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Now ye're talking - to a professional photographer

  • 05-11-2018 2:53pm
    #1
    Boards.ie Employee Posts: 12,597 ✭✭✭✭✭Boards.ie: Niamh
    Boards.ie Community Manager


    Our next guest is a professional photographer who works in many areas of photography. He's done interesting things like photojournalism for local and national tabloids, photographing fatal traffic accidents, nude portraits for 'escorts', house sale photos for 'vulture funds' as well as more everyday stuff like working for car dealerships, the Gardai, local council, small businesses, families for portraits, etc.


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Comments

  • Registered Users Posts: 11,183 ✭✭✭✭Nekarsulm


    When did you go digital, and 1) what was your first digital camera and 2) how long before you upgraded (or it became obsolete)?


  • Registered Users Posts: 7,499 ✭✭✭Sabre0001


    How did you get started, particularly in the realm of tabloid photojournalism (I'm imaging a Nightcrawler situation!)?

    What subject matter do you most enjoy (or like, in case it's fascinating but not fun) shooting?

    🤪



  • Registered Users Posts: 4,193 ✭✭✭bullpost


    Whats your view on the paparazzi and is there a line you won't cross in terms of a commissioned project?


  • Registered Users Posts: 1,519 ✭✭✭GalwayGrrrrrl


    Thanks for doing the AMA What is a good value alternative to Photoshop for an amateur photographer?


  • Company Representative Posts: 44 Verified rep I'm a Professional Photographer, AMA


    Nekarsulm wrote: »
    When did you go digital, and 1) what was your first digital camera and 2) how long before you upgraded (or it became obsolete)?

    I have always used digital equipment. I used different DSLRs when learning as a hobby, but I suppose my first 'real' camera was a Canon 20D (that's not to take away from any of the other cameras I've used, but I bought the 20D when I was trying to take it a bit more seriously, so it always felt like my first proper camera).

    I used this extensively enough and retired it in favour of a Canon 7D, mostly because I felt the screen size was restrictive for viewing images (I worked a lot with the public, doing nightclub kinda work, and everyone wanted to see themselves, so the small screen became a slight burden).

    I fought with myself about spending the extra at the time and going full screen, getting a very expensive camera set up, but I was on a budget as I was only really starting to get work at the time. However, the camera has never let me down. I've become a big fan of it's hardiness.

    The 7D itself is still running fine, but I've since added another 7D and a 60D to my gear list. But I primarily still use the original 7D. It's about 7 or 8 years old now, has been worked heavily, taken it's knocks and falls, and it's still functioning like a new camera.

    Many would argue that as a Professional, I should have the latest and greatest of all equipment, but in real life, no one has ever specc'ed a job to have a specific camera, or any traits that my trusty 7D can't competently perform.


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  • Registered Users Posts: 1,198 ✭✭✭bren2002


    Where do you see innovation in the professional arena?
    Camera phones are increasingly capable and touch up / adjustments are easy in phone.

    How does the professional stay relevant in the gen Z age?


  • Registered Users Posts: 987 ✭✭✭LimeFruitGum


    Outside of commissions and work assignments, what kind of photography do you enjoy doing for yourself? Or do you consider yourself ‘on the clock’ as soon as you pick up the camera?


  • Registered Users Posts: 27,990 ✭✭✭✭AndrewJRenko


    What is your understanding of the laws around taking photographs in a public place which may include some people?


  • Company Representative Posts: 44 Verified rep I'm a Professional Photographer, AMA


    Sabre0001 wrote: »
    How did you get started, particularly in the realm of tabloid photojournalism (I'm imaging a Nightcrawler situation!)?


    Perhaps a more Disney version of Nightcrawler.

    My initial interest in photography was night related. I used to shoot landscape shots around the immediate area at night time. This was how I learned camera basics. Used to wander out and about at 3-4am.

    As I got more confident I started going out earlier, 2am, 1am, 11pm, etc. and eventually started bumping into other photographers who worked for the local newspapers. Through getting to know these people, I ended up getting asked to take on work on a part time basis, cash in hand (in other words, no commitment from either side). I took it and tried my best.

    This was kind of working late night at nightclubs, and pubs, covering functions etc. Dealing with people wasn't my strong point, so it wasn't easy at first.

    After a short while of doing that, I began to cover daytime events that were planned (events, functions, charity stuff, all the kinda local news events you'd expect in small papers) and then after a while the national papers started asking could I do this event or get a photo of a place nearby. Then I started getting the sudden 2am 'someone's been killed in a crash, we need a pic' calls.


    So it just slowly gained a little bit of momentum. There are photographers out there who I believe have contracts with certain papers to provide X amount of coverage, but I've never had a relationship like that. I've always been completely freelance (so I get calls as and when they need me).

    A good thing is that it doesn't get too boring too fast and remains generally enjoyable, the bad being that you never know how busy you'll be with the newspapers, so can't rely on them.



    Sabre0001 wrote: »
    What subject matter do you most enjoy (or like, in case it's fascinating but not fun) shooting?


    A difficult question to answer. For actual photography, I'd say I generally enjoy portraiture. Especially when I was starting out and started doing nude stuff (even though I'm a mature, sensible person now, there's still always that 'omg boobz' excitement when someone undresses).

    I enjoy trying to take completely different types of people, and present to them a photo that works for them. I recall a day, some years ago, when I had two portrait bookings one after the other; one was a woman who wanted sexual photos to gift to her boyfriend, and the other was a solicitor that was new to the area and wanted photos where you could see local landmarks.

    Two completely different types of photographs to take, but both were enjoyable and challenging. It was always frustrating, but yet still fun, trying to get new poses to work right and play with the lighting.

    Although I admit that, like anything else, the more you do it, the more 'job-like' it becomes, and instead of creativity, you start to just 'do what works' to get out the door.


  • Company Representative Posts: 44 Verified rep I'm a Professional Photographer, AMA


    bullpost wrote: »
    Whats your view on the paparazzi

    A circus act, but one I'm very much jealous of. I've never worked in the USA, but I'm lead to believe that if you can get the 'right' photo of a known celebrity over there, the money you can make is huge.

    Which explains why so many do it.

    I see videos of celebrities on Youtube giving out to paparazzi to F off and get away from them, but if the same celebrity wasn't in the magazines the following week they'd be going mad. Celebrities and Paparazzi need each other in many ways, but I don't agree with when it's pushed to extremes.


    For example, I think there was a photo before of one of the Royal family in the UK topless, when on holiday? Because a photographer had used a massive zoom lens and hid, and managed to get a sneaky photo, when the woman in question thought she was completely secluded. Things like that bug me.

    There's a great documentary called Teenage Paparazzo. It used to be easily found on Youtube but I can't seem to find it. It's worth a watch if you can find it, and have an interest in that kinda thing. Kind of shows how the paparazzi and celebrities bounce off each other.











    bullpost wrote: »
    is there a line you won't cross in terms of a commissioned project?

    As the song says; 'if you've got the money, I've got the time'.

    I don't recall ever saying 'no' to a job because of my ethics or morals. I'm a professional, so when I pick up the phone to someone, I make no opinions or thoughts known to anyone.

    There are jobs I've done where I have felt uneasy at times. I did a shoot of a stillborn baby before, which was a bit eerie. Also Irish Water hired me in the midst of protest season and I'd to stand at a water meter in front of loads of protestors like an idiot. Still never said no, though.


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  • Company Representative Posts: 44 Verified rep I'm a Professional Photographer, AMA


    Thanks for doing the AMA What is a good value alternative to Photoshop for an amateur photographer?


    I'm not sure if it's still free, but I recall GIMP was a generally well recommended bit of software.


    https://www.gimp.org/


    I never really used it extensively. My photoshopping is tame compared to what some photographers (who are practically graphic designers) get up to, so I never really got the most out of GIMP.


  • Company Representative Posts: 44 Verified rep I'm a Professional Photographer, AMA


    bren2002 wrote: »
    Where do you see innovation in the professional arena?
    Camera phones are increasingly capable and touch up / adjustments are easy in phone.

    How does the professional stay relevant in the gen Z age?


    It's not the first time I've been asked that. I still don't have a proper answer. My rambling, spluttering attempt at an answer is below.

    To paraphrase Michael Scott (of the US Office): People will never go out of business.

    On a domestic/personal level, hiring a photographer is generally when you can't take the pictures yourself. You can't take your own family photo, and you can't do your own wedding photos, so you pay someone to do it for you.

    From a commercial/company standpoint, it's because a company expect good results, and if they don't get them, they have a person who will accept responsibility and be accountable to rectify any issues.

    Also, these days, people in commercial situations are under a lot more pressure and stress to get things done fast, and done right. Getting an employee to learn to take decent staff headshots might work out for you, but if it doesn't you're after wasting time and messing about. A lot of the companies I've worked for don't have the patience for this. They budget set amounts of time to do this kinda thing properly, and they expect it to be done.

    Social Media has made domestic photography much more popular in my opinion. I've had a lot more bookings for family events these last few years, because people want to be seen to be hiring a photographer.

    Go on to TripAdvisor and pick a hotel. Look at the difference in the guest photos and professional photos. We're already at the stage where a smartphone can take good hotel pictures, but you need to have the eye and know-how. Most people press the 'take photo' button and have no interest beyond that. Not everyone's a budding photographer. Most simply don't want the headache of dealing with it.

    Not a great answer, perhaps, but it's what comes to my mind.


  • Company Representative Posts: 44 Verified rep I'm a Professional Photographer, AMA


    Outside of commissions and work assignments, what kind of photography do you enjoy doing for yourself? Or do you consider yourself ‘on the clock’ as soon as you pick up the camera?

    I enjoy portraiture on my own time. I'd often schedule a portrait session if I'm bored or know I have some free time coming up. I'm re-decorating around the house soon and will likely take the camera out and do a couple of landscapes to hang on the walls.

    That's stuff that I do for myself and my own interests.

    Anything else though, I consider 'on the clock'. If a friend asks me to photograph something for them, as a freebie, or if i am volunteering for a charity, even though I'm there by choice, it still always feels like work.


  • Company Representative Posts: 44 Verified rep I'm a Professional Photographer, AMA


    What is your understanding of the laws around taking photographs in a public place which may include some people?

    The gist of it is that you can take photographs in a public place. You can take photographs of private property, if you're standing on public property.

    You can take photographs on private property, but must stop if asked (or if there are signs etc. making it obvious that photography is not allowed).

    You have no right to privacy if you're in a public place.

    If you're in a place where you would expect privacy, photography is generally not allowed.

    Everything relating to this in Irish law comes down to what is considered "reasonable expectation". That is; whether or not you have a reasonable expectation to privacy.


  • Politics Moderators, Social & Fun Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators Posts: 22,655 Mod ✭✭✭✭Tokyo


    You mentioned photoshop earlier.

    What are your thoughts on the use of photoshop to 'enhance' photography?

    I'm an amateur photographer, and have had this conversation with other photographers. And the results range from doing everything through the lens and making simple level adjustments later, to removing entire objects from photos, or adding elements to the photo in order to make it better.

    In your opinion, where does it stop becoming enhancing photography, and start becoming blatant manipulation of an image to the point where it's not photography anymore?


  • Registered Users Posts: 1,207 ✭✭✭threetrees




    There are jobs I've done where I have felt uneasy at times. I did a shoot of a stillborn baby before, which was a bit eerie.

    You may have found that eerie but for the parents you have given them their only physical visual of their baby. I would guess that of all your clients who treasure photos, those photos are the most treasured.


  • Registered Users Posts: 2,092 ✭✭✭The Tetrarch


    What file type do you shoot: raw, jpeg?
    What image resolution do you take?
    What about ISO? Do you tend to stick to a number?


  • Registered Users Posts: 8,248 ✭✭✭Gloomtastic!


    Love a good photo. In the 1000s I’ve taken of my kids growing up, there is maybe 5 that are really good.

    To be able to produce good ones every time (or nearly every time) as a professional what is it? Is it the subject, the equipment, the environment or the knowledge (or the mix of all)? If you could only choose two of the above to get the best photo, which would they be?

    Photogenics. Can you learn to be photogenic? Can you spot someone who is photogenic before you’ve seen the photograph?

    Any chance of a link to your Flickr account? :)


  • Registered Users Posts: 3,153 ✭✭✭ratracer


    Interesting to read in an earlier post that initially you weren’t a people person.
    I feel very sub-conscious when I’m out and about with a camera, no matter where I am. I presume your confidence grew as you constantly had a camera with you.
    Would you have any advise on how to get over this self-consciousness/ nervousness?
    At times I even feel anxious about posting pics in the photography section here (even though I’ve never had any negative (pardon the pun) feedback from others here.


  • Registered Users Posts: 7,748 ✭✭✭ganmo


    whats your favorite photo that you didn't take


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  • Registered Users Posts: 4,249 ✭✭✭Homer


    Is this a full time occupation? As in do you make enough to pay the mortgage and all the bills etc? I often wondered when you see the news and there’s a scrum of photographers covering a court case/movie premiere/sports event etc.. whether it’s something you can make a living at or do you supplement it with other work?


  • Registered Users Posts: 1,190 ✭✭✭Rory28


    How often do people ask you to take exposure as payment? eg I wont pay you but I will share it on my Insta of 400 followers.

    I see this a lot on reddit but I am unsure if its all made up nonsense or something those in creative work have to deal with.


  • Company Representative Posts: 44 Verified rep I'm a Professional Photographer, AMA


    mike_ie wrote: »
    You mentioned photoshop earlier.

    What are your thoughts on the use of photoshop to 'enhance' photography?

    I'm an amateur photographer, and have had this conversation with other photographers. And the results range from doing everything through the lens and making simple level adjustments later, to removing entire objects from photos, or adding elements to the photo in order to make it better.

    In your opinion, where does it stop becoming enhancing photography, and start becoming blatant manipulation of an image to the point where it's not photography anymore?


    Photoshop was never my strong point, in that I never got into it as much as others have.

    If I'm hired for something, my effort levels in post processing vary depending on what the image's intended use is.

    If you've taken out an ad in a local newspaper, and want the storefront of your shop in the ad, I probably won't edit anything, as it'll likely be printed small, in a corner, etc. and it'll look fine, regardless of whether I get carried away in photoshop with it, or not.

    If the same photo is being used on a billboard or the main page of your website, and it's a focal point, then I might remove the litter bin the Council put outside, and perhaps edit out the street gullies that are full of cigarette butts, and things like that. Small details that will make the image more pleasing on the eye.

    If photographing a person, I'll almost always use some skin smoothing, but it'd be rare that I'd make the waist thinner or enhance the size of the breasts etc. (unless it was asked for or I knew it was what was wanted).

    It's important to remember that a photograph is a 2D presentation of a place/person/etc.

    For example, let's say I take a photograph of Mary (I'm sure we all know someone called Mary :p). Mary, in real life, will look fine. We're used to seeing her. But when Mary is presented to you in a 2D Image, taken by a camera that can pick up the detail in a Wasp's legs, everything is noticeable. You never noticed how many spots or wrinkles or that one eye hangs slightly lower than the other.

    Same as your local shop. You stand outside it, and then see it on a 2D image, and the mark on the footpath where someone spilled paint a few months ago seems much more obvious. You never even noticed that the pebble-dashing is slightly discoloured until you seen the photo.

    With that in mind, I think it's fair to edit to a certain degree to make certain images look slightly more appealing. (obviously my examples above are exaggerated/extremes).

    That said, there are types of work when you can't edit. For example, I work with estate agents and they sell houses. You can't edit anything to do with the house as it could be seen to be misrepresenting the house. This is why you'll often see things like 'Image is for illustration purposes only' around product photos.

    You'll sometimes see non-house things changed though (the sky is a common one, you'll often see a rendered blue sky thrown into a house photo, for example, to make it look nicer without editing the house itself).


  • Company Representative Posts: 44 Verified rep I'm a Professional Photographer, AMA


    What file type do you shoot: raw, jpeg?
    What image resolution do you take?
    What about ISO? Do you tend to stick to a number?

    I would generally shoot RAW+Jpeg. I rarely use the RAW files, but they're a life-saver when you make a mistake and realise you've over-exposed the photo so much that your Jpeg is useless.

    If I have a high volume of photos to take, I'll usually turn off RAW and just shoot Jpeg.

    No matter what camera I use, I always make sure that I use the highest picture setting available.

    With ISO, I vary it as I go along. I tend to stick to the actual 'stop' numbers (100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, etc.). No real reason, for that, though, other than instinct, I guess.

    When I'm throwing the camera in my bag, about to head out the door, I have a habit of setting the camera to ISO 400, f/5.6 and a shutter speed of 1/160. I find that this combo means I won't have to venture too far to change settings, no matter what situation I end up in. Especially when I work for the papers and I'm photographing people.

    That could be just habit, though.


  • Company Representative Posts: 44 Verified rep I'm a Professional Photographer, AMA


    Love a good photo. In the 1000s I’ve taken of my kids growing up, there is maybe 5 that are really good.

    To be able to produce good ones every time (or nearly every time) as a professional what is it? Is it the subject, the equipment, the environment or the knowledge (or the mix of all)? If you could only choose two of the above to get the best photo, which would they be?


    I have hard drives full of photos, and when I look back on them I often think 'how did someone pay me for that?'. :P

    I've had people look through photos on my computer before, and there's lots of 'oh, that's a really nice photo' comments, but I'd struggle to find a half a dozen photos I like among the thousands I've taken.

    I think it's a good thing though, as it means you're critical of your own work. There are photographers I know, who think everything they take is amazing.. I'd rather be on the critical side of things.

    If I had to pick two of the four things you mention:

    "the subject, the equipment, the environment or the knowledge"

    I would say the subject almost always helps. If there is a person, a building, a car, etc. that you really like the look of, naturally the photo of that will jump out at you more than the same photo of a subject you're not as drawn on.

    After that, the knowledge. Although I'd probably substitute the word knowledge for experience. I know lots of people with good cameras, and they have loads of books on photography, and they have creative lighting accessories but I'd still take a better photo on my phone, because I've learned how to quickly frame a photo and move on.

    (I'm not trying to sound like I think I'm amazing; I'm just using 'me' as an example there. What I mean is any experienced photographer will likely take a better smartphone picture than a budding enthusiast with all the gear, who has read all about the rule of thirds and the golden hour etc. but hasn't been out actually taking photos).

    Confidence plays a big part. When I first took group photos I used to take really fast, shoddy ones because 'oh no, everyone's looking at me'. But as you get used to it, you realise 'let them wait, I'm expected to get this right, so I will', and you start to re-arrange people, move background objects, etc. so I think experience and subject are the most important two of the four you mention.

    Photogenics. Can you learn to be photogenic? Can you spot someone who is photogenic before you’ve seen the photograph?

    As a general rule of thumb, I think you can tell by looking at someone how they will photograph. It's not always the case, of course, but definitely the majority of the time. Some people don't look right in certain poses, but I find you should always have a half a dozen 'go-to' poses, so even if everything is going disastrously badly, it gives you time to think up other poses while you rattle off the ones that aren't working. :P

    Confidence in the person helps a lot, too though. Two different people can do the same pose. One person might look strong, seductive or powerful whereas the other will look awkward and uncomfortable.

    Any chance of a link to your Flickr account? :)

    I can't identify myself, unfortunately. Boards is used by many people I know, and my public image isn't as 'honest' as this thread. If I had a photograph of a nude escort bending over on my website's landing page, I might not get those communion bookings that I want during the year.. I'd probably get more website hits though!


    In relation to line from early in your post:
    To be able to produce good ones every time (or nearly every time)
    I think that's somewhat idealistic. Most jobs are grand, but like any other job out there, sometimes things just don't go the way you want them to. I've left many jobs and sat in the car afterwards thinking 'what a mess' and felt deflated. Usually it isn't as bad as you think (and a bit of editing saves the day) but it's not always the 'all is great in the world' way it looks (although, of course, even when things are going dreadful, you smile and laugh and tell everyone it's great).

    Photography is mostly problem solving. You set up, and take a photo. It doesn't look how you wanted it to, so you have to figure out why, and start to mess around with settings or lights, or poses, etc. accordingly.


  • Company Representative Posts: 44 Verified rep I'm a Professional Photographer, AMA


    ratracer wrote: »
    Interesting to read in an earlier post that initially you weren’t a people person.
    I feel very sub-conscious when I’m out and about with a camera, no matter where I am. I presume your confidence grew as you constantly had a camera with you.
    Would you have any advise on how to get over this self-consciousness/ nervousness?
    At times I even feel anxious about posting pics in the photography section here (even though I’ve never had any negative (pardon the pun) feedback from others here.

    I find I'm much more confident when I have a camera in my hand, than when I don't have a camera. When you have a camera, the conversation is almost always the same with people. It's very predictable and much 'safer' than if you have to talk to people without a camera in your hand.

    "Jesus, that's some camera you have".
    'That must have cost a few pound'.
    'Do you know John Johnson*?.

    (substitute the name 'John Johnson' with a random name of a photographer that lives near you, that you've never heard of before. You'll be told how amazing they are and how successful they became).

    It takes time to feel comfortable and confident, but you get there. The only advice I could give you is, if you're feeling at all anxious with the camera in public, is give yourself an assignment. Treat it like you work for someone for a day, and you need to get a photo of 3 shop fronts while they're open, two local landmarks and picture of a broken footpath or something. Once you've a reason or motivation to take a photo, you find you become more engrossed in it, and stop caring about other people's thoughts.

    I've often had to photograph new tarmac on roads or broken edges on footpaths, or areas where dumping is an issue (even though there might not be any dumping there when I'm actually taking the photo).

    I'd say I look like a real weirdo, practically lying down on the road photographing the edge of a path, or kneeling down in front of traffic photographing tyres on a new surface, but when you have a specific photo to take, you stop thinking about what's going on around you.

    If you're concerned about looking silly or out of place: Carry around the biggest lens you have. People see a big lens and think 'professional photographer'. I often bring a big zoom lens to events with lots of people. I know I won't use it, but when people see you coming with a big lens, they move out of the way or won't mind you pushing by because they presume you're working/hired.

    But with a camera in your hand, that always becomes the topic of conversation. Even if you're not confident enough to talk about the camera or photography, just invent a go-to quip when people remark on it. I love confusing people.

    "That's a grand big camera you have"
    "Ah yeah, it's a two litre turbo. Great photos, but the tax is a killer".

    People either get confused and haven't a notion what you're on about, or they realise you're messing, and laugh along. Photographers are almost universally viewed as harmless, friendly faces. You'll rarely get hassle off the general public. :)


  • Company Representative Posts: 44 Verified rep I'm a Professional Photographer, AMA


    ganmo wrote: »
    whats your favorite photo that you didn't take

    I don't think I have a favourite photo (either that I did, or didn't take).

    I often see photographs that I really like. Sometimes I admire them because they're beautiful photos (a sunset over a lake), other times I admire them because it's a news article and I think the photographer is a genius for posing someone or taking a photo that I never would have thought to take.

    The photography forum on here has a 'random photo thread', and a lot of the photos in there are amazing.

    https://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2057909174


  • Company Representative Posts: 44 Verified rep I'm a Professional Photographer, AMA


    Homer wrote: »
    Is this a full time occupation? As in do you make enough to pay the mortgage and all the bills etc? I often wondered when you see the news and there’s a scrum of photographers covering a court case/movie premiere/sports event etc.. whether it’s something you can make a living at or do you supplement it with other work?

    In general, a lot of photographers have part time (or even full time) jobs, and do photography as a 'nixer' on the side.

    Go on Facebook and ask your friends to recommend a photographer, and chances are the majority of the recommendations you get are 'people who own cameras' rather than 'professional photographers'.

    They don't register with revenue, don't pay tax, etc. and accordingly, they can undercut the legitimate professionals.

    Of course, the upside to this is that they generally can't/won't work for companies or businesses, so it's less of a race to the bottom in that arena of work.

    For me, personally, I am paying the bills, but I am lazy. I used to do a lot of work and would kill myself to get on as much work as I can. These days I've settled in with a few companies and I take it handy. I'd estimate that I work an average of 7-8 months each year, and take home about €40k.

    There are photographers out there that wish they could see that kind of money out of it, because they get paid peanuts, and then there are photographers that wouldn't be able to get by on it because they make twice or three times as much as that.

    But it suits me. I love having down-time. I have more hobbies going on, spending more time about the house, love having the lie-ons, but I appreciate that this may not last forever, and I'd consider it a decent position to be in. I'm still relatively young-ish (31) and I know that these kind of areas of work are constantly changing. I'm going to be paying the mortgage for another decade. Once I've that paid off, I don't really care what happens, though.

    A previous poster asked about staying relevant in this generation. And that's a legitimate issue facing many photographers. I'm self employed, so all it takes is two or three phone calls and I'll be knocking the door of Social Welfare office. You've no rights, or expectations of a long-lasting job, and people are always trying to undercut, so it can be tough.

    Photography is also a very 'who you know' kind of area. I've been very, very lucky to get where I am, in my opinion. Which is why I'd never advise anyone to become a professional photographer.

    But there is good money if you can get in with the right people. A shop was opening near me recently. It was a large chain store, with brands across the country. They wanted a photographer to photograph the official opening, and there would be the local mayor, a brand ambassador/celebrity, etc. and they were looking for 4 hours coverage, with a payout of €600. Even after tax, that's a well paying job, and you'd spend most of the 4 hours standing around scratching your ass.

    I was asked would I do it, and obviously agreed. Then I found out I didn't get it, because the Manager's wife knows a photographer, but they needed two photographers to agree to it, so they could claim they looked for 'several quotes'.

    The photographer that was a friend got the job, and also got the same job about 6-7 times over, because the brand were opening stores in a few different places one after the other.

    Things like that demonstrate that there is potential for a good wage, but just how flippant it can be and how easily the promise of a good payout can swiftly be taken away.

    I'd be confident that a decade from now, I will be employed in a completely different line of work (although I hope not).


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 9,586 ✭✭✭ Octavia Tender Seesaw


    Do you ever do or get requests for stereoscopic pictures?

    I've an old 'stereo photo' viewer from the 1950's (Sawyers viewmaster) with a load of patents stamped on the body. It was really ground breaking at the time.

    Basically it's twin slides (about 86mm gap) on a rotating reel that gives an impression of really being there (all be it low quality images of Lourdes). It's 'mid-century VR' in essence.

    Have a basic cheap, but good, NikonDSLR was thinking of getting a twin, mounted for stereo photos (assuming focal point and settings can be matched).

    Afterall you wouldn't listen to DAB or FM in mono with one ear or one speaker.
    - So why just look a 2D wedding photos, when they could be viewed in stereo (3D) via a VR (HD tablet/phone) holding headset.


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  • Company Representative Posts: 44 Verified rep I'm a Professional Photographer, AMA


    Rory28 wrote: »
    How often do people ask you to take exposure as payment? eg I wont pay you but I will share it on my Insta of 400 followers.

    I see this a lot on reddit but I am unsure if its all made up nonsense or something those in creative work have to deal with.

    I used to get that a lot. Not so much anymore. It was rampant at one point, but mostly in my earlier days. I think it's more common when you approach people looking for work, rather than when they approach you.

    (for example, I used to email businesses asking did they need any photos taken, and then they'd barter or ask about free photos for exposure, but if they're the one making the initial contact, they generally ask for a price or give a rough budget they have to work with).

    It's great to get exposure and work for nothing, if you're new to it and learning the ropes. I have no issue with students, beginners, enthusiasts, etc. doing free work. I did it, and most generally do at some point. But I think it's wrong on a certain level, too.

    I liken it to work experience for school students. You're not obligated to pay them, but anyone with a bit of decency will throw them a few euro.

    One thing I have learned to be true, is that free work will always get you more free work. You have to be careful not to get the reputation as being the 'free photographer'. Otherwise you'll fight hard to get any kind of decent work on at all.


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