8 comments

• 

  Mel

  2 years ago

  :o/
  reply
• 

  Em

  2 years ago

  *hugs*
  reply
• 

  Tony

  2 years ago

  You wanna have a frank talk about this? I think you still have options.
  reply
• 

  vaxocentric

  2 years ago

  It's tough to run even a minimal photography business that just keeps you out of the red. Almost every pro will tell you the very least of what they do involves holding a camera. I didn't believe this until I started working for Winn and quickly found out it's very true. There's a LOT of work that is required to just run the framework of the business, not even considering things like marketing, communication (meetings/emails/calls), and accounting.
  
  I tell my clients I'm a professional photographer; I tell my friends and family that it's just a hobby. It's both, and I'm careful not to take too big of a bite in the pro realm because I know I don't want to devote *that* much time to the business.
  reply
• 

  Jillithian

  2 years ago

  I don't even know what to say.
  reply
• 

  Jeremy

  2 years ago

  Hey Man,
  Sometimes we have to realize that our art is something we can do for free or minimal pay because we love it and have a driving passion to do it. I think that sometimes we do our best work when not getting paid to do it!
  Big decision man, but it isn't the end. I think all of your stuff I have seen is amazing. Who would have thought when you strolled into that theatre class in highschool that you would be shooting amazing pictures that evoke emotion?
  BTW, I got a teaching job!
  Jeremy
  reply
• 

  MikeO

  2 years ago

  Its hard to run a photo business. In the 2 years that I have been doing it I always remember a few things. That it will take years to even see a good profit, You will always be in debt. Being in the red can make the whole thing feel like it is not worth the struggle but you must do your cost of doing business figures to know what you have to charge to stay out of the red and make a decent living. Average it out and set your price.
  
  Now, you probably know this and have done this but have you also kept up with the minimum amount of leads you have to generate to stay at that comfort level? If not then you are not trying hard enough. Easier said then done but it takes a special rebel to keep at it in a society that wants everything NOW. The future hold great things for those that have faith.
  
  As they say a business goes under not because they plan to fail but because you failed to plan. and starting out with less than good gear and enough money to hold you over on the dry months is a sure way to cut yourself off at the knees. We all get an opportunity to venture off and do our thing but we should only do it if we are ready. Like the train of opportunity that comes into the station you must ask yourself am I ready to get on board? Be true to yourself.
  
  I remember saving up and buying my gear for 3 years, purchased used on Ebay, spending nights researching online till 1 or 3 am, that hard, steap learning curve that many times I remember the idea crossing my mind to just go back to my graphic design position that pays good. But if you don't have that real drive to keep going then, as they say don't leave your day job.
  
  Find a role model to work with, find your special talent and it will help you to get past this hurdle but what ever you do don't give up. Your feeling of relief is only temporary. Remember that being self-empolyeed is what you make of it. If you want big money charge big money but your services and your product better be better than the average photog in your area. If not step back and ask yourself what can I do to make it better. To make more money to be a good business person and a good family man. It ain't fo the weak at heart but it can be done.
  reply
• 

  Laura

  2 years ago

  No matter how you slice it, to make a living is a pain in the ass. As the fellow above said, the actual trade generally ends up being the least of your focus. It has to be, a lot of the time. Which I think is a big reason why my husband is still destined to have a dayjob for a good long while. And if we do manage to go Hollywood or fall into inheritance or win the lottery or whatever, frankly, I'll be perfectly happy to make a hobby out of healing. Even though I've spent the last four years of my life studying because I don't believe I could hold down any other job. I do get the pain of giving up a dream, but I totally get why you came to the conclusion you did for now.
  
  Anyway, the clinic would still love to buy some prints. No stress, since I've currently got the table turned so they're looking at the window and my diplomae instead of blank wall. Extra 5 feet of space between their heads and the construction next door, ya know? Hopefully that won't be too much longer. Foundation's almost done, and I think the roof is done.
  reply