I shot for an optical boutique last week. They had a trunk show and wanted coverage. I did a mix of product, event, and employee portraits. Also, they had catering, haha.
We are truly indebted to you for your willingness to share and give so freely of your time and wealth of practical knowledge in this endeavor all of us here have a passion for and yes, even a need to pursue. Thank you Daniel!
you are a photogrockstar brother! the cosmos loves you! we thankyou soooooo much for the time you put into your craft and teaching others to build and better theirs! you are appreciated more than you can imagine....... maybe you do know....... rock on my brother in photography!
Thanks, Daniel! I know you're right about this, because of my experience in other entertainment industries. (for me, music and 3D graphics) There are so many parallels in regard to how to get started with paid jobs, how to treat your customers, and how to build relationships. And importantly... Once you've got your foot in the door, it's absolutely vital to be a genuine human being... meaning that you have the experience to know when to be flexible with your time and pricing, know how to treat individuals with respect, understand that every job isn't going to make you a fortunes, but may be valuable in other long-term ways, etc.. I always enjoy your "porch talks", because it's obvious that what you say comes from experience, and that you've treated your opportunities respectfully. Thanks again!
your channel is my favorite man, your pace of talking and clarity while being simple and to the point. keep it up man been subscribed for a while. And I personally dont mind long format videos. ID say 30 minutes is actually good. as long as whatever needs to be said is said.
Always enjoy your content. Three years later and still very relevant information. Yes, it's Sensei in the dojo. My first instructor had us all call him by his name though. The good ones are quite humble. I'm actually planning on that tactic for my niece's Dojo. Plus I want pictures of my niece following my footsteps, so if nothing comes of it, not a big loss. Looking for a good video on individual contracts.
Thanks for your videos and how to’s. And I must say one thing you said is so true. I worked with this girl (college student) for two years now. Shooting all different types of shots. I did some head shots for her and she got in to a magazine for the college she attends. And now she has told me that I will be shooting her engagement and wedding photos. And I imagine her children when that happens. She is a client for life! It’s the best feeling in the world next to my child being born! I haven’t made a single dime over the two years working with her but I have from others who has seen my work of her and a few others I did for free! Free is good to a point. Now I don’t charge a lot. I have found I charge less than others and more than some. Getting the right price is not easy. But I feel I am making progress! Thanks again!
Super informative to hear this from someone who knows their stuff. It's useful to hear how businesses deal with and react to the various approaches. I've tried for years to secure paying clients. I've photographed my own family, and my own dog, and my family friends and their weddings to build a portfolio of sorts, but I just can't get anyone to hire me even when I contact them directly. The best I have got is "we will bear you in mind when we need a photographer". I've even approached small local businesses, and I either get no reply, or I get "we cant afford it", and when I say "well I'll do it for free for the portfolio" and then they just ignore me. Its exhausting.
Daniel, this is straight talk. I listened very carefully to everything you said, and it all makes such perfect sense. On one level, you gave me some new things to think about, and on another level, you verified my thoughts and impressions about things I have sort of figured out on my own. I have been shooting paid gigs for a while now, but earlier this year, I decided that I wanted more, and it's time to get serious. It's difficult to turn the corner into paid work sometimes because we want to get paid for what some people would do for free. I had a similar situation with the music biz. I've been a professional musician most of my life. I'm pretty handy with my gear, and clients are always very happy with my work. I just want more. Please consider more porch talks about the business. All of your videos are valuable, but these talks are priceless to people like me.
Wow, solid wisdom rarely given without a price tag attached. Personally, I'm grateful to have found your channel, you have provided so much great, on point advice for the stuttering start-up photog it's unbelievable. Many thanks and much love from a late blooming (63) struggling photographer. All the best, Alan
Such a good video! Your so right when you say that, once you shoot for free, you can no longer charge that person. Also found once you trade for service it's much the same, you can only trade for service and never charge a fee. Lots of good information, thanks.
Great advice. I was lucky I started by working as an assistant. I used to go to the local photo lab and picked up work as an assistant for some great photographers. I was lucky enough to work in big crews as well as working for commercial photographers who were kind enough to help me along in my career. It helps to work as an assistant so you know the flow of the shoot as well as how to price yourself. My first break was working for Susan Einstein, Grand daughter of Albert. She was famous for shooting art galleries and with her recommendation she got me into the Getty Museum in Los Angeles back when they were having a lot of problems. We also worked on the Gene Autry western museum. We made a book for them.
I think you hit the nail on the head at the last few minutes of the video: Getting published. I have shot models, weddings, CD covers. I have been on paid assignments. But I have never been published. Thanks for the info.
Your videos have a lot of common sense and useful info. I have been shooting professionally for about 10 years-had a brick and mortar studio for a while. I have had a few breakthrough jobs that I made dumb mistakes...Usually contract jobs, and the horrible swim, dance, karate, school events where one deals with parents. Anymore i just don’t know how much to charge for certain jobs and never want to get greedy and price myself onto the couch. The fact that I have not been a starving photographer has kept it from being my bread and butter, if i was forced to scratch out a living, things would be different i suspect ...i stepped away for a while but diving back into it having discovered your enlightening work, words and Marissa. I have a website but don’t want to invite internet mishap by posting it here... Perhaps a video on how to price jobs, feeling your local market and what kind of arrangement photographers make with teams, dance, swim and karate studios... i will give them a 15% incentive and a free group shot for the op to get the business..... dumb?
I truly look forward to more videos like this. So powerful and genuine in your approach and with the information that was delivered. This will be one to remember.
Hey Daniel, will finish watching tomorrow, but 7 mins in and your speaking the wise words and mentioning th traps it's easy enough to fall into. Thankyou.
As usual Daniel I completely appreciate you sharing your knowledge & insights. I presently find myself being approached by a few people in the performance and acting fields, in large part due to some work I did for a small production company in the past. I don't have a good "book" for that kind of work, but I really enjoy doing it. I am going to do some work for free and work on translating that into paying referrals. Your video right now is incredibly timely for me - Thanks!
Awesome advice as always! Thanks a lot Daniel. I’m always learning so much and getting more confident with the choice of pursuing photography after watching your videos.
Awesome advice! I shoot at the shelter for free as a volunteer. I love every minute of it. A couple of the workers would like to hire me to take photos of their pets. I guess that's a start. I probably should go to more dog shows/events, contact pet clubs (dogs and cats) and some dog groomers? I do appreciate the shelter as they had me put my watermark (name on my photos..reason being as they've had photos stolen before ...the shelter falls under the police department) so at least my name is getting out there. I do love taking pictures of those animals. I would always do that for free. Those animals need a forever home. Thanks Daniel!!!
Wanting to start a headshot biz. What form should portfolio that you show people take? When you mention a photographer’s “book”, what does that mean... prints, photo book, ...? I’ve seen a fair number of your portrait shoots w/ various lighting including 1, 2, and 3 lights. 3 light setup or would 2 suffice to start out?
There are many ways to show your work, for Headshots the most common would probably be to show 8 x 10 size prints like the actors would make themselves, or go with larger prints to be more “impressive“ - As far as number of lights, that really depends on the look you’re going for
Its been a while, but what great 'philosophising from the porch.' Always look forward to these episodes. On a side note I listen on headphones, and some of the background noises are awesome. I honestly think you live opposite a zoo with all those animal noises going on. lol Be safe Daniel
Hello, I enjoy your videos, there is always something interesting to learn from them. That said I doubt I will ever be more than an amateur photographer, but I enjoy learning and understanding how things work. I guess I really enjoy seeing people create and use their imagination and knowledge. I used to like to see Jesse James fabricate motorcycles from the ground up, how he had a mastery of the tools of his trade. I find your videos including the Onset series very similar you have a real passion to create, experiment along with a command of the tools of your profession. I guess that's what draws me in and makes me watch. Well thanks and I look forward to seeing new videos.
Great Information, thanks. Only in one regard you might not be right: Actors very often do need a director/Videographer helping them shooting their Vids. A Video is a much more complex thing than taking a Photo. Quality counts.
Indeed - I’m referring more to “self tapes” vs actual scenes where direction etc is of course important. To me the self tape should be the Actor’s interpretation of the scene.
I really liked it when mentioned that "You wanna shoot because you love it". I've been shooting portraits for a year now and I just do paid shoots occasionally not because I'm not good at it, but because I just haven't been serious finding clients. Since photography is just my hobby, I was fine doing things for free and sometimes even paying for shoots that I really like. After watching this video, I'm now thinking to push through doing more paid work than just shooting for fun and passion. I just love sharing my work, so if you want to check it out, head to www.flickr.com/photos/bryanpanesa. Thank you Daniel!
For me, this is fantastic insider information! thank you! I am going to try and get up to see you and Seth at the end of the month... I am going to pick up at 400 2.8 and figure i could stop in for a class or workshop between 5-18 to 6-10... somewhere in there. Im going to Montana on the 16 to photograph Grizzlies
One last thing. I shot the shot of my life today thanks to you and your chimera lantern. The model was in latex with the light an inch from her nose and she looks like a sports car. What’s your email address? And my wife and I would love to take you to dinner when you’re in vegas. I’m serious that you taught me photography and we make ton with it🙏🏻👍
I have learned the hard way is that when you give things away for free that would be paid for, most will not value it the same. even if you barter the product for something like a dozen of home raised eggs, there is value in the exchange. best
Work? How did it happen for me? Most of my first "real" work came as editorial type gigs. Not in the sense that most people think of when they consider editorial though. I shot for a few small rags, some stuff for the Disney rags and a little bit for SyFy TV here and there. All but one of those magazines have long since gone the way of the dinosaur and editorial has, for the most part, been off the table since about 2010 or so. Luckily for me, as one door shut another opened. That sounds like something off of a damn Hallmark card but it's true none the less. Anyway, I started, just by chance, getting work shooting public relations and campaign advertising for congressmen, senators and other politicians. These days most of my work is making politicians look all pretty and stuff. Though this type of work was certainly not my plan starting out I actually enjoy it far more than any other work I've ever done. Behind the scenes, it's not what people might imagine when they think about doing that kind of thing. My career has been full of ups, downs, near misses and even some success. In the end, I didn't really choose my path. I guess it chose me.
I've did some work in the past for a local "Agency". It was basically TFP work and most of them were not model material. I did recently shoot with a girl who was contacted by this local "Agency" and as soon as she told him she wouldn't do nude or lingerie shots, he quickly lost interest in her. He publishes a "magazine" on a site that only prints copies as they're bought and paid for and then touts his models as being "published". I also get digital comp cards sent to me from him with nude and semi nude images on them. Sadly, a local organization in our city gave his agency a "Peoples Choice" award as the best "Modeling Agency" in our city.
I love the "Porch Talks with Daniel Norton", take as long as you like. I've been a high school sport photographer in a small Florida town for three years. I provide lots of action shots, composits etc and the local sport crowd are familiar with me as I shoot the awards banquets also. During the past three months with no sports, I got a few paying jobs doing head shots and portrait shots for business advertising, leaving dead space for copy. I really love sports but the head shots/portraits are fun, its way less time demand, its air conditioned (think Florida summer baseball mid day). But I think I have a problem, my business name is "Florida Sports Photography". Google search shows me, but only sports. What would you do in my situation, begin advertising studio photography, add a new Google business name or could I use my town name like " Sebastian Photography"? I have a page on my website for portraits/head shots/ sport theme senior photos but get no "hits" although I didn't care before. Thanks for these videos, I know you have tons on your plate. Gavin Hoey could do porch talks too but from a really small porch. Ha
It will take time for your portraits to start getting hits on Google that’s for sure. That is true whether you create a new business name or just add portraits to your current business. Unless you’re going to stop doing what you were doing before I would not recommend changing your name or starting another. Just get your portrait work out there and it will eventually get hits
Thanks Daniel! I always learn so much from your videos. Should your portfolios be market specific or a collection of your best shots? I really wish I had seen this 20 years ago. I would be a pro today if I had!!!
Hello Sensei, still love your stuff & I appreciate what you do for us, off subject, would you ever consider trying out the Panasonic S1 on one of your portrait shoots at Adorama & give us your thoughts? I am glad that you are using the Z6 & giving us your thoughts on that as well. ☮️ thanks.
Hi Daniel . . . I was wondering, I always see you doing your videos in your (or Adaroma's) studio, but do you ever do environmental or on-location portrait shooting? I'm wondering if you have any videos that specifically showcase that type of portrait shooting. Thanks!
For ease of video shooting I mostly shoot at my studio. But the product launches for the Profoto B10 as well as the B10plus are shot in location you can find those on Adorama
Very good points Daniel. Do you know anything about photo libraries. This may be a way to get into photo work. Secondly have you heard of the New York Institute of Photography. Is it any good or is it a scam to get money out of people they keep contacting me about their courses. They look interesting , but i am in the united kingdom not usa. Is it worth considering or not worth the paper it s written on?
What about building relationships with modeling agencies.? Can they throw work your way with brands when they use your photos to submit to brands to get their models booked?
By the time a brand is hiring a model, they typically already have a photographer at least in any job I’ve been on the photographer… Me has been part of the casting
Actually I am currently in that void between doing a good job and getting paid for it. I won an award for event photography this week as an amateur, but I can't get anyone in the local area that wants to pay any real money for the work. It gets very frustrating a lot of the time.
Is there any checklist when you are shooting a model or an actor. I mean regular poses, regular shot? E.g I found the model, I can photograph, he/she can modeling. But what kind of photographs I should give at the end? If you are working with a beginner model, you need the experience to give advice for the model and make your best for the photographs she/he could get.
I don’t need any kind of checklist, but if I’m hired to do a certain job let’s say make a headshot or a body shot for a model, then clearly that needs to be done
"ooh bee, big bumble bee!" And that's how someone should be able to instantly know you're wired to be a photographer. My biggest skill set - I'm easily distracted and notice things others miss.
My man I don't know but you really taught a lot about photography. Thank you so much for the knowledge and insights.
🙏🏻🙏🏻
A lot of good tips and a lot of common sense for anyone thinking of going "pro"!
Thanks!!
Know your value and don't undersell yourself. Have confidence in yourself and your work! Another great advice video. Tnx!
Thanks
Really loved the laid back style of this video, right down to the casual coffee sips. Great stuff, my friend 😁
Thanks
I shot for an optical boutique last week. They had a trunk show and wanted coverage. I did a mix of product, event, and employee portraits. Also, they had catering, haha.
Great!
We are truly indebted to you for your willingness to share and give so freely of your time and wealth of practical knowledge in this endeavor all of us here have a passion for and yes, even a need to pursue. Thank you Daniel!
Thank You!
I think this maybe the best information about selling your work that I’ve heard. Thank you
Thank you!
you are a photogrockstar brother! the cosmos loves you! we thankyou soooooo much for the time you put into your craft and teaching others to build and better theirs! you are appreciated more than you can imagine....... maybe you do know....... rock on my brother in photography!
🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻
Watching your video was time well spent. No frills but lots of good advice. Thank you.
Thanks, Daniel! I know you're right about this, because of my experience in other entertainment industries. (for me, music and 3D graphics) There are so many parallels in regard to how to get started with paid jobs, how to treat your customers, and how to build relationships. And importantly... Once you've got your foot in the door, it's absolutely vital to be a genuine human being... meaning that you have the experience to know when to be flexible with your time and pricing, know how to treat individuals with respect, understand that every job isn't going to make you a fortunes, but may be valuable in other long-term ways, etc.. I always enjoy your "porch talks", because it's obvious that what you say comes from experience, and that you've treated your opportunities respectfully. Thanks again!
Thanks! Yes, it’s much easier to keep a client than to find new ones, gotta treat them right.
your channel is my favorite man, your pace of talking and clarity while being simple and to the point. keep it up man been subscribed for a while. And I personally dont mind long format videos. ID say 30 minutes is actually good. as long as whatever needs to be said is said.
Awesome, thanks!
You always provide a wealth of information, Daniel. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Thanks for watching!
Always enjoy your content. Three years later and still very relevant information. Yes, it's Sensei in the dojo. My first instructor had us all call him by his name though. The good ones are quite humble. I'm actually planning on that tactic for my niece's Dojo. Plus I want pictures of my niece following my footsteps, so if nothing comes of it, not a big loss. Looking for a good video on individual contracts.
Thanks for your videos and how to’s. And I must say one thing you said is so true. I worked with this girl (college student) for two years now. Shooting all different types of shots. I did some head shots for her and she got in to a magazine for the college she attends. And now she has told me that I will be shooting her engagement and wedding photos. And I imagine her children when that happens. She is a client for life! It’s the best feeling in the world next to my child being born! I haven’t made a single dime over the two years working with her but I have from others who has seen my work of her and a few others I did for free! Free is good to a point. Now I don’t charge a lot. I have found I charge less than others and more than some. Getting the right price is not easy. But I feel I am making progress! Thanks again!
Awesome!
Super informative to hear this from someone who knows their stuff. It's useful to hear how businesses deal with and react to the various approaches. I've tried for years to secure paying clients. I've photographed my own family, and my own dog, and my family friends and their weddings to build a portfolio of sorts, but I just can't get anyone to hire me even when I contact them directly. The best I have got is "we will bear you in mind when we need a photographer". I've even approached small local businesses, and I either get no reply, or I get "we cant afford it", and when I say "well I'll do it for free for the portfolio" and then they just ignore me. Its exhausting.
Daniel, this is straight talk. I listened very carefully to everything you said, and it all makes such perfect sense. On one level, you gave me some new things to think about, and on another level, you verified my thoughts and impressions about things I have sort of figured out on my own.
I have been shooting paid gigs for a while now, but earlier this year, I decided that I wanted more, and it's time to get serious. It's difficult to turn the corner into paid work sometimes because we want to get paid for what some people would do for free. I had a similar situation with the music biz. I've been a professional musician most of my life.
I'm pretty handy with my gear, and clients are always very happy with my work. I just want more.
Please consider more porch talks about the business. All of your videos are valuable, but these talks are priceless to people like me.
Cool, will do. Business seems to be a popular request
Wow, solid wisdom rarely given without a price tag attached. Personally, I'm grateful to have found your channel, you have provided so much great, on point advice for the stuttering start-up photog it's unbelievable. Many thanks and much love from a late blooming (63) struggling photographer. All the best, Alan
Awesome, glad I can help
Such a good video! Your so right when you say that, once you shoot for free, you can no longer charge that person. Also found once you trade for service it's much the same, you can only trade for service and never charge a fee.
Lots of good information, thanks.
Yup, it’s hard if not impossible to get a free client to pay.
Great advice. I was lucky I started by working as an assistant. I used to go to the local photo lab and picked up work as an assistant for some great photographers. I was lucky enough to work in big crews as well as working for commercial photographers who were kind enough to help me along in my career. It helps to work as an assistant so you know the flow of the shoot as well as how to price yourself. My first break was working for Susan Einstein, Grand daughter of Albert. She was famous for shooting art galleries and with her recommendation she got me into the Getty Museum in Los Angeles back when they were having a lot of problems. We also worked on the Gene Autry western museum. We made a book for them.
Yes, working as an assistant is a great way to break in.
Daniel you definitely dropped some jewels in this video. Love it bro keep it coming
Thanks
All these great, topical videos for me. It's like you're holding my hand for going from amateur to pro. Thanks, Daniel!
Awesome
I think you hit the nail on the head at the last few minutes of the video: Getting published.
I have shot models, weddings, CD covers. I have been on paid assignments. But I have never been published.
Thanks for the info.
Yes, I think it can really be a game changer once you are.
Amazing advice Thank you so much. I really learned a lot on how to do the transition to paid. Will keep following all your content 🙏🙏👍👍📸
Thanks 🙏🏻
Your videos have a lot of common sense and useful info. I have been shooting professionally for about 10 years-had a brick and mortar studio for a while.
I have had a few breakthrough jobs that I made dumb mistakes...Usually contract jobs, and the horrible swim, dance, karate, school events where one deals with parents.
Anymore i just don’t know how much to charge for certain jobs and never want to get greedy and price myself onto the couch.
The fact that I have not been a starving photographer has kept it from being my bread and butter, if i was forced to scratch out a living, things would be different i suspect ...i stepped away for a while but diving back into it having discovered your enlightening work, words and Marissa.
I have a website but don’t want to invite internet mishap by posting it here... Perhaps a video on how to price jobs, feeling your local market and what kind of arrangement photographers make with teams, dance, swim and karate studios... i will give them a 15% incentive and a free group shot for the op to get the business..... dumb?
Some interesting topics for sure. I will see how to address them
I truly look forward to more videos like this. So powerful and genuine in your approach and with the information that was delivered. This will be one to remember.
Thanks!
Hey Daniel, will finish watching tomorrow, but 7 mins in and your speaking the wise words and mentioning th traps it's easy enough to fall into. Thankyou.
Thanks!
I like the postcard idea. Thanks.
As usual Daniel I completely appreciate you sharing your knowledge & insights. I presently find myself being approached by a few people in the performance and acting fields, in large part due to some work I did for a small production company in the past. I don't have a good "book" for that kind of work, but I really enjoy doing it. I am going to do some work for free and work on translating that into paying referrals. Your video right now is incredibly timely for me - Thanks!
Awesome!
Good advice. Thanks. Off topic, but your porch looks so very peaceful.
Thank you it is very peaceful
Awesome advice as always! Thanks a lot Daniel. I’m always learning so much and getting more confident with the choice of pursuing photography after watching your videos.
Awesome!
Thanks for sharing your knowledge and experiences. Very helpful information.
🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻
Awesome advice! I shoot at the shelter for free as a volunteer. I love every minute of it. A couple of the workers would like to hire me to take photos of their pets. I guess that's a start. I probably should go to more dog shows/events, contact pet clubs (dogs and cats) and some dog groomers? I do appreciate the shelter as they had me put my watermark (name on my photos..reason being as they've had photos stolen before ...the shelter falls under the police department) so at least my name is getting out there. I do love taking pictures of those animals. I would always do that for free. Those animals need a forever home. Thanks Daniel!!!
Awesome!
Get them to sign a contract that says the free shoot is a one-time thing, & what to expect from that shoot and future shoots. That helps.
Always great advice, Daniel! Thank you!
🙌🏻🙌🏻
Great video Daniel and so true. I really like your videos, no agenda just solid info.
Thanks!
Thanks man for the advice! This is super helpful.
🙌🏻🙌🏻
Wanting to start a headshot biz. What form should portfolio that you show people take? When you mention a photographer’s “book”, what does that mean... prints, photo book, ...?
I’ve seen a fair number of your portrait shoots w/ various lighting including 1, 2, and 3 lights. 3 light setup or would 2 suffice to start out?
There are many ways to show your work, for Headshots the most common would probably be to show 8 x 10 size prints like the actors would make themselves, or go with larger prints to be more “impressive“ - As far as number of lights, that really depends on the look you’re going for
Ditto to all the positive comments Daniel ... great relaxed and experience based information...thanks
Thank you!
Its been a while, but what great 'philosophising from the porch.' Always look forward to these episodes.
On a side note I listen on headphones, and some of the background noises are awesome. I honestly think you live opposite a zoo with all those animal noises going on. lol
Be safe Daniel
Awesome info. Great casual approach and very real. Thanks so much!
Thanks for watching
Great info there, can’t wait for the next video.
Thanks!
Hello, I enjoy your videos, there is always something interesting to learn from them.
That said I doubt I will ever be more than an amateur photographer, but I enjoy learning and understanding how things work.
I guess I really enjoy seeing people create and use their imagination and knowledge. I used to like to see Jesse James fabricate motorcycles from the ground up, how he had a mastery of the tools of his trade. I find your videos including the Onset series very similar you have a real passion to create, experiment along with a command of the tools of your profession. I guess that's what draws me in and makes me watch.
Well thanks and I look forward to seeing new videos.
Awesome, thanks for watching, nothing wrong with being a photographer for the love of it
Great Information, thanks. Only in one regard you might not be right:
Actors very often do need a director/Videographer helping them shooting their Vids. A Video is a much more complex thing than taking a Photo. Quality counts.
Indeed - I’m referring more to “self tapes” vs actual scenes where direction etc is of course important. To me the self tape should be the Actor’s interpretation of the scene.
Excellent video. Very helpful info
Thanks
You got the wheels of my mind turning. ✍️ 👀 📷
Great!
Very.realistic and practical advise from a true working professional
Thanks!
Very informative thanks!
I really liked it when mentioned that "You wanna shoot because you love it". I've been shooting portraits for a year now and I just do paid shoots occasionally not because I'm not good at it, but because I just haven't been serious finding clients. Since photography is just my hobby, I was fine doing things for free and sometimes even paying for shoots that I really like.
After watching this video, I'm now thinking to push through doing more paid work than just shooting for fun and passion.
I just love sharing my work, so if you want to check it out, head to www.flickr.com/photos/bryanpanesa. Thank you Daniel!
Awesome
For me, this is fantastic insider information! thank you! I am going to try and get up to see you and Seth at the end of the month... I am going to pick up at 400 2.8 and figure i could stop in for a class or workshop between 5-18 to 6-10... somewhere in there. Im going to Montana on the 16 to photograph Grizzlies
Cool!
One last thing. I shot the shot of my life today thanks to you and your chimera lantern. The model was in latex with the light an inch from her nose and she looks like a sports car. What’s your email address? And my wife and I would love to take you to dinner when you’re in vegas. I’m serious that you taught me photography and we make ton with it🙏🏻👍
Awesome! Glad to hear it, I do love lanterns - I’ll be out for WPPI - daniel@dnphoto.com
Outstanding job bro 😎
Thank You!
Great vid. Excellent
Thank You!
the timing of this vid is perfect :)
Awesome
Excellent advice. Thanks Daniel.
🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
I have learned the hard way is that when you give things away for free that would be paid for, most will not value it the same. even if you barter the product for something like a dozen of home raised eggs, there is value in the exchange.
best
For sure
Another interesting video! Love the insight 👍😉
🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻
Work? How did it happen for me?
Most of my first "real" work came as editorial type gigs. Not in the sense that most people think of when they consider editorial though. I shot for a few small rags, some stuff for the Disney rags and a little bit for SyFy TV here and there. All but one of those magazines have long since gone the way of the dinosaur and editorial has, for the most part, been off the table since about 2010 or so. Luckily for me, as one door shut another opened. That sounds like something off of a damn Hallmark card but it's true none the less.
Anyway, I started, just by chance, getting work shooting public relations and campaign advertising for congressmen, senators and other politicians. These days most of my work is making politicians look all pretty and stuff. Though this type of work was certainly not my plan starting out I actually enjoy it far more than any other work I've ever done. Behind the scenes, it's not what people might imagine when they think about doing that kind of thing.
My career has been full of ups, downs, near misses and even some success. In the end, I didn't really choose my path. I guess it chose me.
Awesome! Yes, the willingness to go where it takes you seem the key to a long career
Nicely presented, cheers mate!
Thank you!
I've did some work in the past for a local "Agency". It was basically TFP work and most of them were not model material. I did recently shoot with a girl who was contacted by this local "Agency" and as soon as she told him she wouldn't do nude or lingerie shots, he quickly lost interest in her. He publishes a "magazine" on a site that only prints copies as they're bought and paid for and then touts his models as being "published". I also get digital comp cards sent to me from him with nude and semi nude images on them. Sadly, a local organization in our city gave his agency a "Peoples Choice" award as the best "Modeling Agency" in our city.
🤔 that sounds very fishy- the award part
Thanks Daniel!
Thanks for watching!
Great advice again
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I love the "Porch Talks with Daniel Norton", take as long as you like. I've been a high school sport photographer in a small Florida town for three years. I provide lots of action shots, composits etc and the local sport crowd are familiar with me as I shoot the awards banquets also. During the past three months with no sports, I got a few paying jobs doing head shots and portrait shots for business advertising, leaving dead space for copy. I really love sports but the head shots/portraits are fun, its way less time demand, its air conditioned (think Florida summer baseball mid day). But I think I have a problem, my business name is "Florida Sports Photography". Google search shows me, but only sports. What would you do in my situation, begin advertising studio photography, add a new Google business name or could I use my town name like " Sebastian Photography"? I have a page on my website for portraits/head shots/ sport theme senior photos but get no "hits" although I didn't care before. Thanks for these videos, I know you have tons on your plate. Gavin Hoey could do porch talks too but from a really small porch. Ha
It will take time for your portraits to start getting hits on Google that’s for sure. That is true whether you create a new business name or just add portraits to your current business. Unless you’re going to stop doing what you were doing before I would not recommend changing your name or starting another. Just get your portrait work out there and it will eventually get hits
Had my first payed shoot was a birthday party but hopefully will lead to other thing
Thanks for this great information!
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Thanks Daniel! I always learn so much from your videos. Should your portfolios be market specific or a collection of your best shots? I really wish I had seen this 20 years ago. I would be a pro today if I had!!!
Market specific
Hello Sensei, still love your stuff & I appreciate what you do for us, off subject, would you ever consider trying out the Panasonic S1 on one of your portrait shoots at Adorama & give us your thoughts? I am glad that you are using the Z6 & giving us your thoughts on that as well. ☮️ thanks.
I’m Panasonic loans me one I will 😂 I’ve used their cameras before and have been impressed
A great video.
Thanks you
Hi Daniel . . . I was wondering, I always see you doing your videos in your (or Adaroma's) studio, but do you ever do environmental or on-location portrait shooting? I'm wondering if you have any videos that specifically showcase that type of portrait shooting. Thanks!
For ease of video shooting I mostly shoot at my studio. But the product launches for the Profoto B10 as well as the B10plus are shot in location you can find those on Adorama
Very good points Daniel.
Do you know anything about photo libraries. This may be a way to get into photo work.
Secondly have you heard of the New York Institute of Photography. Is it any good or is it a scam to get money out of people they keep contacting me about their courses. They look interesting , but i am in the united kingdom not usa.
Is it worth considering or not worth the paper it s written on?
What about building relationships with modeling agencies.? Can they throw work your way with brands when they use your photos to submit to brands to get their models booked?
By the time a brand is hiring a model, they typically already have a photographer at least in any job I’ve been on the photographer… Me has been part of the casting
Actually I am currently in that void between doing a good job and getting paid for it.
I won an award for event photography this week as an amateur, but I can't get anyone in the local area that wants to pay any real money for the work. It gets very frustrating a lot of the time.
Keep at it!
I remember the first time I made big money - what a feeling
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Joe McNally reminds me of my karate sensei from 20 years ago...anyway thanks for the video
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Is there any checklist when you are shooting a model or an actor. I mean regular poses, regular shot? E.g I found the model, I can photograph, he/she can modeling. But what kind of photographs I should give at the end? If you are working with a beginner model, you need the experience to give advice for the model and make your best for the photographs she/he could get.
I don’t need any kind of checklist, but if I’m hired to do a certain job let’s say make a headshot or a body shot for a model, then clearly that needs to be done
"ooh bee, big bumble bee!" And that's how someone should be able to instantly know you're wired to be a photographer. My biggest skill set - I'm easily distracted and notice things others miss.
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Thanks for the video. Would you recommend adding photographer logo/info with images done for free during initial stages ?
I personally think logos/watermarks are cheesy - BUT be sure to tell people they must credit you.
So you think it's still possible to make a living with photography?? People been telling me to forget about it.
Yes. People said the same to me
I would have lost it if you started to run from the 🐝
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Porn. I never thought I would shoot Porn. No joke.
We do sometimes find ourselves shooting strange things we never thought we would
80% of your business will come from 20% of your customers.