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Garry Black Photography

Question:

G'day Garry,

I recently purchased a Minolta 800si SLR camera with a 28-80mm lens and am very impressed with the resultant photos thus far. I have come to this camera with no photographic experience at all, and after a couple of months I am learning much about the camera, lighting and it's effect's on the photo's that I take.

As a result of this I am beginning to develop somewhat of a passion for photography, without knowing what I am really getting myself into. What lies ahead of me in terms of expense if I continue to have a passion for photography? Are there many more things that I would expect to purchase beyond different lenses and a tripod? And if indeed I do take this passion to the next level, what types of opportunities exist for photographers?

Thanks,

You have a great website... keep up the good work!

Answer:

Keep your day job, at least for a while. That's the same advice J. K. Rowling got when she went to the publisher's with her first book.

Your largest expense will be film and processing. The more film you shoot, the more you will learn, both technically and artistically. You will never stop buying camera equipment that seems to be a curse upon photographers.

You should consider taking a photo workshop. There is only so much you can learn from books and personal experience. Another way to learn about photography is to join a camera club.

Depending on which direction your photography leads you in a photo career and also depending how good you are in that chosen market, you will either be a struggling artist or a millionaire. Either way, it will consume your life and all of your time. I happen to love what I do for a living, so it really doesn't seem like work to me.

Good luck with your photography!

Garry