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Garry Black Photography |
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Question: Dear Garry, I'm a 24 year old photojournalist. I have been shooting on my own for a
year now. I absolutely love photography I just don't know how to go about
making enough money to live comfortably. Presently, I work for a wedding
studio in New York. My boss is a photojournalist and I shoot 35mm B&W
pictures as a wedding photographer. Although, I love it. My boss takes
advantage of me. He does not pay me enough for the work that I do and he also
has me helping him with his business for very little salary. I really want to
venture out on my own but I know its tough with my age and my experience. How
should I go about it? Thank you, P.S. - How do I successfully shoot a silhouette? I have shot a few by accident. I wish I knew how to intentionally do it. |
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Answer: Sorry for not responding sooner to your, I've just returned home from a shooting trip to French Polynesia (and avoiding the tail end of winter). Unfortunately your situation is not unique among assistants in New York. I have heard from people who have to walk dogs, pick up dry cleaning, go grocery shopping and do other non photo related tasks for their bosses. I know that won't make you feel any better, but at least you are not alone. You are in a difficult situation, you need to learn as much about photography as you can, but your employer doesn't seem to want to teach you anything about photography. Also you need to earn an income. If you feel that you are not learning anything at your present job you have a couple of options. You could try and get a photo assistant job with another photographer (hopefully they would be better than your present boss). Or get a job in a completely different field, with better pay, and learn photography on your own. By reading, taking workshops and most importantly getting out and taking pictures every moment that you can. Then when you think that you have enough knowledge that you are ready to
go out It's not easy, but if you succeed it's a wonderful life. In order to photograph a silhouette the light must be coming from behind your subject, and your exposure has to be set for that background. Good Luck! Let me know what you decide to do. |
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Follow up Reply: Dear Garry, Thank you so much for your e-mail it is wonderful to receive feedback
from a successful photographer. I will take what you said into great
consideration. I have applied for an internship with Magnum photos. I am
waiting to hear from them. If I get the opportunity to intern I will take a
waitress job. If not I'm thinking about other careers while I shoot on
weekends. I am weighing all options. Again, Thank you so much for writing me.
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