Mattice
Member
9 Posts
8/15
|  Posted - Aug 30 2015 : 5:31PMModerators: Please feel free to move this if it's in the wrong area, I couldn't really figure out where it would fit best. What do you think is the best way to get into the industry as a photographer? Let's take a step back. First, yes being a porn photographer is a MAJOR fantasy of a lot of guys BUT somewhere between point and shoot, DSLR, and their first pro level camera a photographer has to realize the mechanical reality of f-stops, shutter speeds, and ISO just get in the way of making this photography... SEXY. Those who are left, holding their small treasures of Prime Lenses and 200mm+ zoom lenses, are the real deal. I have no interest ACTING, I'd love to live out my days quietly traversing between location doing shoots and editing. Making a couple friends, and capturing beauty. But any investigation into real photography has either ended in a cold dead end OR a list of GWC's (guys with cameras). Is the best way to become a content provider? Scheduling shoots with talent, then selling the results to the highest bidder? What do you experts of the trade think? Is your camera guy working for himself or does he have a job sheet the same as you? I'd love to hear input from the beautiful stars we have. I'm sure there's MANY ways in, I guess it really depends on what kind of business I want to run. Thanks! Topic Moved by - killbillvol69 on Aug 31 2015  [Link] |
whatsatelephonebill
Senior Member
2935 Posts
10/11
| Posted - Aug 30 2015 : 8:55PM
^
I'm not in the industry, but I feel like if you're just looking to shoot nude models, then you have to start at the bottom. Take out ads, find models in your area, and shoot them. If you're work is good enough and you're professional, you can get access to better models. From what I've seen, most directors either shoot stills themselves or already have someone they trust to shoot the stills for them, so you'd either have to start a business yourself or finding someone just starting out that's in need of a photographer. [Link] |
Mattice
Member
9 Posts
8/15
| Posted - Aug 31 2015 : 11:55AM
Right, and (thanks for your response) I'm doing my due diligence in how to get into the industry. I too have heard that a lot of directors do their own stills. But I've also heard (but never been able to track down) of TONS of photographers that just shoot the content and sell it off. There's a definite difference between hiring models and women off of craigslist and model mayhem to do shoots just to "start at the bottom" and building a reputation as a great/reliable photographer IN the industry working with professional talent. I guess the difference for me is I'd like to shoot more of the FTV and MetArt level work rather than afterthought stills.[Link] |
whatsatelephonebill
Senior Member
2935 Posts
10/11
| Posted - Aug 31 2015 : 5:04PM
^
I get what you're saying, and I have heard of people being able to go from semi-amateur photographers to shooting picture sets with some of the bigger non-video focused sites. But I guess what I was trying to say before is that you're not going to be able to book girls from agencies when you're just starting out as a photographer. You're going to have to build up a reputation and a portfolio, and that's what the Craigslist/ModelMayhem models would allow you to do. As far as I know, then you take that portfolio to those sites and show it to them and see if they'll hire you as a freelance photographer.[Link] |
youngrphoto
Senior Member
3539 Posts
3/14
| Posted - Aug 31 2015 : 11:01PM
whatsatelephonebill has it pretty right, unless you know someone in the industry. I started out years ago working for Playboy in promotion. I got to know many Playmates and models, and it really helped me get started. More recently I've gone to Model Mayhem. The models are a bit more reliable than Craig's List, Back Pages or Sexy Jobs. But, you need to keep getting your photography/video-ography skills better. Try to make ordinary models look beautiful. It's an art (that I wish I were better at.) Start working your video into the mix. Get comfortable. Be sure you don't scare the models. Psychology is just as important as photography when you are shooting beautiful naked models.
If you really want to get your feet wet and you have the cameras and equipment, I would HIGHLY suggest you start by working for Nubiles. If you're good, they will hire you and pay you well. If you don't already live in LA, Miami, Las Vegas or Phoenix, this is even more attractive. But, you'll have to jump through their hoops. (Although this is true just about anywhere.) Take their mini-course and see if you have what it takes. They are good business people.
Build your confidence as well as your portfolio. Put your work up on Vimeo and use that as your calling card. But always remember, this industry is in constant, dramatic change. If you're not already familiar with MindGeek/ManWin, get familiar. You are going to need to be creative and ahead of the herd if you are to survive very long in this business.
Plus, once you have mastered your craft, get to know the behind-the-scenes people. If you're not following Mike South you should be.
Good luck!
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Mattice
Member
9 Posts
8/15
| Posted - Aug 31 2015 : 11:23PM
Thank you both for your responses!
Youngrphoto, what is your thoughts on video equipment? I've heard of a few using their DSLR's. Even Matt Granger uses a Nikon D3200 to shoot most of his videos. I'm on MM and have been working with people from Craigslist for the past couple of years. But I'll look into the nubiles idea. I'm kind of at a place now where I want to shoot shoot SHOOT as much as I can! I'll get familiar with Mike South. It's funny, I lived in LA and Vegas for about two years. Now I'm in Chicago (family).
Thanks again![Link] |
Kevin Moore
Member
Subdivided & Synthetic
320 Posts
4/00
| Posted - Aug 31 2015 : 11:56PM
You have the correct mindset. Shoot as much as you can and create your own style over time. The best way to achieve that is at first to copy others. See what works for you and what doesn't. There are two issues here. The theoretical nature of shooting and then shooting in the real world. The reality is that sets are high pressured and set photographers often have very limited time to shoot stills. Back when I used to shoot stills for John Leslie, sometimes he could give me 30 minutes if I was lucky. Being on set costs money and often times in this business the photos get greatly under valued in this instant video age.
Case in point, almost no adult companies want RAWs. That literally drives me up a wall. However, that is the reality. Content has to be shoot and turned in fast and the turn around time is almost instant. In adult you often have to get it correct straight out of the camera.
I cut my teeth learning to shoot stills on film (chrome ie E6). You could do some post with E6, like push or pull it in development via a snip test, but in the end you had to get it right out of the camera. That taught me a great deal.
Your biggest issue is your location. Even if you were literally the best photographer that walked the Earth, you have to be where the action is. It isn't in Chicago. 15 years ago I left my job, moved 3000 miles from Boston to LA, all to pursue the desire to shoot adult for a living. Some days were dark. Some days I only had enough change in my pocket to eat one meal. I stuck with it and it turned out fairly well. It isn't an easy gig. It seems amazing from the outside, but the reality is, it is a great deal of work. I probably work 80 hours a week and sometime more. That isn't just being on set.
In terms of a quick breakdown of how content creation is structured, almost none of the studios have in house production. They farm it out to freelance crews. This could be one person, who in turn then hires the crew or the studio could be more involved in choosing who the crew is. That crew on a basic level would be at least a cameraman, photographer, production assistant and the performers. It all comes down to the studio. In today's adult industry, being just a photographer is a luxury most studios can't afford. They seek out people who often can do both. Being able to do both, makes you far more prized. If on top of that you can also edit well, you end up standing out even more. Another unfortunate element with the industry changing is companies are less willing to risk using new shooters or allowing them to grow. I had the luxury to make mistakes and learn from them. That really doesn't happen anymore.
In terms of equipment, I've been shooting video on DSLRs since the Mark II was released. I have loved the look of DSLR video since I first saw it. Many others use it as well.
While learning the companies and understanding the landscape is important, learning that from gossip and blogs is probably the worst thing you could do. You will form opinions about things that aren't based in facts. Instead, attend the yearly trade show in January in Las Vegas. All the companies are there. You're going to lots of shrugs and eye rolls at first, but if you are serious stick with it. I went to my first show in 1999, when it was still part of CES. Very few gave me the time of day and honestly why would they? You have to prove yourself and that is the hardest element as there is no FAQ for that. The barriers are not there to keep you out. The barriers are there to show how badly you want this.[Link] |
youngrphoto
Senior Member
3539 Posts
3/14
| Posted - Sep 1 2015 : 12:21AM
Thanks!
Video equipment? If you're really serious, I would point you to a full frame DSLR like the Nikon D750. Of course, if money is no problem, the D4S with its improved autofocus and subject tracking algorithms, is spectacular.
Nikon doesn't make the D3200 any more (it's been replaced by the D3300), and while it's a good entry level camera, you are quickly going to wish you had something better. While the D3300 does have 1080p video in 60p/50p fps, it doesn't auto focus, and from what I understand, it heats up quite quickly so your continuous shooting time is quite low. (You almost need two cameras to keep shooting.)
Of course, if you do buy a full frame camera, you'll have to buy the much more expensive lenses for it.
Obviously, lighting is different for stills vs. video. That can be quite an investment, as well. Sound is a whole other story... Add in the fact that nobody wants to pay for any of the productions and you don't have a very rosy picture. lol I lived in Chicago (Lincoln Park) when I was with Playboy. It's a great city with lots of beautiful women. You can hone your art with less expensive equipment (when you REALLY know what's what), but the business is going to want that top quality finish. Don't quit your day job!!! But keep getting better.
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Mattice
Member
9 Posts
8/15
| Posted - Sep 1 2015 : 12:41AM
Wow, holy shit Kevin thank you so much!! Your words of wisdom are like gold. I actually lived in the shitty little apartments right across from the Vegas convention center. Paradise and Sierra Vista.
I get that they don't want RAW, they want polished FINISHED product. It makes some semblance of sense. I actually love the MetArt/First Time Video stuff BECAUSE they publish content straight from camera. How bad ass is that? Love it!
I do love post production, I learned Photoshop and have been actively retouching for most of my adult life. I just don't want to make it a regular part of my product.
I'll take everything you've said and apply it a thousand fold. Thanks!
Youngrphoto, I wasn't saying I'd try to shoot with a D3200 haha. While a fun toy, it isn't the kind of gear I would want to rely on. There is something to be said about crop sensor cameras, as well as the overall skill of a GREAT photographer (which I am not... YET). But no, I have my trusty D700 that I got after I got home from being stationed in Germany (gotta love Army pay!)... back in 2008. Also, the autofocus on the D3200 with video is AWFUL!
The idea of video, honestly, scares the SHIT out of me. I would almost rather work WITH someone who went to film school and know that they got THAT covered while I worked the stills. But maybe that's an outdated approach.
Being out in Chicago isn't ideal. I miss LA. And we are considering a move, perhaps I'll make a case to move back to Cali. If there is truly the amount of work available, I'd be an idiot to ignore it. In the meantime, I'm gonna bust my ass at continuing to grow into the best photographer I can be. And yes, in the meantime using MY own overflow money to pay models and talent.
Thanks again to both of you! I wish I had half your experience. But who knows, maybe someday I'll be where you are, giving advice to wanna-be's.[Link] |
youngrphoto
Senior Member
3539 Posts
3/14
| Posted - Sep 1 2015 : 7:26AM
For sure, listen to Kevin, NOT me. lol He has given you great advice. Re-read and heed....[Link] |
Mattice
Member
9 Posts
8/15
| Posted - Sep 1 2015 : 12:14PM
I'll take both of your advice! I'll take anything I can get! (Three brains are better than half, right?)
I was asked a very interesting question today by another member of the industry. I wonder how you both would answer it. If you took money out of the equation, would you still do it? Or would you rather go with the money and do weddings and high fashion/high school senior portraits?
For me. Right now, it's COSTING more than I a)have and b) am making back in return (yes, there's the intrinsic value of experience and wisdom gained by screwing up and doing well... but intrinsic value doesn't pay rent or feed my kids). However, I'm still pushing through! If I never see money related to this, ok. But I better get some DAMN GREAT shots! Haha. I want to be able to have something hung in a models home or a fans and be able to say, "I fucking did that!"[Link] |
Mattice
Member
9 Posts
8/15
| Posted - Sep 5 2015 : 4:47PM
Just an update for those interested. I'm jumping through hoops working towards the nubiles suggestion. So far, it's been mostly a waiting game but I'm stoked to see where this leads. They do have a minimum un requirement of a pro dslr and a decent multi-chip video recorder. They recommend the SONY FX1 (I think?).[Link] |
