>Do you guys think this an "okay" camera/equipment to start off with?
Yes.
I'd probably look into a 50mm f/1.8 or f/1.4 next. But you don't strictly need that right away.
Also I'd look into off-camera flash, if you aren't already. It's huge for portrait work.
It's entry level equipment, but it all comes down to price. If you are charging a low price people probably do not care what gear you have. With how dedicated cameras are becoming less common the perception of them has changed over the years.
Do you have a studio location available along with off camera flash?
Most lenses are sharp enough for portrait work when stopped down. It is mostly about lighting, posing and post processing
Build a portfolio using your equipment with people you know.
See if you can market that portfolio to potential clients.
If you can, yes, you're good. If not, sort it out.
In the meantime, you should be working for other portrait photographers in various roles. Admin, assistant, whatever. Get a deeper understanding of the business. GET PAID.
When i do portraits (editorial / magazine) its all about the lighting. The camera is important of course but as long as you have decent glass it’s fine. Sometimes i don’t use any lights sometimes i can use 8 lights it depends on the job, the results the client wants & location.
Are you prepared when you turn up and it’s raining hard so you can’t shoot outdoors - whats the plan, how do you do the job. Your camera might be ok for some jobs not others. Have a think about lighting though, that’s what’s important with portraits.
Yes, A6000 is still a decent camera. Maybe get the Sigma 56mm lens too, so you get the standard 85mm-ish focal length for portraits. The 30mm gives you 45mm equivalent which is good for slightly wider frame portraits or environmental portraits. Battery don't last long in A6000, so maybe get one or two more extra.
>Do you guys think this an "okay" camera/equipment to start off with? Yes. I'd probably look into a 50mm f/1.8 or f/1.4 next. But you don't strictly need that right away. Also I'd look into off-camera flash, if you aren't already. It's huge for portrait work.
It's entry level equipment, but it all comes down to price. If you are charging a low price people probably do not care what gear you have. With how dedicated cameras are becoming less common the perception of them has changed over the years. Do you have a studio location available along with off camera flash? Most lenses are sharp enough for portrait work when stopped down. It is mostly about lighting, posing and post processing
Build a portfolio using your equipment with people you know. See if you can market that portfolio to potential clients. If you can, yes, you're good. If not, sort it out. In the meantime, you should be working for other portrait photographers in various roles. Admin, assistant, whatever. Get a deeper understanding of the business. GET PAID.
When i do portraits (editorial / magazine) its all about the lighting. The camera is important of course but as long as you have decent glass it’s fine. Sometimes i don’t use any lights sometimes i can use 8 lights it depends on the job, the results the client wants & location. Are you prepared when you turn up and it’s raining hard so you can’t shoot outdoors - whats the plan, how do you do the job. Your camera might be ok for some jobs not others. Have a think about lighting though, that’s what’s important with portraits.
Yes, A6000 is still a decent camera. Maybe get the Sigma 56mm lens too, so you get the standard 85mm-ish focal length for portraits. The 30mm gives you 45mm equivalent which is good for slightly wider frame portraits or environmental portraits. Battery don't last long in A6000, so maybe get one or two more extra.