Want some advice???

My daughter is really keen on photography and has taken some shots of the only thing on the planet that is worth photographing!! She would like to take it further and is looking to do work experience in photography, just trying to give her a few pointers
I know there are a quite a few on here who take their pics quite seriously
If i put a few on here would there be some of you who could give her a few tips?
If there are any i will show her and hopefully learn from your comments!
Stupid Luke may not apply in this case!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

You want someone sensible to advise her and you are posting on here???

Shade is into his photography on an amateur basis and Klincky was a professional (however, unless she is planning to photograph gay porn I dont know how relevant his experience may be)

I personally know shit all about photography but luckily I bought an idiot proof camera. I do have a very nice book on digital photography that I will send her gratis if you pm me your address

If she is serious about photography then she needs to try and get some work assisting. It's the way you learn your trade and I did it for nearly 8 years. Had some fantastic times and went all over the world. Shagged a fair few models (proably not what you want to here as it's your daughter ) and learnt a hell of a lot.
She could either try and get some work at a local studio. They aren't always the best payers and the hours can be long. Advantages are that you get to use the space after hours and if the owner is nice and likes you, the gear as well. The bonus though is that you get to work on shoots for photographers that use the studios. If they like you then that is your in" for working for them freelance away from the studio. Get 2 or 3 of these guys and you can leave the studio and go freelance. If you are a hard worker, pleasant to be around eager to learn and help out then you will do well. Your name gets passed about and things go well from there. I never got to work with any famous to Joe Public names, although I was offered Lord Snowdon. Having to call him Lord and take him breakfast in bed when on trips just isn't my thing at all, so I turned it down. Maybe that was stupid but hey it's done now. Friends who were a few years in front of my started off in Holborn Studios and got to work a lot with the likes of Bailey, Annie Leibovitz , Eve Arnold and Rankin to name a few Lucky fookers!

The other way is to just try and get in with photographers but without a in through someone that's extremely difficult. I was lucky that I had m8s who were photographers but without that it would have been a massive struggle. She could of course do the collage thing. One of my peers did it that route and said he learnt more in 1 weeks assisting than in 2 years at collage! Still a great grounding in the basics. Of course if she is really talented then she might just do it all on her own and sod the assisting route. I know people who have done it but its not easy.

One tip if she does start assisting is try and work with a talented still life guy at some point. These guys are anal as fook and can drive you insane trying to chase a highlight or shadow but their knowledge of lighting and planes of focus ect is usually hard to beat. You would be amazed how many hours can be spent lighting a watch

Good advice Klinky.

Can I add though - (without sounding pessimistic) - that all the photographers I know have not been having an easy time of it in the last ten years. It's a changing world and the days of photographic glamour seem to be over. The digital era has seen a massive decline in the incomes of most photographers and the rise of the photo library and stock pictures and internet is also having a negative effect. That said - there's always a reason to do what you're passionate about and the best, hard working, talent will always come out on top. But I don't think that it's an easy way to make a living. Bit like being a musician maybe.

See!!!!! knew i could rely on a few on here!
It's just that she really enjoys taking some odd pics and some are pretty good(in my opinion but then i know fook all about takin pics )
Here's a few and see wat u think. Opinions appreciated UH OH

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Im a hobby photographer but i know a coupleof pro guys/wedding photographers. There are a LOT of people out there who think they can do it but cant. If she is really good, she will need to learn the crafts mentioned above, lighting in particular if she goes int portrait/studio work imho.

The shots show someone who has an understanding of what they want but needs to develop the skills and techniques to get it. Learning how depth of field, aperture, light, exposure all combine to manipulate the image is the starting point. Refinement comes later and a style develops. There a few guys out there who run workshops (for a fee) for budding photogs on their specialist subjects (weddings or rock music or nature or whatever). These can also be good ways to get education, experience and also make contacts...another vital part of working life.

A basic DSLR with a couple of fixed lenses is a good place to start. Doesnt have to be expensive if you buy used kit thats well looked after. It can get very expensive though. Thousands for a decent lens is totally normal....and thats just SLR photography. Larger formats and flashy lighting kits etc really add up. Plus a decent Mac and software (ususally pirated) adds to the fun!


I love it. Just wish I had more time for it!

Looks like she has an eye.

If she wants to make a hobby out of it, then great. If she hopes to make a career out out of it she'll have to be talented AND good at marketing herself and runnning her won business, which are two different skills. I've been in the creative industry for 23 years, and to be honest it sucks, unless you are well connected, talented, lucky and smart. The creative bit is the easy part.