Taking the Plunge

Hi, for various personal reasons I've not been here as much as I would have wanted recently, but thought I'd stop by and say hi.

I'm in a position at the moment where I'm able to invest in some pro kit, and take a while to try to make it as a professional photographer. I'm hoping to take a year to acheive my dream of following photography and planning to leave my (unsatisfying) work in IT. I have tried to do both at the same time, but the mad world of IT takes most of my focus.

Initially I'm thinking of sending my portfolio to local newspapers and magazines, and also selling images to stock libraries and national magazines. I'd really like to get into music / band photography or fashion / glamour - which I have been doing a lot more of recently.

I'd be really interested in hearing from anyone else that has done this, and any advice you may have. If I don't try to take the plunge now, I never will!

Congratulations and good luck! You are light years ahead of me , so I don't have any advice -- but keep us posted on how you're doing. The only way I'd ever be able to go pro full-time is if I had that one picture that sold and made tons of money -- which would enable me to use it as a springboard!

I've managed to sell a handfull of prints - but it's like everything - advertising / exposure gets you more sales.

I was thinking of keeping a blog too with my thoughts and stuff on, maybe would be of help to others doing the same...

Best of luck to you! :)

I was thinking of keeping a blog too with my thoughts and stuff on, maybe would be of help to others doing the same...

That would be great if you could. As a photographer also trying to gain a professional reputation, even if you take a route that is not relevant to what I am trying to do, it would still be a very interesting read, and it could prove very decisive for me and useful.

Thanks,
Matt

I agree that would be an interesting read. Myself I am in the transition phase, where I have one leg on either side of the fence. I get a lot of paid gigs, but theyre still not enough for me to consider myself full time pro.

I think for those who are up and coming, it would give a little fuel to their fire to keep them going.

Good luck mate!