October 11, 2007
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My Story
Well its so long but so short in reality.
For real, I woke up one morning and decided that day to be a photographer. I had been working in Fine Arts for awhile, oils and acrylics mainly. I have always enjoyed photography, My stepfather was a photographer so I learned a lot from him, composition, how it all works etc. Lighting was a struggle but its getting better!
So that morning I went and bought a semi-pro camera and started shooting for friends and friends of friends. After about a year or so of making every mistake one could make I felt comfortable asking for money and so Photos By Anton began. I traded my camera for a digital camera the Fugi FinePix S3Pro (my first of 5) and I still have that one. I bought a 27 inch monitor a Sony, I still have that as well although I have 2 now, a program called Photoshop, I now have CS3 and some books by "The King" of Photoshop, Scott Kelby, A huge Epson Printer which I sold a long time ago, a bunch of stupid props (big waste of money) and a camera bag. I told my husband who funded me I would be happy if I could just make enough money to cover what I had into this.
My first year I shot some 40 weddings for $600 a piece and of course gave away the farm. But it worked I made $24,000 which totally covered my initial purchase and I made more shooting seniors and a few families that year. I Think that year my sales were close to $45,000 not bad for a first year photographer.
One of the best things I ever did was go to a Gary Fong seminar. Some people don't like him but he certainly knows business. I followed his instructions to a "T" and they have totally worked and paid off.
The one thing that I have learned is there are a lot of photographers out there and it's very competitive, but I believe if you really have a passion for this and are willing to invest the time to become really good, outstanding, and develop your own style you will separate yourself from the "fast food" photographers. Constant education through the PPA and WPPI is always a great help. Membership in both is a must!
The PPA offers so much, not only training and education but indemnification which means, if you are sued, they cover you! This is so important in wedding photography. The conventions are a blast and you get to meet all the top photographers and make new friends!
I love this art, it is my passion, I love Jesus Christ without whom NONE of this would be possible. My husband Jim is very supportive and he has encouraged me and helped me in so many ways.
I hope to always be found behind a camera capturing every smile, and every tear knowing these are memories I am photographing into eternity.
sandy anton...photographer...passion for perfection
Comments (7)
Did you ever pay back your husband? Ha!
Great read Sandy. Your work looks like that of a seasoned pro of many years, you're not only an artist but a dream maker with your photography. You are creating memories and heirlooms for people and their families to treasure for years and years.
Time to raise the prices again!!!
Randy
It's so good to give thanks to our dear Lord. For He is the reason we enjoy doing what we do for a living. I love this post! ~ Dawn
Ps: For some reason I cannot leave a comment using my Safari browser... total bummer!
What a great story and encouragement for a newbie like myself! And God is good!
Yes I agree Great Read! I love coming to your site for the variety. I was just thinking last night about how bored I am with my xanga. I just do posts of photos so my clients can see. I want to get more interactive but still thinking about how to do that.
Anyways...............you are an awesome artist and photographer!
Thanks for your post and the insights you have in becoming a professional photographer.
what a great entry! very encouraging and inspiring. i totally agree...you gotta have the passion in this industry.
WOW..thank you for the comments, it really has been a fun ride and I hope it lasts for a long, long time. Someone asked me so I thought I would tell..lol..My Main camera I shoot with is the NIKON D2X, I also have the Nikon D2H, Nikon D200 and I still have the Fugi, lol. I never became a Canon girl, I have always had a Nikon, this is what my stepfather taught me with and it stuck!
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