Comments on: Eye on Image-Making: Eight Tips for Aspiring Photographers

By: furniture

furniture — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 01:10:51 +0000

Informative tips here. I suggest the primary step is always write down your list of plans and stick to a timeline.

By: Ricardo Hamdan

Ricardo Hamdan — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 17:04:05 +0000

Sorry it is http://www.shawnasimmons.com

My bad

By: Ricardo Hamdan

Ricardo Hamdan — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 17:03:18 +0000

@vaku At the time of the presentation Shawna was updating her website and created a myspace in the meantime. Shawna's updated website is http://www.shawnasimmonsphotography.com and she has always had it. Shawna knows professionalism and the importance of keeping a website updated, therefore instead of shutting it down completely she created an alternative while work was in progress. So I'd recommend to double check before you attack mister.

By: Jeremy

Jeremy — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 16:19:04 +0000

all points i agree with. need to drill these into the heads of all photography students.

By: vaku

vaku — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 23:13:27 +0000

While those tips are solid, I might take them and Shawna a lot more seriously if your link didn't go to a myspace account. Where is your website, where is you brand, where is you email to your own domain. you undermine some of your points by not following your own tips.
I'm sure you'll do just fine, your work is better than most young photographers, although some model choices can be questioned. And your drive and tenacity to create your own section at the paper speaks volumes, but seriously, get off myspace and do whatever you can to limit the placement it comes up when your name is googled. No serious editor will take you seriously with only a myspace portfolio and web presence.
btw - i am not some old curmudgeon who isn't part of the younger generation, i have pages on myspace, facebook etc, but not for my professional work, that is limited to its own branded domain.

By: Paul Blake

Paul Blake — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 19:38:58 +0000

Shawna Simmons is extremely professional and talented. Her work is exceptional and the only photographer that has ever sent a thank you note for an opportunity at City Paper.
I should have been sending her one for the section she created, but that's the difference between Shawna and the rest of the world. She doesn't act like the world owes her something. Shawna goes after opportunity and uses even small experiences as a stepping stone. She has gratitude, not attitude. I wish her continued success!

By: sarah (hoco)

sarah (hoco) — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 17:22:45 +0000

Shawna, Your photography is simply amazing. KEEP KICKING ARSE!

By: Steve K

Steve K — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 17:04:48 +0000

Great tips. I've found the network of shooters to be invaluable, most always willing to share their perspectives, and give you a sense of some cool equipment that we can keep aspiring to afford! Steve, f/go photography.

By: bard

bard — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 20:25:23 +0000

Great tips - the main other thing I would say is the biggest tip is patience in building a photography business. You may be great at what you do but it takes time to make the contacts. Once in a while a new photographer is able to land a big client, but generally it takes time and perseverance and effort - like everything else

By: Rafael

Rafael — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 17:01:37 +0000

As much I read about other photographers experiences I feel more motivated to pursue my goals and feel my passion. Get my own brand is my next goal...Thanks for the article. this is one the best blog out there.