Author Topic: I really need some advice (Read 3960 times)

Photon · « **on:** August 10, 2011, 11:43 »

I'm very new to microstock and I submitted my first lot of images to fotolia and dreamstime this week. 10 out of 12 were accepted.

http://www.dreamstime.com/Sebastianjohn_info

They are all CG renders, which is cool but I want to get off the computer and start shooting some photos of people in situations and activities.

Because I haven't done any proper studio photography before I just want to ask some advice. How do I get started with finding people and the time to shoot? I have tried organising some of my friends to a session at a studio in my town but it was very difficult as the studio had limited slots and my friends were rather busy. So do I go out there and ask strangers if I can take photos of them in a studio? That seems a bit over assertive for me. I am also a bit tight in funds to hire a model.

Are there ways to find models on a minimal budget and if the studio is busy.. where can I shoot?

disorderly · « **Reply #1 on:** August 10, 2011, 11:51 »

You can do what I did: join meetup.com and look for groups in your area that run photo shoots. The cost will be reasonable, you'll get the benefit of someone's studio, their expertise with lighting and their model contacts. Just verify the situation regarding releases; some shoots include a commercial release, some include a promotional/portfolio release with an extra charge for a commercial release, and some won't offer the option. I found it a great way to learn the craft and get content for my portfolio; I still do it almost four years later.

donding · « **Reply #2 on:** August 10, 2011, 12:50 »

Have you tried outdoor sessions with your friends or are you just wanting studio shots? Good daylight can make good studio lighting...

Photon · « **Reply #3 on:** August 10, 2011, 12:58 »

Quote from: disorderly on August 10, 2011, 11:51

You can do what I did: join meetup.com and look for groups in your area that run photo shoots. The cost will be reasonable, you'll get the benefit of someone's studio, their expertise with lighting and their model contacts. Just verify the situation regarding releases; some shoots include a commercial release, some include a promotional/portfolio release with an extra charge for a commercial release, and some won't offer the option. I found it a great way to learn the craft and get content for my portfolio; I still do it almost four years later.

Thanks for the tip although I don't have any meetups that do photography in my area. There are a few in London but too far for me.

Quote from: donding on August 10, 2011, 12:50