Amateur Photography Tips, Resources and Stuff

Often I'm asked for some type of amateur photography tips. One of the problems that I have when I want to give an answer is I'm aware that everybody doesn't have the same understanding of "amateur" versus "professional." Some feel that "anyone that accepts money" for photography is 'not' an amateur.

Others feel that being 'amateur' is an excuse for less-than-quality photography. Amateur photography tips are of no value to someone with a camera that doesn't continue to develop their photographic skills. All photographers must continue to shoot quality photography and continue to develop their skills - all photographers!

At the top of my list of amateur photography tips is shoot, critique your work, show your work, shoot, critique your work, show your work, etc. etc. Being an amateur is no excuse for mediocre.

Another tip I offer is to always act professional. That doesn't mean the flashing of colorful business cards and a bunch of paperwork. Acting Professional is to exude a persona of confidence and competence. Photography customers want their pictures taken. But, they also want to know that their picture-taking is in the hands of someone that is skilled in photography - and not just someone with a camera! That's why it is so important that all photographers are familiar with their equipment and the basics of posing subjects and setting up shots.

Also, acting professional continues to bring photo business opportunities (even if you're just making a couple of bucks to cover your equipment expenses). Thinking like a professional should take attention off of your inexperience anxiety and placing your thinking where it should be - how you're going to make your subject look great. If you have continued to develop your skills, your confidence will grow proportionately. Confident photographers 'look' like professional photographers.

Deliver your photos with flair - not in an envelope or a box. For example, one of the most popular amateur photography tips that I continue to offer those who ask me for tips is "perfecting the delivery." I suggest to photographers that shoot events such as parties, reunions, meetings, etc. not to just deliver the photos in the standard manner - throw in something extra. Google gives away a free photo editing and management software called Picas2. It's a very easy to use image editor. It also produces a slideshow that can be copied to a CD (and it's free - do a search on Google for Picasa2). I suggest that photographers deliver the photos in an album (4x6 or 5x7) with a copy of the CD with the images, the slideshow and, of course, the photographer contact info. For such jobs I suggest that the photographer charge an hourly rate. For example, I charge a minimum of $75.00 per hour, with a two hour minimum (I don't suggest mentioning the minimum requirement to the client. Simply ask them "how long do they feel that they will need your services?" I mention the hourly rate to offer a pricing method). Often, packaging and delivering routine photos such as those taken at events, reunions, etc. in a quality package brands your 'quality' services in your clients' minds. That, and your confidence, will help them to be glad they hired you and to alway think of you first when they want a 'real' photographer.

There are different methods to determine your rate. Whatever method you choose, perform and deliver as a professional - even if, and especially if, you're an amateur photographer.

The fact is there are many amateur photographers that shoot a higher level of quality than a great many professional photographers. These amateurs are confident in their skills. They aren't as confident in their photography business skills. But, they know that they shoot quality.

Of all the amateur photography tips that I can offer, they include:

• Shoot, critique your work, show your work, shoot, critique your work, show your work, etc. etc. A skilled photographer is a confident photographer. A confident photographers is a successful photographer.


• Act, think and perform in a professional manner.

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I've learned my most valuable photography lessons by getting amateur photography tips from other photographers. I share what I've learned with others.

Would you like to share any helpful amateur photography tips with us. I would appreciate your participation. If's free and it's fun! I promise!

I give my highest recommendation to "Child Models Your Little Super Stars" by author Renee Lauren, a successful former model. She reveals the questions that each parent needs to have answered!

Photography is supposed to be fun!

Learning photography should be fun!

The"Best Amateur Photography Tips Digest"ezine is a free ezine that provides you with the tips and steps to make your photos look like the pros!

Question: Know what the best lens for portraits is?

Answer: A zoom lens - 70mm to 100mm - preferably 85mm

Question: Know what aperture setting produces the best portraits?

Answer: F11 - this setting provides great sharpness and depth on the face, which is what we seek in portrait photography.

Question: Which is better, building your own photography website or having someone do it for you?

Answer: Building and publishing a photography website is 10% of what needs to be done to own a successful photography website. Having the website is not the issue. Successfully marketing and promoting the website is what determines the difference in success in promoting your work

Longtime entertainer, George Burns, when asked what was his formula for success, replied: "Sincerity. Be sincere. Even if you have to fake it, be sincere! Photography is not the mysterious art form only mastered by 'gifted geniuses' who dictate the standards of perfect photography for all the rest of us to follow. You may already know that. I just have to say it to reinforce it to myself. Also, I have to say it to many fine (but confidence-lacking) photographers who fret about the 'quality' of their latest work.

To us passionate photographers, photography is the "greatest phenomenon ever invented." Our passion often blinds us to what truly makes good photography. We sometimes place achievements in photography out of our own reach and concede that 'we are not worthy.'

Other photographers have figured it out. Consequently, they are the successful photographers. For example, author Tom Ray writes that all the photography schools, workshops, seminars, lectures and trainings help photographers to produce great 'art' photography. Such photography constantly wins technical awards, contests, etc. However, those photos are 'artistic' not salable. This author writes that the photographers that know the difference are the successful photographers. He says the information that he learned that has made him a successful professional photographer, was not learned in the 'traditional' photography institutions. You'll find his article here.

You'll like Tom's attitude. And he provides great tips to operate a successful photography business.

If you're looking to expose your photography Plinkme.com is a great resource. This web site allows you to publish your photos in a unique method. For example, once you upload your photos to your (Plinkme.com) gallery or galleries, the photos are available to anyone that wants to use them. They do so by copying and pasting some html code (it's very easy to do).

You're able to link your website to the photo. So, if someone selects one of your photos and publishes it on their website, each time your photo appears your name, website and gallery address also appears. It's a great way to publish your photos.

This site also lists the most requested photos and request photographers to fill the requests. This is simply a great site for photographers and publishers looking for photos!

And it's free!