Do You Shoot Your Own Content? I Need Advice... - GoFuckYourself.com

eprater78 · 11-01-2008, 11:29 PM

I'm thinking of getting into the business of shooting content to sell. However, I would like some advice on how to get started or where to go with the content to sell it. It will be solo girls content. I'm not certain I will be doing this until I understand more about what is involved.

eprater78 · 11-02-2008, 08:20 AM

Bump for some advice...

Enemator · 11-02-2008, 08:46 AM

Paypal me $200 and I will tell you everything you need to know because I like competition.

eprater78 · 11-02-2008, 08:55 AM

I guess that answer means I won't be getting any real advice. I honestly didn't think it would be something that was so closely guarded. I understand that if I got involved I would be competition but there are countless other content providers out there. I'm not trying to take business away from anyone, I am just curious as to what it involves if I want to get started.

The Heron · 11-02-2008, 09:05 AM

nobody is going to write you a 'how to shoot porn' but if you did some searching you'd probably find what you want.

Barefootsies · 11-02-2008, 09:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eprater78

I guess that answer means I won't be getting any real advice. I honestly didn't think it would be something that was so closely guarded. I understand that if I got involved I would be competition but there are countless other content providers out there. I'm not trying to take business away from anyone, I am just curious as to what it involves if I want to get started.

It isn't.

However, if I were you bud, and I was serious. I would plan to go to one of the shows, like Vegas. Track down Jimmy Gunn (I would include others in this list as well, but not all attend a lot of shows), and shoot the shit with him for an afternoon.

If you understand from that point, move forward.

You will learn more in an afternoon at a show with someone in the biz, then you are EVER going to be told on ICQ, or on a board. That is just the fact of the matter. Mainstream, or adult, that is honestly the nuts and bolts of it.

However, you can go to NP or some other board that talks about camera shit. Even a photography board would help over just looking for adult help. As some will tell you, go to a community college, and take some photography classes.

jakethedog · 11-02-2008, 09:14 AM

Fly to Vancouver .. bring bags of money ..pay me exorbitantly to hang over my shoulder and hassle me for the secrets of shooting porn ..you'll leave with the idea that it looks fun but sure is more work than you ever thought .. wouldn't be the first time .. ;)

eprater78 · 11-02-2008, 09:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Barefootsies

It isn't.

However, if I were you bud, and I was serious. I would plan to go to one of the shows, like Vegas. Track down Jimmy Gunn (I would include others in this list as well, but not all attend a lot of shows), and shoot the shit with him for an afternoon.

If you understand from that point, move forward.

You will learn more in an afternoon at a show with someone in the biz, then you are EVER going to be told on ICQ, or on a board. That is just the fact of the matter. Mainstream, or adult, that is honestly the nuts and bolts of it.

However, you can go to NP or some other board that talks about camera shit. Even a photography board would help over just looking for adult help. As some will tell you, go to a community college, and take some photography classes.

That's exactly the kind of advice I was looking for and I very much appreciate your help.

HorseShit · 11-02-2008, 09:37 AM

good luck if you don't even have much photography skills

mikesouth · 11-02-2008, 10:30 AM

That was my first thought too....does this guy even know his ass from an aperture.

Without that he is just another moron who should be taking pictures of people eating at his family reunion.

eprater78 · 11-02-2008, 12:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikesouth

That was my first thought too....does this guy even know his ass from an aperture.

Without that he is just another moron who should be taking pictures of people eating at his family reunion.

You gotta start somewhere right?

Deej · 11-02-2008, 12:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eprater78

You gotta start somewhere right?

yes you do - mike wont offer you any real advice... hes a dick photographer... So Ive heard ;)

your best bet is to just do your own research - try it out and show some people your content...

No one here will offer you any pro advice...

attending a show might help you out but i still doubt you will get any gold from anyone.

trial and error man...

Im in the same boat as you right now... I have been here for years and the most i Have gotten from anyone is lighting information. some techniques but mostly what product to invest in... no hands on workings...

Bought myself a canon 40d and im just practicing... I suggest you do the same... canon or not...

you need to know your hardware - your model manipulation (making them look sexy if they cant do it themselves) - LIGHTING IS KEY! DO not skimp on your lighting - Then work on marketing your content...

theres you a great start - if you can get to the point of and hurdle the marketing - then id say you made it...

eprater78 · 11-02-2008, 12:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deej

yes you do - mike wont offer you any real advice... hes a dick photographer... So Ive heard ;)

your best bet is to just do your own research - try it out and show some people your content...

No one here will offer you any pro advice...

attending a show might help you out but i still doubt you will get any gold from anyone.

trial and error man...

Im in the same boat as you right now... I have been here for years and the most i Have gotten from anyone is lighting information. some techniques but mostly what product to invest in... no hands on workings...

Bought myself a canon 40d and im just practicing... I suggest you do the same... canon or not...

you need to know your hardware - your model manipulation (making them look sexy if they cant do it themselves) - LIGHTING IS KEY! DO not skimp on your lighting - Then work on marketing your content...

theres you a great start - if you can get to the point of and hurdle the marketing - then id say you made it...

Thanks Deej for the great advice. And everyone else in this thread who's actually given me some advice on this.

Trixie · 11-02-2008, 01:01 PM

If you think asking a question like this is a good way to start, then the only advice to be given is IT'S NOT FOR YOU. You already show no initiative or comprehension regarding the depth and breadth of what's involved.

eprater78 · 11-02-2008, 01:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Trixie

If you think asking a question like this is a good way to start, then the only advice to be given is IT'S NOT FOR YOU. You already show no initiative or comprehension regarding the depth and breadth of what's involved.

I believe I have taken the initiative by starting this thread and asking for advice. And of course I have no comprehension of what's involved. In my first post I stated that I want to learn about what's involved. But, as previous posters have advised...I will do my own research and learn by trial and error. So, I appreciate your

DBS.US · 11-02-2008, 01:44 PM

eprater78 where are you located?

eprater78 · 11-02-2008, 01:51 PM

I'm in Kentucky.

DBS.US · 11-02-2008, 01:56 PM

To far, I shoot in LA.

DBS.US · 11-02-2008, 02:05 PM

Learn Photoshop on how to touch up your photos.

eprater78 · 11-02-2008, 02:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DBS.US

Learn Photoshop on how to touch up your photos.

Thanks, I'll do that.

TisMe · 11-02-2008, 02:37 PM

Buy a simple camera, learn to use it. Get to the point where you can take good crisp clear pictures. Buy some lights, learn to use them with your camera.

Now evaluate your skills compared to what you see on paysites and samples posted here.

If you know someone to be a test model that should be your next step, learn lighting, skin tones, closeups, etc.

Then you'll have to decide if you have the beginnings of a business or not.

eprater78 · 11-02-2008, 02:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TisMe

Buy a simple camera, learn to use it. Get to the point where you can take good crisp clear pictures. Buy some lights, learn to use them with your camera.

Now evaluate your skills compared to what you see on paysites and samples posted here.

If you know someone to be a test model that should be your next step, learn lighting, skin tones, closeups, etc.

Then you'll have to decide if you have the beginnings of a business or not.

I was thinking of getting a good digital camera. Is this a good idea or should I get one that requires film? Or does it matter? I was going to go for the digital because it would be easier to transfer the photos onto my computer.

RedShoe · 11-02-2008, 02:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deej

yes you do - mike wont offer you any real advice... hes a dick photographer... So Ive heard ;)

I dunno Mike either so I wouldn't know.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deej

your best bet is to just do your own research - try it out and show some people your content...

Agreed. If this is the start of his own research, then so be it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deej

No one here will offer you any pro advice...

I disagree. There are still a few good guys/girls out there. Go get a book on lighting glamour, or lighting for photography in general.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deej

attending a show might help you out but i still doubt you will get any gold from anyone.

Agreed again. I've never learned much at the shows except who were drunks and who liked to do business. The shows are like frat parties.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deej

Im in the same boat as you right now... I have been here for years and the most i Have gotten from anyone is lighting information. some techniques but mostly what product to invest in... no hands on workings...

All you gotta do is ask man. There is no huge secret to lighting. If you're serious enough, you'll study your pics, and other people's pics. In time you'll start to see differences, and you'll be able to 'see' the lighting setups on a location. From what I've learned and been taught, it's generally best to have a light in front, one or two in the back and (if you got the light) to light the back ground. But that's not the be-all-end-all. Sometimes just a single light will do. It depends on the mood and look you're going for. There is no 'one way' of doing things.

I'm no expert. Not by any means, but that's just what I've learned, and been taught by the mutha' fuckin' masta.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deej

Bought myself a canon 40d and im just practicing... I suggest you do the same... canon or not...

I agree with this as well. I shot for many many... MANY years before I shot a girl. I shot everything from flowers in my yard, to scenics in my town to landscapes in maui. Just shoot everything man. And from time to time, try new things. Experiment with depth of field, start to learn apertures and shutter speeds. Again... there is no magic setting.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deej

you need to know your hardware - your model manipulation (making them look sexy if they cant do it themselves) - LIGHTING IS KEY! DO not skimp on your lighting - Then work on marketing your content...

Bingo. The single most misunderstood point to shooting content. MARKETING. Paul Markham is by far, hands down the biggest spammer of his own content on GFY. I dunno how he does in sales, but it always seemed like blanket marketing which from my research is the worst kind of marketing.

And now... let me offer you my own advice based on my personal experience.

QUIT WHILE YOU'RE AHEAD!

Hear me out...

I got into shooting photos years ago as a hobby. I never thought about shooting models until one the clients I edit for saw my photography. He could see that I knew how to compose and shoot a good photo, and he wanted to see how I'd do with a model. So he set up my first shot and loaned me some lights. (I still use those lights to this day in fact)

Looking back, I was a disaster. I didn't know fuck all about lighting, or how to pose the model. In time I got better but I never felt comfortable shooting for anyone other than this one client. So I'd shoot for this guy only occasionally for the next few years.

Then one day I had a real opportunity to work with a VERY established photographer right here from GFY, bm bradley. I took a chance and went for it. I became his assisstant/videographer.

For the first time I got to see what being a real shooter was all about. And brother.. let me tell ya'.. you won't want any part of it. Hustling around for work, models not showing up, busting ass to get as much content in a certain amount of time, arguing with clients over money, chasing money, getting paid and then going and blowing all the pay on gear or set dressing. And the pay is shit too, no one wants to pay the proper amount of $$$ for custom content these days. It was a nightmare and a disaster.

We parted ways, and since then I've gone back to shooting for the same client I started with, and I took what I learned and I apply it when I can. For the most part, I show up, shoot a few sets in a very calm and relaxed environment, and get my shots. The pay is the same, and they've hired an office accountant so I send an invoice and get paid the next day. They are always more than happy with my work, and I shoot at least once a week when I'm not editing their DVD's.

The bottom line is, the custom content world is more competitive than you could possibly imagine. My advice, find one or two clients and shoot for them at your own pace, or you'll burn out. If shooting is something you LOVE to do, then don't do it as a job, or you'll end up hating it. For me it was a hobby and now that I shoot at my own pace, I enjoy it again. I still feel like it's a hobby to me, because I don't rely on it for income. The pay is like a bonus now. And when I was doing it as a job, I fucking hated it.

Take from this what you can.

In the meantime, here is a few shots I took recently. And I did them at my own pace, again in a relaxed environment, and had a lot of fun with the models. It didn't feel like work at all.

Alice, (sweet Alice)

Andi Anderson

And finally Helen.

Enemator · 11-02-2008, 03:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eprater78

I was thinking of getting a good digital camera. Is this a good idea or should I get one that requires film? Or does it matter? I was going to go for the digital because it would be easier to transfer the photos onto my computer.

I'll give you one tip and don't be offended, but asking this kind of question tells me you're A LONG way from being a photographer.

Do you own a camera at all? Do you know how it works? Have you got any talent in the field? Because taking good pictures does require a certain talent. You might be major crap.

It seems to me you think: "shooting hot chicks is a great job, I wanna do it!" like some little kid that wants all the shiny toys from the toy store. Seems to me you don't know anything about cameras. Let alone the rest. So learn how to use A camera first.

Deej · 11-02-2008, 03:07 PM

Dude redshoe - that last photo - Remeber when you posted the big booty chick squatting in front of a chair - might be the same kaboose....

Anyway i said rotate your light source...

see in the last photo - thats exactly what i meant - so there is the drastic light source right at the edge of her curves.... Thats gold man!

BM bradley would be a great tutor - I heard way back in the day he was hands down the best lighting guy shooting ... and like i said lighting is key.

Looks like you learned a lot

eprater78 · 11-02-2008, 03:16 PM

Thanks RedShoe for all the advice. And that's what I planned on doing. I want to start out slow at my own pace and learn as I go along. The purpose of starting this thread was to get some input and advice from the people that are already doing it. And you are right, this is the start of my research. To talk to some of the people who are involved with it. I don't wanna jump right into shooting models or anything. I plan on learning how to take a good picture first and how to edit and all that. So, I greatly appreciate advice from everyone who wants to offer it.

eprater78 · 11-02-2008, 03:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Enemator

I'll give you one tip and don't be offended, but asking this kind of question tells me you're A LONG way from being a photographer.

Do you own a camera at all? Do you know how it works? Have you got any talent in the field? Because taking good pictures does require a certain talent. You might be major crap.

It seems to me you think: "shooting hot chicks is a great job, I wanna do it!" like some little kid that wants all the shiny toys from the toy store. Seems to me you don't know anything about cameras. Let alone the rest. So learn how to use A camera first.

Yes, I am a long way from being a photographer...that's why I started this thread. No, I don't own a good camera...that's why I asked what kind I should start out with. I don't know if I have talent because I've never attempted it. And I do plan on learning how to use the camera very well. Thanks for all the tip!

eprater78 · 11-02-2008, 03:27 PM

And also, no offense taken. I've been on here long enough to know you gotta have thick skin when talking to some people. Some will help you out but others just wanna give you a hard time. I know how to roll with the punches...so to speak.

Deej · 11-02-2008, 03:29 PM

Get a canon 20d and a good lens - that alone will set you back 1500 give or take if you find the right deal - GOOD LENS!

you need to learn to use it - aperture and shutter speed! learn that shit - youre asking the questions you need to ask in 3 years.

Notch down a bit and learn basics. No camera means no grasp. Grab a little before you walk up and ask what the meaning of life is...

RedShoe · 11-02-2008, 03:31 PM

hey man, I'm actually selling my Nikon D-80 body. You'd need to buy a lens. A good 18-55 should be good to get you started.

I'm asking 500 for it.

Bro Media - BANNED FOR LIFE · 11-02-2008, 03:38 PM

Dean Capture, thats all I gotta say...

RedShoe · 11-02-2008, 03:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Retox Josh

Dean Capture, thats all I gotta say...

Who do you think I've been learning from?

TisMe · 11-02-2008, 03:56 PM

Buy any digital camera to start. The deal RedShoe is offering is a good buy.

Learn the camera, start with photos of a wooden folding chair. Learn to work with the shadows, the slats, then move on to lighting.

Suggested the chair just because they can be complex to shoot, have angles, curves and shadows and most won't argue with you

DBS.US · 11-02-2008, 04:16 PM

Shoot only in manual mode

tony286 · 11-02-2008, 04:28 PM

Wanna know something Deej, when I wanted to starting shooting video. Who I wrote and he said sure come over it was Mike South. No matter whatever question I had he always made time for me.And now in the 6 yrs we have grown to be close friends and I consider him a member of my family. Mike is one of the few people that I know if shit went down,he would be there for me without question no matter where he was.
My advice to eprater is you have a possibly picked the worse time possible to start a content selling business. You really have to look at costs and what you have to sell things for to make a profit. Learn who the competitors. figure what are you going to bring thats different to the table. No one is going to do the homework for you. I wish you best of luck.

eprater78 · 11-02-2008, 04:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RedShoe

hey man, I'm actually selling my Nikon D-80 body. You'd need to buy a lens. A good 18-55 should be good to get you started.

I'm asking 500 for it.

Thanks for the offer man but I think I'm gonna look into getting something cheaper to start with.

eprater78 · 11-02-2008, 04:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tony404

Wanna know something Deej, when I wanted to starting shooting video. Who I wrote and he said sure come over it was Mike South. No matter whatever question I had he always made time for me.And now in the 6 yrs we have grown to be close friends and I consider him a member of my family. Mike is one of the few people that I know if shit went down,he would be there for me without question no matter where he was.
My advice to eprater is you have a possibly picked the worse time possible to start a content selling business. You really have to look at costs and what you have to sell things for to make a profit. Learn who the competitors. figure what are you going to bring thats different to the table. No one is going to do the homework for you. I wish you best of luck.

Thanks for the advice and kind words Tony404!

Deej · 11-02-2008, 04:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tony404

Wanna know something Deej, when I wanted to starting shooting video. Who I wrote and he said sure come over it was Mike South. No matter whatever question I had he always made time for me.And now in the 6 yrs we have grown to be close friends and I consider him a member of my family. Mike is one of the few people that I know if shit went down,he would be there for me without question no matter where he was.
My advice to eprater is you have a possibly picked the worse time possible to start a content selling business. You really have to look at costs and what you have to sell things for to make a profit. Learn who the competitors. figure what are you going to bring thats different to the table. No one is going to do the homework for you. I wish you best of luck.

Well As much as I do know from here is Mike shouldnt take any offense to what I said. He knows he can be brash. I have no personal experience with him ;) NO ill will meant.

And like redshoe said contradictory to my previous statement about no one here giving golden advice... well i didnt mean at all or in person... or even in icq messages - but i highly doubt any skillful knowledge we be spewed out here on GFY... nothing too indepth besides whats been posted here already and basic "go out and practice" advice...

am i right?

eprater78 · 11-02-2008, 04:39 PM

Yea, I didn't expect anyone to give me universal knowledge of shooting content. Just some advice and opinions on the subject. And so far most everyone has been a major help on getting me started.

Deej · 11-02-2008, 04:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eprater78

Thanks for the offer man but I think I'm gonna look into getting something cheaper to start with.

cheaper cameras are instamatics.... then you will be training your frame shot and eye - if you plan to learn photography you need a manual camera and thats a great start...

Perhaps the others are right in assuming you are not ready to take on this hobby/profession

My first step in my photography journey beyond an instamatic was dropping 1400 on my first manual camera...

The tripod alone was 300+

lighting and lenses is where your money really goes...

so let me reiterate for everyone else.... are you sure you are ready?

eprater78 · 11-02-2008, 04:59 PM

Yes I'm ready and if you and others think I should start out with a bigger investment then that's what I will do. Someone in this thread advised earlier to get a good digital camera and that's what I was thinking of doing. I really good one should run me about $200 or so but I was gonna look around to see what I could find.

Deej · 11-02-2008, 05:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eprater78

Yes I'm ready and if you and others think I should start out with a bigger investment then that's what I will do. Someone in this thread advised earlier to get a good digital camera and that's what I was thinking of doing. I really good one should run me about $200 or so but I was gonna look around to see what I could find.

Im the one that said that and 200 bucks wont buy you a 'good' instamatic cam, let alone a caera to learn properly on.

you want to learn photography right? not just point n shoot, right? i assume with the initial thread starting question you want to learn photography... what redshoe offered you is a great start - although no lens the body alone for a basic GOOD digital camera is in the 500 and up range...

since you dont seem to worried with initial quality - check ebay for some deals... you scan enough and you will find a good deal over time...

to do it right htough which seems more like your initial question here...you need to spend some money...

eprater78 · 11-02-2008, 05:17 PM

yea I understand what you are saying. And thanks again. I am going to seriously consider his offer but I still want to look around a bit. I don't anyone in this thread to think that they are wasting their time talking to me or anything. Everyone's input has been very helpful.

Kevin Marx · 11-02-2008, 05:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RedShoe

I dunno Mike either so I wouldn't know.

Agreed. If this is the start of his own research, then so be it.

I disagree. There are still a few good guys/girls out there. Go get a book on lighting glamour, or lighting for photography in general.

Agreed again. I've never learned much at the shows except who were drunks and who liked to do business. The shows are like frat parties.

All you gotta do is ask man. There is no huge secret to lighting. If you're serious enough, you'll study your pics, and other people's pics. In time you'll start to see differences, and you'll be able to 'see' the lighting setups on a location. From what I've learned and been taught, it's generally best to have a light in front, one or two in the back and (if you got the light) to light the back ground. But that's not the be-all-end-all. Sometimes just a single light will do. It depends on the mood and look you're going for. There is no 'one way' of doing things.

I'm no expert. Not by any means, but that's just what I've learned, and been taught by the mutha' fuckin' masta.

I agree with this as well. I shot for many many... MANY years before I shot a girl. I shot everything from flowers in my yard, to scenics in my town to landscapes in maui. Just shoot everything man. And from time to time, try new things. Experiment with depth of field, start to learn apertures and shutter speeds. Again... there is no magic setting.

Bingo. The single most misunderstood point to shooting content. MARKETING. Paul Markham is by far, hands down the biggest spammer of his own content on GFY. I dunno how he does in sales, but it always seemed like blanket marketing which from my research is the worst kind of marketing.

And now... let me offer you my own advice based on my personal experience.

QUIT WHILE YOU'RE AHEAD!

Hear me out...

I got into shooting photos years ago as a hobby. I never thought about shooting models until one the clients I edit for saw my photography. He could see that I knew how to compose and shoot a good photo, and he wanted to see how I'd do with a model. So he set up my first shot and loaned me some lights. (I still use those lights to this day in fact)

Looking back, I was a disaster. I didn't know fuck all about lighting, or how to pose the model. In time I got better but I never felt comfortable shooting for anyone other than this one client. So I'd shoot for this guy only occasionally for the next few years.

Then one day I had a real opportunity to work with a VERY established photographer right here from GFY, bm bradley. I took a chance and went for it. I became his assisstant/videographer.

For the first time I got to see what being a real shooter was all about. And brother.. let me tell ya'.. you won't want any part of it. Hustling around for work, models not showing up, busting ass to get as much content in a certain amount of time, arguing with clients over money, chasing money, getting paid and then going and blowing all the pay on gear or set dressing. And the pay is shit too, no one wants to pay the proper amount of $$$ for custom content these days. It was a nightmare and a disaster.

We parted ways, and since then I've gone back to shooting for the same client I started with, and I took what I learned and I apply it when I can. For the most part, I show up, shoot a few sets in a very calm and relaxed environment, and get my shots. The pay is the same, and they've hired an office accountant so I send an invoice and get paid the next day. They are always more than happy with my work, and I shoot at least once a week when I'm not editing their DVD's.

The bottom line is, the custom content world is more competitive than you could possibly imagine. My advice, find one or two clients and shoot for them at your own pace, or you'll burn out. If shooting is something you LOVE to do, then don't do it as a job, or you'll end up hating it. For me it was a hobby and now that I shoot at my own pace, I enjoy it again. I still feel like it's a hobby to me, because I don't rely on it for income. The pay is like a bonus now. And when I was doing it as a job, I fucking hated it.

Take from this what you can.

In the meantime, here is a few shots I took recently. And I did them at my own pace, again in a relaxed environment, and had a lot of fun with the models. It didn't feel like work at all.

Alice, (sweet Alice)

Andi Anderson

And finally Helen.

Red... great post (as usual).. nicely said

RedShoe · 11-02-2008, 05:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tony404

Wanna know something Deej, when I wanted to starting shooting video. Who I wrote and he said sure come over it was Mike South. No matter whatever question I had he always made time for me.And now in the 6 yrs we have grown to be close friends and I consider him a member of my family. Mike is one of the few people that I know if shit went down,he would be there for me without question no matter where he was.
My advice to eprater is you have a possibly picked the worse time possible to start a content selling business. You really have to look at costs and what you have to sell things for to make a profit. Learn who the competitors. figure what are you going to bring thats different to the table. No one is going to do the homework for you. I wish you best of luck.

That's how Dean is for me. Dean Capture... or as I call him, "Dean Mutha Fuckin' Capture" has been huge influence and help in my photography, and I feel secure in showing my stuff here because I only have 1 client, and don't feel the need for anymore than that. We're not really in competition with each other. Like I said, I do it when I can, and I enjoy doing it. If I were 'hired' by another company, I don't think I'd enjoy it as much and it could possibly show in my work.

Enemator · 11-03-2008, 01:50 AM

I wonder if this thread gets bumped in 3 years time.

DWB · 11-03-2008, 02:17 AM

It took me a looooooong time to get my foot in the door.

I started out on my own, not knowing the difference between white balance and an F-stop. However I did by a good 3 chip video camera at the time and a pair of cheap video kit lights from the local camera store. I had a little digital camera that got me through just fine for a long time before I upgraded to an SLR and started shooting DVD box covers.

Mike South was a HUGE help to me, taking the time to answer my questions about shooting and the industry. He actually spent some time and took me around at my first AVN show (2000) and introduced me to people and talked about the product I had. He was also a straight shooter and told me how to make what I had better. For that, I'm always grateful to him, and I suggest you find someone like him (someone suggest Jum Gunn) who is willing to take the time to give you a hand and not blow smoke up your ass.

Then along the way I was able to sit in on a few sets of veteran shooters and I learned a lot of little tricks.

I shot a LOT of crap while I was learning. I mean a ton of it. Buuuuut.... over time it got better and doors started to open. Now I am turning down work almost daily. I still suck if you put me up against someone like Dean Capture but the bottom line is I MAKE A LOT OF MONEY and SELL A LOT OF PRODUCT with the limited skills I do have, so I'm living proof you don't totally need to know it all to make a living.

CLIFF NOTES:

* Get the best gear you can afford.
* Read everything you can about shooting and your gear.
* Practice, practice and practice! Then compare it with others in your niche. How does it pair up?
* Find someone who will allow you to pick their brain.
* Don't expect pro results overnight.
* Make as many contacts as you can and always hold up to what you tell them you will do. Always deliver.
* And then somewhere along the line you have to learn how to deal with models and talent and get them to do what you want.

DWB · 11-03-2008, 02:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RedShoe

That's how Dean is for me. Dean Capture... or as I call him, "Dean Mutha Fuckin' Capture"...

Pffft.

You're not "in" until he lets you call him Maurice.

RedShoe · 11-03-2008, 03:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DirtyWhiteBoy

Pffft.

You're not "in" until he lets you call him Maurice.

I call him Jesus H Esquire Preston the 3rd.

Deej · 11-03-2008, 03:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RedShoe

I call him Jesus H Esquire Preston the 3rd.

with a curtsy

11-01-2008, 11:29 PM	#1
eprater78 Confirmed User Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 218	Do You Shoot Your Own Content? I Need Advice... I'm thinking of getting into the business of shooting content to sell. However, I would like some advice on how to get started or where to go with the content to sell it. It will be solo girls content. I'm not certain I will be doing this until I understand more about what is involved. __________________ Sextoy Pimp's Adult Store FREE Sex Toys!

11-02-2008, 08:20 AM	#2
eprater78 Confirmed User Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 218	Bump for some advice... __________________ Sextoy Pimp's Adult Store FREE Sex Toys!

11-02-2008, 08:46 AM	#3
Enemator Confirmed User Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 1,252	Paypal me $200 and I will tell you everything you need to know because I like competition. __________________ I live in your nightmares. I make you dream you're getting bumfucked by a razor blade only to wake up and find I gave your wife an enema and tube-fed you her shit.

11-02-2008, 08:55 AM	#4
eprater78 Confirmed User Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 218	I guess that answer means I won't be getting any real advice. I honestly didn't think it would be something that was so closely guarded. I understand that if I got involved I would be competition but there are countless other content providers out there. I'm not trying to take business away from anyone, I am just curious as to what it involves if I want to get started. __________________ Sextoy Pimp's Adult Store FREE Sex Toys!

11-02-2008, 09:14 AM	#7
jakethedog Confirmed User Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Vancouver B.C. Posts: 2,497	Fly to Vancouver .. bring bags of money ..pay me exorbitantly to hang over my shoulder and hassle me for the secrets of shooting porn ..you'll leave with the idea that it looks fun but sure is more work than you ever thought .. wouldn't be the first time .. ;) __________________ No sig .. just me

11-02-2008, 09:05 AM	#5
The Heron Confirmed User Industry Role: Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Michigan Posts: 4,487	nobody is going to write you a 'how to shoot porn' but if you did some searching you'd probably find what you want.

11-02-2008, 09:37 AM	#9
HorseShit Too lazy to set a custom title Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 17,513	good luck if you don't even have much photography skills

11-02-2008, 10:30 AM	#10
mikesouth Confirmed User Industry Role: Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: My High Horse Posts: 6,334	That was my first thought too....does this guy even know his ass from an aperture. Without that he is just another moron who should be taking pictures of people eating at his family reunion. __________________ Mike South It's No wonder I took up drugs and alcohol, it's the only way I could dumb myself down enough to cope with the morons in this biz.

11-02-2008, 01:01 PM	#14
Trixie Confirmed User Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: near Seattle, WA Posts: 1,850	If you think asking a question like this is a good way to start, then the only advice to be given is IT'S NOT FOR YOU. You already show no initiative or comprehension regarding the depth and breadth of what's involved. __________________ WebWhoreBucks: Girls, a guy and a tranny -- unique indie porn!

11-02-2008, 01:44 PM	#16
DBS.US Geo Cities Industry Role: Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: North Captiva Island, Florida USA Posts: 11,831	eprater78 where are you located? __________________ Make a Free Chaturbate White Label site in 34 minutes and be making money tonight

11-02-2008, 01:51 PM	#17
eprater78 Confirmed User Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 218	I'm in Kentucky. __________________ Sextoy Pimp's Adult Store FREE Sex Toys!

11-02-2008, 01:56 PM	#18
DBS.US Geo Cities Industry Role: Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: North Captiva Island, Florida USA Posts: 11,831	To far, I shoot in LA. __________________ Make a Free Chaturbate White Label site in 34 minutes and be making money tonight

11-02-2008, 02:05 PM	#19
DBS.US Geo Cities Industry Role: Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: North Captiva Island, Florida USA Posts: 11,831	Learn Photoshop on how to touch up your photos. __________________ Make a Free Chaturbate White Label site in 34 minutes and be making money tonight

11-02-2008, 02:37 PM	#21
TisMe Confirmed User Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 1,719	Buy a simple camera, learn to use it. Get to the point where you can take good crisp clear pictures. Buy some lights, learn to use them with your camera. Now evaluate your skills compared to what you see on paysites and samples posted here. If you know someone to be a test model that should be your next step, learn lighting, skin tones, closeups, etc. Then you'll have to decide if you have the beginnings of a business or not.

11-02-2008, 03:07 PM	#25
Deej I make pixels work Industry Role: Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: I live here... Posts: 24,386	Dude redshoe - that last photo - Remeber when you posted the big booty chick squatting in front of a chair - might be the same kaboose.... Anyway i said rotate your light source... see in the last photo - thats exactly what i meant - so there is the drastic light source right at the edge of her curves.... Thats gold man! BM bradley would be a great tutor - I heard way back in the day he was hands down the best lighting guy shooting ... and like i said lighting is key. Looks like you learned a lot __________________ Deej's Designs n' What Not Hit me up for Design, CSS & Photo Retouching Icq#30096880

11-02-2008, 03:16 PM	#26
eprater78 Confirmed User Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 218	Thanks RedShoe for all the advice. And that's what I planned on doing. I want to start out slow at my own pace and learn as I go along. The purpose of starting this thread was to get some input and advice from the people that are already doing it. And you are right, this is the start of my research. To talk to some of the people who are involved with it. I don't wanna jump right into shooting models or anything. I plan on learning how to take a good picture first and how to edit and all that. So, I greatly appreciate advice from everyone who wants to offer it. __________________ Sextoy Pimp's Adult Store FREE Sex Toys!

11-02-2008, 03:27 PM	#28
eprater78 Confirmed User Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 218	And also, no offense taken. I've been on here long enough to know you gotta have thick skin when talking to some people. Some will help you out but others just wanna give you a hard time. I know how to roll with the punches...so to speak. __________________ Sextoy Pimp's Adult Store FREE Sex Toys!

11-02-2008, 03:29 PM	#29
Deej I make pixels work Industry Role: Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: I live here... Posts: 24,386	Get a canon 20d and a good lens - that alone will set you back 1500 give or take if you find the right deal - GOOD LENS! you need to learn to use it - aperture and shutter speed! learn that shit - youre asking the questions you need to ask in 3 years. Notch down a bit and learn basics. No camera means no grasp. Grab a little before you walk up and ask what the meaning of life is... __________________ Deej's Designs n' What Not Hit me up for Design, CSS & Photo Retouching Icq#30096880

11-02-2008, 03:31 PM	#30
RedShoe 赤い靴 call me 202-456-1111 Industry Role: Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: The Valley Posts: 14,831	hey man, I'm actually selling my Nikon D-80 body. You'd need to buy a lens. A good 18-55 should be good to get you started. I'm asking 500 for it. __________________ SPECIALTY COSTUMES • PROPS • FX Superheroes • Monsters • Robots PM for details For any manufacturing needs. Adult or otherwise. aka BonsHigh on Insta Bonsai weed plants

11-02-2008, 03:38 PM	#31
Bro Media - BANNED FOR LIFE MOBILE PORN: IMOBILEPORN Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Tinseltown NL Posts: 16,502	Dean Capture, thats all I gotta say...

11-02-2008, 03:56 PM	#33
TisMe Confirmed User Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 1,719	Buy any digital camera to start. The deal RedShoe is offering is a good buy. Learn the camera, start with photos of a wooden folding chair. Learn to work with the shadows, the slats, then move on to lighting. Suggested the chair just because they can be complex to shoot, have angles, curves and shadows and most won't argue with you

11-02-2008, 04:16 PM	#34
DBS.US Geo Cities Industry Role: Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: North Captiva Island, Florida USA Posts: 11,831	Shoot only in manual mode __________________ Make a Free Chaturbate White Label site in 34 minutes and be making money tonight

11-02-2008, 04:28 PM	#35
tony286 lurker Industry Role: Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: atlanta Posts: 57,021	Wanna know something Deej, when I wanted to starting shooting video. Who I wrote and he said sure come over it was Mike South. No matter whatever question I had he always made time for me.And now in the 6 yrs we have grown to be close friends and I consider him a member of my family. Mike is one of the few people that I know if shit went down,he would be there for me without question no matter where he was. My advice to eprater is you have a possibly picked the worse time possible to start a content selling business. You really have to look at costs and what you have to sell things for to make a profit. Learn who the competitors. figure what are you going to bring thats different to the table. No one is going to do the homework for you. I wish you best of luck. Last edited by tony299; 11-02-2008 at 04:30 PM..

11-02-2008, 04:39 PM	#39
eprater78 Confirmed User Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 218	Yea, I didn't expect anyone to give me universal knowledge of shooting content. Just some advice and opinions on the subject. And so far most everyone has been a major help on getting me started. __________________ Sextoy Pimp's Adult Store FREE Sex Toys!

11-02-2008, 04:59 PM	#41
eprater78 Confirmed User Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 218	Yes I'm ready and if you and others think I should start out with a bigger investment then that's what I will do. Someone in this thread advised earlier to get a good digital camera and that's what I was thinking of doing. I really good one should run me about $200 or so but I was gonna look around to see what I could find. __________________ Sextoy Pimp's Adult Store FREE Sex Toys!

11-02-2008, 05:17 PM	#43
eprater78 Confirmed User Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 218	yea I understand what you are saying. And thanks again. I am going to seriously consider his offer but I still want to look around a bit. I don't anyone in this thread to think that they are wasting their time talking to me or anything. Everyone's input has been very helpful. __________________ Sextoy Pimp's Adult Store FREE Sex Toys!

11-03-2008, 01:50 AM	#46
Enemator Confirmed User Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 1,252	I wonder if this thread gets bumped in 3 years time. __________________ I live in your nightmares. I make you dream you're getting bumfucked by a razor blade only to wake up and find I gave your wife an enema and tube-fed you her shit.

11-03-2008, 02:17 AM	#47
DWB Registered User Industry Role: Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Encrypted. Access denied. Posts: 31,779	It took me a looooooong time to get my foot in the door. I started out on my own, not knowing the difference between white balance and an F-stop. However I did by a good 3 chip video camera at the time and a pair of cheap video kit lights from the local camera store. I had a little digital camera that got me through just fine for a long time before I upgraded to an SLR and started shooting DVD box covers. Mike South was a HUGE help to me, taking the time to answer my questions about shooting and the industry. He actually spent some time and took me around at my first AVN show (2000) and introduced me to people and talked about the product I had. He was also a straight shooter and told me how to make what I had better. For that, I'm always grateful to him, and I suggest you find someone like him (someone suggest Jum Gunn) who is willing to take the time to give you a hand and not blow smoke up your ass. Then along the way I was able to sit in on a few sets of veteran shooters and I learned a lot of little tricks. I shot a LOT of crap while I was learning. I mean a ton of it. Buuuuut.... over time it got better and doors started to open. Now I am turning down work almost daily. I still suck if you put me up against someone like Dean Capture but the bottom line is I MAKE A LOT OF MONEY and SELL A LOT OF PRODUCT with the limited skills I do have, so I'm living proof you don't totally need to know it all to make a living. CLIFF NOTES: * Get the best gear you can afford. * Read everything you can about shooting and your gear. * Practice, practice and practice! Then compare it with others in your niche. How does it pair up? * Find someone who will allow you to pick their brain. * Don't expect pro results overnight. * Make as many contacts as you can and always hold up to what you tell them you will do. Always deliver. * And then somewhere along the line you have to learn how to deal with models and talent and get them to do what you want.