When to cut your losses...
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- harv
I imagine in everyone's life there comes a time to say fuck it and move on. This time for me is now!
At 21 Ive been out of school for two years. Ive had some mild success working as an assistant/editor for a few photographers in the Toronto area and by all means Im good at what I do (so i think). Unfortunately Ive never been able to shoot an editorial/advertising job other then action sports work. This being said my passion for photography is still alive.
Ive tried (so I hope) to get on with many publications as an assistant editor but my experience doesn't stack up to others.My question to everyone out there is, should I head back to school? If you've had to make this decision what where your reason (pro/cons) for each.
Ive only a diploma in photography and I could go back to get my BFA in Photo. Something that I feel could also benefit is a marketing or advertising program.
One thing that has hindered me in making a decision is that I'm also very good with wood working and construction/renovations/landsca... (6 years of working with my father) and thus should I go into a trade.
So what do you think, some idea please!
- harv0
A link to my - work www.brennanharveyphoto.com
- interesting... and a niche may be there for you.... callitropsis is right, but remain unique...vaxorcist
- callitropsis0
your work is good, but it's not professional enough. too many shots that just look like you snapped them while hanging out with your friends.
i would want to see more studio shots demonstrating that you are capable of lighting a model against a seamless. and that you know how too use strobes. i would also like to see some more table top work, preferable glass and food as they are hard too shoot.
- callitropsis0
ever heard of this guy?
he's from Toronto and is an old friend of mine. check out his work. you need to be at least at this level too me make it in a city like T.O. where there are literally 100s of photographers.
- the website doesn't do his pictures any favour (too bad)Anders
- lambsy0
i was thinking the exact same thing ^ before i read your comment.
too many friend shots. nobody sees value in friend shots. go look though some magazines and see what people are paying for.
- harv0
Thats exactly what I think of my portfolio at this point. Ive been working on moving away from that look but its good to hear it from you guys.
calli- I have heard of Todd. Hes got some very nice work for sure. I had just looked at his explode product work not to long ago
- callitropsis0
rent some strobes, hire or find some models and move outside of your comfort zone. this is the only way to grow as a photographer
- yes..... you'll gain an intuitive competence, rather than a thinking competence...vaxorcist
- Miguex0
are you are asking if you should continue the learning path in order to get better?
- harv0
Calli- I already own almost everything already.
As for getting better because of school. Im not sure thats how it works. What Im wondering is that with more schooling perhaps in different yet related areas would I have a better ability to understand and get jobs like Editor and Director?
- zarkonite0
I've got a BFA in photography, it's quite useful if you want to develop your style and conceptual thinking. You'll have access to tons of equipment and time to experiment...
As far as your folio goes, yeah it should look more professional but I would push whatever aspect of photography you want. I wouldn't necessarily try to prove you can use strobes, etc. cuz that's just a small part of photography really... I'm pretty sure neither Richardson or Helmut Newton have/had need for those skills, besides, that's what assistants are for in the professional world.
- e-pill0
if you need a photography portfolio just use xcarlx's and get some interviews!!!
- Dodecahedron0
You need to refine and edit your portfolio selection. You're 21 then you should be in university or something, lots of time to take the photos you want and explore career opportunities.
- callitropsis0
"As for getting better because of school. Im not sure thats how it works."
Art/Photography will teach you lots, but in my opinion I would recommend assisting for photographers instead. You will learn lots, it won't take years to complete and you won't be left with a huge debt at the end. Plus it's all real life experience.
- I went to MFA school, and learned more assisting than I did in school...vaxorcist
- monkeyshine0
I second assisting for other photographers. Try to find someone who's work knocks you out and work for them. Your work is not bad but it's a little self-conscious. You need to find your voice; these photos strike me as trying on someone else's style. Find your own...that takes time, tireless commitment, and suffering under the rule of a brilliant, seasoned photographer. :)
- vaxorcist0
think about your customers, not your competitors....
- fooler20
2 years isn't enough time to give up.
- vaxorcist0
The friend shots are interesting.. and possibly a starting point, imagine doing a setup editorial-style shoot for an imaginary catalog you create for a startup competitor to Hollister or similar brand.... coherency and publishablity will come to you... you're only 21, don't be so hard on yourself....
- vaxorcist0
Being a good woodworker is cool too.... you can certainly build sets for higher budget shoots as a photo assistant/set builder.... I learned a TON about customer relations and project planning by keeping my eyes open while assisting on higher-dollar shoots.... and working while keeping my mouth shut helped me see more too.... strange how that works....
- cannonball19780
2 years is nothing.
That said, you're young enough to make these choices wrong or right.