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need a pep talk
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jnnfrws


Joined: 30 Aug 2005
Posts: 377
Location: http://www.jwestmorelandphoto.com
Post Posted: Tue Jul 08, 2008 2:23 pm     Reply with quote

I got money from our home equity loan, and i'm working towards equipping a small studio downtown. Problem is, every time i go online to make a purchase, after days of research, i get to check out, and i chicken out.
I need some pep talks!
Thanks!
hospitalera


Joined: 20 Dec 2005
Posts: 2746
Location: Prague (Czech Republic) http://hospitalera.com
Post Posted: Tue Jul 08, 2008 2:36 pm     Reply with quote

pep ;-) SY
hospitalera


Joined: 20 Dec 2005
Posts: 2746
Location: Prague (Czech Republic) http://hospitalera.com
Post Posted: Tue Jul 08, 2008 2:39 pm     Reply with quote

OK, seriously now ;-) What do you like to buy? Lighting? New body (camera body, I mean ;-), lenses? What is your dream? What do you like to photograph? Where do you want to be in 1 month? 6months? 1 year? 5 years? What isyour goal?

Your portfolio is outstanding, everything what you will invest in your talent will come back severalfold! SY
jnnfrws


Joined: 30 Aug 2005
Posts: 377
Location: http://www.jwestmorelandphoto.com
Post Posted: Tue Jul 08, 2008 3:27 pm     Reply with quote

thanks for the compliment!
I need lights, i need backdrops, stands, a new computer, a desk, etcetera. It's all soooo overwhelming! Plus, i'm working full time, and trying to do this in the evenings, so that is even worse!
YIKES!
It's easier for guys... sorry, but it is. I have a 5 year old, and sorry, but daddy just doesn't cut it when it comes to making dinner and giving baths... it's just not the same, as far as my little man is concerned! So there, i have 15 minutes every night to shop, and so far, don't want to spend any money!!!
Okay, i'm done griping!
I'm going to try to get some shopping done tonight...ugh! Who knew it would be so hard to spend money!
Photoshow


Joined: 05 Nov 2004
Posts: 4878
Location: Somewhere between where I'm going and where I've been
Post Posted: Tue Jul 08, 2008 3:37 pm     Reply with quote

Nothing to it but to do it
teekaygee


Joined: 02 Jan 2008
Posts: 1016
Post Posted: Tue Jul 08, 2008 3:50 pm     Reply with quote

are you chickening out because you are worried about spending the money, or that you'll have made a mistake in what you are choosing to buy? if it's the latter, perhaps share what's on your shopping list and get feedback that your product/brand choices are good. if it's the former...just grit your teeth and go for it. once the stuff arrives, you will be like a kid playing with new toys...full of enthusiasm! I just went through a similar dilemma as I've been debating about buying an ultra wide angle lens and a macro lens for ages...couldn't decide which one I wanted more...but yesterday I ordered both! Once I'm through that initial "should I spend this much" I have no regrets...I can hardly wait to get them!
hospitalera


Joined: 20 Dec 2005
Posts: 2746
Location: Prague (Czech Republic) http://hospitalera.com
Post Posted: Tue Jul 08, 2008 3:52 pm     Reply with quote

teekaygee wrote:
are you chickening out because you are worried about spending the money, or that you'll have made a mistake in what you are choosing to buy? if it's the latter, perhaps share what's on your shopping list and get feedback that your product/brand choices are good. if it's the former...just grit your teeth and go for it. once the stuff arrives, you will be like a kid playing with new toys...full of enthusiasm! I just went through a similar dilemma as I've been debating about buying an ultra wide angle lens and a macro lens for ages...couldn't decide which one I wanted more...but yesterday I ordered both! Once I'm through that initial "should I spend this much" I have no regrets...I can hardly wait to get them!


Superb advice here! Just share your shopping list with us other girls ;-) SY
jps


Joined: 08 Feb 2007
Posts: 6825
Location: Denmark
Post Posted: Tue Jul 08, 2008 4:15 pm     Reply with quote

Dont buy anything that cant pay itself back.

Like if you are a farmer you invest in a sowing mashine, not an outboard engine.

Computers are the worst junk to ever invest in. First you get 90% surplus power and software you dont need, but pay for.
Then they are time consumers.
Then then need advanced periferials.
And costly maintenance.
Then they fall in price.
rinder99


Joined: 12 Jul 2005
Posts: 18720
Location: Books and Class Info, www.rindersmithphotography.com or, www.rinderart.com
Post Posted: Tue Jul 08, 2008 4:25 pm     Reply with quote

Photoshow wrote:
Nothing to it but to do it


Perfect!!! My dad used to say and it's still true and what I do. Dont buy anything you cant sell quickly. One reason I try to buy the best I can.
jnnfrws


Joined: 30 Aug 2005
Posts: 377
Location: http://www.jwestmorelandphoto.com
Post Posted: Thu Jul 10, 2008 7:41 pm     Reply with quote

Well, i think my biggest obstacle right now is the computer. I need to have a mac, because i'll spend less money on maintenance. I've worked on one for years, and am pretty adept at fixing any problems. That said, they're a boatload of money!!!
My space is ready, though, so i'm going to pick up some background paper and a set of used Norman lights this weekend. Then i'll need a desk and some rudimentary fixtures. It's mainly just, i'm scared i'll buy something and then find something i like better later on! It's a wonder i've stayed married for so long!
Jenn
supertramp


Joined: 29 May 2005
Posts: 3812
Location: Lost, but making good time.
Post Posted: Thu Jul 10, 2008 7:57 pm     Reply with quote

Ah. The mighty desk. got mine for $20. its 72" by 36". A monster. Holds my computer, 2 monitors, speakers, external HD, Wacom, books, folders and stuff. I got it from a company that had it taking up space in their back room. All I had to do was come around after work with a screw driver. Ask around. Be surprised what you can get for dirt cheap.
thesupe87


Joined: 07 Feb 2006
Posts: 855
Location: arenacreative.com
Post Posted: Thu Jul 10, 2008 9:02 pm     Reply with quote

Invest only microstock or Shutterstock earnings into your business. Home equity loan? I can understand why you're scared. That's just like going backwards...dipping into the piggy bank :)
graphicphoto


Joined: 23 Oct 2006
Posts: 2383
Location: In your brain, stealing your ideas!
Post Posted: Thu Jul 10, 2008 9:58 pm     Reply with quote

jnnfrws wrote:
Well, i think my biggest obstacle right now is the computer. I need to have a mac, because i'll spend less money on maintenance. I've worked on one for years, and am pretty adept at fixing any problems. That said, they're a boatload of money!!!
My space is ready, though, so i'm going to pick up some background paper and a set of used Norman lights this weekend. Then i'll need a desk and some rudimentary fixtures. It's mainly just, i'm scared i'll buy something and then find something i like better later on! It's a wonder i've stayed married for so long!
Jenn


Ahhhh, you don't NEED a MAC...I have worked with Mac and Windows for years and I have found that there is more software available for Windows. I am neither for or against either platform but I am sad that Mac has made people believe that they are SOOOOOOO much better than Windows. They both have pros and cons but when it comes down to it I like my Dell with Windows XP. The advertising pitting Mac against PC is dumb...PC is a personal computer, Mac is a brand name, like Skill saw. I made this argument in Bichon's thread. If you PREFER Mac then by all means get it but don't feel like you HAVE to! I bought an AMAZING computer for $628 last fall. I personally have had just as many problems with Mac shutting down and getting the dreaded blue screen! I had one issue with my Dell when it first arrived and support was AMAZING! Good luck on whatever you decide! I do miss the f10 function in Photoshop to tile all open photos but that is about it. Research all the other stuff and ask everyone here for opinions. I always do A LOT of research before I buy!

:)
graphicphoto


Joined: 23 Oct 2006
Posts: 2383
Location: In your brain, stealing your ideas!
Post Posted: Thu Jul 10, 2008 10:00 pm     Reply with quote

jps wrote:
Dont buy anything that cant pay itself back.



Yup. Stock has more than paid me back for my equipment...
cvanwagoner


Joined: 10 Aug 2005
Posts: 1226
Location: Fallbrook, CA
Post Posted: Thu Jul 10, 2008 10:22 pm     Reply with quote

buy a computer that you can work with.
buy any necessary equipment that you need but don't over do it. Make sure you're going to use it, don't be foolish and go on a spending spree.

Also,...you need to buy my hasselblad! LOL

carla
 
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