Harry began with no photography background, but he had the drive and the perseverance, and he pursued a profession he would truly enjoy.
Today, Harry is a very successful sports photographer. No matter what professional level you are at, new or have been around for awhile, you will gain something from Harry. So let’s spend a few minutes listening to Harry’s video.
Then come back to this blog to get some ideas. And share some of your own thoughts and experiences.
[pro-player width='530' height='253' type='video']http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=25WmoFKNADU[/pro-player]
Okay now you that have listened to the video, let’s open this up for discussion about Harry’s topics.
1. Building Your Portfolio
So Harry talked about the importance of building a portfolio. Let’s think about what actually needs to be in your portfolio. Your images, date of images, location and the type of event. And if your images were published in any print media such as the school newspaper, community newspaper and so forth. Make sure you get a copy of that publication for your own files.
So where do you go to get images for your portfolio. Contact your local high school and college coaches for upcoming sport events. Introduce yourself and use that opportunity to shoot at a variety of sport events. In exchange, offer to give them a few pictures to print in their school newspaper/newsletter. This is a win-win situation. Especially for you because you get images and you get published.
Let’s be a little different: you can go to elementary schools, talk to the principals and see if you can get some shots of kids playing soccer or other outdoor physical activities. Gather some of your friends for a weekend of fun photography–get some pictures of them water skiing, snow skiing, running a local race for a cause, skating, bowling, on large water slides, bumper cars, roller coasters–you get the idea.
2. Finding Your Mentor
First make sure you always have business cards because you may run into that photographer or editor who is at one of your events and who is interested and willing to critique your work. If they do not have a card to give you, then you can use your own business card to write down their contact information. This sounds trivial, but it is important.
It is typical for people to go directly to the top ten magazine editors to find a mentor. Well, good luck, coz chances are they are too busy to help you. I think it is always a good idea to develop a relationship with two mentors. They’ll look at your images with different perspectives and come up with different criticisms about your work.
Here are some ways to find mentors: Contact a small or large newspaper editor; college professor of film, or an established diversified photographer.
3. Having the Right Equipment
Harry does a great job letting you know exactly what you are going to need in the beginning to keep your expenses at a minimum. The bottom line says Harry is get a good camera, a good lens and a good zoom to get those images that will land your first job. It will all pay off!
Now share your thoughts and ideas on any of these three areas.