Hey guys,
I'm not a big confider (is that a word), but here's a small stab at it.
I don't feel like I'm a full-blown, pro photographer.

What I mean is, I have very little equipment and very few services to offer. I've been a full-time wedding (etc) videographer for a number of years and am recently - in the last year or two - begun shifting to the dark side. I love it.

The thing is that when I have a shoot, I find myself borrowing and renting equipment. I'm still working on my first album and it's taking me forever to finish. When I get called to do a shoot as a second or a small portrait shoot, I sorta feel like I have to scramble a bit to make sure I'm on the ball and ready to rock. Again, it usually involves renting stuff.

My website is very simple and 'home-made'. My portfolio is growing slowly but still doing video keeps me from going whole-hog. I'd love to market myself more and am always inspired by so many great ideas such as those recently posted by Anne Ruthmann (thanks, Anne!), but keep thinking, "Oh, when I'm fully equipped, have more products, more refined branding, and a consistent 2nd shooter..."

I guess I'm wondering if anybody else feels this way and what I can do to get into the next level. Thanks in advance for any thoughts.
-Eddie

Hey there Eddie, don't sweat it man. As some one that works in television I know the feel of going from video to still. But I also know that feeling of not thinking you are "good enough" or have the "drive" or have all the right equipment. This is one of those things that you need to work through. If your passion is working as a photographer you will get through it and be better then you ever have been.

Personally my last year and half have been insane with growth, and it all came out of no where. In 2005 I shot three weddings for friends and co-workers, by the end of 2006 I had shot 20 weddings (photo and video) and had already booked 15 weddings for 2007.

Just give it time. If you love it, it'll love you back, it just might take a little time

Eddie - everyone starts off this way, some just progress faster. I know of a guy who would book weddings not even owning a camera. He rented everything. Now he's one of the top portrait photographers in the USA. You just have to take it one step at a time. Do what you can, but plan out everything. Write yourself a mission statement. What kind of photographer do you want to be? Then write out a plan to make it a reality. Some times, you have to jump right in, sink or swim. And other times, you have to take swimming lessons, i.e. take it one step at a time. If your heart is in it, it will work, because you'll make it work. If it's just a phase, then you're finding out that maybe it's not for you. The reason I say this, is because it's exactly what happened to me (and is still happening). Speaking from experience, practice, practice, practice, know your camera (you don't need fancy equipment to take wonderful images). Then when a paying client wants to hire you, it's because they like your style. Don't worry about pleasing them (trying to do too many things). Just do what you do best and you will please them. That will take care of itself. Hang in there. Hope this helps....

A couple things to add... The absolutely best, "one thing" you can do for yourself, your business, and your clients is to be excited about what you do. Perception is everything. Get excited about what you do, and success will follow. Excitement is contagious.... Secondly, network yourself, get your name out there, good things will happen...

Hi Eddie -

I think you are doing exactly the right things. Not spending a ton of money on gear and staying out of debt is a good thing. Perhaps album desing isn't for you - that's OK. Take your time, find yourself and be true. Don't rush things.

Best -
Eric

I know what you mean about renting. I feel like I will more renting equipment than if I actually just bought it... but don't have enough to buy it. AHH! It's tough. I'm developing a relationship with my local rental shop though-- maybe they'll start cutting me deals...

Maybe second shoot for people consistently and see if you can borrow their backup equipment when you have your own shoots???

Ditto what everyone else has said already, keep at it! I like what Mike Colon said, " jump in over your head , and swim to the top!"

Dont sweat it ,youll get there. Slow and steady. I often find myself pouting about similar issues, but then I realize, ita all in MY hands. I will go as far and as fast as I make myself. Dont rush, the equiptment is always for sale, webites are always available. One step will lead you proudly to the next. Haste makes waste and putting yourself finacially at rist to "Have everything you need" is dangerous. Thers always something else to buy. Learn the craft do your best at every shoot and just remain focused and confident. The hard part isnt the photography, its figuring all the other stuff out . It will come day by day. Read alot about it ,research what your not clear on, and talk to friends and family(and OSP) to help you though times of uncertanty. In time youll wake up and wonder what you were so worried about.
Looking forward to all of your sucsesses.

I love you guys.



That's awesome.



Really?

I agree!




I'm very anti-debt and I couldn't agree more. Thanks to God, I've never had consumer debt (except my house).



Yes ma'am. As often as I can. Any takers?!



That's a great quote. Yeah, he's the man.



Very well said...
...and thanks


I really appreciate everyone's good words. I'm very rarely the pep-talk-ee but words of wisdom from the OSP family is just what the doctor ordered!
-Eddie