God Volcano

godvolcano

Member
Hello all,

This is probably going to be a long winded post (...from a "newbie", no less), but I feel this is a good start:

I'm from Portland! And I've always been an avid fan of marijuana, for a multitude of reasons. However, recently it's become a passion. And the legalization of recreational use was the true catalyst of that.

I've been searching far and wide for advice, notes, words of wisdom, etc. from dozens and dozens of websites on how to make it a part of my career. I love photography. And I love how I can capture the true beauty and creativity that comes with producing marijuana. So... for anyone who's still reading: do you have any advice you could give to a gal that's looking to get her foot in the door when it comes to the Cannabis industry (specifically the journalism/photographic side)? Don't get me wrong - I'd love to be a part of any aspect, but photographing is what I really excel at.

I know the basic advice: gain as much knowledge as possible, get to know the growers and bud tenders, go to events, etc. But is that the true essence of it all? Can I do more? Are there resources I'm missing out on that you may know to be beneficial and genuine? Any advice or conversation is greatly appreciated!

All in all, I'm eager to be a part of the community, whether it's via this forum or in my own city... Thanks for reading! And cheers, everybody.
 

sunni

Administrator
Staff member
My best " advice" would be contact one of the established magazines and see if they have any openings For job positions or internships for photography

Welcome to the forum
 

godvolcano

Member
My best " advice" would be contact one of the established magazines and see if they have any openings For job positions or internships for photography

Welcome to the forum
I was actually thinking about contacting them directly, as you suggested, just this morning. I just didn't know if there was a specific decorum in any of this or if I should flat out ask, "are you hiring?" Or "do you offer internships?"... I tend to overthink things, so I thank you for the words and the welcome!
 

vostok

Well-Known Member
Hello all,

This is probably going to be a long winded post (...from a "newbie", no less), but I feel this is a good start:

I'm from Portland! And I've always been an avid fan of marijuana, for a multitude of reasons. However, recently it's become a passion. And the legalization of recreational use was the true catalyst of that.

I've been searching far and wide for advice, notes, words of wisdom, etc. from dozens and dozens of websites on how to make it a part of my career. I love photography. And I love how I can capture the true beauty and creativity that comes with producing marijuana. So... for anyone who's still reading: do you have any advice you could give to a gal that's looking to get her foot in the door when it comes to the Cannabis industry (specifically the journalism/photographic side)? Don't get me wrong - I'd love to be a part of any aspect, but photographing is what I really excel at.

I know the basic advice: gain as much knowledge as possible, get to know the growers and bud tenders, go to events, etc. But is that the true essence of it all? Can I do more? Are there resources I'm missing out on that you may know to be beneficial and genuine? Any advice or conversation is greatly appreciated!

All in all, I'm eager to be a part of the community, whether it's via this forum or in my own city... Thanks for reading! And cheers, everybody.


imo/= its all about marketing, name, image and associates is what its all about, from the whitehouse to andorra its all image,

as you may know the portfolio is a must, and some know how on pre digital is vital, as tho it may not be used now

the guys above you are all old school, and liked it that way, ...but times change

if I were looking for a photographer, he/she would be good in all areas not just weed, and with a journalist background would be ideal,

recently my buddies were bitching that with the new digital cameras, deep of field is tricky?

so if I wanted you to photo with considerable depth, its the old school way ...for sure

above have some grow experience, so you know what to expect

good luck

(http://www.leafscience.com/2014/04/22/heres-marijuana-looks-like-microscope/)
 

godvolcano

Member
I feel absolutely ridiculous asking, "how can I put my foot in the door" when so many entrepreneurs have been doing this for years, built their foundation (more than likely much on their own), and created their own employment. Not by simply asking for advice, as I have.

I hope I didn't come off as naive or ignorant, by the way! I just know it helps to get a little perspective. And a forum, I feel, is a great place for that.

Thanks, vostok.
 

godvolcano

Member
I feel you. I'm the kind of person that lovers to delve into every facet of a specific subject, this case being marijuana. It seems whenever I'm passionate about something, I dive in head first and try to soak it all in.

Nobody wants to be a one trick pony, for sure, regardless of the niche.

'Preciate the input, BarnBuster!
 

vostok

Well-Known Member
I feel absolutely ridiculous asking, "how can I put my foot in the door" when so many entrepreneurs have been doing this for years, built their foundation (more than likely much on their own), and created their own employment. Not by simply asking for advice, as I have.

I hope I didn't come off as naive or ignorant, by the way! I just know it helps to get a little perspective. And a forum, I feel, is a great place for that.

Thanks, vostok.
Naive not at all (new word for me and thanks) I've now learnt 75% of my English thanks to RIU(Russians in Uniform)

I do and have been seriously mad at photographers in the past, above all journalists who miss quote or bullshit their way to print

as once I was a victim and spent many months hunting him down, my image on weed,

and the defense of it, was later used in an article on Georgian war crimes

good luck and stay true
 

iHearAll

Well-Known Member
Be there for the cannabis events, become a senior in the programs by always being around when people need help. A senior doesn't necessarily have to be from years and years of experience but simply grasping the desires of the community. As newer people notice you, you'll be viewed as a senior without question. Market yourself as what you want to be. What i mean is, if you are trying to be a marijuana photographer, then market these photographs. Sell them as prints or posters, etsy and locally.

Don't necessarily ask for the handout of a job because there is always someone more qualifies trying to get the same job. Locally, we have street events that a free to set up in and sell whatever. We have on the spot painters, professional artist, NORML, musicians, etc. This doesn't get you a job, just occasional income and a face into the community..

But realistically you need a back up plan as an artist. I garden, paint, i play music, but i'm an electrical engineer because i have found passion in the relationship between nature (elements) and performance. You might not see the relationship w/e. but what i'm suggesting is that the things you are passionate about can fuel another passion you might not be aware of. It might be more financially suitable to funding your hobbies so when you are a professional hobbiest, you're still alive and healthy with many more years to live in your version of the world.
 

godvolcano

Member
Be there for the cannabis events, become a senior in the programs by always being around when people need help. A senior doesn't necessarily have to be from years and years of experience but simply grasping the desires of the community. As newer people notice you, you'll be viewed as a senior without question. Market yourself as what you want to be. What i mean is, if you are trying to be a marijuana photographer, then market these photographs. Sell them as prints or posters, etsy and locally.

Don't necessarily ask for the handout of a job because there is always someone more qualifies trying to get the same job. Locally, we have street events that a free to set up in and sell whatever. We have on the spot painters, professional artist, NORML, musicians, etc. This doesn't get you a job, just occasional income and a face into the community..

But realistically you need a back up plan as an artist. I garden, paint, i play music, but i'm an electrical engineer because i have found passion in the relationship between nature (elements) and performance. You might not see the relationship w/e. but what i'm suggesting is that the things you are passionate about can fuel another passion you might not be aware of. It might be more financially suitable to funding your hobbies so when you are a professional hobbiest, you're still alive and healthy with many more years to live in your version of the world.
Some sage advice, and incredibly insightful, which is certainly what I need.

I'm trying to get my hands in everything I possibly can, following people I admire, dozens and dozens of local Oregon farms, dispensaries. I get newsletters specific to the Oregon Marijuana community. It's just, at this point, I need to start focusing on getting my face out there, just as you suggested.

I've been suggested to offer prints on Etsy, so that's not only a good way to supplement my income, but it simultaneously exposes the skills I want to showcase.

Thank you for some very much needed food for thought!
 
Hello all,

This is probably going to be a long winded post (...from a "newbie", no less), but I feel this is a good start:

I'm from Portland! And I've always been an avid fan of marijuana, for a multitude of reasons. However, recently it's become a passion. And the legalization of recreational use was the true catalyst of that.

I've been searching far and wide for advice, notes, words of wisdom, etc. from dozens and dozens of websites on how to make it a part of my career. I love photography. And I love how I can capture the true beauty and creativity that comes with producing marijuana. So... for anyone who's still reading: do you have any advice you could give to a gal that's looking to get her foot in the door when it comes to the Cannabis industry (specifically the journalism/photographic side)? Don't get me wrong - I'd love to be a part of any aspect, but photographing is what I really excel at.

I know the basic advice: gain as much knowledge as possible, get to know the growers and bud tenders, go to events, etc. But is that the true essence of it all? Can I do more? Are there resources I'm missing out on that you may know to be beneficial and genuine? Any advice or conversation is greatly appreciated!

All in all, I'm eager to be a part of the community, whether it's via this forum or in my own city... Thanks for reading! And cheers, everybody.
So....are you in the industry?
 
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