Kevin Michael Schmitz is a young photopreneur in every sense of the word. Not only is he talented, but he has been running a successful photography business as well.  He’s also a friend of mine and has taught me some great techniques, as well as given me great advice about the industry. 

His career so far, has been an amazing journey and can only go up from here. So I’m proud to personally know him, and to share his talents with you as well. 

Kevin has recently started a workshop series where he teaches photographers lighting techniques. The workshop is very extensive, and you’ll end the day with beautiful images to use in your portfolio and you’ll have a boost in the quality of your work.

Agency repped models, a professional makeup and hair team, wardrobe stylists, and all lighting equipment is provided. Just bring your camera and get ready to learn and have fun!

The first workshop was a huge success. The day went very smooth and couldn’t have been more fun:)

If you’re looking to learn about fashion photography, Kevin’s workshops are one not to be missed! Your money will go a long way and you’ll end the day craving for more!

The next workshop is this Sunday, November 22nd! If I were you, I would definitely be there. Contact Kevin today if you’re interested, and make sure to tell him you’re a “Young Photopreneur”.

Click here for: Pricing and Press Release

See you Sunday Young Photopreneur’s!

To see behind the scenes footage from a shoot with Kevin Michael Schmitz, check out the video on CheriAmourTV!

Photo District News

also known as (PDN) recently did a survey on emerging photographer’s and had nearly 200 responses whom provided insight on how they got their training, how they were able to fund it, and information on launching their careers.

62% earned college degrees

62 percent of those photographers earned four-year college degrees in photography, and 38 percent also spent time in assisting other photographers to expand their knowledge. 75 percent went into debt to fund their education, mainly from credit cards and student loans.

74% freelance primarily!

74 percent were able to establish themselves in the industry by working for their own clients, as opposed to assisting other photographers, within just three years of finishing their education. That’s great inspiration!
PND surveyed several hundred photographers who also submitted their portfolios. Among the many goals they had, some of the strongest interest was in exhibiting in galleries and museums, as well as selling prints of their work. Most of them also had a large interest in shooting more editorial work.

About 48 percent of the photographers mentioned that they’ve attended workshops to enhance on their skills in certain areas including photojournalistic and documentary story telling, post production, and photo business management.

66% need more business skills

Most of them felt that photo business management skills were their weakest points. 66 percent said they could benefit from more training in that area, including post production training, and lighting techniques.

45 percent have not participated in portfolio reviews outside of school in the past two years! Wow, that’s a high number! 35 percent said they’ve only attended one or two reviews!

85% are getting consistent work

The upside however, is that they said they’re finding work in their field. 85 percent are able to support themselves solely on getting work in the photography industry, including selling prints, teaching and assisting. 52 percent are living primarily off of freelance work. That’s AWESOME! They have also been able to find more of their work in editorial assignments in the past year.

Some of these emerging photographers are shooting pro-bono, as a means for self promotion, but not as often as you may think. About one in five shot for free more than three times for free last year, 1 in 4 report having done it only once or twice and slightly more than half (53 percent) said they shot no assignments for free in 2008.

This information is very eye opening, and let’s us all know that work is out there and you CAN get paid for being a photographer, you just have to be willing to put the time and work in to market yourself and make it happen.

Sometimes it takes that one pro-bono spread you do for a magazine to start getting paid work. Pay your dues, build your portfolio and you too can become one of the many successful photographer’s PDN surveys!