The past few months I’ve been receiving quite allot of emails form photographers around the world. I always try and answer everyone, but I’ve realized many of them have the same questions. So instead of answering their mails one by one, I’ve decided to answer them on the blog. In this way more people can benefit form the answers. Please remember that I receive many emails per week and I might not be able to answer everyones questions, but I promise to answer as many as possible.

Also remember that the answers to the questions is my opinion and not all photographers will agree with me. I’m sure you’ll get many different answers when asked to different photographers.

The first set of questions was sent my 17 year old Alexandra. She’s currently looking into the photography world as a possible career and here are a few questions she asked me.

1. Where did you study?

I studies BA Graphic Design at Stellenbosch University

2. How long did you study for?
I studied four years. But remember this course was not a photography course. It was graphic design. It was great, but not the course you’d want to do if you want to become a photographer. The course definitely benefitted my photography, but it was my assisting job that gave me the foundation for my photography. I worked for a photographer on weekends from the age of 14…so I had about 8 years experience by the time I started my own business. Assisting is the best way to learn!! It doesn’t cost much…just your time. And you’ll learn more than any course can teach you!

3. Would you be willing to take on a paid intern next year?
Unfortunately I already have 2 full time assistants. In my opinion you wouldn’t easily find a job where they’ll get pay you for intern work. If you’re a qualified editor or shooter with a strong portfolio it’s another story, but if you’re only starting out and you want to learn, you should see your first 3 years as your education years. (That is if you didn’t study and you have no experience)

Remember when you assist a photographer it’s not just the shooting part. That’s only 10% of the job, there is lots of admin, editing, album layout and deliveries etc. All of that needs to get done and if a photographer is going to let you help them out, they will have to put lots of time into training you. In my opinion it’s better that any course! But it’s going to cost you you’re time and if you get any pay it will probably not be much. It’s more of an exchange agreement. Education and experience for your help.

4. Do you enjoy what you do?
Absolutely! Like any industry there are things that are tough, but the job satisfaction is absolutely amazing! I love my job! I totally believe in the quote, “If you love what you do you wouldn’t work a day in your life”

5. What’s your favourite thing about being a photographer?
It’s creative, it’s always changing, every situation is different and it’s a quick medium. I like to do something and see the result. I think off all the art forms photography is the one for me. I’d never be able to do something like sculpting, because you need lots of patience! I like things a bit quicker.

6. How long have you been working for?
This is the 3d year of having my own business, but as I said, I worked for a photographer from the age of 14, so about 6-8 years of assisting and 3-5 years of shooting.

7. Have you always known that this is what you want to do?
I’ve always known I’d like to do something creative, but my interest in photography became really strong from around the age of 17.

8. What are the main characteristics you should have to be a photographer?
mmm…I think this is a personal one, it all depends on your field of photography I would say. But if I had to give a few characteristics in the wedding/portrait industry I would say:

• Passion for what you’re doing.

There is nothing like passion. Without it you’re either going no where, or you’re going to burn out. Passion is the petrol of the engine. You need it like fresh air. I truly believe that if you have a passion for something, you’ll make it work. And most of the time you’ll make a great success, just because you love it so much!

• Be daring & play.

Push boundaries, don’t always play it safe. When I shoot, I always get some shots I call the “safe shots”. Those are the “all in focus” well framed, classic shots. Then I get a few with very wide aperture eg 1.4F and a few random angles etc, those are the more dating shots, but those are the ones that excite me and most probably become my favourite shots of the day. Those are she shots that make you learn and grow.

• Be critical of your work.

Know when it’s a good shot and when a bad one. You have to be very selective, this will help you grow. Through out all the bad ones. I mean ALL the bad ones. Rather only have 10 good ones, than 50 ok one. If you’re always happy with your work you’ll never grow. I don’t mean this in a negative way, but you have to push yourself all the time. Never become to comfortable!

9. Graphic design — is it necessary?
It all depends on what you want to do. I wanted to combine the graphic design skill with my photography in some sense, but I don’t think it’s for everyone. If you want to be a photographer and you’re not that keen on graphic design don’t do it. And if you want to do both, I suggest you don’t do a combo course, but rather do a specialized course in photography and a specialized course in design (eg 4 years at university or collage) There are very little schools that offer a good combo course. Make sure you do lots of research about your school, talk to previous students and ask them about their experiences. That’s the best way to find out that’s really going on.

Even though I’m a trained graphic designer, I’ve learned that  if you really want to be successful in photography, you can’t do both. My design stills helps me when it comes to composition and general design, such as logos and websites (which is a crucial part of your image).

I use to design all my marketing material myself, but now I’ve come to a point where I’m outsourcing most of it to designers that devote all their time to design. In this way I’m focussing on my photography and I’m opening up time for me to focus on other things.

Remember the first things people see with your photos are you logo and your web/blog design. If you’re not an expert in that I suggest you pay someone else to help you to get the job done.

I hope that helps! If you have anymore questions about editing, lighting, equipment, running your business or anything else, please mail me at info[at]christinemeintjes.co.za and your question might be on the blog next week.