For Aspiring Photogs...

[cbryantsmile]

So it has been brought to my attention by some inquiries to my work and experience and how I got into photography and in my response just figured I would make note of it to all our Friends…If you haven’t already - also check out my Statement “My Unique Approach to Photograpy” This is a ministry/outreach to me and about art, not just a “point and shoot” thing.

My response to one specific inquiry:

Honestly…
- Take Art Appreciation courses - painting - design - graphic design at your local community college…I took them…they are all foundations of photography, anyone can point and shoot a camera - but it takes a trained eye (and I’m still training mine) to have great composition and see the world from an artist’s perspective.  Photography courses too of course! I do/have done everything from painting, sculpting, graphic design, wood work, dance, and even piano, the camera is another art medium to me.

-Join a photog society/association - it’s pricy…but worth it…there are many resources available for tog starters whether it’s a hobby or an actual business - they provide workshops, mentor opportunities, photo-ops for various categories and the opportunity to bring your camera and learn first hand from them - these are seasoned professionals, everyone has a different perspective a new perspective you may not have seen before.

-Never stop researching and studying other’s work, train your eyes to see things at a different level then the rest of the everyday busy world, find beauty in dark places, look for contrast, see the world in monochrome - think of black an white, be inspired by music, poetry, art…life’s problems, God’s solutions, etc.

-Rather than taking a million shots and hoping something will turn out, I plan, I compose…but unlike the classic film camera, fortunately the digital camera is more forgiving…I paint with my camera, with out those art courses I would not be as appreciative and aware of my surroundings.  Although digital has completely changed the world of photography and auto-settings have made it easy to make a shot look professional…it’s still deeper than that.

- Find a mentor who has a photography degree or has been in the business for years. I have friends in photography and art and I continue to educate myself in all forms of art, not just photography. I would not have started my business with out the encouragement of my friends and family - and advisors. I sat on the idea for years. This is not something I just out of nowhere decided oh, let me by a camera and start a business…although many people do that - you can tell the difference between a trained eye and a point and shoot shot. It’s important to study, research, and seek a mentor that has time to invest in you.

- BUSINESS -to start any official business of any kind I completely recommend attending business starter workshops at the Small Business Development Center located at UNF locally - many cities have this program and they are very helpful.  Register for all their workshops- take advantage of the counsel of their business anaylists (free to anyone who has participated in any of their workshops)  I beleive they are a wonderful foundation for any new business, it is a wonderful resource that not too many people are aware of.

- HUMILITY - last but not least, STAY HUMBLE, never be too proud, I am always humbled by my own research of other work, I have so much to learn myself, but I do approach this as a form of ministry…and I love it when I am able to create memories for people that they will never forget.

Don’t know if this helps…but just thought I should post this in a blog and for all to see…I am not perfect, nor do I claim to know it all…I never stop learning myself, I am always open to others ideas…contsructive criticisms…there is no point to where I think I will ever “ARRIVE”.

~Christine
Owner, Photographer, Artist
Official Site: www.integrityphotography.net
MySpace: www.myspace.com/integrityphoto
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/people/Christine_Lynn_Bryant/540664269
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/integtrityphoto

—————– Original Message —————–
Date: Apr 30, 2008 12:11 AM
I was wondering if you can tell how I can get started with my own photography bus. I bought a newer Kodak Camera and it has HD resolution on it. takes really good pics.