photography as a career???

12 years 1 week ago #219617 by littlebirdie
I have a question for anyone out there who has done photography as a job or still is. Is it a good career to get into now? I really love photography but I am worried that when I graduate and go out into the real world to work that I might not make the money in need to support myself let a lone pay back any loans I might have to start paying back. I might just be worrying to much I don't know.


,
12 years 1 week ago #219640 by RobertMarriottPhotography
I am a full time photographer, only been doing it since the start of 2010.

You can do it, you just have to work hard and keep at it a lot.

In the UK (England) we do get some support from the government, as a small new business.

I get a lot of money from Wedding's, which is what I am aiming for and striving to do more of.

To start with you might need a small part time job just to help you along.

See more of my work at -
www.RobertMarriottPhotography.co.uk

,
12 years 1 week ago #219662 by Rob pix4u2
I have worked as a part time wedding and portrait photographer and can say yes it is do-able if you are willing to work weekends and evenings, around other peoples schedules etc. I also work as a sports photojournalist currently so you may have to wear a few different hats till your name gats out and your specialty is better known.

Remember to engage brain before putting mouth in gear
Rob Huelsman Sr.
My Facebook www.facebook.com/ImaginACTIONPhotography

,
12 years 1 week ago - 12 years 1 week ago #219715 by icepics
This is probably a good time to get informed about the business of photography. It sounds like you need to figure out what would be realistic in developing a career in photography.

While you're still in school might be a good time to take advantage of career counseling if you haven't yet. There are professional photographers organizations like ASMP and their websites could give you some good resource on how to market, budget, handle taxes, etc. etc. Maybe there would be a professional photographer in your area who would be willing to talk with you about their business.

I've only done photography as a sideline, and I know of a couple of local photographers who started out working a full time job and doing photography on their own and worked gradually toward being able to do photography full time. It seems to take time to get established and develop a good reputation and a clientele etc. I don't think there are many ready-made jobs except perhaps in photojournalism unless there might be a commercial photography business that would be hiring.

It might also be worth getting your work critiqued, either by someone in art or journalism/PR at your school. or by professional artists or photographers. That might help you determine how ready you are to go forward with it or if you might need to develop your skills further first.

Sharon
Photo Comments
,
12 years 1 week ago #219776 by Stealthy Ninja
With good marketing anyone can make anything a business.

Honestly is doesn't matter if you selective colour HDR everything to death and make everything look like Andy Warhol vomited soup on a Jackson Pollock. With good marketing you'll do great.

That said, a bit of skill goes a long way and makes it more likely people will actually like your work in the first place.

Marketing mixed with skillzors = success.
,

817.3K

241K

  • Facebook

    817,251 / Likes

  • Twitter

    241,000 / Followers

  • Google+

    1,620,816 / Followers

Latest Reviews

The Canon EOS R100 is an entry-level mirrorless camera introduced in 2023. But just because it’s an entry-level camera doesn’t mean it’s a bare-bones camera. Find out why in this review!

Apr 22, 2024

Nikon’s retro-looking Nikon Zfc is anything but retro. Under its classic body is a host of features and amenities that make it a worthwhile compact mirrorless camera for 2024.

Apr 15, 2024

The Canon EOS R50 is one of the newest R-system cameras from Canon. Is it worth your money? Find out all the details you need to know in this comprehensive review.

Apr 10, 2024

The Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II is Sony’s flagship mirrorless zoom lens. As such, it’s loaded with features and has a top-shelf build quality that makes it a top pick!

Mar 27, 2024
Get 600+ Pro photo lessons for $1

Latest Articles

The Canon EOS R100 is an entry-level mirrorless camera introduced in 2023. But just because it’s an entry-level camera doesn’t mean it’s a bare-bones camera. Find out why in this review!

Apr 22, 2024

Are you ready to upgrade your camera? Before buying new, you might consider the value of purchasing used gear to save money.

Apr 18, 2024

The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV is a micro four thirds camera released in 2020. It’s an entry-level system along with the OM-D E-M5 Mark III. Use this guide to determine which one is best for you!

Apr 17, 2024

Blue hour photography might not be as well known as golden hour photography, but it is every bit as good a time to create epic images of landscapes. Learn how in this quick tutorial!

Apr 17, 2024

Nikon’s retro-looking Nikon Zfc is anything but retro. Under its classic body is a host of features and amenities that make it a worthwhile compact mirrorless camera for 2024.

Apr 15, 2024

Moving from taking snapshots of your dog to creating beautiful images doesn’t have to be that difficult! Use the tips outlined in this dog photography guide, and you’ll get better results in no time.

Apr 15, 2024

Acrylic print photos are a beautiful way to display your favorite images. But they don’t come without some questions. Get all the answers you need about this medium in this guide!

Apr 15, 2024

Where do you get your landscape photography inspiration? Is it from masters like Ansel Adams? Or perhaps viewing art from other genres? We’ve got these and a few other sources for you to check out!

Apr 10, 2024