When I started out as an amateur photographer I only had a cheap 3.2 megapixel point and shoot camera and a vintage $20 film camera. I was shooting for my own pleasure and taking a more creative approach with my holiday photos. To my surprise people would keep on asking to shoot them or for them because they thought I had a different perspective. When I had to refuse several strangers' requests to shoot them for free they offered me money in return. For photos with quality level close to a phone camera.
When I got my first DSLR I was amazed with all the new perspectives it had to offer. On the other hand I was terrified because I had spent all of my savings and my emergency fund. I could not afford a studio or expensive props and I had to take a DIY approach. I browsed through my facebook friends list to find people who possessed the right features and that would fit into my aesthetics, another challenge was talking them into participating in my crazy photoshoots and weird props.
Now, when I actually can afford to offer some of the working and wanted models something to spice up their portfolio I still look for ways to spend the least amount of money possible on props and locations. The most wonderful places are hidden just behind the corner, the most exquisite props can be found in your own basement.
"Let Down Your Hair" by Andrii Bondart
Model: Konstantin
This photo was taken, like a lot of my favorite photos in a , ummm, "alternative" location. It was hiding from the public's eye near the dumpsters behind the food market. Thousands of people walk by without even noticing this location. There is almost no editing - it looks just like this in real life, with the green plant coming down. After I posted this photo elsewhere the fellow photographers from my city began asking about the whereabouts of this place. Just like they did on numerous other occasions and then they are totally surprised to hear that it had been a bus stop, or behind a building right in the city center. Or that a certain prop was made out of something I found in my kitchen drawer.
Do not let your financial situation affect your creative process, always keep your eyes open for new locations even in most common places, do not be afraid to experiment with props even if the idea sounds ridiculous.
See more on my facebook page or just visit my official portfolio
Yours, Andrii
