Mistakes new PRO photographers make!

Professional photographer Omar Gonzalez painfully relives his past mistakes to help future photographers.
First time here? Hi, I'm Omar Gonzalez, a professional portrait and event photographer in the NYC/NJ area. On this channel, we talk about cameras, lenses, and techniques to improve our photography.
My business:
www.omargonzalezphotography.com
Gear I use for business: • The Event Photography ...
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Instagram: ogonzilla
ogonzilla
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[@lawrencelunsford6028]

Sound advice Omar! I did wedding/portrait photography in the 1990s-early 2000s as a "side hustle". After 20 years I got burned out and took about a fifteen year break. Now that I'm retired I do photography because I love to do it. I'd also add to your list: if your state has a professional organization join it and attend meetings (find out what others are doing/charging) and don't let your wife or mother be the only critics of your work. :) My Mom loved my early work (it wasn't that good!) I enjoy your channel, thanks for sharing. :)

[@Richie5480]

Yeah I totally agree with you. I hate doing weddings, now that I’m retired I will not do them. I’m wanting to do headshots, and portraits.

[@aussie2uGA]

mom as the critic... ditto, she thinks I'm amazing ;)

[@ogonzilla]

Thanks 🙏😁

[@davidy2116]

Hi Omar, you are spot on! I spent 20 years as a pro photographer shooting mitzvahs and weddings for myself and studios (sometimes 3 events a weekend/50-75 events a year). I think it's also worth adding: - Take good physical care of yourself! Use carts and cases with wheels to lug around your equipment. Hire assistants if you can afford it. I know too many people, incluing myself, with chronic back pain and leg injuries from physically pushing themselves too hard over many years. You don't feel it when you're young but it comes back to bite you later. - Once you're a pro, be very carful shooting for family or friends (or just don't do it!). Don't mix business with pelasure - gee, what could go wrong! If you would otherwise be a guest at an event, you will feel out of place being the hired pro photographer, especially if you have a challenging or stressful client. It's much more fun to be a guest anyway. - As you mentioned at the end of the video, take "sanity" time out for yourself. I woud not work on major holiday weekends weekends which drove the studios I worked for crazy (always a very busy time). But I enjoyed every minute of that time with family and friends on those long holiday weekends. Totally worth it for me. Kept my sanity!

[@AllgoodthingsTv]

Lotta wisdom in this video for sure. The one about payment is really true (in terms of not undervaluing what you do). Many years ago Seagrams (liquor brand) approached me to shoot a beauty calendar similar to Sports Illustrated. I had no idea what to charge for such a gig. The great SI photographer Robert Huntzinger was kind enough to get on the phone with me and discuss it. Turns out, those type of jobs paid six figures, which I could not believe. But he explained to me that between traveling to the various locations, scouting, dealing with the models, retouching, photo selection, etc. this job would take a lot more time than I initially thought.

[@seemamiah]

Excellent advice!! I've been trying to build my business for nearly 4 years and all your points hit home. Thank you so much Omar!

[@cameraz99]

Some great advice here, Omar. Recently, a company balked at what I wanted to charge them for photography. So I said to them, "If I don't value my own work, how can I expect you to?" They came around.

[@iOB]

I just found your channel yesterday (240205). I've probably watched 15 of your videos so far. I think it's amazing that there are folks out here giving away free advice to help others get better. I was decently comfortable using on-camera speedlites and off-camera strobes, but I'm even more confident now after watching some of your videos!

[@meanmazda]

Great points made. On the pricing issue I remember a long time ago when I was in my 2nd year as a wedding photographer. Was still working at another job and just trying to “fund the kit” as you say with lower priced weddings. Booked this couple and the bride on the day had a full English breakfast in her wedding dress, tomato ketchup, egg yoke on her dress. When I pointed out the mess on her dress on her chest she said it’s ok you can just remove it! When we got home I put up my prices by 50% to avoid the cheaper end of the market. Still booked loads the next year. Funny story but it backs up some of the points you made. Great vids you do man. Greetings from England 😊

[@jesspattphotos]

Your photo for the Red Rope/pain in the butt people… amazing. 😂

[@LindyL]

Thank you Omar! great tips! And good on you for shouting out to your wife :D I also have a very supportive partner, whenever I book anything on a weekend he keeps the fort and takes care of the kiddos :)

[@christopherbgriffith]

This is tremendous advice and wisdom. Thank you so much for being so generous with the community.

[@ogonzilla]

Appreciate your support! Thanks

[@hrpickinstuff]

2:40 This is my favorite style of yours. You get a clear subject and nail the ambient lighting. Anyone who's shot in this type of lighting knows how tricky it can be yet to get art like photos. This is a testimony to your skill level.

[@ogonzilla]

Appreciate that. It was one of my goal once I realized how bad my reception photos were

[@carly10347]

lmao I am laughing out loud at all your videos. how fantastic. education and entertainment. thank you!

[@yuqin405]

Thanks for this sincere navigation, benefits even non-professional photographers.

[@phutloose]

Thanks for the perspective - very relatable!

[@love2cycle2]

I noticed that the more I am busy with professional jobs, the less I go out and take photos just for fun, which is where all this started - enjoying making photographs. I agree to block some time for yourself and family and friends and even shooting some photos just for fun. Thanks Omar for all the wonderful videos. I actually don't watch to learn about photography as I have been a working professional for decades. I watch because I enjoy your personality so much. Also, the fact that you are a working photographer and you do make time to do these videos and shoot photos for fun. You're awesome!

[@jamesspicewilliams8835]

Spot on. Love this one. Definitely one of my favorites from you.

[@carolstewart5958]

Your comments are "business universal". The one thing, that many of us must be cognizant of (ME), is the folks that we don't work well with...walk away from them, even in the beginning. They will drive you crazy, and enough other things can accomplish this for you. Love your work, especially seeing how your style has developed over the years. You obviously have a great affinity with your clients, but your understanding and execution of is lighting superb. So glad you enjoy photography.

[@sarahwright7811]

Wow fantastic video !! I seriously learnt so much. Thank you !! Love your work Omar. Hope you're well

[@easilydistractedpd]

Your videos are as good as your photography! I dont know how you have the time to do both. Always great information; thanks for being so generous with your wisdom. I hope you & your family have a wonderful holiday season 👍

[@tourinojacks5844]

Another gem video by the one, the only, the great, Omar Gonzalez Photography! Love it! I needed to hear the last 2 videos from you that I saw! Much appreciated!

[@enoeline]

I hate watching a video and the presenter is speaking directly to me 😂 thank you, I've made half of these mistakes. You saved me.

[@thisisfrankie]

Thank you Omar!

[@markm83]

Powerful insights borne of long experience! Thanks Omar!

[@JUSKOOLKREATIONS1]

One of the best videos I've watched on KZbin where photography is concerned period. much thanks and blessings to you and your crew bro, two thumbs up,

[@ThruVisualMedia]

Omar, great advice, thank you 🙏🏼 for sharing…really needed to see this today. Keep on crushing it brother!

[@jewels2b]

Thank you for this!!! I love watching your videos! I soooooo relate to everything you said here. Even though I inherently knew all of this, it was needed to hear it again especially from someone you I inspire to be!!!

[@zacharyf.9936]

I feel like I watch every one of your videos and learn something from each. But this one is so so helpful in so many ways. We appreciate you Omar and thank you!

[@M2008tw]

LOL Designer here who also takes photos / most film and yes I recently used the Canon 5D mark iii just two months ago - have subsequently updated to the Canon R5C after much consideration.

Omar! Omar! Do you know how unique and great this video is? This is one of the most helpful videos you have ever made.

[@jamesbarron5590]

Thank you for this!!

[@davemil716]

After so many decades of doing photography on a variety of levels... so much of what have said is sooooo right on!!! Good information!

[@fadiacotter8979]

Invaluable advice, thanks Omar, and not just for photographers.

[@oberon2230]

Man you are incredible, all of what you say is simply put worth GOLD. You are such a gift, thank you for this channel and your words brother.

[@duttaworld]

These are some great tips, wonderfully presented as usual for this channel.

[@chasingvenusfilmarts]

Always great, helpful and engaging content. Bravo.

[@PhidiasLeonida]

Fabulous advice Omar. Presented in your own inimitable style. Thank you. This advice is so relatable.

[@JackieDElia]

Omar, your advice applies to so many service professions. You covered so many good points here.

[@darrenleigh201]

Stumbled across your channel and enjoy your tips & tricks. Also, love that great sense of humor! Thanks for sharing your knowledge & insight(s)👍

[@scottfbradley]

Excellent stuff, Omar. Many of these points can be applied to other creative services, and life in general. Thanks!

[@videojoe]

Awesome advice! 🙌🏾🙌🏾

[@MikeNardiTV]

Great advice! I’m currently in the phase of doing free shoots for family/friends to work on the skills/portfolio bit. This video was super helpful!

[@MusicJunky3]

This was pure gold ! Looking back what WAS I thinking and DOING :)

[@marike1100]

My favorites are the Bar/Bat Mitzvah images. Definitely quality NYC skill level. Well done, congrats. 🍾

[@KenKRowe57]

Love ya always, Omar!😍

[@thesestillmoments]

2 things. 1) I’ve never been here this early for Omar’s video. 2) I liked it before watching cause I know when he’s giving an almost 20 minute video we viewers are getting VALUE. Thank you for this!

[@DamianKleiman]

same here :)

[@ogonzilla]

thanks for that!

[@nasibibnshah]

Helpful man! Thank you;!

[@manilamartin1001]

So much great advice. I shoot for work. My hobby is cycling.

[@MrUxser]

Wow! This video is definitely one of your best. In the least it’s full of wisdom and practical advice.

[@brocksommers7491]

Thanks Omar! You always provide such incredible insights. There are so many nuggets in here that I really needed to hear right now. I've been trying to find ways to break through into portraiture and I feel that this will be a video that I can return to as a reminder of how to self evaluate my process. Also, I love videos where you discuss and critique your own work.

[@Min.M.D.JonesAugustatruechurch]

Great advice thank you 🙏🏽

[@stevenml5748]

Thank you.

[@ryancease5327]

Kickass video. Thanks Coach! Na but forealz all the points you put out has been running through my mind. Especially how much to charge people lol. Amazing video woot woot!

[@luisdanieldiazreyes]

Como es usual, excelente contenido, sobre todo para aquellos como yo que empiezan en este mundo de la fotografía, simplemente gracias, es lo que actualmente estoy construyendo y simplemente refuerzas mi confianza, again thanks!

[@nichelijah]

Great video! I’m starting photography soon and this is indeed great advice for me! I’m in Uganda

[@alisaconn]

You make learning fun!

[@LucaPetraliaPhotography]

I, like you, have made the same mistakes and occasionally I keep stumbling on them again. Wise advice that we should keep reminding ourselves. Nice video

[@tiffanylauderdale3341]

Excellent Advice!!

[@kennypringle4580]

Excellent advice👍

[@bychrisjones]

Loving the light on the shot at 4:20, went back and noticed the octa in the mirror lol….what’s going on at 6:33, they are all up in that man’s hair

[@dualachappell3414]

Great advice....Sounds like what I'm going through

[@robertyoung1777]

Some of your more animated images remind me if the great Gary Winogrand’s work. Good talk!

[@peterjones4935]

As always a great video, thankyou. I accompanied a photographer who was building his wedding shoot business and that was enough to put me off. It was the hottest day of the year and everyone got more and more drunk as the day went on. He had such a long day, and he had to be nice to everyone. I learnt a lot about wedding photography that day but also a lot about myself. I’m a hobby photographer, period!

[@robertgrenader858]

At the end of the video, you touched on one of the keys to being self-employed; being able to fire clients who you just cannot find a common ground with.

[@tjsinva]

Good insight. 💡

[@markturriff994]

Brillant!!!

[@sweet4nice2003]

Best Ted talk right there Omar. Appreciate you man. As a beginner, I can see many mistakes am making. Even though here in South Africa some things would be expressed differently.

[@jpdj2715]

This old one can only confirm, Omar, that all your points are very valid and relevant. As you mention McNally, I heard him say that he is inclined to think that all the folk talking about gear are trying to hide a lack of quality or confidence elsewhere. I think he was saying, they are not good enough in their art or craft. As to the "not too many lenses", I have to point to some people "needing" a prosumer body with a zoom "holy trinity", and my position is, no you don't. Think of the event or use case and bring two primes. If you are paid serious money, bring two identical camera bodies. If you start with two excellent primes, rather than 3 top-notch zooms, you can use the money you spared for a second body, have 1.8 or faster lenses rather than 2.8 and generally less weight and bulk. In the past, say 150, years of photography, most photographers for the most part had one fixed focal length lens. And made great photos with that. Or lousy snapshots. A 35 and 85, or a 24 and 50, for full frame, is enough to make great work to start with. It teaches you - trains your brain - about the relation between distance and perspective. Lenses do not distort perspective in a geometric sense, distance does that to our brains. Shooting primes only will help you to develop the awareness much faster. And when yo "see" it, it becomes part of your artistic and crafts toolbox. And, there is no substitute for preparation and rehearsal. When you start learning to be a pro, and know you have to shoot an event at location X, then go to X before the assignment and see what you need, how the light is, what lens angles you need, if you need to bring strobes/speedlights/lighting. Make some test shots, potentially with a color reference card to see what kind of available/ambient light the place has. In the case of an event like a wedding, think and plan a scenario for the sequence of formal events and make sure to have the corresponding shots. Etc. Preparation, preparation. After a couple years, you have done this so often that you can go anywhere and do great. Still, with a new camera and a slightly new user interface - prepare again. The other day I forgot my screwdriver that I need to adjust my L-plate so I could not make place for the connector of the wireless remote. That did not work. I was to be in the shots too, so I needed the self timer, but could not find it in the stress of the situation - because I never use it. It did not dawn on me to check the user guide that I have on my phone and it was in my face, actually. This all cascaded into a number of mistakes. It worked out fine but did no feel well to me. Nobody noticed, but when you are learning still, you might panic.

[@charliejg]

Well, you might as well take your name off of the Space X ride list!! LOL! Great video. It's so great that you are willing to provide educational material here. Many thanks and have a great week!

[@jimbarraud]

Loved this Omar. I'm a hobbiest and always said I'd never do photography as a job because I love doing it (my Dad was a wedding photographer, so I've seen that side)... BUT, photography is expensive and I'm trying to offset the cost by selling prints, books, and other material I can apply photography to. I'm also a designer, so I leverage that skill. So even as a hobbiest trying to sell photo products to fund my hobby, this video provided a lot of good insights, so thanks. Excuse me while I go try out this new birding lens (xf 100-400) I just bought ;)

[@hasenmyer]

Did a mother/daughter photo shoot about a month ago, daughter was 18 months old. I got my camera out and just starting blasting away, freaked that kid out like crazy. Took me about an hour for the kid to get comfortable with me after that. Needed to ease in to taking photos...lesson learned

[@ogonzilla]

Big scary MONSTER!!

[@Racsophoto]

Great content, congrats

[@alifonso1981]

I like the quality of this video! Looks better than your other videos.

[@ogonzilla]

Good to hear!

[@ttconga143]

Great information 👏👏 thanks

[@ogonzilla]

My pleasure

[@etibkel]

good advices!

[@yaronharel8463]

You are the best

[@anthonywilliams2490]

Good stuff on Pricing!💼

[@mjztx]

I have a side Gig doing weddings and portraits. I didn't want to get in debt much, so I started very modest with gear and slowly traded up as I could afford it. My first pro jobs were with a Canon SL1. Then I quickly got into a Canon 6D and got into a 5D Mark III as soon as I could for the dual slots. My first work horse lens was the old tamron 28-75 2.8, which wasn't great at all. It was worth it because I limited my debt and it forced me to really use my equipment to its best.

[@ogonzilla]

Great financial choices!

[@davidalanphotography1]

Omar, always enjoy your videos! I was looking at your website and on 2022 Mitzvahs and events Darby & Hailey show up as a blank square with a folder icon in the middle. Thought you would want to know.

[@stephenmorgan5100]

Great video. What changed my life was having an assistant, takes so much of the grey matter 😊

[@mendelsphotography]

Thanks, Omar, for the great video and things you said really make a lot of sense are very helpful I think for new photographers as you say. But I got to argue with your last statement. IDK if you meant it as a joke or for real but saying not to become a pro if it's a real hobby is something I disagree very much with. I clearly understand your point why you say that, but also I think the people who love it and enjoy it are the images that stick out. Let me explain. I have looked at tons of photographers images who offer their service and have found that a lot of them are very nice, Stunning images unique and cool and there are those who are just the same things over, Or you find peppole starting out whose images are so bad but when you dig down and find out more you realize they don't really have it as a hobby and are just doing it for the money. Like even peppole just starting out, They want or need money and photography is not that hard just pick up a camera and shoot but when its missing that creative part then the images are so bad. But it comes to a point where peppole don't even realize anymore the difference between the great image and the bad.

[@NJM1948]

I have no desires to be a pro photographer.....but I watched this and enjoyed every minute of it - because I love your style and humour. Maybe you should consider adding another string to your bow and have a sideline as a teacher of how to become a pro photographer!!! (it could take care of the retirement fund!!) Great tips and advice though...excellent

[@scott5539]

All I can say is, I've experienced and (mostly overcome) a little over half of your advice points, and this is good shit. Sub'd

[@MarcusSortijas]

Great lessons hard-won from experience. I can definitely see over-buying of new gear as a problem. I was listening to Martin Castein (another photographer and KZbinr) mention that he shot the promo photo for The Chainsmokers hit single “Closer” with a Canon EF 85mm f1.8. I was impressed that he did a high-profile gig like that with an entry-level lens, not an expensive L-series lens. Loved the shoutout to the Canon 5D Mark III. That and similar cameras like the Nikon D750 are still great workhorses that can handle a lot of different jobs. Would be interested to hear you talk about getting clients, marketing and networking. You touched on those things here but would love a deeper dive. New photographers often overestimate the importance of gear and underestimate the importance of marketing. Thanks for sharing your wisdom.

[@ogonzilla]

Sadly these videos don’t do well and are rarely shared or picked up by the algo. Thinking of starting a mentoring membership on YT.

[@1b0r90]

Very useful info for people just starting out. It would have been a great topic for the Mo & O podcast too. I miss the show a lot, I listened to all episodes on Spotify twice at least.

[@selectiveimagery]

Great video and content, all great points. Pricing is the most difficult but like you said you have to decide your goals, is it going to replace your full time job as your major source of income or is it a side job to just help you out a bit financially or is it just to give you some pocket change to support your hobby or pay for travel to new locations for your photographic pleasure. Like your background with the comic book/character theme, I'm was a big comic enthusiast when I was young (Comics were 12 cents a piece) and I love being able to enjoy the characters on the big screen. As Stan Lee would say "Nuff Said". - Jeff

[@andybrining3090]

Fantastic video Omar! Been there, done that - thanks for sharing your tips. Now, if only you could have done that 15 years ago….. 😉

[@wilfs1196]

Great video again Omar. As a senior, retiree, hobby photographer I am well past the point of thinking about going pro. Just finished a 45 year plus career in helicopter aviation. Now I enjoy taking photographs with my X-T3 (X-T4 tomorrow) & my X-E4. NEVER have I gotten out of bed and said , "I've got these great cameras , I better get out there" Forced hobby causes disinterest. Now when I have to run errands down the road or to the next town/city , I'll often toss one camera & lens in a bag , for" just in case". Working well so far.

[@ogonzilla]

Ah retired life. Wife and I are dreaming of many travel days. If you weren’t retired I’d ask for a ride😁

[@wilfs1196]

@@ogonzilla Only took them apart & put them together again, flew in them a lot.Built brand new ones at the end for Airbus Canada.

[@jradamsjr]

Thanks Omar…you almost have me believing I can do this someday! 😊

[@ogonzilla]

You can!!

[@Gjuby]

Amazing set of tips. I love the last piece of advice: don't become the pro if it's your hobby. I know it from my own experience though, so I subscribe to that with both hands.

[@user-cj2ib7pp2g]

Omar I have a question I would really appreciate the response. I see your party photos With flash are all crisp sharp. Recently I shoot an outdoor kids running event with a flash, so the camera wouldn’t let me go above 1/200 for the shutter speed a lot of photos are not sharp . What are your settings for shooting an event when people are in quick motion with on camera flash ? Thank you

[@bartrademakers2486]

Thanks a lot! ( - I’m saying this for a friend, of course 😅)

[@guyphoto9437]

Really good video and advice Omar. I'd add one thing, it's the best of all worlds if you have a wife who works and can put you on her insurance plan. I've been in the photo business a long time and I've seen a few photographers go belly up because they got sick or were in a bad accident or something and were strapped with major hospital and doctor bills. Buying insurance for yourself can be super costly and will make you work a lot harder because it's a major expense.

[@charlesworks6572]

Hi Omar. I am just started PAID photograhy in south Korea. Your advice is really really helpful for me just in time! Thank you very much, and take care! - Merry Christmas from S.Korea :)

[@ogonzilla]

Best of luck!

[@deroux]

baby photography. You are Brave my friend.

[@user-mw4zr3re9o]

How many strobes do you typically use at an event b

[@WebcentricStudios]

Nice video. I'm curious, what did you use to do for your day job?

[@Paul_Rohde]

Yes, I'm curious too.

[@lithangw]

I just subscribed because of that backhanded slap of Musk. You are my kind of youtubers.

[@tydra74]

great

[@MoeMorales]

Swamp Ass. 😂 PICK UP NONA!!

[@giuliomarunti2093]

Great video full of super useful advices. I'm trying to became a professional photographer in this period of my life, and one of the issues I'm struggling the most with is get known. I'really don't know how to get my name on people's mouth :(

[@ogonzilla]

Try to reach out and offer photography to businesses. What type of photography?