How Do You Know When Do You Become A Professional Photographer?

Is it by going to photography school for years? Checking out all the local art galleries in hopes of finding your photographic artwork displayed? Owning expensive photography equipment that most people wouldn't buy? Or maybe it is simply buying business cards with your "Name and Profession" on it.
Could it be selling one or two photographs online? Or just having fellow photographers tell you how great your work is. Maybe being offered a job on commission.

Whatever we think of our abilities to take amazing or even critically acclaimed photographic art work, it really is subjective just as being called a professional is.

No I didn't study for years, nor do I own expensive equipment. And I haven't seen my name up in lights or at any galleries.

But I can say this I feel like a Professional Photographer. The reason you ask well mostly a state of mind. And mostly because suddenly in the midst of my extremely boring week I stopped in to a shop locally and asked about putting my work on consignment, They said yes!

That in itself set me on a quest to see who else liked my work. Well it turns out lots of people like my work and are amazed I don't have a studio. No I still don't have a studio.

What I do have is a new found exuberance and drive to get my work shown and sold. I have managed to secure some financial backing from my family and I even have buyers lined up for my artwork.

Not just greeting cards, but note cards, prints, books, and well a few other things I have ideas for.

So I guess to answer the question, being a professional photographer is being able to sell your work on a regular basis, and to be able to support the business, and yourself some day soon.
So YES I am a Professional Photographer and I am proud of it! And excited and a bit scared. But I finally made it to a place that I am comfortable at, and I also know there is still so very much to learn.

And yes I plan on sharing all my ups and downs and a few sideways trips along the way.

Autumn Colors of Vermont

These are just a few of the pictures I took yesterday in Old Bennington. As you can see peak season is here and the colors this year have been exceptional! And even better is they have lasted for weeks as opposed to last year when the colors only lasted a few days. And the colors where more muted and less vibrant.

I have so much more I want o share with everyone as I have had such great feedback about my art work and selling them. But I am afraid it will have to wait just a few more days until I get it finalized. Lets just say that things are going fantastically in that area and greeting cards do pay off! :)

Famous Ghoshtly Images on Film

In honor of the Halloween spirit (sorry I couldn't resist) I found this slide show of famous ghostly pictures caught on film.
I did try to embed it in the post but it didn't work. So here is the link. And please take a second and read about each picture it really is interesting.
Ghostly Images

Wow! What a Day!

It all started innocently enough with a very early morning photography expedition. I went to one of my favorites spots over looking the Pownal valley in hopes of getting some great sun rise shots on the quickly turning all foliage.
I haven't even had a chance to check out my work from this morning as I have been so busy. Busy? You ask yes very. It seems I have managed to jump start my photography career in about two hours time!
You see on the way home there is a touristy shop called the "Apple Barn" It was open and I got to thinking since I worked there years ago I might see if the owner would be interested in having my photographs, mainly my greeting cards on consignment.
So I stopped in totally unprepared but really I just figured on making an appointment and coming back later on.
It seems a lady owns the place now and she was very keen on seeing my work. They have a small area setup for artist to sell there work and it's not for profit 80% to the artist and 20% to hospice.
She said she was leaving early today and I could bring them in before she left or come back any time.
Well I only live about 5 minutes from there, so I ran home printed a bunch of labels. I bought some clear labels to put my info on the back on the cards. You see the cards are embossed so I can't print on them.
Anyway the owner told me she loved my work and said to leave her a selection and she would set them up in the shop. She also loved the photographs I did on slate.
Well while I was out I decided I would stop at a few other places on Main street.
Well to make a long story short I sold 12 cards outright at $2.75 a piece. So I made $33.00 today in cash and I have two places in town that will be taking my cards on consignment. I also have an appointment with a lady at a gift shop here in town on Thursday and I have a call back for another shop as well.

The owner at the shop where I sold my cards is recommending me to her friend as a wedding photographer! Yikes! Never did that one before, so I don't know how that will work out.

And it has been suggested that my work be matted and framed and shown at a local gallery.

The funny thing i these are all last years photographs I am working with, this years photographs will be added for next tourist season. So I have a lot of work to do to get ready for spring!

So I guess I got what I wanted selling my work and it is sure going to be an adventure too! I can't wait, although I am a bit nervous but I think it will work out.

Coming up with the money for all the greeting cards, prints, mats, frames and everything will take some doing but I figure I got time on my side.

I'll post a few of my shots from this morning as soon as I get them done.

HP Free Online Classes Revisited

Bennington Monument in the Fall

For those of you who read the last article I wrote about HP Free Online Classes. This free service has forever made me a fan of there products, not to mention the laptop I have! :)
Anyway getting back on the subject, HP Free Online Courses they have now add 4 new classes for us photography geeks.

1. Improve and share your photos with HP Photosmart Essential 2.5
Learn how to transfer, organize, improve, and share your photos with the latest version of HP's free Photosmart Essential software.
Go
2. Touch up digital photos with Adobe Photoshop Elements
Find out for yourself how easy it is to resize, repair, and enhance your digital photos with Adobe Photoshop Elements 5.0.
3. Beyond auto mode: understand and use your camera's settings
Find out how to get the great photos you want by exploring all the settings, modes, and controls included in your digital camera.
4. Creative holiday gifts from photos
Whether you've got half an hour or half a day to spare, learn how to transform your photos into creative gifts for everyone on your holiday list.

I personally am going to take the first two. I figure you can never have to many courses on touching up photographs. And secondly you never know what one thing will make any class worth while. And hey it is free after all so check it out.

PS. It is good to be back.:)

100 Things I discovered about photography.

This is such a great article with lots of common sense stuff in it that it is certainly worth the read.
100 Things I Discovered About Photography

Also you for those landscape photographers here is a great article about shooting light and not the landscape. I found it rather interesting with some great ideas.
Photograph the Light not the Land

Bother articles courtesy of Digital Photography School

Also while I am at it there is a wonderful article on the legalities of Photography Today.
Legal Expert Carolyn Wright and Ten Common Misconceptions of the Law for Photographers

This is a great read for anyone who is in to photography. It really helps answer so of the unknown what if questions about photographers rights. Very helpful in deed.

And on a final note 60 Second to Improve Your Photography Skills
Some nice fresh ideas and a few common sense ones for beginners.

I hope these articles answer some of the more burning questions.

Coming Back

Hey everyone!
Yes it is me, I know I have been away from the blog to much and for too long. The reasons are simple. Back in the spring I fell down a ravine and it started a snowball effect of some health issues that I was unaware of for a while. So I have been dealing with the recovery of my injuries from the fall along with being diagnosed with diabetes .
What a life style change. After taking several months to get my health in order I have been able to continue my love of photography. Although I am still not a 100% I am feeling a bit better than I have in a long time.
So I wanted to thank all of my well wishers and concerned friends and family that have followed my photography and my illnesses.
So please check back often as I am trying to get back to th pace I enjoyed before. And autumn seems to be the best time to get back into it more.
So please be patient and I promise to show you some wonderful things that have been in progress.
Thanks again everyone!