• Skip to main content
  • Skip to site footer
  • Home
  • Blog
  • About Us
  • Pricing
  • Contact
  • Automotive
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
Branson Proposal & Family Photography, formally Amy Fillinger Photography

Branson Proposal & Family Photography, formally Amy Fillinger Photography

Branson Proposal Photographer | Branson Family Photographer | Branson Photographer

  • Home
  • Blog
  • About Us
  • Pricing
  • Contact
  • Automotive

5 Tips for New Photographers | Springfield MO Wedding Photographer

January 19, 2016 by Virginia

 

I should start by saying that I am not a professional photography instructor and that I don’t know everything! I am constantly learning new things about the business of photography. What I have here are 5 tips for new photographers. These are general tips for newbie photographers who are wanting to get into the world of professional photography. If you are a newbie photographer, feel free to post any questions in the comments! I hope that these tips help you in your photography adventure!

  1. Photograph friends and family for free. Just remember that your friends and family are probably not your ideal clients.

Generally speaking, your friends and family are not your ideal clients. They probably won’t value your work, and they will always want a hefty discount. When you begin your journey as a photographer, you’ll want to shoot your friends and family. Actually, you’ll want to shoot anyone who will let you! Make sure that they know that you are starting a business, and want to build your portfolio. Unless you plan to photograph the same people for free for years to come, don’t lead them into thinking that you will do free photography forever.  Practice, practice, practice. Photograph your kids, your dog, your neighbors, your cousins, etc. You will become more familiar with your camera, and your photographic style, without the pressure of doing paid work. You don’t want to be the $25 photographer on Craigslist. You will gain more respect in the photography community by building your portfolio than by shooting cheap sessions. Respect in the photography community DOES matter. There are some photographers who are competitive, or just plain mean when it comes to newbie photographers. There are many others who will gladly help you along the way, and even send referrals your way when you are ready! It makes more sense to work for free and gain experience. Another alternative to working for free (preferably after you have some experience) is to create a price list and offer a temporary discount. Set up reasonable pricing and offer a “grand opening” special or something along those lines. You don’t want to devalue your work, so only offer the special pricing for a limited time.

5 tips for new photographers, Branson wedding photographer, Springfield mo wedding photographer, Springfield wedding photographer, Missouri wedding photographer, Jefferson city wedding photographer, columbia wedding photographer
My oldest son on his 4th and 5th birthdays in 2012 and 2013. Lesson: I learned that “alien eyes” are not good editing!

 

2. If you want to shoot weddings, become a second shooter first.

If you’re not interested in weddings, this this part! If you’re interested in shooting weddings, ask yourself why? Is it because you’ve heard that wedding photographers make more than portrait photographers? Keep reading! It’s true that weddings generally pay more than portrait sessions. When you sit down and look at the time put in to photographing a wedding, you may realize that on an hourly basis, you aren’t making as much as you think. There are also successful portrait photographers who make more than wedding photographers! I am not trying to say that weddings aren’t worth it, because I love shooting weddings! Just make sure that you WANT to shoot weddings, not because there is more money in weddings. More money = more stress, when it comes to weddings! Join photography groups, you will often see more seasoned photographers looking for second shooters or assistants. Assisting does not pay as much, but it can be a good way to understand what goes into shooting a wedding. If you have good work, you may be able to get second shooting jobs with another photographer. I had only shot one wedding (free, for a friend) when I started second shooting. The photographer liked my portrait portfolio, and was hired me because she knew that I was capable with my camera. The first photographer that I worked with as a second shooter did not allow me to use the images for my portfolio. I strongly suggest finding a photographer who will let you use the images. I am going to do a longer post about being a second shooter sometime in the near future. If you are allowed to use the images, never post them before the main photographer has delivered all of her images to the client. Never tag the clients, or pretend like you shot the wedding by yourself. Some photographers appreciate a tag when you post them on social media, such as “Shot with so-and-so from so-and-so photography” and post a link. Following the rules of the first photographer and helping wherever you are needed is likely to get you hired again.

Jefferson City Wedding Photographer, Missouri capital, Missouri photographer, Jeff City wedding photography, Jeff City wedding photographer, Jefferson City weddings, Columbia wedding photographer, Columbia photographer, MO state capitol, wedding shoes, Branson wedding photographer, Branson photography, Branson wedding photography
I love weddings! I never started with the intention of specializing in weddings, but now I can’t imagine it any other way! This photo was  taken in September of 2015.

 

3. You don’t know as much as you think you know (I didn’t!)

Observe, take classes, practice.   I wish that I knew as much now as I thought I knew when I first started. I read a DSLR book and assumed that I was an expert. I shot completely in manual (I mean completely, EVERYTHING. Even some pros use some automatic settings on occasion!) and I thought I was a creative genius. I was not. Read your camera manual, take some CreativeLive classes, check out photography tutorials on YouTube. There are so many online resources to take advantage of. It didn’t take me long to figure this out, and I’ve been constantly learning more since then! 

Branson wedding photography, Jefferson City wedding photography, Jefferson city photographer, columbia photographer, 5 things
My practice subjects are not always interested in being photographed! This was taken in late 2015.

 

4. Get everything legal.  

This can mean different things in different states, counties, and cities. Look for photographers groups or small business groups in your city to find out the exact requirements for running a business in your area. If you make money, you are a business, make sure that you’re doing everything legally.

5. If full-time professional photography doesn’t work out, it’s 100% okay for photography to be a hobby or a side job.

The business of photography is difficult. Sometimes we just want to create art and take pretty pictures, but there is so much more to it than that! If you start feeling like you hate what you do, consider continuing photography as a hobby instead of a career. Photography can bring in a part time income, and still be an enjoyable hobby. You may be able to shoot what you love, perhaps making a little bit of extra money, without stressing over whether or not you can make enough to live on. If pursuing a career in photography is really what you want, just keep trying! Join photographers groups, hire a mentor, take some online classes. There are so many available resources for photographers in the areas of both photography and successfully running a business.

Are you a new photographer? Comment here and let me know if these tips help you, or if you have any other questions. Experienced photographers, feel free to leave tips that have helped you!

 

Sharing is caring!

0 shares
  • Share
  • Tweet
Category: for photographers, PersonalTag: photography tips

About Virginia

Previous Post: « Dale & Ashley | Springfield MO Wedding Photographer
Next Post: Carly | Springfield MO Senior Photography Springfield MO senior photography, Springfield MO senior photographer, Branson senior photographer, Springfield MO photographer, Springfield MO photography, Branson photographer, 417 photographer, senior portrait ideas, senior portraits »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Jenn

    January 27, 2016 at 6:31 pm

    Also, seek like minded professionals both in and out of your field to help you grow and learn.

    Reply
    • Amy

      February 1, 2016 at 11:07 am

      Great tip, Jenn! I definitely agree that this is an important one.

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Sidebar

Branson Proposal & Family Photography

Branson Proposal & Family Photography, formally Amy Fillinger Photography, is a photography business based in Branson, MO specializing in extended family photography, proposal photography, senior portrait photography, and small weddings and elopements. We also serve the Springfield, Nixa, and Ozark areas.

Looking for something?

bransonfamilyphotos

Missouri weather can be so unpredictable, and our Missouri weather can be so unpredictable, and our forecast called for rain at our originally scheduled session time, but thankfully Zach was able to move it earlier in the day without Megan suspecting anything! She said yes!! And the rain held off the entire time we were shooting! It was a little cold, but definitely the perfect proposal to start the 2023 season! 😍 Congratulations Zach and Megan!!
.
.
.
.
.
.
#bransonmophotographer #bransonmo #bransonmissouri #bransonproposal #bransonproposalphotographer #bransonengagement #bransonlanding #417photographer
The Jenkins Family is here in Branson celebrating The Jenkins Family is here in Branson celebrating their parents/grandparents 40th anniversary! Happy Anniversary, and a Happy New Years! The Jenkins Family was my last family of 2022, and it was a great session to wrap up the year! It's been a great year for Branson Proposal & Family Photography, and I have gotten to work with some wonderful people - my client are the best out there! Here's to an even better 2023! 🎉
.
.
.
.
.
.
#bransonmissouri #bransonmo #bransonfamilyphotographer #bransonphotographer #bransonfamilyreunion #bransonmophotographer
When you can get couples to laugh just by having t When you can get couples to laugh just by having them look at each other, you know you have a fun group! 😍
.
.
.
.
#bransonmissouri #bransonmo #bransoncouplesphotographer #bransonengagementphotographer #bransonproposalphotographer #bransonfamilyphotographer
We got so many great shots of the Bear family yest We got so many great shots of the Bear family yesterday that it was hard for me to pick my favorites! I'll have a second post coming later with some adorable couples shots from the session, but I think these family and kid shots are pretty great too! 😍 The snow looks deceiving, as it wasn't nearly as cold as it was last week! ☺️
.
.
.
.
#bransonmo #bransonmissouri #bransonmissouriphotographer #bransonreunion #bransonextendedfamilyphotographer #bransonphotographer #bransonphotography #familyphotography #417photographer
Here is part two for Nick and Megan! Congrats agai Here is part two for Nick and Megan! Congrats again you two!
.
.
.
.
#bransonmo #bransonmissouri #bransonphotographer #bransonproposal #bransonproposalphotographer #bransonengagmentphotographer
Congrats to Nick and Megan! She said yes! I had so Congrats to Nick and Megan! She said yes! I had so many favorite photos from this session, so I'm posting it in two parts! The @bransonlanding is the perfect spot for a winter proposal! The light is great, the scenery is varied enough to get a good variety of photos, and there are very few people around!
.
.
.
.
#bransonmissouri #bransonmo #bransonproposal #bransonproposalphotographer #bransonlanding #bransonegagementphotographer #proposalphotographer
I had the pleasure of taking couples portraits for I had the pleasure of taking couples portraits for the Kennedys in their home this week! Bill and I serve on the Head Start Policy Council together, and he and his wife wanted some portraits for their family in time for Christmas. I'm so glad we were able to find a day that worked for all of us! ☺️
.
.
.
.
.
.
#bransonmissouri #bransonmo #bransonfamilyphotographer #bransoncouplesphotographer #bransonmophotographer #bransonphotographer
Yesterday I went to @sdcattractions to capture Jus Yesterday I went to @sdcattractions to capture Justin's proposal to Molly! She said yes, and the weather was absolutely perfect for photos, so we got some AMAZING ones! 😍😍 It was so fun working with you both! Congrats!!
.
.
.
.
.
#bransonmo #bransonmissouri #bransonproposalphotographer #bransonproposal #bransonengagmentphotographer #engagementphotos #proposalphotographer #springfieldmo #ozarkmo #nixamo #ozarkphotographer #bransonphotographer
The Sims Blanchard family was my last session last The Sims Blanchard family was my last session last week, and it was the perfect session to end the fall season! I don't always get all the kids looking and smiling at the same time, but when I do...😍😍 These kids did great despite the chilly weather!
.
.
.
.
.
.
#bransonmissouri #bransonmo #bransonphotographer #bransonphotography #bransonfamilyphotographer #extendedfamilyphotos #familyreunionphotographer
I've done many proposals, but last week must have I've done many proposals, but last week must have been the week of firsts, because this was the first proposal I've had to go in blind! What I mean by that, is usually I have my proposal clients send me a photo of themselves so I know who I'm looking for, but I had a morning session at @dogwood_canyon this same day, and I never have cell signal there! So Alex sent me the selfie, but I didn't get it in time. I'm sure I looked like a weirdo watching random couples until Alex and Jamie showed up, but thankfully I was ready when he got down on one knee. Jamie said yes! Congrats you two! ☺️
.
.
.
.
#bransonproposal #bransonproposalphotographer #bransonmissouri #bransonmophotographer #bransonengagement #bransonengagmentphotographer #dogwoodcanyon
Here is a sneak peak for the Polar Express Crew! I Here is a sneak peak for the Polar Express Crew! It was great weather for photos at @dogwood_canyon last week! Look at those adorable kids! 😁
.
.
.
.
.
#bransonmissouri #bransonmo #bransonphotographer #dogwoodcanyon #bransonfamilyphotographer
While I've done dozens of proposals at @dogwood_ca While I've done dozens of proposals at @dogwood_canyon, this was the first one I've gotten to do at the stables! Nathan was able to coordinate with the wedding director at Dogwood Canyon and the staff was amazing helping us pull off this proposal without giving away the surprise! Congrats to Nathan and Martha! She said yes! If you like horses, I highly recommend planning your proposal before a horse tour! This was definitely one of my favorite proposals! ☺️
.
.
.
.
.
#bransonmo #bransonphotographer #bransonproposal #bransonproposalphotographer #dogwoodcanyon
Load More... Follow on Instagram

Hi there! I’m Virginia…

I love coffee, racquetball, and photography! Amy Fillinger Photography has been documenting "I will's" and "I do's" since 2012. Read More…

about

Branson Proposal & Family Photography, formally Amy Fillinger Photography, is a Branson, Missouri based photography business specializing in extended family photography, proposal photography, and more. Branson Proposal & Family Photography serves Branson and the surrounding areas, including Springfield, Nixa, Ozark, and Republic, MO.

Contact me:

 417.259.9142
 virginia@amyfillingerphotography.com
Send availability inquiries here.

Blog
Contact
Pricing
About

© 2022 Branson Proposal & Family Photography | Branson Proposal Photographer | Branson Family Photographer | Branson Portrait Photographer

 

0 shares