You mention a networking exchange. I’m not entirely sure what that means, but, it isn’t a bartering agreement - nor is it a social call. Obviously not a gift, nor was it a situation where you were offered a % of their profits.

Sure, shame on you both for not establishing expectations. Kudos to you for recognizing a learning experience for what it is.

In this situation I’d probably acknowledge that expectations were not defined (ie; budgets or costs), and offer a 12% discount -or- the option to decline your product entirely without any questions asked or hard feelings.

When my neighbor gives me a ride down the street to pick up my car at the mechanic, I slip them a $20. When another friend took down a very small pine tree, I paid for their chainsaw - and then some. I want people to be fully compensated for the things they do for me.

Realistically, I’d supply the photos and adjust the contract moving forward.

My reasoning is that it is simply good business, and it will make you look good. Not to mention, they obviously value your product – maintaining relationships with clients, IMO, can be a good thing.

Can the image stand alone? Or does it have to be part of a series with a certain theme to it?

Yes! Either.

Some things I shoot knowing that it will be framed and hung as a centerpiece. Other images I simply find interesting and I print as 4x6 and hang on my fridge, which is usually what I do to proof digital images anyway.

Others, I send as postcards, present as collections, or share because it documents a time or place.

Do what suits you. There really isn’t a right answer for this, but if I were you, I would simply capture photos that I enjoy, and maybe some framed art along the way.

Well, you aren’t going to advance your cause by taking no pictures.

Simply get out and start using your camera - landscape, macro, abstract. Don’t stop until you feel inspired again.

Document your life from the time you get up, as you drive to the store, until you go to sleep.

Find themes - patterns, textures, shadows, layers. Send the files out for a pile of prints to be made, stare at your choices and habits.

There’s an old saying… “A body in motion, stays in motion…” and I think it applies to cameras and photography as well.

That’s up to you, but, if anyone could have witnessed the same scene in person and it was on public property then I don’t see the need to feel any guilt.

I don’t both with IG – I think their platform format is simply too “busy” and doesn’t present images in the context I want my work displayed.

I’ll share some things here for the hell of it, but, most of my stuff I have printed. If its a shot I think makes a good centerpiece then I enlarge it – otherwise I get 4x6 chromogenic prints from the lab.

I type locations and basic info on the back prints and hand them to people, and have recently bought those post-card stickers for 4x6 prints. This way, sharing is meaningful instead of just another picture and a reaction.

ElCo Labs, NJ. Good pricing and turnaround on chromogenic (wet chemistry) prints, careful shipping and packaging and friendly customer service.

Maybe the idea of AI has your creativity stunted. I played with AI - programs that generate images from scratch and in photoshop.

Overall, I’m not impressed – and the areas that impress me simply save me time – ie; object selection, noise reduction.

I take a camera everywhere I go and take pictures every day. I make routine efforts to visit destinations or go for drives hunting for pictures, if not simply ‘good light.’

Motivation and inspiration sometimes seem non-existent, but, the only way I have every gotten them back is by putting myself in motion.

Body in motion stays in motion concept, but for creativity.

Yes, no, maybe?

Consider using a better lens. Move closer to your subject. Use focus magnification and a tripod. Collectively, this will improve your IQ.

As for the body, I think it is a great choice. Sony is a camera that will deliver. I’m not the biggest fan of the colors produced by their .jpgs - but the RAW files are great.

If 33mp satisfies the resolution you will be printing then I think it’s a great camera. I opted for the a7r4 for the extra resolution - I edit, rotate a bit, trim the photo and still crop down to 4:5 or 4:3 and have plenty of data left for a 16x20/300dpi print; but the A74 is unquestionably a better camera for video.

One thing I notice about your lens is that you are selecting options from various manufacturers. I think one advantage of buying 2 or 3 fast zooms from the same manufacturer (ie; 24-70/2.8 and 70-200/2.8 GM by Sony) is that the overall look (bokeh, color, contrast, etc…) is consistent regardless of which lens you are using, and you are free to focus on shooting rather than changing lenses.

Aside from that, the 16-35/4 PZ is popular for video. Makes sense.

The Tamron 70-180/2.8 is as popular lens - you’ll be able to cover 85mm and 135mm just fine, which are popular lengths for various portraits. Realistically, 2.8 is adequate unless you want to do some artsy stuff on a focal plain that nearly doesn’t exist.

The Sony 50/1.8 — well, I’ll be honest — I think the lens is garbage. I’m not pleased with the sample I have because the contrast is poor and sharpness underperforms. When I bought my first Sony FF I bought the 50/1.8 assuming that it would make up for the kit lens – and, well, it didn’t – I thought I had a bad camera lol. I didn’t. Today, I usually use my $50 Minolta/Rokkor 58mm/1.4 MC II instead - I don’t mind manual focus.

I’d probably want a good 24-70/2.8 for day to day use if I’m working events. I can walk into a situation and know I have my bases covered instead of reaching for various primes.

If you’re not opposed to manual focus lenses, Mitakon makes a few interesting products. The 50mm/.95 for full frame cams is popular because it renders very shallow images – some people compare it to the old “Canon Dream Lens” which would cost $2-3k used, vs. the Mitakon for $275 used. Personally, I own the 85/1.2 and 65/1.4. I like the features of the Mitakon lenses that many people do not – manual focus with a long throw, and a de-clicked aperture ring on the front of the lens. When used wide open, they render a hallmark look that is soft and timeless looking - in my opinion.

Anyway, overall, good picks and best of luck.

I think some are helpful - but yes, it is important to use your camera. Whenever I get a new lens - for example - I take pics around the house and wherever I go. In turn, I learn the nuances of the lens and how it renders. If it’s a new camera then I learn the menu system, adjust to the shutter lag, etc.

Collectively I may even establish a fondness for a new genre if it’s a result of shooting something available to me.

Although I’d love to have a shoot for myself

If you’re both adults and he seems trustworthy to your friends then go for it. Just be sure you are comfortable with any agreements you enter and read the fine print.

Some people may want to keep these shots confidential and not end up on Instagram, for example. If confidentiality is your preference, be up front with that.

Simply start taking picture. Look for shadows and highlights in rooms when the sun shines through the window at an interesting angle, food shots, patterns, etc. Take pictures of the dull suburb area and artfully compose whatever item you are taking pictures of. Look towards the grown for reflections in puddles, mushrooms, or textures. Drag the shutter, zone focus, try unconventional compositions.

Even if you have no motivation, if you start taking pics and commit to 30 exposures before you stop (per day) then you’ll eventually start refining your process.

This will also help keep you reflexive with your camera.

Some photographers, like William Eggleston, spent a lifetime taking of taking pics of his life–ended up being a lecturer and featured in MOMA. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Eggleston

To me, this guy is an inspiration – he persisted with his fascinations by drawing off of whatever was within reach at any given moment and is now a living legend.