FREESOURCES FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS | PHOTOGRAPHY EDUCATION | EAST COAST WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER | ASHTON KELLEY PHOTOGRAPHY

I remember when I started out in this industry how shocked I was to find out how much it cost to buy equipment, how much time went into all of the tasks AFTER a session, how expensive educational opportunities could be and how limited WV was to them, and honestly..? how MEAN people can be when you start going after a simliar dream. The truth is, we all deserve to chase them and sometimes that means finding ways to do so within our means. Today, we’re going to discuss some FREE-sources for photographers and I hope you can use these tools to “MAKE IT HAPPEN!”

1. YouTube

I cannot tell you how many times I have questioned something in this profession. Whether it was a camera setting, website building, or watching another artist in action.. I have spent so many hours looking through videos on Youtube. 90% of the time, if you simply type in your question, there’s a video pointing you in the right direction! It’s free, there is always new content, and it never closes. ;)

2. Facebook Forums

These can be great if you find a good one. This is typically a private group for photographers where questions can be asked, answers can be received, and stories can be shared to uplift one another. Most groups have a plethora of growing and experienced photographers, which enables endless possibilities for conversation and help. If you find a positive, informative group-it can be a priceless every-day resource.

3. CreativeLive

I LOVE CreativeLive. It’s probably a dream of mine to one day collaborate with them. When I started, I was absolutely glued to my computer screen with all of their free content. Since they cover no-cost, live topics every day, I was able to watch videos on glamour, family, weddings, lighting, marketing, and more! All at my fingertips, and all for free. This introduced me to the fabulous Jasmine Star, who I went on to mentor with in 2014, an experience that was far worth the investment and the wait. :)

4. Find a mentor!

Fair warning, when you go to seek out someone like this-they may say no. It’s the worst thing that can happen, guys! And so what? “On to the next one…”

It’s super important to find someone you click with, someone who really pushes you and answers your questions, and someone you respect as an artist. If you’re looking to meet more creatives in your area, perhaps consider attending a local #tuesdaystogether group via The Rising Tide Society! Once a month, on the first Tuesday of the month, artists (including lots of photographers) gather for coffee and conversation. These opportunities can enable you to branch out and network, potentially meeting a perfect friend to guide you in the industry. I have met so many wonderful people through networking, and they’ve helped me not only through the bad times, but celebrated with me during the good ones.

5. GOOGLE!

Last, but not least, don’t forget about Google! It’s an amazing search engine and you would probably be surprised how many people have went on to blog about something you’re struggling with. Pop in your issue and see what comes up. You may find the perfect result is just a click away.

I hope that if you’re just starting out, these are helpful. Check back soon for more tips for the growing photographer, but also bear in mind that you are amazing! If you’re searching out new ways to learn, reading blogs like this, and furthering your education as a photographer-you are doing all the right things. So, keep going!!

– Ash

EVENT | AKP RUSTIC RETREAT
PHOTOGRAPHY | ASHTON KELLEY PHOTOGRAPHY
DESIGN & FLORALS | SO LOVELY WEDDINGS AND BLOOMS
VENUE | HICKORY HOUSE, CANAAN VALLEY, WV
MUA | BALTAMOUR ARTISTRY
PAPER & SIGNAGE | EALEXDESIGNS
CAKE | SORBY SWEETS
RENTALS | STASH RENTALS
DRESS | AVA LAURENNE BRIDE