Where to start?

[Biscuits]

I finish my HND in photography this year and feel a bit stuck on what to do next. Where is the best place to start as a photographer? My main interests are natural history and wildlife but I'm happy taking any kind of photo. Any advice on places to start would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

[the-baron]

Get the camera and go walkabout. You will know the shot when you see it.

[Cleveland Brady]

Hey,

Start by taking pictures of subjects your really passionate about. Shooting 20 zillion different subjects will send you crazy, I've been there. Shoot stuff that isn't out there in the market or look at another photographer's work and shoot it differently. Don't copy. Research, research and research some more.

Next thing to do whilst your still shooting is go through the traditional route of finding a photographer(s) you like the work of and assist for a couple of years. The lessons you'll learn will be the foundations of your career. If your a pretty hot photographer the you can become freelance straight away. It's happened before.

If your serious about a photography career buy a copy of Beyond The Lens by the Association of Photographers BEYOND THE LENS - Published by The Association of Photographers I still read mine back to front. I can't stress enough about the importance of this book, some pros call it the bible. Constantly seek out business skills. Selling, Marketing etc

Be a part of a community, share your passions of photography with other photographers. Get to know the guys in the photo and computer stores.

Just don't ask me about money I can't advise about loans for kit all can say is money is expensive. If you can't buy kit, borrow or hire it.

At the end of the day it's all about the pictures. Hope this helps, Good Luck.

Cleveland

[NoBob]

Hi Cleveland,

A question about Beyond the Lens - How often is it updated, do you know? The current one was published in 2003.

Thanks,
NoBob

[Cleveland Brady]

@ NoBob:

I don't know how often it gets released It's in the 3rd edition as we speak and is available know. I'll update my copy every time a new version is available. Grab the recent copy if you haven't done so already. I hope not to offend any religious people but it really is the bible, I'm not kiddin'.

Cleveland

[NoBob]

Bought a copy of Beyond the Lens Cleveland - well worth the £33 (book+p&p)!!! Not sure I'd call it the Bible! but it's a very useful book for anyone in the business of photography... Thanks for the tip.

(I rang the APO by the way and was told a new edition, with minor revisions apparently, would be coming out maybe later this year/early next year so I went ahead and got one now.)

Best
NoBob

[Cleveland Brady]

Good to see you've bought a copy, it may not be the Bible to most but it'll sure keep you in the know, serious. Have a good read buddy.