[Serious Hobbiest Going Pro]

What kind of advice are you looking for @SDMPhotography? Lenses, publishing options, locations...? 

 

I love my #Alpha 1 (Alpha1) as well and use it for all of my professional work.

For birding advice, you may look to consult some of the experts in the field? 

 

Checkout some of my favorite bird photos, taken with my A1 & #FE 200-600mm F5.6-6.3 G OSS 

 

 

 

 

Hello R.

First let me say, your photos are beautiful. I have shot my share of birds but bird photography is not my passion - I shoot wildlife, usually in different countries in Africa. I really like the new 70-200 G OSS lens for what I do but I also use the same 200-600 lens you have. I have an a9 for a second camera with which I shot APSC in Kenya. I am needing publishing advice. However, you can critique my work on Instagram @sdmarianne - I  am happy to have feedback.

[Serious Hobbiest Going Pro]

It's wonderful that is is going so well for you, the right camera certainly makes a big difference. Publishing a photo book these days can be quite difficult. I know people who have had books published with reputable publishers and have had to raise money to contribute toward costs. I also know seven people who have self published and that seems like a good option for many people. You can print as many or as few as you would like. There are a bunch of vendors who can do that, Blurb for example. However makes sure you feel good about the quality of the printer before you take that route. Good luck!

Tony, thank you - this is excellent advice & I will probably have to do that. I want to do a book featuring commentary, descriptions & photos of the 21 species of lemurs I shot in Madagascar earlier this year. With self publishing am I responsible for the layouts, do you know?

[Serious Hobbiest Going Pro]

I have been photographing wildlife for about 6 years & I find myself in a unique and rare situation of having many more good shots that bad ones. That said, I will take about 10% of the credit and gladly give the rest to my Sony a1. I will admit it took me a good two years to really learn the camera so that I know how to use the many functions to get the shots that I want.

I think I can go pro on a basic level, meaning I want to do some kind of book maybe focusing on a series of my photos. I don't think it will be easy but I want to try it.

Any advice from anyone?