Advice for a Young Photographer

[VespineMeteor91]

Hello, everyone. I am a teen and I want advice on how I should go about finding more opportunities to take photos and how to successfully share them to advertise myself. In your experience, where should I bring my camera, and are there any events that would be good for me (i.e., convenient to attend for me in Southern California)? Ideas on where else to post photos would be great too. I already post on Instagram and Facebook, but I have thought of Flickr, Pinterest, DeviantArt, etc (and if I shouldmake a seperate portfolio site or if that is too much). I try to take photos of anything, really, mainly cars, but I do want to expand my reach. I have a Canon 70D and various lenses. Thank you for any advice.

[shadowsports]

Greetings, 

It might be a good idea to pick one or two genres and focus on them.  Cars and sports, landscapes and Wildlife, etc.  Maybe the arts.  Ballet, fashion, family and children or acting. If you are looking for more exposure, a website would definitely help.

[VespineMeteor91]

Good ideas. Thanks!

[pzphotomama]

Congratulations, thats so exciting for you! 

Is there school events or sports you could take photos of? Most schools love this as it doesn't cost anything. You could easily do up a general model release with the school so you can use images for promoting yourself and your growth - When doing this I would highly recommend using a water mark when its other people. 

You could offer senior sessions as well! 

[VespineMeteor91]

I already talked to my counselor who recommendeds that I join yearbook next year. But, I'll remember your advice about watermarks. Thanks!

[Tintype_18]

Look at the photos on the gallery. There is a wide range of topics for photo opportunities (photo ops). One that has my attention is the photos of old buildings. A local photography club travels to Georgia to take photos of junk classic cars. Pick a subject or two or three and enjoy the ride. Just thought, I have several photos of ducks in a creek along a greenway.

[deebatman316]

Hi @VespineMeteor91 just stick to the basic stuff now. Things can get more complex once more stuff is added ie flash much less multiple off camera flashes.

[VespineMeteor91]

Great idea! Thank you!

[VespineMeteor91]

I'll take it slowly. Thank you.