Photography

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A place to politely discuss the tools, technique and culture of photography.

This is not a good place to simply share cool photos/videos or promote your own work and projects, but rather a place to discuss photography as an art and post things that would be of interest to other photographers.

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I'm a 14-Year-Old Car Photographer, can you give me some criticism on my photos, and advice on making money as a photographer. Thanks (alien.top)

submitted 11 months ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

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You can see my work here ; https://rmsphoto.mystrikingly.com/

Hi, I'm a Car Photographer, and I've done quite a few shoots in the past, some free some paid, with some amazing cars, for example I shot a lamborghini tour in the Yorkshire dales and an M5 & X7 for a car dealership. I've probably made about £300 in total from photography. I've emailed about 10-15 Companies around me asking if they would be interested in my photography, social media management & developing videography skills, with quite professional sounding emails. I've not told any of the company's the price or the fact I'm 14, but haven't got any responses at all even though I genuinely think I could help companies- I'm stuck on what to do. Any advice is appreciated or critique on my photos. I have a free photoshoot this Sunday of a Porsche 356, as I know the owner quite well (who also has a 992 GT3) but nothing after. Thanks so much

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[–] [email protected] 1 points 11 months ago

+1 for only showing your very best work.

While I've done some paid work, including photojournalism in the early 80s, I decided early on that it was better for me to not pursue a career in photojournalism/photography. Keeping it as a mostly a hobby has served me well. I had a career in tech, and that has allowed me to shoot what I want with really nice gear :-) Making a living with photography is very challenging, but it can be done. Not trying to discourage, but just sharing my approach.

I like your work, and as others have mentioned, you have good eye, so here's my thoughts for you:

Develop your technical skills. Really understand the fundamentals of photography and optics. Understand how digital imaging and sensors work. Get really good with Lightroom and Photoshop etc. I don't know what the cool kids are using for web design these days, but whatever it is, get really good with it. Artistic competence is the price of admission and everyone you're competing with should have that. If you also have technical skills, that gives you a competitive edge.

Organize and catalog your work. Be sure to have a good backup strategy for all your images.

Have a physical portfolio as well as digital. There's something really special about holding a photograph in your hands versus seeing it on a screen.

Learn about good design, style, and other visual art skills, and how to apply them to your photo/video work. Go to museums, take a film appreciation class. Checkout photography books at the library.

Be an expert on automotive design, trends, history etc. Specialized subject matter expertise is another competitive advantage.

Taking accounting and business classes helped me a lot in my career as it made it a lot easier to talk to business owners/managers etc. "Accounting is the language of business" my accounting prof was fond of saying. And it was true! Also, if you end up working for yourself, business skills will help you be successful as a business owner/contractor.

I guess what I'm trying to say is the more well-rounded you are as a person, the more likely it is that you can have the creative career that you want.

Best of luck to you!