MTB Photography

Ross_Davidson
Ross_Davidson Posts: 143
edited May 2010 in MTB general
Hi , im currently studying Media Studies in Sixth Form in North Wales and hoping to progress further in my career in Photography. My dream job would be a Mountain Bike photgrapher but i have no idea where to start! :shock: Just wondering could anyone from past experience or who is currently a Mountain Bike photographer point me in the right direction of hopefulling becoming one :D

Thanks Ross
Specialized Stumpjumper Pro M5 2010 ( http://www.flickr.com/photos/77613366@N ... /lightbox/ )

Comments

  • The Northern Monkey
    The Northern Monkey Posts: 19,174
    1) get a good camera
    2) go take photo's at races
    3) attempt to sell said photo's to riders.
    Santa Cruz Butcher
  • jay12
    jay12 Posts: 6,306
    i'm not a photographer but i know this much:
    1.look for inspiration. pinkbike photos is a good place to start and so are mtb magazines
    2.take photos at races, events, where you ride etc.
    3.be creative
    4.show your portofolio to mtb magazines, websites etc.
    KINESIS PHA5E WIP

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  • GHill
    GHill Posts: 2,402
    Practice, practice, practice. Upload stuff to pinkbike and various Flickr pools, taking the advice you get from there.

    Have a good back up plan. There's a lot of competition (because the field is so small).
  • couldashouldawoulda
    couldashouldawoulda Posts: 186
    I'm a photographer by profession and an mtb'er by hobby. Personally I'd NEVER mix the two.

    I'd totally disagree with bigbenj - first be a good business person: run a dry cleaners / insurance sales / plumbers for a few years. If you're good at that you're off to a good start. The very last thing you should do is spend on a "good" camera. Take great photos on a crap camera and SELL them - thats the start.

    Realise that you're in a shrinking market (more competition, less demand).

    Have enough cash behind you to outlast a few tough years.

    Get a good accountant.

    Register for VAT (you can reclaim some of your expenses).

    Have a Unique Selling Point.

    Get some training for your target market.

    Spend 3x more on marketing than on cameras / gear.

    Have a backup plan.

    Be lucky!
  • fivelittlefish
    fivelittlefish Posts: 233
    couldashouldawoulda wrote:
    The very last thing you should do is spend on a "good" camera. Take great photos on a crap camera and SELL them - thats the start

    Spend 3x more on marketing than on cameras / gear.

    Totally agree.
    "it rubs the lotion on its skin, or else it gets the hose again"

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