P#41: Show Notes for Commercial Photography -- An Interview with David Tejada

Listen as successful photographer David Tejada introduces you to the world of commercial photography

By Andrea on March 3, 2009 1:38 PM | Permalink | Comments ()

David Tejada shares all of his secrets about getting started in commercial photography, from spotting opportunities to selecting your niche. If you love photography and have always wanted to combine that love with a successful career, this is must-hear interview.

Show Notes for 7 Photography Questions Interview with David Tejada

Topic: Commercial photography
Host: Dr. Audri G. Lanford
Guest: David Tejada
Artist's Main Website: www.TejadaPhoto.com
Locations: Denver, CO and Boone, NC

This episode of the "7 Photography Questions" Podcast is sponsored by Proud Photography and www.SecretsOfMasterPhotographers.com.

7 Biggest Commercial Photography Questions for David Tejada

1. What is the single biggest mistake people make when they decide they want to start living their dreams and earning money with their photography? What is the biggest myth?

2. How do you get started? What areas of photography are in most demand? How did you decide on your niche? How can you tell what your "style" is to better focus and develop it? What area do you feel would most benefit a photographer looking to get into this business to concentrate on? How does one start breaking into the professional ranks? How does one decide when to "cut the cord", and dedicate their life to photography as a profession?

3. With the current state of the economy we received questions from a lot of people looking to break into photography either as a means to supplement their income or to leave their current job. What three things can you suggest they do to accelerate the process of starting a second career? How do you really set yourself apart, find a niche and get paid when times are tough?

4. What do you think are the "must have" items necessary for a career in photography? Are there specific cameras/lenses/equipment that I should have? What about computer programs like Photoshop? Is it necessary to have a degree and are there any educational requirements?

5. What is your biggest tool in getting work as a photographer? When going to a prospective employer, like a magazine or newspaper publisher, how would you differentiate yourself from all the others to get the job?

6. How do you go about choosing photos for your portfolio? What is the first step that we as photographers should take to get our work noticed by the right people?

7. Can you share one or two of your biggest secrets for setting goals and achieving them in photography?

Photographer Bio

David is a Nikon mentor who has worked as a professional commercial photographer for over 26 years. Shooting for graphic design firms and Fortune 500 companies, he specializes in location photography, corporate materials, editorial and advertising work.

With assignments as varied as photographing the construction of a large bridge over Jewfish Creek to spending some quality time in Utah shooting helicopter aerials of two drilling rigs, from shooting the instillation of a gas pipeline in Wyoming to photographing fashion trends in South America, David keeps a very busy schedule.

Yet he still manages to find time to teach a Mentor Series for Worldwide Photo Treks in Death Valley as well as his Small Strobes Big Results photography workshop in the Denver area.