Golf Photography

[Paul117]

Hi

First of all I am new to this forum so please forgive me if I have posted in the wrong area.

I am here to do I bit of research into the need and demand for golf photography at a club level (non cooperate days). This would simply consist of lurking in bushes and alike and discreetly taking photographs that would then be sold in the pro shop.

The reason for this enquiry is that I am about to go self employed as an electrician and was thinking of ways to supplement my income if business is slow to begin with. I thought why not combine my two hobbies and hence the idea.

It struck me that perhaps this is a niche market. Sure there are event/competion photographers but nothing at club level.

Would this service be of interest to anyone, after all, how many high quality prints do you have of yourself doing what you enjoy the most?

 

[CMAC]

dont think a self employed spark will need or have any time for a second income!
welcome to the forum Paul, tell us all a bit about yourself ie played golf how long? member of a club etc etc

 

[Paul117]

Failing to prepare is preparing to fail.

Haven't played in years but used to play off 9. Looking into membership of a club as I believe it's an excellent newtorking tool.

Would my idea be of interest do you think?

 

[thecraw]

There's a name for people who lurk in bushes with cameras you know!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[FairwayDodger]

It wouldn't interest me personally - assuming you mean you'd be taking photos during casual rounds.

You might get some interest at club level - for example on days when they have bigger events such as opens or club championships.

 

[robbest3offthetee]

Paul, Welcome, Sounds a good idea to me, Corporate/ Society days, Club Championships, that type of thing, depends if you get the time though !!!

 

[ADB]

I cant see anyone paying for a photo of themselves playing golf if I am honest. Most swings are not a thing of beauty, and the camera tends to add on a few pounds...

You may get a corporate hire for a golf day which the client may wish to have a photographic record?

Alternatively, what about selling your services to update pictures of the course/clubhouse etc for use on Club's websites or marketing material? In my experience, these can often be poor and done by an 'enthusiastic' member.

 

[Paul117]

All opinions apreciated and taken on board.

If 50% of people are interested and if 10% of those were to make a purchase how many sales would that equate to on an average day with average weather at an average course.

I think casual rounds would produce more photo opertunities as players would be more relaxed. Particularly thinking about candid portraits of players joining with peers etc

 

[Paul117]

Really? Is it Tom?

 

[CMAC]

membership of a club as I believe it's an excellent newtorking tool.

What kind of club are you referring to *wink*

 

[Scadge]

Hi Paul

I think there is a market but not for the casual typically male weekend morning scene. Most clubs have mixed sections, juniors who's parents and grandparents might want photos like school pictures and often will have competitions like a family foursomes / four ball or grandparents trophy etc which I think would provide better opportunities. I think you might have to be able to have the pictures ready at the end of the round like they often are if you go to a black tie do

Hope this helps and good luck

 

[ScienceBoy]

Can you do some photos of my wife for me? She has promised them as an anniversary present. Hoping for forum "mates rates"

 

[Khamelion]

With what you're writing about doing you're opening a huge can of worms.

• Liability insurance
• Permission from golf course.
• Permission from people playing golf, if done on a casual basis.
• Permisson from those who have had their photos taken, so that you can use their image in any advertising you may consider.

It's an admirable idea and one I've thought of in the past but dismissed.

Someones idea of doing general landscapes, clubhouse shots, inside and out with the possibility event photography, charity days etc.. may prove more lucrative and a damn sight less time consuming.

 

[Slab]

I think there is an income (although minimal as its described & not sure of the resulting profit margin) and would imagine that the effort & time (& money) would be better spent on marketing your electrcian business so that you don't have slow days

 

[duncan mackie]

I think there is an income (although minimal as its described & not sure of the resulting profit margin) and would imagine that the effort & time (& money) would be better spent on marketing your electrcian business so that you don't have slow days

as a relatively competent sports and corporate photographer (apparently) I would have to agree with the sentiment here!

golf is also somewhat strange in that most players actively dislike the presence of the photographer in a way that simply doesn't happen at any of the other amateur events I have shot - and that's before ay consideration for the potential to put people off!

there are also a lot of people like me who will do it for nothing (at my club)