So, I’m not a professional photographer, I’m probably barely considered a hobbyist. I got a camera a few weeks ago and I’ve been taking a lot of photos. Really enjoying the hobby, got myself a subscription to lightroom, took photos at a concert, on a hike, on the street at gameday, buncha stuff, but its been a challenge finding the right thing to be taking pictures of (i hear that matters). So i had this idea, tattoos! I like tattoos, you know who has tattoos? tattoo artists! So i messaged a local shop and said HEY! I wanna take pictures of tattoo artists and their tattoos, can i come in and take some pictures? and one of them said yes! but now I’m all in my head about it, i don’t want them to be expecting a professional photographer and then i show up with my 300$ camera, no plan for what to do with the photos, no affiliations with a newspaper, no real good excuse for doing what I’m doing at all…
I guess my question is this; Is it appropriate to message a company and ask to take photos, without a high probability of it benefiting them? I didn’t say that anything would come out of it, and i offered to share the RAW data with them if they wanted it, and to tag them on social media with any edited photos i made, i did call myself a photographer. I guess I’m just worried that im going to show up, and not have any idea what to do, and they are going to ask a question like “so who are you and why are you here?” and im just going to die of embarrassment before i can give a sensible answer… or is it all gonna be chill?
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Just get a tattoo while you’re there! Lol Maybe of a camera!!
Go for it. Sounds like a great idea.
Be honest. Say you’re pretty new and learning photography and that tattoos interest you. Send a follow-up message clarifying and asking if it’s still okay. That way you set expectations.
I mean even if your a total dump truck photog you’re still offering what equates to a free equipment rental.
I would also mention that you’re new to photography and that this is your way of getting some practice in. A lot of people are really understanding about that specially other artists who understand that it takes practice to make improvement.
Considering you asked them and didn’t mention payment, they’re not expecting a professional photographer.
They said yes. Roll with it.
You will be ok, just be yourself. Just say you are working on your portfolio. And that u love the idea of Tattoos. Maybe hv them sign a model release form. You can google different ones, then print them out. This way your subjects are giving consent to you to photograph them & use how u want. Sounds really cool, so have fun with it. Trust me - just act confident & you are on your way creating!
Congrats, they said sure come on. Do some shots of yourself in what you expect the tattoo shoot to be. Get used to what you are doing and learn from them. Shoot me a few on email and I will critique for you…pro for many years here.
Most people don’t see the difference between a 300$ and a 3000$ camera. Sometimes they even think the cheaper one is the more expensive one because it looks bulkier.
And even if they know that, just be honest, offer them some pictures as a thank you and you will be fine. We all started somewhere. Good luck and have fun!
Sometimes they even think the cheaper one is the more expensive one because it looks bulkier.
This happened to me when I switched to mirrorless. I used to do events with a 7D, battery grip and a big 24-70 lens. Broke my back, but people didn’t ask questions because I looked like a proper photographer. When I switched to Fuji I got some funny looks like what are you doing here with your toy camera.
Yes, same thing with studio lights etc. Truth is, most pictures don’t require bulky cameras, big lenses and fancy studio lights. But people take you more seriously when you have them. That’s why some wedding photographers I know have a cheap DSLR with a big lens around their neck but only shoot with their smaller mirrorless. Simply because they can charge way more that way. And I mean, it’s stupid, but it works. So it ain’t stupid.
maybe yes, maybe no.
If you want to continue your photography, you have to learn that you to get denied every now and then. Only way to avoid that is being overly cautious, never getting those opportunities to photograph what you like.
If you show up with a 300$ camera, and show interest in the tattoos and the craft doing them and take your time to get good photos, they will feel lucky. Even if a flagship smartphone could in principle perhaps take (in some regards) better pics. If someone sees me, another non-professional photographer, using my camera, they often wonder if I am a pro (while I don’t even carry a backpack nor have other gear around me).
i went to the skate park the other day, and this 12 year old on a bike was SOOO impressed by the “photographer” who just showed up and took abuncha blurry pics of teenagers on bikes. He had so many questions and so many stars in his eyes. It was tough to see him realize i was just some guy with a camera.
all part of the photographer life.
I once was part of the audience of a show and we were not allowed to take photos. I secretly took some anyway, trying to not get caught. Another guy just said he is “the photographer” and was left in peace. He had the smaller camera but of course took a lot more useful photos.
Now some colleagues call me an artist just because I posted some okay pics (a couple of shots out of many I took) in the teams channel. But, photography is projection anyway.
I am quite confident next time you could take enough sharp photos of skaters to let them think you are a pro, at least if you don’t show them too many of the bad photos.
just do it, you followed your guy and got permission. as long as you dont get in the way or do something malicious during/after its all good.
most likely you will show up and be asked exactly that, why? because not everyone is in the loop so you just explain to them show them the message exchange and done
ALSO
no one knows the cost of your camera, cost doesn’t necessarily mean good either.by the time you read these comments, you would be done with the photos. Dont suffer, enjoy photography at every chance you get.
Yes this is appropriate! Many if not all photographers do this starting out - it’s called trade work. Just let them know up front that you’re currently a hobbyist looking to learn and build your portfolio (it’s not too late, you can just shoot them a reply with like a date and time confirmation, thank you, and your “disclaimer”). Offer free unedited digital jpegs in exchange for their time (don’t offer actual raw files), and best case scenario is that they love the photos, post them on Instagram, and tag you. Worst case is that they don’t like them and just don’t share them - they’re not wasting any money. Either way, you’re gaining experience in a really fun way.
I’d echo what someone else said about getting a signed model release from each person you’re photographing, though, if you plan to actually use the photos in your portfolio or post them on social media. You can print off releases on paper and have them sign in person, or use Adobe fill and sign to send them via email.
You never need an excuse to make art and collaborate with people :)
Just be upfront, flexible, but also have some idea of what you’re planning to do. “Ok, I’d like to take photos of each of you in x position, perspective, and here’s how much time I’d like to spend”. You don’t want to overcommit to anything and I’ll find the right balance with the staff. Believe me, anytime someone gets a chance to get free photos, they may be asking if you can do this again - totally up to you, also good way to get traction on a small side hustle.
How long will it take? I’ve never taken portraits of anyone like this before. In my mind they smile, i snap a photo and that’s it, 30 seconds, but I’m guessing its a whole process i know nothing about. I don’t want to take up a lot of their time, but i also don’t want to look like i don’t care about the shots, and just rush out of there.
lol, I’m all nervous now
That’s for you to decide and suggest, you’re the one with the idea einstein ;D. I don’t know what the reference is to them smiling when it sounds like you’re taking photos of their tattoos. What if someone has a full back/arm sleeve, etc?
Be sure to get a wind angle shot of the shop to set the story. Ask the customers if it’s ok to photograph them, maybe ask why they are getting a specific tattoo. Bring a small note book, take notes. Also, have a shot plan.