 Clark E. Brown |
Transitioning from a well-paying career I have been working to see how I can transition from my current well-paying career that has become little more than that. My passion for photography and desire to do it full-time continues to grow. However, I have not been able to come up with the path that leads me to my goals of one day having my photography as my main source of zen, finance, fun, etc. I realize this is difficult to do. However, if there are any suggestions I would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
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Clark E. Brown |
After I think about my previous post, I realize that some give in the balance of zen, finance, fun, enjoyment will most likely be experienced when the desire is to "make a living". Any thoughts are greatly appreciated.
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Richard Lynch |
Variety seems to be the makeup of success to me. I know very few photographers who only take pictures of what they want. Most supplement through teaching craft (as the instructors do here on BP), perhaps write a book, maintain clients or a service, sell stock, retouching services, guide tours, other sales... It may help to lean on whatever your previous experience has been in that well-paying career and extend it (e.g., if it was sales, apply that knowledge.). No matter what I am involved in, I try to keep time open for MY photography. If I am writing a book or teaching courses, I enjoy that and learn from it even, but it cannot replace taking an hour or four on a walk to a place where I want to shoot. I may make nothing on my walks, but those are the shots I prize (and tend to use in books and instruction as well as marketing tools). You started in the right place, but you will have to explore your focus, realistic capabilities, and desire... Richard
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Kay Beausoleil |
Clark, I'm only a rabid amateur, so no useful advice from me. But if you do a search under "career" here in the BP forum, you'll find over 300 queries similar to yours with loads of comments worth every penny you're paying for it. Good luck!
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- Gregory LaGrange Contact Gregory LaGrange Gregory LaGrange's Gallery |
Some supplement their income as an Eric Clapton impersonator.
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Clark E. Brown |
Thank you Richard, Kay and Gregory for your feedback and yes, Richard, that is a good point I do need to hone my focus, capabilities and desire... I am looking to see how I can adapt photography to my current career (construction estimating), maybe as a project site photographer taking progress photos and documentation. I will peruse additional career queries and even do some research on Eric Clapton... all great advice, thank you for the help.
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Richard Lynch |
Gregory, it takes all kinds! Is that a particular skill of yours? I guess my point was that not everyone is lucky enough to have simply their passion be enough to support them. I certainly tend to wear a few hats... Clark, there is at least one BetterPhoto instructor that I know who has done progress photos on construction. You would have an advantage in the field having a practical background in it... Richard
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- Gregory LaGrange Contact Gregory LaGrange Gregory LaGrange's Gallery |
 Eric Clapton impersonator!
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Richard Lynch |
Never would have guessed you were referring to me! Even my air guitar isn't that good. Richard
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Linda Eodice |
I'm very much in agreement with Richard that variety is important when you're planning a career in photography. Teaching and writing about the subject are great ways to go. If you enjoy shooting commercial work and you're very prolific, you might also consider selling your work through a stock agency. Also, identify what your photographic strengths are and build your career around them.
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