How did you start?
in photography as a source of $
would you mind sharing....

I started shooting events with a P&S plus a F90x. :)

How did you start?
in photography as a source of $
would you mind sharing....

We started, in 1973, with P1000 (that even then was considered small) that was already earned from photography, a second hand Nikkormat with a 43-86 zoom lens (we had no normal lens) and a Lucky b&w enlarger.

Tiyaga lang talaga. I called all the ad agencies in town and presented our "portfolio." It wasn't an advertising portfolio, but it did include some published works. When art directors asked what kind of lights we had, since we didn't have any, I told them that John was good with available lights.:D

John was still learning photography (he still is, 33 years later), and there were no books on advertising photography in our bookstores then, so a couple of American friends helped us by giving us a couple of books. He would shoot for clients all day, process and print all night, and when he had no shoots (for clients), he would shoot anything and everything.

He was (still is) passionate about photography, and in our 3rd month, he slept maybe an average of 2 hours a night. Through the years, this would happen again and again, and even now. Ask John - he would rather be shooting than eating or sleeping. His energy is incredible. So is his passion for photography.

But he was giving away his photos. He was thrilled that people liked them. So, we agreed that I would handle the business side. I didn't know anything about business, so I enrolled in short courses - "Accounting for non-Accountants," "Sales and Marketing" etc. They really weren't enough, so a few years later, I told John that I should take up an MBA. I told him that I didn't want to run Adphoto like a backyard business - I wanted Adphoto to be a most professional studio.

We didn't always see eye to eye. He hated rules, forms (he would shoot without a signed contract, deliver without delivery receipts, etc.), policies etc. But I learned that these things are needed for the business to succeed. Later on, he realized the need for some order, and allowed me to run the business. The arrangement actually allowed him to focus on his photography.

So while I started as a photographer's assistant, and sometimes at photo coverages, I was also a photographer, I had to move to the business side because John was obviously a better photographer than I. (I didn't like carrying heavy cameras and sunpak flashes - so I guess I really wasn't cut out to be a photographer).:D

Everything that we own came from photography (by the grace of God). We are very thankful to this profession and industry, and we are willing to share what we know with those who are just starting.

Thank you for this opportunity to share our humble experience.

@ Harvey Chua - KUDOS for the post! I read everything... You do help inspire! :)

@ Harvey Chua .. *speechless*

@joel btw i started earning when smart communication hired me for events coverage. until now its my primary income...lol

@Harvey Chua,
very inspiring

I wish to be like you guys someday

joel

My former basic photography teacher offered me a job during my senior year in college. I was actually going to take further studies in Fine Arts after I had graduated from AB Comm.

But the job offer changed all that :D

Wow :) @Harvey Chua, Very Inspiring indeed :)

@Ma'am Harvey Chua: Your story is truly inspiring! :) I'm willing to learn from people like you and Sir John Chua (whom I look up to for all the things that he has done for all beginners in photoraphy like me and to the professionals as well). Thank you very much! :)

@Harvey Chua: Very inspiring indeed. I read it four times! Thanks for sharing your story.

@Harvey Chua: Very inspiring indeed. I read it four times! Thanks for sharing your story.

Dear Benji,

Thank you for your generous comment. I grew old in this business (started at 26 and now I'm 60), and I know it takes hard work to be successful. First you find your passion and follow your heart; second, you work hard to be very good at it. Then the money will follow. However, when the money comes, you'd need to learn how to manage it or it will leave you.

I also learned that true success comes in two parts - the first part is familiar to all of us - that's earning more than you are spending :) ; but the real success is when you can spend the time to enjoy the fruits of your labor.:D This second success does not have to be when you are old - it should come in regular intervals.

Good luck and God bless,
Harvey

sniff........

@Harvey Chua, sir very inspiring...


ruel

Truly very inspiring words Ma'am Harvey :)

Ms Harvey,

You are an inspiration to us all...

i agree, very inspiring.

Thank you to all for your kind words.

I read in "The Alchemist," that "when you truly want something, the universe will conspire to give it to you." So dream, and work hard to make your dreams come true.

In 1975, we had traded in our motorcyle for an owner-type jeep that was old and decrepit (karag-karag). One time, John was driving and the stick shift came off from the socket! It was a frightening experience but we somehow laughed it off. So, when we started doing editorial and coverage photography for General Motors, John wanted to have a car - not a car to buy since we didn't have money to buy one - but he wanted to convince GM to give him a car to use. I didn't believe then in the power of dreams and asked John "Why would GM give you a car? Ano, you will do all your photography for free use of a car?" Being the partner in charge of the business, I didn't want such an arrangement. John reassured me that we would get paid and still get a free car to use. John dictated the proposal to me and I had to type (wala pang computer noon) it out on our letterhead. Guess what, GM agreed. They even took care of maintenance, all we had to do was spend for gasoline. If anything was wrong with the car, John could take it back and come home with another car! Our neighbors thought that we were rich.

We didn't have much money, but we had a lot of fun.:D

Thank you to all for your kind words.

I read in "The Alchemist," that "when you truly want something, the universe will conspire to give it to you." So dream, and work hard to make your dreams come true.

In 1975, we had traded in our motorcyle for an owner-type jeep that was old and decrepit (karag-karag). One time, John was driving and the stick shift came off from the socket! It was a frightening experience but we somehow laughed it off. So, when we started doing editorial and coverage photography for General Motors, John wanted to have a car - not a car to buy since we didn't have money to buy one - but he wanted to convince GM to give him a car to use. I didn't believe then in the power of dreams and asked John "Why would GM give you a car? Ano, you will do all your photography for free use of a car?" Being the partner in charge of the business, I didn't want such an arrangement. John reassured me that we would get paid and still get a free car to use. John dictated the proposal to me and I had to type (wala pang computer noon) it out on our letterhead. Guess what, GM agreed. They even took care of maintenance, all we had to do was spend for gasoline. If anything was wrong with the car, John could take it back and come home with another car! Our neighbors thought that we were rich.

We didn't have much money, but we had a lot of fun.:D

wow... if the other posts you made on how adphoto began were already inspiring, well i think this is the most inspiring :D

be confident on yourself and the services that you can provide, i think that is the most important lesson that the john chua/adphoto experience can impart to us :)

@ Harvey Chua -- That very inspiring ma'm... I heard the live version from Sir John last sunday when he visited us at the basic workshop of FPPF.

Quite an inspiring story...

@Harvey
REally inspiring! thanks for sharing!

really started shooting using a Nikon FM10. I like shooting people. Then the cousin of a friend of mine asked me if I wanted to shoot their wedding. My first reaction was, ha??? me? shoot your wedding? are you sure? so i did. Apparently they liked my photos and was referred to other people then to other people..... I still have my day job working in a bank but weekends are normally packed with various shooting assignments.

@Harvey

This is not a success story - it's a LOVE story!! :D I can 'feel' the love between you and John during those early days - when life is full of promise and you have nothing to lose, you don't get on each other's hair and you actually get to try one hare-brained scheme after another and have fun in between - I'm sure the passion burns as strongly now as it was then.

Lovely couple, certified movie material and istorya!! :D

jerry,

Just like everybody else, we have our good days and our bad days, but we're still here.:) And if you know John, you'd know that he's always looking at how to have fun. :D

truly inspiring harvey! thanks for sharing! :)

jerry,

Just like everybody else, we have our good days and our bad days, but we're still here.:) And if you know John, you'd know that he's always looking at how to have fun. :D

Maybe if u still have some spare time, why not write a book about ur life story?:)

Maybe if u still have some spare time, why not write a book about ur life story?:)

Thank you, that's very flattering but I doubt that there's enough materials there for a book. I don't think I have the guts to share all the stories of our lives.:Oops:

What I really would like to do is to scan all of John's old negatives, choose the best ones and print single editions. That's possible now with laser printing. I have to work on the following books, based on John's early photography:

70's - Banaue, Ifugao: When John was learning photography, he would go to Banaue, Ifugao every weekend, and sometimes staying there for two or three weeks on a stretch. He was really fascinated by the people, culture and traditions of the Ifugaos. He had his first photo exhibit at the Hotel InterContinental Hotel in October 1978 on the people of the Cordilleras. By the way, his love for the place remains.

80's - People Power, and events before and after. John's stint as a photojournalist started when Ninoy Aquino was assassinated. Tony Lopez of Asiaweek brought a HongKong photographer who was on the same plane as Ninoy to come to our studio so he could process his films. For that reason, we were among the first to know what happened at the airport on that tragic day. That HK photographer (he did that portrait of Ninoy that is on the 500 peso bill) was so traumatized that he has not come back to the Philippines. John started taking photos at the wake, and at the funeral, he was there from Sto Domingo church all the way to the Manila Memorial Park, skipping breakfast and lunch, losing his wallet in the crowd, getting soaking wet and getting dry again. Other magazines assigned several photographers to cover various points but John was alone for Asiaweek. After that, he was always taking photos of rallies and demonstrations, the EDSA 1 People Power revolution, and the series of coup d'etat.

1998 - John's historic ultralight cross-country flight. John's boyhood dream was to fly, but his poor eyesight and poor finances prevented him from fulfilling his dream. But in 1997, he discovered ultralight flying, and in 1998, got permission to fly cross-country, from General Santos in South Cotabato to Laoag in Ilocos Norte. the culminating activity was a photo exhibit at the central activity area of Glorietta, where they also displayed the ultralight that he flew.

1970 to now - family photos/travels

So, I do have four books to work on, but these would be photographic books with very little text, and not for selling to the public, but simply to serve as legacy to our children. Maybe we can give one copy of the Ifugao book to the town of Banaue.

For this reason, I hired an archivist (to scan the negatives) but he got busy with one of Kathy's projects. Also for this reason, come January, I will be leaving the day-to-day operations of Adphoto to a new manager.

What I really would like to write is a book on the business of photography for the Philippines - but I don't know when I can find the time. I also would like to blog regularly.

I am not sure if this is a proper response in this thread, but then I did share how John started doing photography, how he started doing photo journalistic work etc., so I am still within context. I just apologize for the length of this post.

If anyone is dreaming of becoming a professional photographer, or an ultralight pilot, or a manager of a photography studio, do let us know. Maybe we can help you see your dreams come true.:)

If anyone is dreaming of becoming a professional photographer, or an ultralight pilot, or a manager of a photography studio, do let us know. Maybe we can help you see your dreams come true.:)

I'd like to do all these (frustrated pilot, too, because of poor eyesight and poor finances :(). Oh, I would be very grateful if you can help me with any of these.

P.S.

I hope you don't mind me using one of John's quotations I got off from your blog for my signature.

Very inspiring post Harvey! :)

I'd like to do all these (frustrated pilot, too, because of poor eyesight and poor finances :(). Oh, I would be very grateful if you can help me with any of these.

P.S.

I hope you don't mind me using one of John's quotations I got off from your blog for my signature.

Hey, Marco
I just read the quote, I think I wrote that during my talk at the WPP seminar. Passion and Profit. I guess I just simply forget about it once done na. I was laughing so hard to read it again.. thank you for remember that quote. I am honored. If ever you come to visit Home, give me a ring, lets have coffee or visit our studio and meet our photographers who are also members of DPP. John Chua
PS. I could even take you up flying with me on the ultralight..I will teach you how to fly... you take full control of the plane... I just wear my parachute :-)

Hey, Marco
I just read the quote, I think I wrote that during my talk at the WPP seminar. Passion and Profit. I guess I just simply forget about it once done na. I was laughing so hard to read it again.. thank you for remember that quote. I am honored.

Ha ha! I really liked this quote... it's very true. Magpapasyon muna bago kumita... he he. I am also honored for allowing me to use this quote.

If ever you come to visit Home, give me a ring, lets have coffee or visit our studio and meet our photographers who are also members of DPP. John Chua
PS. I could even take you up flying with me on the ultralight..

That is great! I'll take you up on that! (Including the flying, oh my dream may come true soon :)).

Thanks.

Hi,

I'm planning to start with this equipment in photography and videography, Pls. help for some equipment that I can't decide.

Nikon d50 or a canon 350d + kitlens
Sigma 50mm 1.8 as an extra lens
Flash, I need recomendation(the cheapest in the market)
Panasonic GS250
Halogen floodlight for the meantime yung mga nabibili sa hardware

thanks
joel

Hi,

I'm planning to start with this equipment in photography and videography, Pls. help for some equipment that I can't decide.

Nikon d50 or a canon 350d + kitlens
Sigma 50mm 1.8 as an extra lens
Flash, I need recomendation(the cheapest in the market)
Panasonic GS250
Halogen floodlight for the meantime yung mga nabibili sa hardware

thanks
joel

You just might regret getting the cheapest, so why not consider getting the best that you can afford?

What I really would like to do is to scan all of John's old negatives, choose the best ones and print single editions. That's possible now with laser printing. I have to work on the following books, based on John's early photography



Dear Ma'am, I think that's enough material for a book! There are some publishing companies here who can do a 20 or 40 page book for a small number of copies. Sayang tho, we might not be able to see them since it will be for ur family! But wait! U can do so pala at ur BLOG. Its might be little time consuming but its worth it.

I read this somewhere kasi:

3 things to do to become immortal:

1- write a book
2- Have children
3- Plant a tree

have a nice day!

:)

@ Harvey Chua - I'm new to DPP, just read the story. It was indeed inspiring! Thanks for sharing.

If anyone is dreaming of becoming a professional photographer, or an ultralight pilot, or a manager of a photography studio, do let us know. Maybe we can help you see your dreams come true.:)

Ma'm Harvey and Sir John... your life story is indeed a great inspiration, not only for people in the photography industry, but more so for people trying to live their lives fully. If I we're a bachelor with no family to feed, I would be very much interested to work for you and assist you in any way that I can in documenting your life history (e.g., in a book, a movie, or simply a blogspot) for free (libreng breakfast-lunch-dinner + pasundot-sundot na merienda ok na sa akin) + I get the chance to shoot with you. :)

I will definitely pass-by your studio next time I'm home (makapag-pa-portrait picture man lang) :) .

@Joe, Jayson and Teddy,

Thank you. I feel truly appreciated.:) John and I would be glad to share experiences, little nuggets of wisdom (?) and some techniques that we have learned from more than 30 years of doing professional photography.

I have shared bits and pieces here and in the pipho forum, and will continue to do so but I am a bit embarrassed when my reply is long. So, I have started a business blog, and I have one article there now (same as what I shared in this forum) and I am working on the next one ("what to do or consider when you are asked to bid low or offer your services for free" - still need to find a shorter title). I hope to write at least one blog a week on the business of photography.

Thanks and regards,
Harvey

@ harvey chua: grabe! really inspiring.. i hope that i could also be more patient and will sharpen my skills/talent in photography..:)

earning money is second concern in the photogaphy business.. as long as you have the guts to learn it follows..concertrate to learn more and be statisfied on what you have...end siyempre keep on praying..

Hi,
In answer to your question, in your first couple of years, take any offers that come your way, get yourself published and make sure you put out quality stuff. If and when you get noticed, the offers should start coming, hwever the digital revolution has really changed the landscape of our industry. I suggest, invest in good, sturdy gear, dependable lights and a good tripod, Good luck!!!

@ Harvey Chua ..

Very inspiring po sir Harvey.

It's beyond utterance....thanks for sharing, truly inspiring!

working in advertising, i had the privilege and opportunity to work with john first-hand. what i really like about him is his humble, low key ways. considering that he was already THE john chua when i had the chance to go on shoots with him (mainly, car accounts since he has a solid lock on those pogi car shots :-D), he was very receptive about comments and suggestions from me and my art director.

i guess that low-key attitude continues to today as we can find him involved in different causes. like not a lot of people know that he (and daughter, kathy) volunteer their time at the manila zoo. most mornings when his sked is free, you can find him feeding mali, the zoo's resident elephant. as a hobbyist and aspiring photographer, john as well as his & harvey's success story, continues to be an inspiration :-D

When we were just starting (and occasionally, even now) and we are tempted to accept just anything that we think (emphasis on "we think") customers or clients would like to throw our way, we still try to find out if they are willing to pay us more than we think.

So we do ask questions that will help us find out how far they are willing to go with us, how much they are willing to pay.

We've learned to work in such a way that we don't go lower than what they are willing to pay us.

When we were just starting and did not get the benefit of advice from more seasoned businesspeople, we may have jumped the gun with our customers, and price ourselves lower than what customers expected to pay us but not anymore. Now, we've learned not to just jump in, but to check the waters first.

wow I have learned a lot from this tread keep those informative post and thanks alot

When we were just starting (and occasionally, even now) and we are tempted to accept just anything that we think (emphasis on "we think") customers or clients would like to throw our way, we still try to find out if they are willing to pay us more than we think.

So we do ask questions that will help us find out how far they are willing to go with us, how much they are willing to pay.

We've learned to work in such a way that we don't go lower than what they are willing to pay us.

When we were just starting and did not get the benefit of advice from more seasoned businesspeople, we may have jumped the gun with our customers, and price ourselves lower than what customers expected to pay us but not anymore. Now, we've learned not to just jump in, but to check the waters first.


To mam harvey your story of sir john is very inspiring especially to me who really love photography. at this point of my life i really want to pursue my dream thats why im still looking for a professional photographer who are willing to accept me as his/her apprentice or kahit alalay i dont mind gawin nya akong utusan i just want to learn, stay hungry and stay fool in photography....at sir john i really admire his humility!

To mam harvey your story of sir john is very inspiring especially to me who really love photography. at this point of my life i really want to pursue my dream thats why im still looking for a professional photographer who are willing to accept me as his/her apprentice or kahit alalay i dont mind gawin nya akong utusan i just want to learn, stay hungry and stay fool in photography....at sir john i really admire his humility!

Please send me your resume, and let me know where I can see your photography.
Harvey

To mam harvey your story of sir john is very inspiring especially to me who really love photography. at this point of my life i really want to pursue my dream thats why im still looking for a professional photographer who are willing to accept me as his/her apprentice or kahit alalay i dont mind gawin nya akong utusan i just want to learn, stay hungry and stay fool in photography....at sir john i really admire his humility!

Thanks for the kind words. Please send me your resume and tell me where I can view your photos.

Thanks for the kind words. Please send me your resume and tell me where I can view your photos.

may i know your email add mam harvey? salamat po..

its a long story. ive been taking pix with an old canon AE-1 camera before... then went to graphic design.... my design sometimes needed photos so I accquired a digital camera. Back then there are no megapixels... my camera was a fuji (forgot the model) with 640x480 pixels and uses those big flat flash cards...so i lived with that. Then in addition to my graphic design small biz ....i engaged to video editing and liked it a lot. I transfered tapes, edited videos and AVPs...then I tought of adding video coverage...so I did video cover baptismals, parties, debuts, 1st birthdays, governmet and corporate seminars. A lot of people are asking me...do you ha photo too? then i engaged to photo coverage too.

My business right now is not that big compared to other big photo/video companies...its really small and loving it. I do photo/video coverage for events, AVPS more. Since I know graphic design and started there... I do make simple ads where i do a simple photo shoot too.

My business right now is not that big compared to other big photo/video companies...its really small and loving it. I do photo/video coverage for events, AVPS more. Since I know graphic design and started there... I do make simple ads where i do a simple photo shoot too.

I have an old friend who needs someone to do video of her and her ballroom dance friends. Please email me (harvey@adphoto.com.ph) if you are interested to do this kind of work.

Maam Harvey & Sir John,

thanx for sharing your inspirational experience and business tips.

I was one of the lucky guyz who was invited to your "Open House" studio during the photo world manila. When I entered your studio, I was mesmerized (napa "WoW") of the sized of your studio. I told my friend Mr. Mark Yap, we have to make a studio like this in Cebu City. :)

I was abled to come up with the idea of becoming one of your assistants even without pay/allowance just to study and learn the business side of Advertising Photography business, but Sir John said that "we are accepting OJT / applicants but we are not entertaining married applicant.". :(

Please continue giving tips and inspiring business stories.

More power!

P.S.
hope there's a exception in your rule not to accept married applicants. :) hehe

Ma'am Harvey & Sir John,

You truly are an inspiration to many of the members of DPP, not just in the Philippines, but also abroad. Inspirational because not only have you started you own business, but started a business which you both have a passion for and made it flourish. Starting your own business is difficult enough, but starting it with someone so close to you makes it that much more difficult. It is a testiment to the both of you for being able to separate your professional lives from your personal lives and not having one effect the other. Your story not only inspires us to follow our dreams but also to do so with a "joie de vie" and with a loving partner by your side, the difficult times will pale in comparison to the good times that both of you shared. It is an inspiration not just for life, but also for love.

To all the other DPPer's out there reading their story, they are not the exception to the rule. If your passion is deep enough, anything can be attained.

Maam Harvey & Sir John,


Please continue giving tips and inspiring business stories.

More power!

P.S.
hope there's a exception in your rule not to accept married applicants. :) hehe

We're giving a talk on "Photography for Profit" on March 24 at the Filipinas Heritage Library (Alcove). If you happen to be in town, it would be nice to have you there. Another photographer, Jay Alonzo, and a professor from AIM will join us.

thanks for the kind words.

Harvey

P.S. We only train applicants who will eventually join us, but since you were very frank with your intentions, then let's be friends - we can share what we know with you without getting you into the Photographers' Assistants' program. You can join the seminar, and you can subscribe (for free) to tips on the business of photography on my blog at www.adphoto.com.ph/business:)

Ma'am Harvey & Sir John,

You truly are an inspiration to many of the members of DPP, not just in the Philippines, but also abroad. Inspirational because not only have you started you own business, but started a business which you both have a passion for and made it flourish. Starting your own business is difficult enough, but starting it with someone so close to you makes it that much more difficult. It is a testiment to the both of you for being able to separate your professional lives from your personal lives and not having one effect the other. Your story not only inspires us to follow our dreams but also to do so with a "joie de vie" and with a loving partner by your side, the difficult times will pale in comparison to the good times that both of you shared. It is an inspiration not just for life, but also for love.

To all the other DPPer's out there reading their story, they are not the exception to the rule. If your passion is deep enough, anything can be attained.

It's tough - separating business from personal lives. It's something you REALLY have to work on, but after 34 years, I think we're just about getting the hang of things. :D Life is good.

Thanks for the kind words.

Very insipisirng Maam Harvey Chua. I remembered when Sir John Chua had a speech in our basic photography class at FPPF. It was very inspiring and passion for photography is a big part.

to Mr. Chua: very, very inspiring. you deserve what you've achieved. congrats and more power! galing!

just finished reading this thread...
must be one of the most inspiring success stories i've read.

Mr. & Mrs. Chua, please continue to support newbies thru seminars (have'nt been to one, yet) and apprenticeships (hope to get a slot).

Ma'am Harvey, your stories truly inspire us. My wife & I just got married & started our creative photographics business, I do the photography/design, she takes care of the business. When I showed her your blogs, you've just got an instant fan. She has printed your posts and reads them everynight, she's learned so much from you and has really improved the way she's handling our business. we've not really taken off yet, but I know that when we did, it will be much higher due to the extra boost you've given us. Thank you so much for the inspiration Ma'am Harvey & Sir John.

i started shooting when my father gave me a gift on my birthday, the canon AE-1 during mid school, continued till present.

Ma'am Harvey, your stories truly inspire us. My wife & I just got married & started our creative photographics business, I do the photography/design, she takes care of the business. When I showed her your blogs, you've just got an instant fan. She has printed your posts and reads them everynight, she's learned so much from you and has really improved the way she's handling our business. we've not really taken off yet, but I know that when we did, it will be much higher due to the extra boost you've given us. Thank you so much for the inspiration Ma'am Harvey & Sir John.

Hi Vin,
Thank you very much. Just remember that when you go into the business of photography, there are two areas of concerns - photography AND business. I don't know what your wife's academic background is, but if it is not business administration/management, then I suggest she takes up a few courses or even go back to school. In the meantime, if she likes, she can come to our studio and read some of my books on the business of photography. I'd be glad to be of help. I'm glad that she likes my blogs. Good luck on your partnerships.:)

good morning ma'am harvey. she's a BSBA and was an experienced account exec for a top sales company, but we both know nothing about the business of photography when we started planning months ago. i am an engineer who had no formal education in photography but made it a hobby since high school days with compact film cameras & started self-learning digital 2 years ago. now we have a prosumer cam, we were shooting (mostly relatives') events for free and gets paid only for the shots they like, we also did creative photographics (photomosaics, collage, montage). we did it for experience and exposure. our "earnings" were used to buy photography & business books, haven't found a good photo business book yet, so we've been searcing for info on the net, lucky we've found DPP & Adphoto's sites :) . after we've read your blogs, we're thinking about stopping our free shooting service and make a concrete business plan. we'll be starting over again and reformat our business while still unknown and with no big investments yet, we'll be building it on the foundations of your advice. If we have the time, we'll drop off your studio to even get a glimpse of our idols :) Again, we thank you. God bless!

good morning ma'am harvey. she's a BSBA and was an experienced account exec for a top sales company, but we both know nothing about the business of photography when we started planning months ago. i am an engineer who had no formal education in photography but made it a hobby since high school days with compact film cameras & started self-learning digital 2 years ago. now we have a prosumer cam, we were shooting (mostly relatives') events for free and gets paid only for the shots they like, we also did creative photographics (photomosaics, collage, montage). we did it for experience and exposure. our "earnings" were used to buy photography & business books, haven't found a good photo business book yet, so we've been searcing for info on the net, lucky we've found DPP & Adphoto's sites :) . after we've read your blogs, we're thinking about stopping our free shooting service and make a concrete business plan. we'll be starting over again and reformat our business while still unknown and with no big investments yet, we'll be building it on the foundations of your advice. If we have the time, we'll drop off your studio to even get a glimpse of our idols :) Again, we thank you. God bless!

I look forward to meeting you and your wife, too. God bless you too.

truly an inspiring story. mrs harvey ;)

truly an inspiring story. mrs harvey ;)

I am sure there are many photographers who started small and have grown big, or started big and have grown bigger :). Let's hear from the others. The stories we want to hear will be about how we started, how we got inspired to get into the business of photography, who helped us in the beginning, the challenges that came with starting our new photo business, etc.

We started, in 1973, with P1000 (that even then was considered small) that was already earned from photography, a second hand Nikkormat with a 43-86 zoom lens (we had no normal lens) and a Lucky b&w enlarger.

Tiyaga lang talaga. I called all the ad agencies in town and presented our "portfolio." It wasn't an advertising portfolio, but it did include some published works. When art directors asked what kind of lights we had, since we didn't have any, I told them that John was good with available lights.:D

John was still learning photography (he still is, 33 years later), and there were no books on advertising photography in our bookstores then, so a couple of American friends helped us by giving us a couple of books. He would shoot for clients all day, process and print all night, and when he had no shoots (for clients), he would shoot anything and everything.

He was (still is) passionate about photography, and in our 3rd month, he slept maybe an average of 2 hours a night. Through the years, this would happen again and again, and even now. Ask John - he would rather be shooting than eating or sleeping. His energy is incredible. So is his passion for photography.

But he was giving away his photos. He was thrilled that people liked them. So, we agreed that I would handle the business side. I didn't know anything about business, so I enrolled in short courses - "Accounting for non-Accountants," "Sales and Marketing" etc. They really weren't enough, so a few years later, I told John that I should take up an MBA. I told him that I didn't want to run Adphoto like a backyard business - I wanted Adphoto to be a most professional studio.

We didn't always see eye to eye. He hated rules, forms (he would shoot without a signed contract, deliver without delivery receipts, etc.), policies etc. But I learned that these things are needed for the business to succeed. Later on, he realized the need for some order, and allowed me to run the business. The arrangement actually allowed him to focus on his photography.

So while I started as a photographer's assistant, and sometimes at photo coverages, I was also a photographer, I had to move to the business side because John was obviously a better photographer than I. (I didn't like carrying heavy cameras and sunpak flashes - so I guess I really wasn't cut out to be a photographer).:D

Everything that we own came from photography (by the grace of God). We are very thankful to this profession and industry, and we are willing to share what we know with those who are just starting.

Thank you for this opportunity to share our humble experience.

Just shows what hard work, perseverance, and passion can do. You guys are inspirational not only through your work, but also through what you had to go through to be were you are now.

Kudos!

very well said :)

Hello all..it is always wonder to retrace your steps back to where you began. It is a humbling experience and at the same time you are given a chance to appreciate the experience and thank God for bringing you this far.

I had my beginnings in high school at the International Christian Academy way back in the 80's where i started to contribute to our yearbook photos of my classmates. I was using a Canon AE1 Program with a 35-70mm and a 100-200mm lenses. Then in college i was able to earn extra bucks by shooting for our school paper and yearbook again in Silliman University this time i was an official photographer already. I used my talent in our church UCCP Cosmopolitan Church to shoot all our events and it has become a minstry for me. 1998 I worked for a Leading Pre Need company where i did PR. I would shoot our events and write press releases and even distribute it to all News papers...(kabisado ko na port area) Until i realized that by doing photography alone i might earn more than i was making as an employee. So in 2003 with a clear direction from God and newborn son...I stepped into the world of Professional Photography...I started doing events and built good relations with my clients that they always keep you in mind for every event. I could not say that I am a great photogr[aher but I manage to keep my clients happy. I also could not say that I charge big rates but my special prices give me volume of work. I dreamed of becoming a wedding photog but i realized i cant really handle the pressure it brigs along so i settle for the niche of events photography. Along side i do voice acting professionally so i do radio and tv ads and live vo's too. Another source of income. Through all these my family survives. I now have two kids, My wife is aminister in our church and i am a tent maker. Through all these i had found a ministry that i beleive is what keep jobs coming along my way. I am now in the ministry of documentation. I volunteer my services to two Missions orgs One is Operation Blessing where i take pictures of thier Medical Missions...this has taken me around the Philippines to places i never ever dreamed of. I also shoot for Jesus Revolution Now! Trying to cover a spiritual revival unfold is another experience...this has taken me to Thailand last 2006. God is good...everytime i offer my work for His service He never fails to send me work which earns along my way. This year I am set to fully register my business It's Called Pureheart Productions....so yes I am still learning and also sharing...it has been almost 5 years and i have not regeretted anything.

Hi Greg,
That's an inspiring story as well - not just on how you started but acknowledging God's hand in your career.

To other dpp photographers: maybe this can be the venue for you to share how you started - whether you started small or big, or whether or not you have succeeded (or feel successful). You can even share some pitfalls that you learned from, and maybe our fellow photographers can learn from the mistakes that we are willing to share in this forum. :)

Hi Maam Harvey...My wife is just in your neighborhood...We live on Berneo st. Her uncle is a good photog as well but has not been active since the onset of digital but seems to be having a spark of interest again. His name is Angelo Amistoso of Zone 5. My aunt is also in the biz of photography and has lshared her knowledge to me as well. Edith Morales of Asian Images. Your stories have all inspired me that thing if entrusted to the Lord are always bound to get better.


Hi Greg,
That's an inspiring story as well - not just on how you started but acknowledging God's hand in your career.

To other dpp photographers: maybe this can be the venue for you to share how you started - whether you started small or big, or whether or not you have succeeded (or feel successful). You can even share some pitfalls that you learned from, and maybe our fellow photographers can learn from the mistakes that we are willing to share in this forum. :)

Hi Maam Harvey...My wife is just in your neighborhood...We live on Berneo st. Her uncle is a good photog as well but has not been active since the onset of digital but seems to be having a spark of interest again. His name is Angelo Amistoso of Zone 5. My aunt is also in the biz of photography and has lshared her knowledge to me as well. Edith Morales of Asian Images. Your stories have all inspired me that thing if entrusted to the Lord are always bound to get better.

Hi Greg,
I know them both. I'm glad to hear that Angelo is getting interested in photography again. As for Edith, we were together in an inactive org called Advertising Photographers of the Philippines.

Since you're almost our neighbors, why not come for coffee and a chat? Just give me a call first as I am sometimes out of the office.

Why don't you invite Angelo and Edith to join this forum?

Regards,
Harvey

I just started this last 2006..

I am actually a visual artist based on the local museum art gallery here... photography was just a hobby for me.. w/ my film SLR w/c I got from my dad...

while in college I took journalism as an elective for my major in History... and since I do have a lot of photographer friends also especially in the field of photojourn.. I was hooked to photojourn..

for a while, I was just taking pics w/ my film SLR and my PnS as a means to satisfy my
artistic cravings

I became a NGO volunteer for a Phil-Jap Intercultural exchange w/c conducts activities w/ kids in the rural areas ... w/ my passion for photojourn... I became the NGO's official photographer... documenting our activities and programs..

I have been good w/ digital layouts and graphics that one time a friend referred me to a person who has a project for this other NGO... she asked me if I can fix a few product shots she took for the product catalouge of that NGO... well seeing the difficulty I had w/ her shots.. I accidentally became her photographer as well as lay-out artist for the whole project...

the project led me to travel into 4 province ... into rural areas and to take product shots of local native products on location... I was using my PnS .. taking my film SLR just for the sake of artistic creativity...

I eventually got into other project w/c requires me to be both the photographer and lay-out artist...

as of now.. my photography for the NGO is still there.... and I actually became the one who documents the works of my fellow painters... being the one w/ the basic equipment and skill in digital graphics... I also am now the one who designs art exhibit invitations and also the one who documents the art exhibits...

being a musician also.. I accidentally became the one who document gigs and rock concerts for my friends... something I'd prefer rather than playing on stage... I think I had too much rock and roll lifestyle already for my age.. for now I am part of an indie publication for the underground music scene and art scene here in Iloilo City

slowly I invest on better hardware for my pc and was finally able to invest an my newly acquired dSLR just the January 2008

am not earning much at the moment and I don't have frequent photography projects.. but I guess as long as I work hard I know I will be somewhere soon.. wehehehe...

if I don't have any photography projects.. I concentrate on my paintings... and the other publications I have... as well as my works in the NGO.

so as of now am just a freelancer...

Sold my car and bought an expensive camera, a couple of expensive lenses, a few lights.

Then I closed my eyes and took the plunge! That was in Dec 2006.

Fast forward to today..... I'm still taking the plunge!

This is a hard business.

I just have to keep going and going and going.........

I just started this last 2006..

I am actually a visual artist based on the local museum art gallery here... photography was just a hobby for me.. w/ my film SLR w/c I got from my dad...

while in college I took journalism as an elective for my major in History... and since I do have a lot of photographer friends also especially in the field of photojourn.. I was hooked to photojourn..

for a while, I was just taking pics w/ my film SLR and my PnS as a means to satisfy my
artistic cravings

I became a NGO volunteer for a Phil-Jap Intercultural exchange w/c conducts activities w/ kids in the rural areas ... w/ my passion for photojourn... I became the NGO's official photographer... documenting our activities and programs..

I have been good w/ digital layouts and graphics that one time a friend referred me to a person who has a project for this other NGO... she asked me if I can fix a few product shots she took for the product catalouge of that NGO... well seeing the difficulty I had w/ her shots.. I accidentally became her photographer as well as lay-out artist for the whole project...

the project led me to travel into 4 province ... into rural areas and to take product shots of local native products on location... I was using my PnS .. taking my film SLR just for the sake of artistic creativity...

I eventually got into other project w/c requires me to be both the photographer and lay-out artist...

as of now.. my photography for the NGO is still there.... and I actually became the one who documents the works of my fellow painters... being the one w/ the basic equipment and skill in digital graphics... I also am now the one who designs art exhibit invitations and also the one who documents the art exhibits...

being a musician also.. I accidentally became the one who document gigs and rock concerts for my friends... something I'd prefer rather than playing on stage... I think I had too much rock and roll lifestyle already for my age.. for now I am part of an indie publication for the underground music scene and art scene here in Iloilo City

slowly I invest on better hardware for my pc and was finally able to invest an my newly acquired dSLR just the January 2008

am not earning much at the moment and I don't have frequent photography projects.. but I guess as long as I work hard I know I will be somewhere soon.. wehehehe...

if I don't have any photography projects.. I concentrate on my paintings... and the other publications I have... as well as my works in the NGO.

so as of now am just a freelancer...

Hi Christian,

You're a man of many talents - photojournalism, painting, music. Now, if I may suggest that you take up short business courses so you can help promote/sell and manage yourself in these endeavors. You see, you can use some business knowledge, no matter what artistic pursuits you may want to get into. I know that many artists disdain business, but it really helps to know how business works, and if business knowledge can help you do more photography, painting or music, why not? :)

Sold my car and bought an expensive camera, a couple of expensive lenses, a few lights.

Then I closed my eyes and took the plunge! That was in Dec 2006.

Fast forward to today..... I'm still taking the plunge!

This is a hard business.

I just have to keep going and going and going.........

Hi Anton,

All business are hard because there are many factors beyond our control, but there are very few that are as enjoyable as being in photography.:)

Hi Miss Harvey!

The story you shared about Adphoto serves as an inspiration to me. I can't agree with you more that there are a few things more enjoyable than photography. It has always been a childhood dream of mine and I finally said to myself, if I don't do this now, when will I do it?

Now back to the grind....

Thanks again!



Hi Anton,

All business are hard because there are many factors beyond our control, but there are very few that are as enjoyable as being in photography.:)

Great story Harvey...serves as an inspiration to all of us here:)

I started with photography back in 1997, I was just 13 then. My father was a press photographer during the 80's but he stopped in the 90's due to his professional career. His fascination and interest never faded though. Seeing this while I was growing up, I developed this interest for photography as well, I started with the simple rewinding of films, loading etc. Finally when I was 13 he trusted me enough to hold his camera. We were using the legendary OM-2 (Olympus) and that's when he started going technical at me (ASA, shutter speed, aperture).

Then he left for the states in 1999 due to some financial crisis for us. He left his camera with me... he's not sure when he will be coming back. It's almost a decade now and I haven't seen him since.

My love for photography never faded. In college I took up Communicaton Arts because I knew they have photography classes. With the advent of digital photography, I started out with PnS first. It was only last year that I got myself a DSLR and now I'm like going crazy about photography. I am just a hobbyist as of now but I guess I'm continuing the legacy of my dad. I want him to see great pictures, what he's missing here from our great country etc. and someday, I would like to go pro, just like him :)

P.S. I'm in the works of convincing my dad to send me lenses haha :D

Hi Christian,

You're a man of many talents - photojournalism, painting, music. Now, if I may suggest that you take up short business courses so you can help promote/sell and manage yourself in these endeavors. You see, you can use some business knowledge, no matter what artistic pursuits you may want to get into. I know that many artists disdain business, but it really helps to know how business works, and if business knowledge can help you do more photography, painting or music, why not? :)


thanks...

I am actually here hoping to learn from you guys... am still a newbie in the field of digital photography...

the discussion here on how to charge for talent fee
http://digitalphotographer.com.ph/forum/showthread.php?t=5776
has already given me an idea on how am I supposed to charge for my works as a freelancer

I actually gave up law school to pursue a career in the arts.. to the dismay of my parents...

for now, am actually learning also from photographer friends ... especially the business aspect of the field..

thanks...

I am actually here hoping to learn from you guys... am still a newbie in the field of digital photography...

the discussion here on how to charge for talent fee
http://digitalphotographer.com.ph/forum/showthread.php?t=5776
has already given me an idea on how am I supposed to charge for my works as a freelancer

I actually gave up law school to pursue a career in the arts.. to the dismay of my parents...

for now, am actually learning also from photographer friends ... especially the business aspect of the field..

Dear Christian,

A few years ago, my husband John and I met a law student who was interested to learn photography. Like you, he wanted to quit school to become a full-time photographer but John told him to finish school. After all, John said, you can be a lawyer and your hobby is photography but you cannot be a photographer and your hobby is law. Now, he is both. He has done two or three photography books (on gardens), and was one of two photographers with Cardinal Sin when the cardinal was still alive. He also does wedding photography. He said his income is half from photography, and half from his legal practice.

It's not too late to go back to law school, if that is what you want. I have a cousin who went back to college when his eldest daughter started college, and then continued on to take up law. He finished his studies at age 48, took the bar exam once, and became a lawyer at 48.

Whatever it is that you want to pursue - photography or law or both - good luck!:)

Thats an awesome story.

My mom told me I started young. When I was a kid I used to put our negatives in water "pretending to develop them".

haha

Dear Christian,

A few years ago, my husband John and I met a law student who was interested to learn photography. Like you, he wanted to quit school to become a full-time photographer but John told him to finish school. After all, John said, you can be a lawyer and your hobby is photography but you cannot be a photographer and your hobby is law. Now, he is both. He has done two or three photography books (on gardens), and was one of two photographers with Cardinal Sin when the cardinal was still alive. He also does wedding photography. He said his income is half from photography, and half from his legal practice.

It's not too late to go back to law school, if that is what you want. I have a cousin who went back to college when his eldest daughter started college, and then continued on to take up law. He finished his studies at age 48, took the bar exam once, and became a lawyer at 48.

Whatever it is that you want to pursue - photography or law or both - good luck!:)


naaah.. di ko rin naman talaga ginusto yung law school...

I was already in the local art scene & was already w/ the NGO when I was actually "forced" to go to law school... I guess doing something I was not comfortable w/ isn't really gonna work with me.. when I was in law school I always felt I don't belong there...

I knew already what path I am to take.. whether I'd be successful in this path or not .. I know I am contented w/ the fact that I am doing exactly what I want to do w/ my life.. XD XD

I'd actually still consider photography as a hobby.. my paintings always comes first..

naaah.. di ko rin naman talaga ginusto yung law school...

I was already in the local art scene & was already w/ the NGO when I was actually "forced" to go to law school... I guess doing something I was not comfortable w/ isn't really gonna work with me.. when I was in law school I always felt I don't belong there...

I knew already what path I am to take.. whether I'd be successful in this path or not .. I know I am contented w/ the fact that I am doing exactly what I want to do w/ my life.. XD XD

I'd actually still consider photography as a hobby.. my paintings always comes first..

What is important is that you follow your heart.:)

@Harvey_Chua (http://digitalphotographer.com.ph/forum/member.php?u=1300)

thanks.. ^________________^V

I started with my photography when I was a marketing executive for Canon Mktg. Phils. in 2001.
There were only 3 of us in the newly formed camera division at that time: 1 manager, 1 technical supervisor and me. I was a fresh graduate from UP Manila. I had to learn photography because we were telling people to shift from film to digital. Then there were pro photographers who you had to convince to change systems.

After a year in CMP, during EDSA 2, I decided to go to law school at Ateneo. CMP sent me to Singapore to observe the launching of the new digital IXUS model and the A series point and shoot cams.

While in law school, I had to work part time during weekends shooting for weddings, birthdays and events. I still shoot when I have time today. And I became a lawyer. :)

I had to encounter and learn my basic photography during college as an AB Comm while my husband is into RT. Later on, when we first opened our computer shop a surfer was asking me to do product shots for her souvenir items using a P&S pentax (our very first second hand digital camera which I swapped with my Nikon FM10). then, not satisfied with it's all automatic features because it's not helping me to focus on the subject very well on a close up shot, we moved to acquire a prosumer fuji finepix and konika minolta A200 (both are second hand as well) to have a hand at the manual settings. then a debut party oppotunity tested our courage to cover the event with those 2 prosumer and the experience was really scary!

after that, I saw that my husband had it in his blood to have the passion for photography so I allowed him to spend his almost 1 month salary and a loan from his company to buy our very fist DSLR nikon D80. from there we've been covering events seriously and passionately.

I started out like so...
1. A new interest to get by summer (past time. hehe). I was in grade 3 (yata) at that time.
2. Curiosity over my Dad's old slr camera.
3. A need to capture "kodak moments."
4. To document the moments and places of my travels (iLike to travel).
5. To seal my love for light and colors in print so that I can look at it when I want to. Low light shooting fascinates me.. A LOT.
6. FInally purchased a DLSR to check if I have a shot with photography (it's either I have it or I don't).
7. God blessed me with small product shoots which i was hesitant to accept at first because I was doubtful of what I can do then since I was still new. They had that confidence in me that I didn't have (tnx to them!). It was a good learning experience. *pew!
8. Today, I am loving every moment of it all--to learn more, to produce more and to transmit the joy that photography brings.

*just recently, I attended a workshop on basic photography and it was indeed helpful.:)

I took cinematography and TV production as my formal trainings in to the moving pictures industry. When EdsaII happened, I earned from the pictures I took with a Canon A-1 film slr. Then on, I realized I wanted to make still images more than moving pictures.

@Harvey

very inspiring story... inspired me more to become better with every click I'm going to make...

I was actually inspired by my friend "Molimar Moli Molina" an Architect, and started to get interest in Photography when he always share his Photos thru website & emails, followed by one of my mentor "Samuel Mars Sagario" who patiently assist me to learn more about film & digital photography, (Calling them by 2am or 4am in the morning...:Grin:)

I also took a Photography class at the Lightform Batch#19. UAE

:)

Newbie here, I have been reading the thread from the beginning and decided to reply on this one. :) I'm currently a medical technology student, but I'm into photography since my high school days. I recently bought my first DSLR camera to use this summer break and I'm very satisfied by it. :) I even borrowed (because photography books are really VERY expensive!:Grin:) a book on basic digital photography so that I can improve my skills on photography. I greatly believe on what Mr. John Chua said about schooling. :) I think I'll stick with my course and hopefully take up medicine and have photography as my hobby. :)

Edit: This is an expensive hobby! So I'm planning to maximize my camera by joining contests too. :)

Good decision! :) Medicine and photography- that's a good combination. I'm sure you will find many doctors even in this forum, and certainly in camera clubs as well.

One of our photographer-friends is an ophthalmologist. Canon sponsored his first one-man show in Naga, Camarines Sur last year.

Good luck and God bless.:)

hi to all, i'm also new here (just registered a while ago) and then fortunately clicked the link to this thread :). i am really inspired by the stories of Ma'am Harvey Chua and hopefully someday i will be able to contribute my success story here:Grin:

btw, i have just bought my first dslr last feb and my first goal is to recover the money that i used to buy it. haha:D however, up to now im still in the process of integrating my self with my camera (pa-picture picture lang muna ng kung anu-ano)..hehe kelangan lang talaga ng tyaga:)


More power to all and God bless!

Hi to all,
This is the only thread I've seen that compelled me to read from the beginning until the end. (It took me a few visits to figure out that I have to start reading from the last page backtracking to the 1st page; at the page, start reading from below going up. That way I will read the thread from start to finish, in the right order. why is it like that!?...lol)
Anyway, I was deeply touched and truly inspired by Mrs. Harvey's story of how they started their photography business. The pains, the struggles, the patience, the perseverance, the uncertainties...and finally the joys from the fruit of their labors. Everytime Mrs. Harvey tell a short/long story...even her replies manifests wisdom and knowledge. Based from their long experience, been there done that sort of thing, she shares generously her stories to all the photographers who wanted to go into the business of photography. The unquenchable passion and dedication of Mr. John to photography and the wisdom and knowledge of Mrs. Harvey coalesced to their success. I'll be keeping a close watch on this thread and looking forward to hearing more from Mrs. Harvey's honest to goodness advice, inspirational true to life stories and the making of a successful business in photography!
Good day Mrs. Harvey.

I'm glad that I can somehow inspire some of you. It would be great if we could gather other stories of how other photographers started. I hope everyone will share their stories.

hi again guys, while i'm here i'd like to ask some questions that keeps bugging me for sometime... who's into stock photography here? are there no cheating thats been going on? are they really paying? is this really another way to earn extra cash?....thanx in advance.

started in photography when my dad gave me his old SLR back in high school around 1994. I took pictures of everything and everyone. But because it was film, it was a bit expensive for me.

Fast forward to 2007, my aunt gave me a digital camera but that didn't rekindle my love for photography right away. Until one day I was cleaning some stuff and I found my old SLR, dusty and all. I bought film for it and it still works!

Just this summer, a school hired me to cover their 2 graduations, JS prom and layout their yearbook. That is the first time I earned money in photography.

Now I plan to do it more often

hi again guys, while i'm here i'd like to ask some questions that keeps bugging me for sometime... who's into stock photography here? are there no cheating thats been going on? are they really paying? is this really another way to earn extra cash?....thanx in advance.


Hi! Eric,

So far my monthly payout i receive thru moneybooker then i withdraw it to my local bank, in three working days cash available in my account.

With regards how did i start, as a hobby and i've learned that i can earn thru this hobby accidentally. :Grin:

hi again guys, while i'm here i'd like to ask some questions that keeps bugging me for sometime... who's into stock photography here? are there no cheating thats been going on? are they really paying? is this really another way to earn extra cash?....thanx in advance.

hi eric,

you can follow this thread/link if you are interested in microstock photography : http://digitalphotographer.com.ph/forum/showthread.php?t=1978

Hi Toni Magdaraog and Jonas B Sanluis, thanks so much for ur ripostes. More power to both of u!