A Letter

I love getting emails about compliments and criticism, good or bad. I mean who doesn't?  I look forward to these emails! :] So I got a really nice letter and thought this was a good time to share it since its been exactly a year since I photographed my first editorial in April 2011. I've learnt so much in this year and I thought by sharing this email I would share how much I've learnt. Photography grows with a person and I totally believe that where I am and what I am is because of all the mistakes and lessons I've made. "There is only one thing more painful than learning from experience and that is not learning from experience." - Archibald MacLeish


the letter:

Hi Pavithra,


My name is Anonymous and I want to be a fashion/lifestyle photographer. I have been following your blog and your amazing progress. I have a camera, Canon Rebel T3, and 50mm 1.8 lens that I love. But I haven't done any real shooting with them because I can't get vendors to invest their time in styled shoots and I lack confidence in my skills.
Can you give me some advice on how to start? I really hate my job right now and would like to pursue photography full time but I have limited means. How did you start? Do you have a part time job that you use to supply your photographic business with? I don't know if I should quit my job and start freelance photographing. Please advice. I will really appreciate it.
Thanks,
Anonymous



Hi Anonymous

Thank you for following my work and blog. I have heard Canon rebel T3 is a nice camera and I also own 50mm 1.8 :]. I started out the same way. I had a Canon Rebel T1 and few kit lenses and started photographing nature and animals. They seemed to be the easiest subject and readily available. This helped me learn about lighting techniques working in different environments and helped me figure out what to focus on. Once you feel like you understand light its easier to switch to people and fashion. And one tip is: try to always shoot in Manual mode. That's when you really understand all parts of the camera and controlling light. :]
The first portraits where of my dogs before I started bugging my brother to pose for me. lol! :P Anyways I know this is a weird question but Where do you live? Most places have model/photographer scouting websites that you could use to build your portfolio. After I photographed my brother I put them up on the model websites to get actual aspiring models to work with me. And soon figured out we need make up artists and hair stylist to get your vision. Photography techniques where all learnt thru trial and error. I bet you the models I worked with in the beginning where frustrated with what i gave them :P. Its definitely a learning process.
As for the success of the business - if its based on money then I can easily say I am still not successful. If its based on people and connections - I know I have grown so much to work with some great artists. I do have a part time job currently that pays for my passion in Photography. One day I do hope I can earn in this passion. So for now stick to your job and use your free time for your passion. :] Photography is such a job that you could fit it anytime of the day! I spend every evening and weekend on it! Hope this helps.


Thank you once again for all your support. And if you need any technique question...please feel free to ask! I would be more than happy to share the details. Thanks! :]


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Kind regards


~ Pavithra Ramasubramanian

Website: http://pavithraphotography.com/

Email: pavithraphotography@gmail.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PavithraPhotography