If I want to be a photographer one day...

...what should I be doing now?

I think I might want to be a photographer some day in the future!! I have really got into it a lot more since having my own little model :)

I have never done a course or anything I just really love it and have learnt everything myself from the internet and through practice. I love taking pictures of babies and kids mostly! I have a DSLR and photoshop I use. I have thought of doing a course but don't know which one. The beginner ones seem about learning about aperture and shutter speed, etc, and I am aware of all that, I always use my camera on fully manual mode.

So, one day in the future when my kids are a bit older I think I might decide to take it further. What should I be doing now?? A course? Taking photos for others for practice?? What else?

DH says I should write up something for ppl to sign if I do photos for them saying I am able to use their photos in the future if I end up taking it further so I could use them in a portfolio, etc. Should I? Is that really necessary?

TIA

Join photography forums and post up some photos for hard core critique and keep practicing!

Also join a local camera club and do some workshops with them or through a TAFE :)

Thanks Raven! I am a member of 1 photography forum. Have to check out a camera club!

No advice but you can come take our photos any time ;) You are fantastic and I always love browsing your pics!

Thanks JF!! Really? I would love to!!

photography is something i really enojy too, id say enter as many amature competitions as you have time to, if you get the photographers mags they normally have a comp in, so your work is getting printed, and noticed (if you win any) :) . and its fun too and keeps chalenging you as it may be topics you wouldnt normally take photos of.

Heaven I think you are an awesome photographer!!
Maybe you can be our official photographer at the next BB meetup?! :)

Thanks Bec, good idea!

Aww....thanks SS! I am the self-appointed photographer at any function, always annoying people, pmsl.

I agree your photos ROCK! Come take pics of my kids anyday :)

I would love to Amber!! I really LOVE taking pics of kids and babies!! They are too cute.

Thanks for all the encouragement guys, you've made my day!

I would start off with a course of some sort! That's what I'm looking into at the moment.
There is one at our local college that does "Macro Photography" courses and that's what I'm really into at the moment!!! Insects, plants, and basically harrassing insects and all those things hiding in our garden!! :D

Photography is awesome.

A bit on copyright - as the photographer, you own the copyright of any shots you take. The subject (or the subject's parents) does not have any right to use those images in any way without your permission, even if they've paid you for the shoot (unless you agree, in writing, to a copyright waiver). There is no legal restriction against non-commercial taking and display of images in a publicly owned place (as opposed to a place that is privately owned but allows public access, eg: a shop), providing those images do not breach decency/obscenity guidelines, and this includes using children as the subject.

But anything that uses people (and in some cases, animals) does require permission for commercial use (note that commercial use doesn't necessarily refer to selling the photograph, but using it as a promotional tool).

If you plan to use the shots in a personal portfolio you need to get a signed model release. If you plan to use those images as part of any promotional material or media advertising - you need a signed release.

In your release form you should state the intended use of the images (eg: website, print collateral, print media, etc), and the estimated lifespan of the public use of the image.

At this stage, it's unlikely that you would need to do that in such detail, but it's worth mentioning to your subjects that you hope to become professional one day and would they mind you using the images as part of your portfolio. If you do decide to use those images down the track you will legally require a signed release.

Here is a link to the photographer's rights / laws website page for commercial use of images - it's a really useful resource and includes links to sample release forms.

HTH!