So the big news at the moment is I just got a job with a portrait photography company, who run all of the photography studios in Center Parcs! The downside is that it's part time and in addition to my normal, full time job. Also I have to get there & I don't own a car, which means hiring one, which eats into the additional money I'll earn, BUT I'll be doing something I love for a (partial) living and it may lead to more work. The plan is to get to the point where a) I can drop my hours at my current job by a day, working at the studio for that day to make up for any shortfall, then b) Slowly transition into doing 3-4 days per week at the photography company, which should just about cover the bills and do other photography work in the days I'm not there to earn more, such as doing weddings etc.
I've done a few shoots recently and tried to stretch myself a little with lighting. I'm happy with some of it, but unhappy with other bits. So it goes.
My lovely cousin Kate, who I recently did a maternity shoot for.
Kate and her hubby, on the banks of the river nearby.
Then I had a crazy day where I was not only the photographer at my friend's wedding, but also their best man too!
Mental, but I got through it with a few decent images I hope.
Then I did an art nude shoot as part of a local photography group:
(Colour ones are as-yet unedited in any way.)
Another group shoot coming up soon, which is always fun, but I pay for these shoots (admittedly not a lot due to the group all paying in for the models' time,) but the other two were pro-bono shoots for friends & family. I need more paying shoots but can't really afford to advertise! Also I'd love to get a set shot for here, but photographers are not allowed to solicit for models …
At the moment it feels like I'm doing an awful lot of work - not just shooting, but editing, blogging, social media etc, for almost no payoff. I realise I need to do more in-person networking, but time is something of a premium with my day job, spending time with my family and my photography - and soon to be 2nd job in photography. Don't get me wrong, I'm excited to be even slightly segueing into a career in photography after what is really, quite a short time doing it, (I bought my 1st DSLR in April 2012 & only had my iPhone'scamera before that,) but I'd love to be doing this and making a living for myself.
So - do me a favour please people and spread the word. Know a couple getting married? Engaged? Pregnant? Families wanting photos? A corporate event? Models wanting portfolio shots? Nudge them in the direction of my site, Narshada Photography and chuck me a like on Facebook too, if you're feeling kind. You can even get in touch on Twitter.
Thanks folks.
So, what have you been up to?