https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Sun, 19 Apr 2026 03:55:24 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/momtogs-would-you-ever-take-photos-as-a-side-biz#post-1340438 Sun, 12 Jan 2014 21:23:53 +0000 Navy_Mommy 1340438@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I do, actually. I'm actually doing quite well with it, much to my surprise. Even have a list of people who want first call once I come back from "maternity leave." </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/momtogs-would-you-ever-take-photos-as-a-side-biz#post-1337164 Sat, 11 Jan 2014 00:11:52 +0000 katsupgirl 1337164@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm actually considering doing this with a friend of mine. He has the photography skills and I'd be the business side. Truthfully, I'm desperately looking for a way to make money with doing the 9-5. This is my latest idea. </p> <p>I think you should try it out. You never know. You already know she likes your pictures. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/momtogs-would-you-ever-take-photos-as-a-side-biz#post-1336947 Fri, 10 Jan 2014 21:11:49 +0000 Mrs. Sketchbook 1336947@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@pui: @Mae: @blackbird: so she said maybe trade for services? (She is LO's music teacher). I am leaning toward saying yes...thinking of it more as a favor than as a step toward opening a business....I dunno! Part of me is afraid of coming off as a fake (which, really, I am!) and part of me says well if she likes my pictures why should I assume they are not good enough?</p> <p>I am a jack of all trades type. I enjoy lots of hobbies but never feel confident enough to pick one and delve into it, but I often wished I had the confidence to do so. Maybe I need to just take advantage of this opportunity and not think about it too much? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/momtogs-would-you-ever-take-photos-as-a-side-biz#post-1336413 Fri, 10 Jan 2014 16:23:38 +0000 blackbird 1336413@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>It depends what you want out of the situation. A little cash and that's it? Or do you have genuine interest? I do have a little photography business on the side but I'm comfortable with it being little. But I've also invested a ton of money in lenses and editing software. For me, it's an expensive hobby that mostly pays itself back, and I enjoy it, which is ultimately what matters. But I don't work for free anymore! Except for like, my SIL :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/momtogs-would-you-ever-take-photos-as-a-side-biz#post-1336392 Fri, 10 Jan 2014 16:18:53 +0000 Mae 1336392@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Hm… I'll answer even though I'm not yet a mom. I did go from a hobbyist to professional photographer, although I still only do it part time. It is VERY hard to break into, and I don't think it is something people should just slide into because someone asks them to do a session.</p> <p>I've been serious about photography since I was about 14, and when I was in my early 20s I had 2 aunts beg me to do their wedding photos. I had a "good" camera (canon rebel) and okay-ish lenses and I said no because I wasn't a real photographer-- but they both insisted that it was me or no one (2nd weddings and all). I said okay and did them, and I guess it was fine because if it was between me and no one, at least they got some pics. But almost a decade later after actually working to better myself and make this a business, spending a lot of time second-shooting, doing tutorials, buying a professional camera and lenses, etc…. I cringe when I think of those pics! </p> <p>Point being, if you want to do it for real, do it. But I wouldn't recommend someone take their t3i and kit lens and try to be a fauxtog. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/momtogs-would-you-ever-take-photos-as-a-side-biz#post-1336389 Fri, 10 Jan 2014 16:17:11 +0000 pui 1336389@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I would maybe do small jobs, but I would make sure I 1) charged enough for it and 2) outlined the job/have a contract of some kind signed (<i>especially</i> if it was a friend). I hate doing any sort of freelance work because it can go sour if you're not careful.</p> <p>I would be careful about doing free work and if you do offer services for free, make sure you outline precisely with this person what they are getting from you. Make sure whoever you do work for knows and appreciates your favour. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/momtogs-would-you-ever-take-photos-as-a-side-biz#post-1336376 Fri, 10 Jan 2014 16:14:29 +0000 Mrs. Sketchbook 1336376@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>An acquaintance of mine asked me if I ever do photos as a side biz, and approached me to see if I would be willing to take pics of her family. It makes me extremely nervous because I'm really only able to take pics of my kid because he is so loosey goosey and I can take about 1,000 at a time. Working with someone else makes me anxious, I don't know if I would be good at breaking the ice to make the people feel comfortable, nor would I have unlimited time to get a good shot.</p> <p>I don't think I would ever consider taking photos as a size biz. I feel like the market is too saturated, and I don't think there is much money in it once you consider how much gear you'd have to buy to compete with other more accomplished photogs. Plus I just don't think I am that good with a camera. I can take photos and get 1 great one, but I get 500 crap ones. </p> <p>I told her I would consider it if she didn't find anyone else but I wouldn't charge her and I also directed her to a cousin of mine who does this for a living and is really good at her job! But now I'm wondering if I should have taken advantage of her offer and not been so down on myself. </p>