In my recent blog post about the stock photo industry, I painted an honest, but somewhat discouraging analysis of the current state of things. It’s true that these days, with shrinking editorial and advertising budgets and market saturation of imagery, photographers face enormous challenges in their quest towards finding success.
However, it’s not like the rest of the economy is doing so well either. Millions of people have lost their jobs in the past few years, and rather than slug it out in the unemployment line, many people have decided to shift course and pursue careers that are built around their own creative passions.
They’ve simply decided that life is too short not to be their own boss and follow their dream, whether that dream is owning a restaurant, writing a book or becoming a freelance photographer. Maybe you’re one of those people. Fifteen years ago, I was that person.
With this in mind, I’ll put aside the talk of how hard it is to become a pro photographer for awhile and end the week on a more positive note. I’ll tell you why you should follow your dream and pursue a career in photography. Even though it’s a tough business, it’s actually a very exciting time to be a photographer, especially if you can make it work as a career.
I think that one of the most most admirable things you can do is to strike out on your own and pursue a highly creative endeavor. I applaud and encourage anyone who chooses to do so. After all, I followed my own dream and found success, why shouldn’t you? It’s your life and you should make it what you want.
1. It’s cool to believe in yourself
Believing in yourself is not only a prerequisite for success in business, it’s the most important ingredient for happiness and fulfillment in your life. No matter what you aspire to, it all begins when you say, “I can do that.” That phrase is what drives the world of innovation and creativity. People look up to those with the confidence to try new things, and when you take that leap into the great unknown of self employment, you not only lay a path for your own success, you inspire others around you as well. In that way, we all fuel each other through our own courage and inspiration. Chase Jarvis put it right on the money when he said “Take a Chance” on his own blog this week.
2. The technology is awesome
Camera and digital imaging technology these days is simply amazing. Software programs like Photoshop, Lightroom and Aperture offer unbelievable editing, processing and image sharing capabilities to the pro photographer that were unimaginable a few years ago. Plus, the high end DSLR cameras, lighting gear and other pro level gear that’s available these days make your every day tasks so much more productive and enthralling. Not that you have to be a pro to use that stuff, you just don’t have to justify owning it all. And…
3. You can write off all your toys and travel
Buy a new camera? Write if off. Buy the latest version of Photoshop? Write if off. Take your wife away to that lodge in the mountains? Write if off, as long as you spend your time shooting stock. Spend the weekend tromping around the National Park? Write off the gas and travel expenses. Buy that new 27″ iMac? Oh yea, write it off, baby! I think you get the idea.
4. There is an enormous appetite for imagery in our world
When it comes to opportunities for finding work, the world is a much bigger place now than it ever was. Plus, with social media and online networking booming in recent years, the possibilities for connecting with possible new clients are virtually endless. No matter what kind of photography you do, there are customers who want and need those types of images. I’m not saying that it will be easy to reach them, but they’re out there and the only limitation to you finding them are your own efforts and creativity.
5. Nothing beats working for yourself
Whenever I hear people complain about the interpersonal struggles and red tape that they have to deal with at work, it reassures me that I made the right call to be self employed. When you work for yourself, you don’t have to punch the clock, waste hours of your life sitting in traffic, navigate office politics, worry about your next review or try to squeeze in all your errands on your lunch break with everyone else. Instead, you create your own schedule, which gives you the flexibility to make time to do more things that you love. You can take a day off whenever you want and go play outside, get things done, spend time with your family and friends or pursue other interests. Or, you can work overtime and love it, because it’s your baby. When you’re your own boss, EVERY day is your own.
There. I said it. Now go give it some serious thought. If you’re interested reading what it actually takes to do photography as a career check out my, How to Become a Pro Photographer eBook. It answers many of the questions that you probably have about how to turn your photo hobby into a career or a money making venture.
Thanks, Dan, for providing both sides of the coin, and for leaving this on an encouraging note.
Great article Dan, I totally agree with you on the points above but I think it also should be mentioned more clear that there is a huge risk in this field too.
I’m a pro now for over 20 years, I have seen many up’s and down’s, many coming and going BUT I never seen as many people “starting a pro career” right now…and many of them failing too. Today it is by far not enough to enjoy the side of writing off expenses, traveling, photographing etc. You also should point out that if someone does not have enough money on the side that it is a very risky step. You may start selling images immediately but if it is enough to feed a family is another question.
I had quit a few approaching me after they turned “pro”, asking what to do because they don’t have a penny left and simply not selling enough to survive.
All of your points are great and hit the nail 100% on the head BUT to be a pro, making a living out of photography takes a bit more then just a dream.
Just needed to add this as I heard many which followed their dreams but never thought about the “putting food on the table” side.
You’re absolutely 100% correct, Rolf. As I said, I applaud anyone who’s willing to try and make a go of it, but I strongly encourage those who want to follow this dream to make sure that they’re well informed, financially solid (read: money in the bank!) and ready for some serious risk before quitting their day job.
That said, you only live once!
That was exactly what I was trying to say but my English was not good enough.
“””before quitting their day job””” this is what many forget
I couldn’t agree more with your post.
My plan had been not quitting the day job, but getting laid off took care of that plan. I don’t have money saved up but unemployment insurance will take care of things enough to scrape by. There’s a small business entrepreneur course run by them that I plan on signing up for. Taking the time to finish my portfolio and then away I go. Got a business plan in mind, a niche to create and fill and I figure, why not, what’s the worst that can happen? Have to get a job again? Not the end of the world if so.
You do only live once and sometimes we put too many things off to stay safe and secure.
Cheers.
Great article with some excellent points Dan. I’d also add in addition to Rolf’s points that it’s not an all or nothing deal. You can keep your day job and test the waters. Obviously, it depends on your day job and your target photography genre. Fifteen-hour day corporate lawyer and assignment photographer – not so much. Eight or nine hour office job and stock photographer – totally doable.
Now figuring out when to quit the day job when the side business is growing… that’s another blog entry entirely.
Thanks for this. Very much. I’m finding myself exactly where you are writing about, and going for it. Getting too old not to.
Dana- I got my big start by getting laid off as well. Unemployment and credit cards got me by. Good luck with your plan- you’re right, what’s the worst that can happen- you’ll try something new and you might succeed.
Chien- You’re absolutely right, it doesn’t have to be all or nothing, it can be whatever you want it to be. That’s the beauty of being self employed.
Patricia- Good luck. Stay tuned here, as I’m getting ready to post a series about how to get started being a pro photographer.
[…] By Dan Bailey, September 24, 2010 9:26 am With so many visitors stopping by to read my recent post, 5 Reasons Why You Should Be a Pro Photographer, I’ve decided to run a one-week series of posts on how to actually begin that process towards […]
Great post! I left my cushy corp job about 6 months ago to pursue photography full time, just couldn’t stand sitting in an office when I could be outside shooting 😉 Though I’m barely making ends meat I am so happy and am fully enjoying life. It is a huge gamble but without risk there is no reward and I’m tired of playing it safe!
Good for you, Nathan! Keep working hard and enjoying your new life!
[…] 5 Great Reasons to Become a Professional Photographer – Reading this should make you feel good about yourself. […]
5 good points but it’s still an enormous hurdle to make it in this business, especially nature and travel. I would never recommend this career to anyone unless they are clearly talented and exceptionally motivated. I’ve put more time money sweat blood and tears into this business over the last 20 years, and for the last 6 years my income just keeps going lower and lower. There’s still nothing else I’d rather do and the high points are wonderful but I think it’s going to take me to an early grave or asylum.
I would totally agree with you, Alan. It’s by no means an easy way to make money, and it does take a huge amount of creativity, talent, drive and perseverance, and still, there is no guarantee that you’ll be able to make a living. Also, the business model of photography has changed dramatically during the past few years and unfortunately, what worked a decade ago, may not work now. It takes constant evaluation and adaptation. I spent much of last year rethinking my business model, methods and approach, and I’m trying a number of things that I’ve never done in the past. Much of that is starting to pay off. In many ways, the key to success in this industry is diversifying what you do and who you do it for.
[…] few months back I wrote a post called 5 Reasons Why You Should Become a Professional Photographer. (As if anyone needs more convincing to jump on that career ship!) Today we look at 3 more reasons […]