. You pull up in an old cheap looking car and people get frightened that you won't do a good job. I notice my VIP realtors constantly telling the home sellers how good I am because the sellers always second guess my ability based on appearances. I'm young and I drive a crappy looking car. My image in a way slightly undermines my realtor's credibility to his/her clients. This is bad.
I think for this kind of photography I'd prefer a clean cut, mostly professional look. No tie or jacket, but a button down shirt and nice pants. Serious, quiet, businesslike. You pull up in a new Fit, a modest but late model vehicle in good condition. You pull out a big Pelican case (1610 or larger) full of gear and carry it inside (don't even think about using a colorful Crumpler bag.... save that for weddings). Even if you don't end up using most of the gear, the meaning is evident: you are a Serious Photographer. You need the hatchback to carry gear. (Which, BTW, you should upgrade to a D700 (gripped) and a 14-24, pronto. Ditch the 70-200 VR if you have to; you can always get another one later. The 14-24 WILL make a difference in your work.) Also a nice Gitzo carbon fiber tripod and a Really Right Stuff or Acratech ballhead, along with an L-bracket for the body. Stuff that people look at and say "Oooh, that looks expensive." Always use lens hoods (you should anyway for flare and protection reasons, but they're also useful for impressing people). Put more of your money and thought into impressing people with the tools of your trade, not your car. As long as it's not a dull, aging vehicle, nobody will care. (Sorry to keep coming back to your current Echo, but IMO that's almost a worst-case scenario already.)
I think for this kind of photography I'd prefer a clean cut, mostly professional look. No tie or jacket, but a button down shirt and nice pants. Serious, quiet, businesslike. You pull up in a new Fit, a modest but late model vehicle in good condition. You pull out a big Pelican case (1610 or larger) full of gear and carry it inside (don't even think about using a colorful Crumpler bag.... save that for weddings). Even if you don't end up using most of the gear, the meaning is evident: you are a Serious Photographer. You need the hatchback to carry gear. (Which, BTW, you should upgrade to a D700 (gripped) and a 14-24, pronto. Ditch the 70-200 VR if you have to; you can always get another one later. The 14-24 WILL make a difference in your work.) Also a nice Gitzo carbon fiber tripod and a Really Right Stuff or Acratech ballhead, along with an L-bracket for the body. Stuff that people look at and say "Oooh, that looks expensive." Always use lens hoods (you should anyway for flare and protection reasons, but they're also useful for impressing people). Put more of your money and thought into impressing people with the tools of your trade, not your car. As long as it's not a dull, aging vehicle, nobody will care. (Sorry to keep coming back to your current Echo, but IMO that's almost a worst-case scenario already.)
I'm in my forties, incredibly successful, and I...
Factory invoice is about 23k, they are more expensive than the fit, but its a lot bigger and has a much more premium feel than the fit would. You really get what you pay for, its up to you though to see if it would be worth it for you though.
I know you're in SJ, but I think the nor cal dealers all sell for MSRP + 500 or something. Its still kinda new and in incredibly hot demand so some dealers are like that. It may be worth it to come down here to pick it up (or even have it shipped).
at 24 you only think you do.
what percentage of your income goes towards your car payments and insurance?
(sorry if my inkling is wrong and you are in fact very well-off)
Hell it impresses me when I see the Photogorapher at a wedding laying out cables and showing off his $10 K camera.
Obviously, FBB, you HAVE to do whatever IronWing says, because, as he so helpfully points out, he's incredibly successful! Not just "successful", NO! Incredibly successful! :awe:
Don't be hatin' on me. You could be incredibly successful too! Just send me a info request on a twenty dollar bill and I'll explain how.
All Autos have manual options. So you don't get to use a clutch, who gives a shit.
Get with the times.
Remember, your clients are realtors, the shallowest, second most douchebaggy profession in existence. Especially in the Bay Area, those assholes get 60K for a half hours work putting up a sign and telling people there 9485794 other offers on the house.
Out of curiosity, what is the most douchebaggy profession in existence?
at 24 you only think you do.
what percentage of your income goes towards your car payments and insurance?
(sorry if my inkling is wrong and you are in fact very well-off)
I always pictured you drove a big pink Cube, Soul or xB.