighting and composition. You are going to have to take a lot of pictures so you can learn what works and what doesn't. Start by giving away your services to your family and friends so they can do word of mouth advertising for you.

Here's some links you can use for self education:

http://digital-photography-school.com/

http://www.diyphotography.net/

http://www.schoolofphotography.com/

http://www.studiolighting.net/

http://www.diyphotography.net/tutorials?page=2

http://www.photography101.org/

http://digital-photography-school.com/digital-phot...

http://photoinf.com/General/Robert_Berdan/Composit...

http://www.illustratedphotography.com/photography-...

I don't think anything I have written here is news to a 38 year old accountant. I think you are either trying to get under the skin of someone in this forum or you are excited about your new equipment and what you are about to do with it. I'm assuming the latter. I'm happy for you and I know you are going to have a good time.

Starting out with a Nikon D3x? That's a nice little stepping stone to a Hasselblad 39. Seriously, if you know anyone who's a bit of a camera nut, he or she would probably be happy to show you how it works just to get an opportunity to handle a Nikon D3x.

This is so amazing! All you have to do is spend a lot of money on a camera and a couple of lenses and SHAZAMM! Instant Professional Photographer!

No need to learn about light and composition and exposure and depth of field by attending a boring photography school.

No need to spend a couple of years working as a second shooter in someone's shadow actually learning how to make wedding pictures that won't cause bridezilla to sue your pants off when you screw up her big day. After all, just look at the kit you bring to the party.

Portraits? Weddings? Check your work against these:

http://www.gregoryheisler.com/

http://www.jerryghionisphotography.com/

http://www.dqstudios.com/

http://www.yervant.com.au/

Actually I think you goofed by not buying the Leica S2 system or at least a Leica M9.

You have started off on the right foot. You have invested in quality equipment and that is a smart move.

You will need to mentor with a retiring photographer for about a year to learn the ins and outs. When they retire ask for their contacts and keep the business rolling.

$12,200 is an affordable investment in a business especially compared to something like a restaurant or plumbing. Plumbers typically invest $55,000 including the work truck and tools to start.

Heck some people will spend $12,000 just on a toy like a boat or dirt bike.

Don't forget a back-up D700.

Probably want a SB flash as well. Congrats and good luck!

The best way to start is to have a good portfolio. For you to have a good portfolio you need to have a set of skills. For you to have a set of skills you need more and more and more and more practice. Pursue your dream. Understand the basic principles of photography. You can't sell a picture just like that. You can be a photographer for hire in a party, school events and etc.

I assume you are serious with your question.

"P" mode for professional is very hilarious! :P

Hey, I know how to balance my checkbook real well and budget too. Can I be a pro accountant too?

See how silly that seems? So is your question. I've been serious for a year and I am STILL nowhere near pro level. You cannot advertise with no skill, knowledge, or experience with photography...period. Get some classes and/or training under your belt and when you're strong enough to start charging at least a small amount THEN advertise. Until then, slow down.

Wow! Check out the condescending answers! Especially without ever seeing one of your photos.

Work on building your reputation and your portfolio, those are the most important things a photographer has going for them. With most advertising, I would contract it out to a capable graphic designer, and set up a nice clean website. Once you develop a substantial portfolio, start submitting your photos to stock agencies. With some luck, you'll get in with one of the major agencies like Getty.

Working under an experienced photographer, can help immensely in getting your business going, Learn some of the ins and outs, and avoid learning from your mistakes the hard way.

Don't get the impression that any of this is easy. Photography is not a carefree, laid back industry to hop into. It is fiercely competitive, very stressful, low paying, and it has the unique ability to crush every artistic fiber in your body. That last one being the reason I left the business (for another stressful, low paying career oddly enough...). If you're up for it than do it! if not, consider keeping your day job, and photographing as a hobbyist, or a "part-time pro".