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|| SportsShooter.com: Member Message Board
Thinking about Quitting Photography
Scott Greenlee, Photographer, Student/Intern
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Crescent Springs | KY | United States | Posted: 1:13 AM on 10.06.09 |
->> The more and more I read about GWC's and MWC's, software to auto compose images, micro stock, software to fix out of focus images etc...the more I hate the industry of photography and have thought about quitting.
I have been doing freelance work on the side for several years now. I have always made it my goal to become a full time photographer shooting journalism, events, sports, portraits, weddings etc... I now see the great possibility of just barely making a living (because we all can't be Thomas Witte's) and/or hating the industry (which makes me kind of hate the job itself).
I don't want to do it on the side, as I wish not to have two jobs anymore (I like my free time). The question's I pose is, with the industry now, does anybody wish that they quit and did something else before the industry got this bad? Does anybody see the industry getting better? Has anybody else thought about quitting?
I appreciate any input. |
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Luke Sharrett, Student/Intern
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Forest | VA | United States | Posted: 2:13 AM on 10.06.09 |
| ->> If you still enjoy making images, persevere and press through the tough times. Challenge yourself to step up your game and make yourself more marketable. If you love taking photos and loving serving others through your work as a photojournalist, press on! |
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Nic Coury, Photographer
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Monterey | CA | | Posted: 2:27 AM on 10.06.09 |
->> Luke, pun intended? ("press" on...).
Scott, as in another situation I gave similar advice to, if you keep it simple, pure and yours, you'll be fine.
If all you see is the negative stuff in it, that's all your ever going to see. Look for the answers of why you want to shoot PJ, why you originally got into it and keep the passion forefront and you'll be fine.
~ nic |
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Debra L Rothenberg, Photographer
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New York | NY | USA | Posted: 6:03 AM on 10.06.09 |
->> if you quit, then you REALLY do not love shooting. If your goal is to be a full time photographer, work at it. Quitters are never happy. Quitters never win. Quitters are miserable __________...you can fill this in.
I graduated RIT in 1984, the worst photographer in my class. I was told monthly "you suck, you're never going to make it, find a new career-by my teacher!." I can't tell you how many of my classmates-my friends, quit. And they have regretted it ever since.
This career has never been easy, at least for me. I moved around A LOT-I went to small boring towns where they tipped over sleeping cows for fun, working for papers that were pretty lousy. At age 24, I felt 40 (which to a 24 year old is OLD!) I had few friends in these towns and worked all the time.
It took me many years to get to where I am today-about 17 and I couldn't be happier. Many people along the way tried to get me to quit-ask many of us here and I am sure you will find similar responses.
When I was 26 I had my first big photo exhibit. For several years I was shooting musicians in small smoky clubs-my family didn't quite understand why I was going to a bar every night. I told them THIS was my college, I was working on perfecting my craft. On the eve of that show, I was driving around with my mother-my best and hardest critic, my best friend, and she said "don't you ever quit, don't you ever stop." Growing up, my oldest brother wanted to be an actor. My parents sort of talked him out of it, saying "for every 1 that makes it, 10,000 don't." He ended up becoming a very successful writer but I once asked why they talked him out of becoming an actor. My mother's response was "if you can talk someone out of doing something, then they really didn't have it in their heart to do it. We knew that whatever we told you,even if we told you we weren't going to give you a dime to study photography, you were going to do it one way or another-you are too head strong." I will never forget that, and it is so true.
Last week I sold a lens to a 55 year old man who has always wanted to be a photographer. He was discouraged early on, and quit, but this is his passion so he is moving forward with it now.
If you quit-you really don't want it. And if you really love it, you are going to live a life of regrets.
Who said "nothing worth having is easy." |
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Wesley Hitt, Photographer
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Fayetteville | AR | USA | Posted: 6:19 AM on 10.06.09 |
->> Your problem is that you like one part of your dream (life) and not another. Love all or none of it, and stop complaining.
- Sri Nisargadatta Mahara
I receive daily Peace Quotes by email and this was from yesterday morning.
I thought it was great and saved it. |
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Brian Blanco, Photographer
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Tampa / Sarasota | FL | USA | Posted: 7:27 AM on 10.06.09 |
->> -The Eddie Adams photo that was widely credited with being one of the catalysts for bringing about an end to the Vietnam War was not taken by a hobbyist, on their lunch break, shooting on Program mode with a camera they purchased at Target.
-The photo of Elian Gonzalez hiding in the closet as the federal agents swoop-in to take him into custody was, as far as I know, not available to Alan Diaz via a microstock site so he had to camp out for weeks to get the shot himself.
-Melissa Lyttle didn't have the option of digitally stitching together a bunch of clip art to compose her powerful, and Pulitzer Prize winning, story "The Girl in the Window" last year.
If "GWCs" (and I hate that disrespectful term), microstock and a few software programs are enough to drive you from this profession then... Well, I venture to guess that shooters like Mangin, Nachtwey, Litherland, Lowy, Brian Davies, Vitale, Paul Myers, Chris Morris, Kennerly, Hanashiro, Ut and 100 other shooters I can rattle off at the moment don't sit up nights worrying about these things.
These shooters are professionals, they go out every day, build relationships, gather information and tell powerful stories. No cheap DSLR or piece of software will ever replace good journalism.
This job absolutely requires a commitment to professionalism that you cannot buy at WalMart and you can't download off the internet. |
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Nick Doan, Photographer, Assistant
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Scottsdale | AZ | USA | Posted: 10:31 AM on 10.06.09 |
->> Well it seems, that a lot of people are trying to inspire you to stay in the industry.
Personally, I think you should quit. By your own statements, you hate the industry. If you hate the industry, then you don't belong in it. If you feel like you are competing with "GWC's and MWC's, software to auto compose images, micro stock, software to fix out of focus images etc." , then I don't see how anybody's advice is going to help you.
Either you are a better photographer, a craftsman, a person with vision and able to execute well, or you are just another wannabe. Everybody has thought about quitting. Everybody has considered other alternatives... But, I know for myself and other photographers I have talked to, when we dream about our lives, we dream about how we can be better, more successful photographers. We dream about winning the lottery and making it easier for us to keep shooting. Not giving it up. If you dream about something else, you should do something else.
But, think about one thing...for most people in our profession, it isn't just something we do, it's something we are. |
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Chuck Liddy, Photographer
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Durham | NC | USA | Posted: 11:06 AM on 10.06.09 |
| ->> You know whenever one of these threads starts I just shake my head when I read some of the comments. I'm all for positive reinforcement and anyone that really knows me understands I'm pretty much "a glass is almost full" kind of person. I've been a newspaper photographer since I got out of high school in 1973, I love this profession and many of the people I work with. That said, the thing that some people don't understand is that this profession is not for everyone. Plain and simple. No matter how many "attaboys", "pats on the back" and inspiring testimonials people type, the fact is pretty straightforward, not everyone has the emotional investment, the motivation or the desire to overcome the many obstacles we face DAY to DAY. Sometimes we have to let others let things go. Not everyone can be a photojournalist. Not everyone can be a wedding photographer. I think photography ends up being a way of life, not a job. I also am of the opinion that if you need to start a thread to question whether you want to continue on as a working photographer the answer is staring you straight in the face. |
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Jamie Sabau, Photographer
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Pickerington | OH | US | Posted: 11:44 AM on 10.06.09 |
->> If you quit, can I have your clients?
I'm joking!
I think everybody goes through this at one point in their lives or another and to varying degrees. I went through it myself just a few years ago. I REALLY didn't want to shoot photos anymore. I had lost the passion and desire. I even started making calls inquiring about how to begin my next, totally non-photographic career. But somehow, and honestly I cannot describe how I did it, I pulled through it and came out the other end reinvigorated. Sure, 99% of what I shoot is sports, but I am really putting more thought and effort into it than ever before. And when I'm on a non-sports assignment I am motivated to make interesting pictures and try new things.
Perhaps it's a depression your suffering from that your not even aware of. Not a bad thing. Like I said, everyone goes through it. Everyone, whether they want to admit it or not, whether it's a clinical problem or an acute case, suffers from some form of depression in their lives. Fight through it. Take some time away from photography if you feel you need to. This may sound like the universal answer to all types of problems, but perhaps you need to explore another hobby to take your mind away from things for awhile. Like Debra explained, if you really want to be a photographer you'll know when you pull through this.
Lastly, don't be afraid to talk to people about what you're feeling. It's a good thing you did in asking this question on this forum. It shows you are concerned with how you feel and don't want to bottle it up inside. However, realize we aren't professionals in therapy, so please don't just take our advice and don't hold us responsible if our suggestions don't work out for you. Ultimately, your responsible for your yourself. Only YOU can figure out if you want to stay in photography or move on.
Good luck and keep your chin up. |
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Bill Ross, Photographer
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Colorado Springs | CO | USA | Posted: 12:24 PM on 10.06.09 |
->> Just do what you love... Love what you do.
It's not always about money... My photography is "on the side" but I've never thought about quitting. I would love to make it fulltime but providing for my family is my first love and priority.
If you're not into it because of money, then maybe you weren't really into it.
Just sayin'...
Good luck in making a decision. My bet is that you won't quit photography but maybe take a different direction with it. |
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Robert Seale, Photographer
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Houston | TX | USA | Posted: 12:26 PM on 10.06.09 |
->> If you have to wonder about it, it's time to go do something else.
Whenever I've reviewed portfolios, talked to students, etc.....I've always told them: Don't go into this because you think it might be fun, etc....go into it, only if you feel you HAVE TO do this, you can't imagine doing anything else..... and you're drawn to it the way a musician or a priest is drawn to their work.
Hank Moody said as much to one of his aspiring writing students last night on Californication: "If you can do anything else with your life, anything at all.....I think maybe you should do that. The world doesn't need anymore lame vampire fiction." |
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Randy Abrams, Photographer
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Bath | NY | US | Posted: 12:50 PM on 10.06.09 |
| ->> My suggestion would be 'walk away' from taking photos for a couple of weeks or even a month. Clear your mind. If after this time away you get that itch to go out and take pictures, then I would say to stay with photography. If after this time away you discover that you didn't miss it, then put the gear on eBay and be done with it. I know speaking for myself I can get burned out if I shoot and edit a lot. Taking a week off refreshes me I'm good to go again. With that said, photography isn't my primary job (I do have a photography business, but I don't push it too hard as my full-time job takes up the majority of my time) so I can take a bit of time away without killing my household budget. |
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Jim Comeau, Photo Editor, Photographer
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Los Angeles | CA | USA | Posted: 2:00 PM on 10.06.09 |
->> I gave up a few years ago.
I started with basic darkroom and studio classes and moved to photojournalism. I was shocked. I thought it was my calling. I loved documenting. I loved showing the world my point of view. I started working for my school paper, a local weekly, and a few freelance clients.
Then the stuff hit the fan. Layoffs at news outlets, microstock sites, citizen journalism, and all the other stuff that has been discussed ad nauseum. I realized I didn't want to be part of a diminishing field. I was told I was talented enough to make it by everyone. I was the only one who didn't believe it. Being in Los Angeles, I was definitely intimidated by all the work of the staffers at all the local and national publications based here. It also didn't help that I saw what all the students at Missouri, Ohio U, Brooks, Western Kentucky, etc were doing. I also didn't have the guts to get close enough, or to probe. I knew I wasn't a journalist. I also realized I wasn't even that good of a photographer anymore when comparing my work to what was in galleries or Communication Arts. I hung up my camera.
I barely take pictures anymore, but I haven't given up the industry. In years since, I have worked for a photographic collection/estate, two ad agencies, a corporate marketing department, and now a major network/studio. All my jobs since have been heavily involved with photography. I've been able to maintain a successful career in areas I never knew existed because I kept my options open and explored. |
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Louis Lopez, Photographer
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Fontana | CA | USA | Posted: 2:12 PM on 10.06.09 |
->> Chuck,
I do believe no one could have said it better.(Hank Moody came close.)I also am tired of all the inspirational "attaboys" to use your term.
There are way too many half assed "photographers" in "business" offering services way below what anyone can make a living at and offering a sloppy "good enough" product that makes it diffucult for those of us who earn our living as full time photographers to earn a living.
I suspect what drives many of these part timers that have other "Real Jobs" is not that they are looking to earn extra money,( they surely are not earning any extra, because they are giving them away) it's that they want to play the part.
not a week goes by that I don't have a potential customer say to me, it's not as good as your photos but it's "good enough" and I only paid $2.00 for the 8x10!!!
Frustrated and Fed up in SoCal. |
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David Seelig, Photographer
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Hailey | ID | USA | Posted: 2:14 PM on 10.06.09 |
| ->> I cannot worry about what I cannot control. I love making images if that is true for you keep at it, if no longer quit. I use to make money from stock no longer so I make money from new gigs. I f you deisre a lot of money quit. If thisis the only thing you can do to be happy keep at it. |
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Mike O'Bryon, Photographer
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Ft. Lauderdale | FL | USA | Posted: 2:25 PM on 10.06.09 |
->> I'm not 100% certain I agree with the " if you have to ask" theory... I think everyone has bouts of doubt/insecurity now and again... there is a difference between nagging voices and your dominate thoughts...
When I first got into the sports photography...some 40 years ago... I remember the late Bob East ( of The Miami Herald... and the creator of the NPPA clip contest ) telling me we'd all be out of a job soon as tv cameras images would be good enough to publish in a newspaper...
I've heard the gloom and doom all my professional life... and much of it has come to fruition... at the same time there are opportunities that Bob never saw despite his ability to see down the road.
I expect visual story-telling to grow in many directions... and most likely the future will come from an unknown source..."incumbents seldom invent the future"....
It's going to be an exciting ride... but, as in the past, not for the faint of heart.
-- Mike |
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Walt Middleton, Photographer, Photo Editor
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Columbus | OH | USA | Posted: 3:08 PM on 10.06.09 |
->> My dad told me when I was little as a response to my question of “Why have you had so many different jobs?" His answer was simple...
"Well, I always figured I needed a job that I really liked and enjoyed. So, when I left one job for some reason or another, I would just sit and think about what makes me happy at that time. I would then figure out how to make money at doing it."
There is no substitution for liking your job. If you don't like Photography anymore, find something else to make money at that you do enjoy. If you think that you do still like photography, figure out how to make money at it. Either way, if you are running your own business and you are not happy doing it... Your clients will be able to tell and eventually will leave for someone who is more upbeat and happy about what they are doing.
So, maybe this is a good thing that you are feeling... You will either come out of this a better, happier photographer/ businessman. Or you'll find another thing to do that will make you happier. |
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Eric Canha, Photographer
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Brockton | MA | United States | Posted: 3:28 PM on 10.06.09 |
->> Chuck giving your post an informative wouldn't be enough.....
:::::::::::: ATTABOY! ::::::::::::::
Well said. |
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Jack Megaw, Student/Intern, Photographer
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Pittsburgh | PA | America | Posted: 3:38 PM on 10.06.09 |
->> Look at my icon: "Keep Calm and Carry On!"
-Jack |
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Michael Fullana, Photographer
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Miami | FL | USA | Posted: 4:53 PM on 10.06.09 |
->> ...
no matter what comes around, whether plugins, programs or anything else that improves a photo, nothing beats good composition and lighting and that does not come from any software.
The business is changing, but like previous posters mentioned, if you love the art of photography and it's your passion, you will not be happy doing anything else.
Take a break, step back and analyze things, you will see not everything is as bad as it seems...I've been there, been burnt out yet when I look back, I'm glad I did not quit..
hope my rambling on made sense :)
either way, best wishes.. |
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Robert Benson, Photographer
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San Diego | Ca | USA | Posted: 5:31 PM on 10.06.09 |
->> "if you quit, then you REALLY do not love shooting"
Amen to this. If you are already contemplating giving up, you're pretty much doomed to mediocrity. If your heart isn't with it, you probably wont go very far. |
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Yamil Sued, Photographer, Photo Editor
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Peoria | AZ | USA | Posted: 6:37 PM on 10.06.09 |
->> I agree with Chuck and Nick!!
If you don't love what you do, you should quit!!
OTOH, if you ARE a Shooter, remain a shooter!!
This is what I do, this is what I am and I can't see me doing anything else!!
I do it day in and day out and I love what I do. I honestly couldn't care less about what others are doing and how much they are charging. My experience has told me that others might be cheaper, but can they deliver what I do?? I've had clients go elsewhere for Images, but most of them have come back to me because the quality I give them. That is what counts.
You are the only one that must make the decision, ask yourself the question...
Will I be happier doing something else??
Good luck in your quest.
Y |
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Andrew Carpenean, Photographer
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Laramie | WY | USA | Posted: 7:08 PM on 10.06.09 |
->> Scott,
Sometimes we can be our own best psychiatrist (you can see where this is going). You mention we can't all be Mr. Witte and that may be true, but we can strive to be, but moreso it tells me you need to gain more confidence in your work and may take several years of hard work to improve over what you are doing now. The other thing that strikes me is you say you enjoy your free time and that is very honest, in which, you would rather have free time than creating photos. I don't fault you for that.
If you reread what you're saying in question of yourself for advise you may read between the lines as you might have an answer to your own questions.
I can certainly understand the frustration and I am not opposed to any offerings made here. Sometimes you have to know when to kick yourself in the rear and fight like the dickens for what you want and other times you need to be realistic about what is at hand.
Whatever you choose to do keep a camera and a few lenses so you can pick it back up at a later stage if you decide to quit now and change your mind later. Either way don't make a change to suddenly before you give yourself the benefit of the doubt. |
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Jeff Lewis, Photographer
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Long Beach | CA | USA | Posted: 7:12 PM on 10.06.09 |
->> I have only read the original post but I will say this....
I can't imagine being anything or doing anything other than taking pictures. I told myself when I was in college, this is what I am going to do no matter what. I am going to live and die being a photographer and learn everything I need to learn to be a photographer and it has been 12 years since graduation.
Point is my heart was in it then and my heart is still in it now and I love what I do and love the fact that I gave it a chance and it worked out.
If you are having doubts about doing this job and your heart is not in it, do something else. This is an industry where more often than not, you might not make any money but if you put all your love and spirit into it, you will find the fruits of you labor.
Good luck to what ever you get into but keep this in mind, whatever you get into, do it because you love it and don't allow yourself to get burned out because the thing you love to do becomes frustrating. Life is not easy so take on the challenge, fight the fight, and have fun with it.
Jeff |
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Erik Markov, Photographer
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Kokomo | IN | | Posted: 7:51 PM on 10.06.09 |
->> I think this answer applies to you Scott or anyone else who finds themself feeling this way. How much photography are you doing for yourself? Stupid question, but at the same time it's important to consider how much work you're doing that is freelance/full time newspaper job related and how much is just for yourself.
You said you like your free time and I understand that, but if you're only shooting the things you've been paid to do, well yea you're going to start feeling unfulfilled. Those are all things for someone else, not you. I think it's important to have projects you're doing only for yourself. Whether thats landscape photography or studio type stuff or a special story you come up with on your own that you would like to work on but can't find a newspaper to assign it to you.
You might not make any $ from said project, but if you learn one thing or make a contact with someone that might provide business down the road, then maybe it's worth it. And yea, some of projects are going to require your free time. It sucks I guess but it's just the way it is.
There are only 3 people in all of photography who actually get paid to shoot what they want without having to shoot crap that bores them. (That stat was made up but isn't far off either) The rest of us ocacssionally shoot assignments that are really cool and we also get paid for them, but more often than not there are a lot of so-so assignments in between.
Those self-made assn's are what keep me going at least, I think a lot of others here would agree. I've been shooting almost 13 years and it wasn't really til about 3-4 years ago that I really figured that out and understood it. I felt pretty stupid realizing how long I had gone without that piece of knowledge.
And it might be a project that no one else understands. I've got several I'm working on that people ask why I'm spending all my time shooting this or that. When I explain the project, all I get is a blank stare. They don't get it, and I'm fine with that. I've thought about the project a lot, I've got it all planned out in my head and I have a pretty good idea of how it's going to turn out. And yet when I'm finally finished, people always look at the final result and can't believe how well it turned out.
And the things I've learned doing those projects have carried over into my regular daily work for my newspaper.
***All the advice that's been given in all of these posts, comes down to one basic fact I think. It's a bit of a cliche but if you're going to be a photographer, it means much of your life is going to be spent swimming against the stream. It requires more effort and can wear you out IF you let it, but the end result is going to be more satisfying.*** |
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Dave Doonan, Photographer
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Kingston | TN | USA | Posted: 7:52 PM on 10.06.09 |
->> i was a chef for 15 years and gave it up to work at a community newspaper for 1/3 less pay and have never looked back.
I cannot imagine working in a hot kitchen when I have a whole county as my canvas.
When I cooked, I thought of ways I could call off work when i woke up in the morning.
Now I wake up and say what am I going to shoot today?
If you hate the biz quit, move on and find something that gives you satisfaction. |
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Nik Habicht, Photographer
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Levittown | PA | USA | Posted: 1:09 PM on 10.07.09 |
->> I think a lot comes down to personality. Robert Seale said "Don't go into this because you think it might be fun, etc....go into it, only if you feel you HAVE TO do this, you can't imagine doing anything else..... and you're drawn to it the way a musician or a priest is drawn to their work."
That was me seventeen years ago, when I was learning photography, freelancing, and hoping/praying/working toward a staff job. Fourteen years and a buyout/layoff later, I was in a different place. Photography was absolutely the right move in 1992. Nursing School was the right move in 2007....
Things change, priorities change, we change. Only you can decide the right way to live your live. Make a decision, then own it.... |
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Dominick Reuter, Photographer, Assistant
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Boston | MA | USA | Posted: 5:49 PM on 10.07.09 |
->> Scott-
Take a break. Put down your cameras for a while and don't take any pictures.
For the last month, I've been recovering from a broken leg that has more or less precluded me from making any interesting pictures.
Even last month, I was mulling over the same old sh*t that peppers this post, but after just four weeks without a camera in my hands, I'm feeling a pretty huge void opening in my life that I can't explain any other way.
Hell, I just hobbled my ass down to Kenmore square this afternoon to by 10 rolls of Tri-X because I've got my first real assignment in a while this Friday and I'm going to shoot the bejeezus out of it, and I thought it would be fun to throw some film between digital frames.
So, take a break. Do other stuff. If all the ills of the industry still distract you, then move on. But if they seem to pale in comparison to the importance of making pictures, then you'll be back with a vengeance.
I wish you luck either way.
- DR |
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Scott Greenlee, Photographer, Student/Intern
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Crescent Springs | KY | United States | Posted: 11:31 PM on 10.07.09 |
->> I would like to thank everybody for the advice and posts. It's nice to see so many people care about me and my career. I truly appreciate all the advice and input you have all given me.
I'm putting photography for pay on hold for the time being. I might however still pick up my camera to shoot some landscapes. I'm going to take some time while I still have another job and I'm still in school (for what now I don't know) to do some soul searching. Thank you and God Bless. |
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Jeff Mills, Photographer, Photo Editor
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Columbus | OH | USA | Posted: 1:48 PM on 10.11.09 |
->> Loving photography and loving making a living as a photographer are two different things and don't have to go hand in hand. If/when they do, well then thats a wonderful thing, because I'm sure we've all heard that age old saying about do something you love for a living and you'll never work a day in your life.
If you don't like the industry and where its going, then perhaps you are right and you shouldn't aim to make photography a career because you probably won't be very happy.
In fact, the industry and the pressures of earning an increasingly difficult living could end up souring you to photography itself.
There is a world of other career options out there for you and truth be told, almost all of them would allow you to earn a better living than working as a photographer.
I know tons of people who love photography but they choose not to make it their living. They still take pictures and honestly I think get more enjoyment out of it than they did when they were doing it to support their families. Reason being they are shooting simply what they want, when they want. Heck, they've got a lot nicer gear now too since their day jobs have given them a bit higher income as well.
I used to work in restaurant management and whenever I had a day off, I used to go out shooting. I'd take trips places to photograph things. I'd go to events and festivals to photograph things. All for fun and personal enjoyment.
Sometimes I contrast that with my life now where its quite rare that I go take photos simply because I enjoy taking photos. Now its all about assignments and what clients want me to shoot. Which 99% of the time I still do enjoy, so I'm certainly not complaining, but it does make me wonder sometimes.
I used to love this time of year because I'd get excited about going out into nature and shooting fall foliage. Not for a client, not to sell, just simply to produce a nice photo for my own personal satisfaction.
But you know what, I doubt I'll even go once this year, just like I didn't go last year because after a busy Saturday of shooting and editing for 12 hours, last thing I feel like doing on a Sunday is picking up a camera and driving out to the woods. I don't have time to go take more shots of leaves, I've got to get my current assignments done and submitted.
Point of all this rambling is that you don't have to try to earn a living to enjoy photography and you may get more enjoyment without the pressure of earning a living.
I love (trying to) play guitar and own several of them, plus a few keyboards, some recording software etc. I'm pretty horrible and have no aspirations about doing anything serious with it, but I still enjoy it.
Just because I like playing guitar though doesn't mean I need to be trying to form a band, get an album released and make a career of it. No, its fine staying just a hobby I enjoy on the side.
So just go shoot (or play your guitar) for the sake of doing it. If it leads to more work, well then perhaps follow that path and see where it takes you but make sure your enjoying it first and foremost. |
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Dan Routh, Photographer
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Greensboro | NC | USA | Posted: 5:08 PM on 10.11.09 |
->> I am in no way thinking about quitting photography, but it's beginning to look more and more like photography is trying to quit me. We are entering a surreal period in this profession, at least in my market. I say surreal, because for thirty years I have made a living doing photography full time, and I have never seen things go the way they have recently. I am an ASMP member, and one of the things people have always advised is to educate your clients about value. Of course, that was when the definition of value was getting a lot of quality and value for your money. Now, at least corporate-wise, value means getting something (actually, anything) for nothing. I am now experiencing having to bid on work that I have done for 15 or more years, work I know the cost of down to the penny because I have done it so long and knowing that shooting X costs Y. Now I'm seeing X bid for Z and Z is less than Y. I am no longer a photographer anymore in most cases, rather, I am a supplier who gets business based solely on wether or not I can pare down expenses to the point that I can make the low bid, a proposition that I find very difficult to do.
Does all of this make me want to quit being a photographer? Not in the least. I spend hours shooting for my blog, because it's my main outlet for creative work now. I shoot every day, I have to shoot, that's who I am. What all of this does do is make me wonder about the future of photography as a business. Should I bust my tail giving my work to corporations for free when I can just publish them myself for free on the web. At least my stuff on the web has a copyright notice attached to it.
Hey guys, sorry for the rant. enough said. I feel better. Not richer, but better. |
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Michael Fischer, Photographer
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Spencer | Ia | USA | Posted: 6:09 PM on 10.11.09 |
->> Scott,
I'm headed the opposite direction. I will eventually move away from my full time position and into photography. It is who I am.
I see from your second response that you are going to put the cameras down and take a break. Nothing wrong with that.
But allow me to make a observation. The comment about GWCs etc.. aren't you really complaining that those things make it easier to eat into what you consider "your" market?
Your observation is spot on. So, what do you do? I thank God I took marketing and not photography in college. Really. Because what I learned there and have preached in here forever is that you go find niches that aren't easily duplicated, that there aren't a lot of potential competitors in, and go develop those areas. This is the stuff that pays the bills.
Want a example of this? Become expert at lighting. No software program can replicate what someone (like Robert Seale) can do with lights. There are people in this group who have very definitely developed profitable, successful niches. ( Look at Yamil, who as far as I know, is the only one in here that's got a niche with the other type of shooters - guns).
I walked away when I graduated from college. Worst mistake I ever made. If, after taking a break, you decide you can't put the camera down, then the question is really simple:
What kind of photography can I do that can bring me happiness and some profit?
I know rough economic times make finding those niches kind of tough if not plain scary, but a lot of very successful businesses are started in times like these.
Good luck in your quest. God bless.
Michael |
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G.M. Andrews, Photographer
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Mobile | AL | USA | Posted: 6:19 AM on 10.14.09 |
->> There's an old saying about loving something (or someone) so much to let it free, and if it loves you it will return to you.
If it didn't, then it wasn't meant to be.
Consider this: put down your gear for a while and see what happens.
If you really want to shoot, you'll go back to your cameras.
If you don't, then you'll find another career.
There are times I wonder about finding another job. I still need to feed my family.
But then I find myself lying awake in bed at night, thinking about how I'm going to light that assignment tomorrow, or how I'm going to shoot all my assignments and still make my deadline from the middle of nowhere, and then put up that gallery online.
And I realize this is what I'm supposed to be doing.
If your not laying awake thinking about taking pictures, then I think you have your answer. |
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Alan Herzberg, Photographer
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Elm Grove | WI | USA | Posted: 9:00 AM on 10.14.09 |
->> I understand what G.M. Andrews is saying, but what if you lie awake at night and in addition to thinking about taking pictures you are also thinking about how you're going to feed your family?
I think reality intrudes in every life at times. If you're not passionate about taking photos, it makes little sense to do this full time. But passion and skill alone are not always enough, especially in a contracting industry. Opportunity and sometimes plain luck are important ingredients to success. One can create opportunities and, I suppose, make one's own luck to some limited extent, but it can take time and money to do that, both of which usually are in limited supply when there are kids (and sometimes) a spouse to support.
Sometimes it's just a matter of timing. Sometimes dreams and passions get deferred. |
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