Kathy Rappaport
pro member
Okay, I hung out my official shingle. I have the gear. I have insurance. I incorporated so my business is official. I've been shooting for 30 years - but the last 6 seriously. I have taken class after class. I have practiced and practiced. Done a fair amount of street portraits, business events, party affairs. I have a few more classes lined up in portrait, studio and event lighting I am taking. And more practice. Thinking of hiring a model to play a few roles so that I have more confidence in my ability.
And I have several outdoor and location portrait sessions booked;
I have a few product shoots booked (products for a website)
and I have a Wedding (a small 2nd time affair for a life time friend) late spring
and today a B'nai Mitzvah was booked for someone else I know - and they know while I've attended a number of them, I haven't shot one. But they do love what they have seen. And they want someone they know. That's in early December.
I've offered to assist at no charge and never had any takers. 50 year old women aren't highly sought after assistants. Although I have been included on some major photo productions as an observer - I have a client who does some heavy ad and commercial prodution work and a friend who is a creative director for a well know cosmetics company.
I am so excited about this. It's a big plunge. I have the business side together - actually, career wise, I spent 20 years as a banker and the last 15 in my own small business accounting/consulting role. I'm not ready to give that up. It pays for my lifestyle.
I guess I am totally enthusiastic and scared too. I am going to the sites ahead of time to check lighting; I am doing some pre event shots of the participants and working with the MC/DJ's for stagings. A teacher I've had says I am ready and is giving me a lot of encouragement.
Thanks for letting me share here. I've read all the posts here; It's a great start. Thanks, Asher for this forum to think aloud.
And I have several outdoor and location portrait sessions booked;
I have a few product shoots booked (products for a website)
and I have a Wedding (a small 2nd time affair for a life time friend) late spring
and today a B'nai Mitzvah was booked for someone else I know - and they know while I've attended a number of them, I haven't shot one. But they do love what they have seen. And they want someone they know. That's in early December.
I've offered to assist at no charge and never had any takers. 50 year old women aren't highly sought after assistants. Although I have been included on some major photo productions as an observer - I have a client who does some heavy ad and commercial prodution work and a friend who is a creative director for a well know cosmetics company.
I am so excited about this. It's a big plunge. I have the business side together - actually, career wise, I spent 20 years as a banker and the last 15 in my own small business accounting/consulting role. I'm not ready to give that up. It pays for my lifestyle.
I guess I am totally enthusiastic and scared too. I am going to the sites ahead of time to check lighting; I am doing some pre event shots of the participants and working with the MC/DJ's for stagings. A teacher I've had says I am ready and is giving me a lot of encouragement.
Thanks for letting me share here. I've read all the posts here; It's a great start. Thanks, Asher for this forum to think aloud.