You ever think about quitting photography?

WOW.  Some of your comments have me thinking about what I have been doing and what I haven't been doing.  Alex you have given me some ideas thank you.  

Personally this is why I have never done it as a job. This despite having some people over the last 50 plus years saying I should. I have only ever done paid work sporadically for acquaintances, other than that it has always been a hobby. Good luck on applying some of the good advice above, but I think getting a job to keep you through till it takes off would be a good way to take off the stress factor.

Good stuff in this thread.  Personally the answer is no for me, I enjoy taking photos too much!

Alex wrote: All good points mentioned already.  Might I add, if you love photography as an occupation, then consider you can not reap what you do not sow.  You have mentioned that you don't advertise and that there hasn't been much you can do to get business.  My friend, there is always something that can be done.  Have you positioned your photography with complimenting products/companies?  Example:  Wedding photographer might cultivate relationships with bakeries, wedding gown stores/rentals, wedding planners, popular wedding venues, etc.  Keep in mind there very likely will be others with the same plan.  So prepare to demonstrate you are the best fit, and that they would benefit from working with you.

I've had the great fortune to interview many of the top photographers from around the world and learn what inspired them, challenges they faced and what fueled them to move forward.  Not only here with elite photographers, but when you study the behavior of the successful and you look at similarities between them.  You start seeing commonalities.  Such as: when faced with adversities, they remain relentless towards their goals and beliefs.  When you factor in what these people are doing, their path in life is congruent with what they absolutely love to do. 

There are a number of quotes that really resonates with me, for sake of this discussion... I'm going to share this one from Rory Vaden who states in his book Take the Stairs "Success is never owned… it's RENTED.  And the RENT is due EVERY DAY!" 

I'm here to help, feel free to PM. 

I see photographers struggle more and more.

Stock is killing them. I see a site on Facebook that advertise "$1 per image. Millions to choose from."
So what do the photographer get per shot? Less than half!

I moved from small town photographer to film location scout 11 years ago because of digital.
Luckily I still use my camera daily.

I would say, be prepared for change.
If I were you I would not be ashamed to go to the ex customers and ask them WHY they do not use me anymore.
Ask for the blatant truth, do not feel hurt, and decide to learn from it.
Then decide if you are going to make changes or one major change.

Hassner is 100% if you are focused on stock photography.  The rates are ridiculous and not in favor for the photographer making a living.  I shoot weddings and portraits and it's all about taking care of the client, word of mouth and keeping yourself in front of the pack of starving photographers.  Craigslist doesn't help these days.  About once a week I get someone comparing prices they found on Craigslist.  These I always turn away from. 


Do I ever think about quitting?  Never.  The day I do, will open up a vulnerability door to my big master plan.   

Stock photography was big and lucrative 5 years ago.  But with so many new photographers joining, the supply of stock images has gone sky high and price has dropped the other direction.

Personally no for me. 


Why don't you quit what you are doing now and try something else you might be happy at?

The problem with just 'quitting' under the impression that there are better opportunities out there.  Is that if the grass is indeed greener in other areas of photography, you would still need to mow it. 

Alex wrote: The problem with just 'quitting' under the impression that there are better opportunities out there.  Is that if the grass is indeed greener in other areas of photography, you would still need to mow it. 

Unless you had a proper Arizona yard. But then you do need to clear the tumbleweeds at times from the fence line.

Take a break, re-organize and come back recharged.  

+1

Not a chance, love what you do.  If you can't, find something you can.  

I'm just starting this journey myself, so thought never even crossed my mind. 

It would be a sad day for me.  

Answer for me:  Never