She can take photos, e.g. this, and do this* to them.
I’m not saying this shows great genius or anything, but it seems to me to be something that she’s good at. And she enjoys doing it.
She’s made logos and cards etc for friends for special occasions or business startups. But I wonder if there is some way she could find actual, real live steady work doing this? Or is it just the kind of thing one occasionally does freelance?
Would she need particular degrees and certifications? Or just a portfolio? Or something else?
When she graduated from High School she wanted to go to some school with the words “Art Institute” in it that was mostly for graphic design etc, but her mom wouldn’t allow it. Should she go to some such school now, or is that not strictly necessary?
*Not sure why, but when I look at that file on my computer, it has a fuzzy edge, but when I look at it on flickr, it has a sharp edge.
What else does she do? Just pictures or can she photoshop them also? Can she do anything other then take pictures? Draw? Paint? Etc… If she’s outgoing, she could look into wedding photography. If she’s really creative she could go to school for graphic design and try to get a job in advertising.
But of course it’s hard to say after seeing only two pictures and really not knowing much about what she can or wants to do.
ETA, Another question. In the first picture, did she pose that model or just take the picture?
What else does she do? Just pictures or can she photoshop them also?[/quote[
What I showed is what she can do using photoshop (or something) given a stock photo.
To answer, she can take photos and draw as well.
ETA: I see I used the phrase “take photos” at the beginning of the post. By that I meant she can begin with a photo, and do things to it, as illustrated in the second link.
My recommendation is that your wife makes a collection of samples (both printed out and on CD) and knock on the door of every wedding photographer within 12 miles.
It doesn’t have to be a knock 'em dead professional portfolio. She can’t compete on experience and probably can’t compete on mad PShop skilz. She needs to put herself in the right place at approximately the right time.
“Hello, I was hoping you might need some help with photo clean-up or organization. (Shoves CD and disposable printed samples into photographers arms.) I wouldn’t mind putting in some volunteer time for a few weeks while I learn your system.”
Right now design/photography/retouching are very competitive fields, however there are always photographers that could use help but put off the hassle of advertising and interviewing.
Once you’re in the door at a small firm you end up doing every job in the place and getting real professional experience.
She might really enjoy a photoshop class, if she likes using it now on her own, but is self taught. She will learn a lot of techniques she doesn’t know are possible that open up more doors for her to be creative, which may lead to doing profesional work, but if not, she’ll have even more fun with her hobby.
Also, Baal Houtham is right that graphic design is a competitive field, but depending where you live, there is also a LOT of demand. Check out craigslist jobs in your area, under the design and media catagories. In the towns I’ve lived in, there are lots of new jobs for graphic designers all the time
A good friend was just like your wife. She loved photography and was asked to do weddings. She ended up working for the VNA as a public relations photographer for all their events. The last time I saw her she was working for the chamber of commerce. She is totally self taught and is just gifted. A portfolio of her work would be nice.
What I showed is what she can do using photoshop (or something) given a stock photo.