Yes, I Want To Be A Photographer

     I have embarked on a journey late in life that I always wanted to do. No, I am not an old dog learning a new trick. I am a middle age man putting the college minor into practice. Photography has always been a passion but I could never afford to get it going. Now that my freelance videography business ( The Edit Room, LLC) is bringing in a little money. I can afford to expand and add photography. Now that it is in it's digital form, it is very affordable for someone like me to start up.

Model Shacoya. ER Studio meetup. 1 AB800 camera right with large softbox. Westcott reflector camera left close to model

It is going quite well actually. I am a year in on the business side of things, gathering all the legal licenses and gear for the photography side. I have a separate photography website setup and open for business but constantly revamping the images. Nothing ever seems good enough to put out there. I have leased my studio space with two other photographers and clients are coming in slowly but steady. Learning every day about the business side of photography. I have yet to find my niche in the business. I am offering head shots and portraits on the website, but now leaning more towards fashion and beauty.

Model Randal head shot. 2 AB800's with shoot through umbrellas left and right, Westcott reflector at her waist. 

  

Model Karisma head shot. 1 AB 800 with softbox behind camera. Westcott reflector waist high. 

     Being in my mid 40's, married with two kids, does not leave me much lead way as far as disposable income and free time. I really don't know how I am doing this but I can see growth in my business every day. Not only income growth by growth in knowledge. Mostly from reading, learning from other local photographers here in Atlanta, Zack Arias, Drexina Nelson, Derek Blanks, etc. Got to give it up to them for making it in the industry. A common thing I hear from all people who are in business for themselves. They say do what you are passionate about and the money will come. Words of  inspiration, but in the real world, I have a stay at home wife, kids that need health and dental benefits and a mortgage.

     Enough of that, back to the photography, I am a Nikonian shooting with the old D200. I love shooting with prime lenses mostly Nikon 50mm 1.4G, Nikon 35mm 1.4G, & Nikkor 85 1.8. I have my trusty Alien Bee studio lights, 3 AB 800, AB 1600, and a ABR 800. Enough to do some damage and work on several lighting schemes. As a professional, I still try to learn all I can from others. I have met quite a few area photographers in that area that are willing to help and give some priceless advice. A great group of photographers in the Atlanta area, Atlanta Photography Guild, gives me the chance to run ideas by other photographers to see if I am headed in the right direction or ideas on how to shoot a project. Great group to meetup with and shoot, for professionals on down the beginners. It's like going to the Shalin Temple and getting advice from the master, but not having to grab the pebble to leave. If nothing else I am having a lot of fun growing the photography business along with the videography,  they complement each other greatly. Don't get me wrong, much work is involved. Not to say I am going to leave my full time job, but the feeling you get seeing something you brought together on your own is a great feeling. Maybe one day I will be up there with the big boys.