Becoming a professional photographer is a terrible idea.

[itsdavedotnet]

http://smread.tumblr.com/post/6088582957/becoming-a-professional-photographer-is-a-terrible-idea

thought provoking post from @smread.

and some sobering truths from @aphotoeditor:

http://www.aphotoeditor.com/2011/05/26/sobering-truths-about-making-a-career-out-of-photography/

some food for thought kiddies. Particularly of note:

Look at the incredible photographers that are emerging out of flickr and deviantart. 14 year olds with 400D’s that could blow your socks off. Should they be having to decide to go pro or not and be pushed out the door out of high school to fend for themselves as a business owner?

It’s okay to get really good at something and not “go pro” - I’m awesome in bed but I’m not a prostitute.

 

[travellingcello]

http://smread.tumblr.com/post/6088582957/becoming-a-professional-photographer-is-a-terrible-idea

thought provoking post from @smread.

and some sobering truths from @aphotoeditor:

http://www.aphotoeditor.com/2011/05/26/sobering-truths-about-making-a-career-out-of-photography/

some food for thought kiddies. Particularly of note:

Hey I'm studying to become a classical musician - hardly any easier.. so let me have some fun!!:bang:

No but all joking aside yes I can imagine its also a rather difficult business.

 

[simonblue]

I wish it was as easy,as just being able to take a good pic

 

[KIPAX]

Why?

1, It’s really hard to make money. The most successful photographer I know - an absolutely amazing photographer after 8 years of being in the industry makes less per year than what my friend with a computer science degree made in his first six months on the job.

Is it really all about money? I make enough to live on and I get asked a lot how much.. people think your coining it in being a photographer.. I work longer hours than a checkout girl at a supermarket.. I work long weekends, I dont get sick pay or holiday pay and I spend a lot of time looking for work and hoping I can make ends meet. The checkout girl will work less hours and earn more money than me.

But I love every minute of my long hard week of work.. I wonder if the checkout girl can say she is living her dream?

If its about how much money then yes it's probably a terrible idea... But is it really just about money?

 

[lazer chikkin]

Why?

1, It’s really hard to make money. The most successful photographer I know - an absolutely amazing photographer after 8 years of being in the industry makes less per year than what my friend with a computer science degree made in his first six months on the job.

That's a bit of a apples to oranges comparison isn't it? This guy is implying that after 6 months suddenly the computer science guy is minted, but in reality, he's comparing someone with 8years on the job training, to someone with 3+ years training at college.

Anyways, it's not all about the money. The photographer probably enjoys his job more than the poor sod in the cube farm office staring at a screen all day.

 

[MWHCVT]

Is it really all about money? I make enough to live on and I get asked a lot how much.. people think your coining it in being a photographer.. I work longer hours than a checkout girl at a supermarket.. I work long weekends, I dont get sick pay or holiday pay and I spend a lot of time looking for work and hoping I can make ends meet. The checkout girl will work less hours and earn more money than me.

But I love every minute of my long hard week of work.. I wonder if the checkout girl can say she is living her dream?

If its about how much money then yes it's probably a terrible idea... But is it really just about money?

Great post, people get very much caught up in the money aspect of work, you can earn all the money you could ever want in a job but if you hate the job you will never has job satisfaction, I would rather do a job that I loved for enough money to keep me going than a job I hated to a lot of money

Matt
MWHCVT

 

[simonblue]

Great post, people get very much caught up in the money aspect of work, you can earn all the money you could ever want in a job but if you hate the job you will never has job satisfaction, I would rather do a job that I loved for enough money to keep me going than a job I hated to a lot of money

Matt
MWHCVT

Yep all my years as a pro,never made me rich,just skint but i was never in for the money

 

[lightsource]

I read that original post from Laurence Kim a short while ago, and it certainly is food for thought.

I'm at the point now where I like to *think* I have the portfolio, equipment, contacts and motivation to consider pursuing photography virtually fulltime, and I have a fair bit of commercial experience through one means or another now.

A few things I've learnt, though, that definitely echo the advice in those posts:

1. It is really crushing and frustrating to invest passion and artistry into photos that end up being misunderstood and/or unwanted by a client. The times when your clients aren't on the same wavelength and just want the kind of shots they could take themselves on a compact camera, but with some extra magic which they can't quite put their finger on, can really get you down. This is rooted in attempting to shift from being totally independent and creatively free, to having to conform to someone else's demands.

It would nice to be at the stage where you can be quite clear upfront what your style is, and not have to make huge compromises (I know some wedding photographers who can, for instance, refuse to take posed shots and get away with it), but every type of commercial designer/musician etc must face the same situations. This, I suppose, is the definition of "selling out", and you just have to live with that unless you're a recognised name with a reputation.

2. People do seriously mess you around over timings/payments etc. Like any freelancer, you're often considered to be "ten a penny" and so won't get treated with a great deal of respect until you build up relationships. So these initial stages can be very discouraging.

3. Photography for me started as a hobby, precisely because it was a liberating and satisfying alternative to work. If it becomes work, I'm pretty sure another sideline will come along and take over, and I could lose the essence of something I once loved.

So all in all, it's tempting to go the art route instead. I think having non-commercial aspirations - eg.a little gallery showing one day, a small following/reputation - are more than good enough. Money's not the objective, for me anyway.

 

[davidfleetphoto]

Is it really all about money? I make enough to live on and I get asked a lot how much.. people think your coining it in being a photographer.. I work longer hours than a checkout girl at a supermarket.. I work long weekends, I dont get sick pay or holiday pay and I spend a lot of time looking for work and hoping I can make ends meet. The checkout girl will work less hours and earn more money than me.

But I love every minute of my long hard week of work.. I wonder if the checkout girl can say she is living her dream?

If its about how much money then yes it's probably a terrible idea... But is it really just about money?

I agree with your post.

For me money is not the prime motivator. If it was I would have continued with law instead.

As long as I have enough to pay the bills I'm more than happy with the rewards (not financial) and independance working for myself has given me.

I guess in the end you have to decide whats important to you, if its money then im sure there are higher paid jobs out there but if you really want to be a photographer then the money wont be the deciding issue.

 

[lensflair]

I agree with your post.

For me money is not the prime motivator. If it was I would have continued with law instead.

As long as I have enough to pay the bills I'm more than happy with the rewards (not financial) and independance working for myself has given me.

I guess in the end you have to decide whats important to you, if its money then im sure there are higher paid jobs out there but if you really want to be a photographer then the money wont be the deciding issue.

+1
I gave up a career in research science to pursue photography as a career instead. I went to uni, did an honours degree and a PhD then worked in that field for a while. Money was good but it was soul destroying because I wasn't living my dream, I was doing what was considered 'sensible' by other people.

Chasing photography as a proffession is the most difficult thing I've done, but worth every bit of effort to live your dream.

 

[Lindsay D]

+1
I gave up a career in research science to pursue photography as a career instead. I went to uni, did an honours degree and a PhD then worked in that field for a while. Money was good but it was soul destroying because I wasn't living my dream, I was doing what was considered 'sensible' by other people.

Chasing photography as a proffession is the most difficult thing I've done, but worth every bit of effort to live your dream.

Same here. I started life as a clinical scientist, read biochemistry at university and went into the pharmaceutical industry. I felt like a square peg in a round hole until I was able to further my photography career. I don't think my family have much respect for what I do now, but I don't care.

And yes, despite my academic achievements, a photography business is so much harder. Edit: but so much more enjoyable.

 

[mrthingyx]

I'm not a pro photographer, neither have I ever been paid for anything I've ever produced.

Same could be said for the time I've spent teaching and playing guitar.

I work as an IT auditor at a Big 4 accountancy firm and whilst it certainly isn't my dream job, it pays me.the money I need to support my family comfortably and buy all the photography gear my wife allows.

Would I give up my job to take photos/become a musician? Sure - if I had no family, I'd do it at the drop of a hat. But as it is, they're both hobbies that are very highly respected by my family and friends, and I'm not about to ask them to share the sacrifices required for me to follow one of my dreams.

 

[lensflair]

I'm not a pro photographer, neither have I ever been paid for anything I've ever produced.

Same could be said for the time I've spent teaching and playing guitar.

I work as an IT auditor at a Big 4 accountancy firm and whilst it certainly isn't my dream job, it pays me.the money I need to support my family comfortably and buy all the photography gear my wife allows.

Would I give up my job to take photos/become a musician? Sure - if I had no family, I'd do it at the drop of a hat. But as it is, they're both hobbies that are very highly respected by my family and friends, and I'm not about to ask them to share the sacrifices required for me to follow one of my dreams.

And that's probably the right thing to do if your family needs you to do that and you have a happy family life which I place a high value on. You could always go pro part time and make the switch when your income from music or photography is satisfactory. But I know how difficult that is, even more so with music. I play guitar myself and I know you can struggle for years before making money.

I don't have kids so its just me and my partner, but I was in a long term relationship with my previous partner and she objected strongly to me doing anything but the course I was on. I worked lots of hours and she worked part time, 15 years later she left with half the house etc. I don't blame her for what happened, I think her cautious nature rubbed off on me and I found it easier to stay in an unhappy situation than make a change. Quite a few years down the track and I have a house with my new partner and she is so supportive of me its incredible. It helps that she has an interest in photography and would love to work full time in our business. I don't think kids would change anything for us in terms of career choice, but I can't be sure of course.

The thing is I grew up in a working class family that couldn't afford to buy a home etc. And although I understand people wanting to provide the best possible environment for their kids, I think my parents did a great job for me without a having anywhere near the income I had as a scientist. They just had to be a little more careful with money and didn't have some of the luxury items that are not really necessary if we think about it.

Like I said, I don't have kids so I know I am speaking from a completely different perspective and its possible my thinking would change if I was in a different situation, but the last thing I wanted was regret that I never followed my heart.

 

[KIPAX]

I dont really get the kids excuse? are we talking about a situation where your kids are clothed in rags and starving because you didnt make enough? its not the 1800s you know or that they wouldn't be living in the manner they are accustomed to? which brings it back to being money not a life choice.

My first year was part time topped up by tax credits. I didnt make enough for a wage.. nobody starved and all the bills paid ..

Lensflair.. I thought you where leading us into the monty python sketch for a moment.. i swear I thought you where gonna say ya lived in a cardboard box and.....

Parents will always do whats best to bring the children up right.. give up on things.. go without.. suffer even.. But a choice between making X money and happyness or Y money and wasting your life isnt putting the kids at risk..

ahem.. 7 before you ask

 

[lensflair]

I dont really get the kids excuse? are we talking about a situation where your kids are clothed in rags and starving because you didnt make enough? its not the 1800s you know or that they wouldn't be living in the manner they are accustomed to? which brings it back to being money not a life choice.

My first year was part time topped up by tax credits. I didnt make enough for a wage.. nobody starved and all the bills paid ..

Lensflair.. I thought you where leading us into the monty python sketch for a moment.. i swear I thought you where gonna say ya lived in a cardboard box and.....

Parents will always do whats best to bring the children up right.. give up on things.. go without.. suffer even.. But a choice between making X money and happyness or Y money and wasting your life isnt putting the kids at risk..

ahem.. 7 before you ask

LOL we dreamed of a cardboard box.

Seriously though what I'm saying is I didn't have the overseas holidays and bags of pocket money and latest fashion that some of my friend's had, but that doesn't mean my parents were putting me at risk as you rightly say.

Now it's 4 am here so I have to go clean the bottom of the lake with my tongue

 

[jon ryan]

Seems quite a common theme, this `living the dream` thing. I was in a high pressure, nicely paid field for years. Cost me a marriage and a fair chunk on my sanity.

After the fall out had finished falling out, I decided to see if I could make a living from my hobby rather than get back onto that dammed treadmill.

As a full time photographer, I make a fair bit less that I did, but I get to do something I enjoy, it takes me to interesting places, I often meet interesting people (and some coruscatingly tedious ones; rough with the smooth, rough with the smooth...), and while this may have reduced my income, it almost certainly has delayed my heart attack.

Been doing this for about 15 years now and have no intention of changing back.

 

[dubcat]

I dont really get the kids excuse? are we talking about a situation where your kids are clothed in rags and starving because you didnt make enough? its not the 1800s you know or that they wouldn't be living in the manner they are accustomed to? which brings it back to being money not a life choice.

Doing a job that is not my dream job will allow me to send them to a school that gives them a little bit of a head start. It is a sacrifice worth making, for me. Oh and it IS a sacrifice. If only there had been vacancies for fast jet pilots who drive in formula 1 on weekends when I started out.

Oh and, IT if you were wondering

 

[dubcat]

Seems quite a common theme, this `living the dream` thing. I was in a high pressure, nicely paid field for years. Cost me a marriage and a fair chunk on my sanity.

After the fall out had finished falling out, I decided to see if I could make a living from my hobby rather than get back onto that dammed treadmill.

As a full time photographer, I make a fair bit less that I did, but I get to do something I enjoy, it takes me to interesting places, I often meet interesting people (and some coruscatingly tedious ones; rough with the smooth, rough with the smooth...), and while this may have reduced my income, it almost certainly has delayed my heart attack.

Been doing this for about 15 years now and have no intention of changing back.

More power to you mate THAT is a happy ending I have to be honest when I read this kind of thing it really hammers home to me that I am in a hamster cage on a hamster wheel. And yes I know I wrote that post about sending my kids to a better school etc, but I am allowed to be confused and contradictory. I turn 40 this year and the mid life crisis is in full swing...

 

[jon ryan]

More power to you mate THAT is a happy ending I have to be honest when I read this kind of thing it really hammers home to me that I am on in a hamster cage on a hamster wheel. And yes I know I wrote that post about sending my kids to a better school etc, but I am allowed to be confused and contradictory. I turn 40 this year and the mid life crisis is in full swing...

Kids would change the equation, I reckon. Having none made it a pretty easy decision - I was only putting me at risk, which is fair enough. Oddly, I was about 40 (53 now) when it all started getting a bit too exciting...

 

[dubcat]

Without kids I can 100% tell you I would have followed your route. I am so happy for you that it has worked out for you and left you happy

 

[jon ryan]

Without kids I can 100% tell you I would have followed your route. I am so happy for you that it has worked out for you and left you happy

Have you thought of selling the kids?

 

[dubcat]

Have you thought of selling the kids?

Oh yes just waiting for 5d mk3, and the upgraded 35L and 50 1.4 lenses to become available. Still trying to decide whether eBay or gumtree is better

 

[mrthingyx]

It's not an excuse at all - merely an illustration of a different perspective.

My job means I don't work particularly long hours (08:30-18:00) Monday to Friday and get to spend the rest of my time with my kids and wife. That's my choice, and I'm happy with it. Sure, I could devote my time to one of my hobbies and make it a profession, but I'd feel I missed out on my kids and family...

That's how I see my life at this pointe and I'm happy with it, but at the same time I'd never begrudge anybody else their choice.

 

[jonneymendoza]

That's a bit of a apples to oranges comparison isn't it? This guy is implying that after 6 months suddenly the computer science guy is minted, but in reality, he's comparing someone with 8years on the job training, to someone with 3+ years training at college.

Anyways, it's not all about the money. The photographer probably enjoys his job more than the poor sod in the cube farm office staring at a screen all day.

Doubt it. If he diddnt enjoy working in computers he would not have studied for it. I'm a software developer and I enjoy it far more then photography as it's more of a challenge then photography IMO plus as you say, the money is better. Got to be practical mate.

 

[jonneymendoza]

I'm not a pro photographer, neither have I ever been paid for anything I've ever produced.

Same could be said for the time I've spent teaching and playing guitar.

I work as an IT auditor at a Big 4 accountancy firm and whilst it certainly isn't my dream job, it pays me.the money I need to support my family comfortably and buy all the photography gear my wife allows.

Would I give up my job to take photos/become a musician? Sure - if I had no family, I'd do it at the drop of a hat. But as it is, they're both hobbies that are very highly respected by my family and friends, and I'm not about to ask them to share the sacrifices required for me to follow one of my dreams.

Well said. Got to be practical these days

 

[Tokkelossi]

I make my money in the studio and on location. I used to like it at the start but now its just work, pays the bills and gives me spending money. I could walk away from it and feel no sorrow.

BUT it allows me to afford the things i like to do. I still love photography but not the stuff i do for work ... so i still have fun and enjoy it.

As for the new breed of flick/D-art. It will all level off in the end. When i first went into music there were only a few togs getting paid a lot of money. As digital came along a few became a lot and we all got paid less. Then digital made it to the street, festivals allowed them in and all of a sudden 30,000 cameras/togs at one festival and i got paid nothing.

Magazines started printing crowd shots, didnt have to pay but just gave a credit. overnight the rug got pulled from the pro.

Only something strange happened ..... after a year or two i started getting calls again. The quality of shots were rubbish. They never had a shot they could use on billboard for next year. They needed THAT WOW shot.

So now I do less work for more money hahaha. There are less of us again but still loads of public shots in the mags.

Quality will show in the end. I love the young togs work and one day the will push me aside ... thats life .... but there are so many of them ..... how will they make a living?

Good luck to them all.

Tom

 

[jon ryan]

I make my money in the studio and on location. I used to like it at the start but now its just work, pays the bills and gives me spending money. I could walk away from it and feel no sorrow.

BUT it allows me to afford the things i like to do. I still love photography but not the stuff i do for work ... so i still have fun and enjoy it.

As for the new breed of flick/D-art. It will all level off in the end. When i first went into music there were only a few togs getting paid a lot of money. As digital came along a few became a lot and we all got paid less. Then digital made it to the street, festivals allowed them in and all of a sudden 30,000 cameras/togs at one festival and i got paid nothing.

Magazines started printing crowd shots, didnt have to pay but just gave a credit. overnight the rug got pulled from the pro.

Only something strange happened ..... after a year or two i started getting calls again. The quality of shots were rubbish. They never had a shot they could use on billboard for next year. They needed THAT WOW shot.

So now I do less work for more money hahaha. There are less of us again but still loads of public shots in the mags.

Quality will show in the end. I love the young togs work and one day the will push me aside ... thats life .... but there are so many of them ..... how will they make a living?

Good luck to them all.

Tom

Sounds about right.

 

[dubcat]

I make my money in the studio and on location. I used to like it at the start but now its just work, pays the bills and gives me spending money. I could walk away from it and feel no sorrow.

BUT it allows me to afford the things i like to do. I still love photography but not the stuff i do for work ... so i still have fun and enjoy it.

As for the new breed of flick/D-art. It will all level off in the end. When i first went into music there were only a few togs getting paid a lot of money. As digital came along a few became a lot and we all got paid less. Then digital made it to the street, festivals allowed them in and all of a sudden 30,000 cameras/togs at one festival and i got paid nothing.

Magazines started printing crowd shots, didnt have to pay but just gave a credit. overnight the rug got pulled from the pro.

Only something strange happened ..... after a year or two i started getting calls again. The quality of shots were rubbish. They never had a shot they could use on billboard for next year. They needed THAT WOW shot.

So now I do less work for more money hahaha. There are less of us again but still loads of public shots in the mags.

Quality will show in the end. I love the young togs work and one day the will push me aside ... thats life .... but there are so many of them ..... how will they make a living?

Good luck to them all.

Tom

Top post! Makes perfect sense too.

 

[techico]

I wanted to be a professional photography for years, I discovered it in 1989 did academic courses such as GCSE & A level in addtion to 2 jobs but it remained a pipe dream. I found myself fast approaching 30 still doing low paid menial jobs, shooting pictures in what little spare time I had and still dreaming.

It got to a point after having my gear stolen while on holiday in Vancouver, Canada in May 1997 at a Starbucks, a few months later I enrolled as a mature student to do an IT BSc(hons) graduating in 2001 and currently work as a network engineer.

I think where I went wrong is I didn't pick a specific subject within photography and concentrate on that - I take pictures now and again choosing subjects where control over depth of field is required, choosing to shoot in aperture priority as to determine the best aperture and shutter speed combination so I challenge myself rather than use point & shoot auto.

I will always love photography despite not having done it professionally but that's the way life is.

 

[Tokkelossi]

I wanted to be a professional photography for years, I discovered it in 1989 did academic courses such as GCSE & A level in addtion to 2 jobs but it remained a pipe dream. I found myself fast approaching 30 still doing low paid menial jobs, shooting pictures in what little spare time I had and still dreaming.

It got to a point after having my gear stolen while on holiday in Vancouver, Canada in May 1997 at a Starbucks, a few months later I enrolled as a mature student to do an IT BSc(hons) graduating in 2001 and currently work as a network engineer.

I think where I went wrong is I didn't pick a specific subject within photography and concentrate on that - I take pictures now and again choosing subjects where control over depth of field is required, choosing to shoot in aperture priority as to determine the best aperture and shutter speed combination so I challenge myself rather than use point & shoot auto.

I will always love photography despite not having done it professionally but that's the way life is.

Luck also plays a part in it at first. Right time & place stuff. You are still doing photography and that is the main thing, you like it. To me its just a job when im shooting but when i can go do my own stuff ..... i am very happy and love every moment.

I would rather have the passion and be paid nothing then hate it and be debt free.

I wanted to be a pilot in the SR-71

 

[lazer chikkin]

Doubt it. If he diddnt enjoy working in computers he would not have studied for it. .

Dude, come to my office and I can point you to 3 people (including me) who did computers because they were good at it, not because they liked it Sometimes you have to make pragmatic decisions in life, I really wanted to be a rocket scientist, but knew my math wouldn't be strong enough to get a good degree. But, I was good enough for comp science, and now work for a big database company. Still don't actually enjoy working with computers that much, but hell it pays better than being a pretty crap physicist.

Am I jealous about the guy from my physics class at school working at Jet Propulsion Labs in Los Alamos. Hell yes!

 

[jamesoliverstone]

I was in IT for nearly 15 years and was in a very lucrative specialist consultancy position when I left the job to become a fulltime photographer. I gave up a 6 figure salary to follow my dream, and I can assure you that I now earn almost b****r all, and spend most of my time chasing around for work.

Would I change anything? nope... I absolutely love my job and my life now.

I spend my time photographing for clients, running workshops, working on my own personal work and the rest of the time chilling out with my wife and kids, all without ever having to set foot in an office ever again. At the very most (and this is a busy week) I might work 3 days on paying work, the rest of the time is mine

I was either going to work my way into retirement having never seen my kids grow up, but probably very rich, or enjoy life to the full and retire with a modest pension.

Easy choice to make if you ask me.

 

[ausemmao]

[YOUTUBE]1swPZzxv0tI[/YOUTUBE]

and it applies to more than photography/watersports. I think as long as you understand why you're doing what you are, it'll work out. I will probably progress into having photography as a "serious hobby", but no further. As much as I enjoy it, I need to be able to engage on my terms (the reason I am not doing Architecture), and going pro would necessarily compromise that and make me enjoy it less.

 

[jonneymendoza]

I was in IT for nearly 15 years and was in a very lucrative specialist consultancy position when I left the job to become a fulltime photographer. I gave up a 6 figure salary to follow my dream, and I can assure you that I now earn almost b****r all, and spend most of my time chasing around for work.

Would I change anything? nope... I absolutely love my job and my life now.

I spend my time photographing for clients, running workshops, working on my own personal work and the rest of the time chilling out with my wife and kids, all without ever having to set foot in an office ever again. At the very most (and this is a busy week) I might work 3 days on paying work, the rest of the time is mine

I was either going to work my way into retirement having never seen my kids grow up, but probably very rich, or enjoy life to the full and retire with a modest pension.

Easy choice to make if you ask me.

When your earning a six figure salary, you can afford to retire early and take up photography.

Also, its a myth about not being able to enjoy life while working in IT. it all depends what company you work for and what sector.

im still enjoying life. yes i have to work 5 days a week but i dont work redicolous hours and dont work weekends
a srict 9-5 IT job mate

 

[jamesoliverstone]

When your earning a six figure salary, you can afford to retire early and take up photography.

Also, its a myth about not being able to enjoy life while working in IT. it all depends what company you work for and what sector.

im still enjoying life. yes i have to work 5 days a week but i dont work redicolous hours and dont work weekends
a srict 9-5 IT job mate

Trust me, it took me a long time to work my way up to that kind of salary, and I was only earning that for the last part of my IT life.

I used to enjoy IT back in the day when I was an engineer and I could sit with my ipod on in the server room all day, but those days ended when I entered management. The days of earning good money as an MCSE, VCP and CCDA all ended when the qualifications got de-valued so I had no choice but to move into management to get a better salary.

I spent the last 5 years in IT management in a corporate environment, travelling backwards and forwards into the city everyday. When you live in the countryside, its a long commute to work Also, when you are working in senior level management, there is no such thing as 9-5...

Add to that the endless travelling abroad for work, and there is little time for a personal life.

If I had my time over, I would never have gone into IT.

I am still a techy geek, I can just focus it towards cameras now

 

[hewhoknows]

Its quite sad to read the 2 articles linked on the first page, give people like me who are trying to forge a career in photography doubts about if we are doing the right thing. But then I stop and think for a while, there are many industries in the world that are over saturated but that doesn't stop people trying to set up in business. I think jobs like web designers and graphic designers are probably 2 such industries and industries that it doesn't take too much work to get into. Yet I know people who have successfully set up business in these areas and are doing well despite every man and his dog doing it.

Me personally, I have the advantage of already owning my own business in the construction industry which sees me work very long days, out most evening quoting on jobs and working weekends pricing projects. I get alot of stress and miss out on alot of my kids lives. Plus I dont make thousands a month and feel I don't get out what I put in.

I plan to integrate my photography career into my building company, kind of like 3 days running the building projects and 2 days togging. I hope my experience of running a company successfully will give me a good edge when looking to bring work in, I have alot of sales and marketing experience and deal with the public on a daily basis. I definitely see photography as more of a lifestyle career which I hope will generate enogh money to see my bills paid and give me some disposable income, but more importantly enable me to have the free time I would like and be able to spend more time with the family.

Dont get me wrong, im not afraid of hard work and long hours, ive been doing that for 6 years but sometimes you have to take a step back and ask yourself if all the hard work is actually worth it. I dont want to sit back when im 60 and realise ive missed out on seeing my kids grow up just for the sake of a few extra pounds in the bank each week.

And lastly, I want to do something i LOVE. Yes I do enjoy building work but its not the dream. For once id just like to work to live and not live to work!

 

[mrthingyx]

Heh - I forgot a key part out of my posts...

As much s I enjoy photography and am told I take lovely photos of my family and friends, I'm not actually any good from either a technical or artistic standpoint, making my pretensions of becoming a pro somewhat entertaining.

Without talent, the the rest is pointless.

 

[Bythesea]

Heh - I forgot a key part out of my posts...

As much s I enjoy photography and am told I take lovely photos of my family and friends, I'm not actually any good from either a technical or artistic standpoint, making my pretensions of becoming a pro somewhat entertaining.

Without talent, the the rest is pointless.

Wouldn't agree with that necessarily. While it does undoubtedly play a part, there are a lot of people around who are successful in their fields because they are good at business, and not overly talented.

Edit: And that isn't aimed at anyone in this thread or any other - I am no good at either

 

[itsdavedotnet]

When your earning a six figure salary, you can afford to retire early and take up photography.

yeah but why wait til you're 60 to do what you want to do?

I retired from technical stuff the night before my 20th birthday.

I was on a respected electronic engineering course, after a good and successful gap year in server and network maintainance, with some great people in the IT department of the UK HQ of a major company, looking after hundreds of servers etc, where I quickly proved my worth and gained a good set of skills.

Over the 2nd term of my first year, I lost motivation for my course completely. My motivation was 'to pass the course'.

That night, the night before one of my retakes for modules that I simply hadn't cared about... I came to my senses that it quite simply wasn't what I wanted to do any more. I didn't want to spend my life 'engineering something' or rising through the junior,senior, and then battling never to be in management, ranks of IT or some other big faceless corporation doing something essentially mundane. Interesting, definitely, but still... just not as varied. I didn't sleep at all that night, and cried buckets. But then I got up, and, as my exam should have been starting, wrote a note to my friends.

So now I take photos. The hours are longer, the job security is nonexistant, and there's no company subsidised golf trips or wine tasting nights, and well, I've been up since 6 and I'm only just really getting into the rush edit of today's pics... but my god I wouldn't have it any other way now.



ausemmao, dark side of the lens is one of my favourite short films ever.

 

[EMA747]

All of the posts here are about giving up good jobs to follow the photography path. What about if you started over again and had these thoughts when you were in your 20s say?

I am 27, have a boring (I mean REALLY boring) job that is often 13 hours a day. Sometime a lot of work other times I can be lucky to pull in £100 a month (yeah I am serious!). As a result I am still having to live with parents. Give that kind of a situation surely the choice is easier to follow a love for photography. I mean it's not like there is much to lose financially.