|
Forums >
General Industry >
Would Full Time Photography Kill the Passion ?
Myself I only dabble in photography part time ... weekends , some evenings to shoot fashion shows , occassionally I may take a day off from my reg ( non photography ) 9-5 job if I catch an interesting assignment . Basically I only choose to photograph things that interest me I often though , wonder what it would be like to be a full time phtographer - Competing for those assignments , Working those long hours , chasing after clients who owe $ etc But what I wonder about them most ...If I were a full time photographer-having to daily photograph that which interested me as well as that which did not - WOuld I lose my passion for this activity . Jan 14 07 01:27 am Link You will spend a great deal of your time running the business end of it - marketing, sales, book keeping, etc (unless you are lucky enough to afford help), so that for some, it can be tedious work. Jan 14 07 08:42 am Link I honestly think if you have to ask the question, you shouldn't get into it. My experience was the opposite of what you describe. I have done everything that I possibly could to ensure that I have never had to take a job outside of photography. I never gave myself a day-job option. About the only thing I get paid for outside of photography is writing articles (that I illustrate w/ my photos). Jan 14 07 08:59 am Link I only shoot what I want all the time, and I love it. At times it's really hard, but in the end, it's always paid off Jan 14 07 09:09 am Link Yes, photography is a business when you earn a living from it. I've been doing for thirty or so years. But everytime I'm out a nice day shooting or taking photos in situations that the average person will never experience AND getting paid I think how lucky I am! To answer your question, no, it doesn't take the passion away! Jan 14 07 09:12 am Link its very tricky to make your art, your living...cause then it becomes your job.. its very delicate... Jan 14 07 09:14 am Link The definitive answer is.... possibly. Running your own business (photography or any other type of business) is hard work. Shooting a job is only one part... you have to deal with marketing so you can get the next shoot; possibly sales so you can maximize profit from the current shoot; and all the paperwork of keeping your business running. Some people like the "freedom" of being your own boss; some feel like slaves to their customers. Some like the irregular (though long) hours; others get run down by it. You end up having to shoot because you have to, not because you want to. Years ago someone told me the fastest way to lose a hobby is to make it a career. It can happen. But when I would start to feel burned out, I'd take a day and just wander with my camera. Didn't matter if I shot 1 photo, or 1000... the idea was I was shooting for myself. It got me back to basics and reminded me what I loved about photography. Jan 14 07 12:07 pm Link The few times that I've done stints doing studio photography as a full time job, I couldn't stand it. When I was the representative for a major photography company, which involved demonstrating and teaching retailers about our products... I had an unlimited supply of cameras and printing materials to use. During the whole 5 years, I don't think that I printed more than 20 pictures for myself (although I loved the job, I just didn't want to even look at a photo printer when I was off duty). Heck, too much of anything can cause ya to get burned out. I ran a casino on a cruise ship for 2 years. I had my own passenger cabin, and we sailed around the beautiful warm Caribbean sea. Because we were in a different port 6 out of 7 days of the week the casino was usually closed and I'd go off scuba diving, motorcycle riding, horse riding, or hanging out at a beach... I averaged a 5 hour work day... and I still got burned out from it after a year! I'm considering the purchase of a photo studio franchise. It's a very successful company and they have a great marketing and business plan... but I seriously gotta consider whether or not that the 'burn out' factor will apply. Jan 14 07 12:20 pm Link Garry, You have gotten the itch...now will you scratch? ANY business is hard, that's why most new businesses fail within the first five years. Photography is a business that has a SERIOUS group of amateurs in direct competition for a part of the available income pie. Especially the online modeling business. This was not always so, but with the explosion of digital photography, it is now. Can you be successful at photography as a business? Yes, (I have for over 20 years) IF you are dedicated to it...almost to the point of an obsession. The question to ask yourself is, "What gives you satisfaction?" The art of photography or the business of photography? Once you can give an honest answer to this question you will need no further advice from anyone else. Good luck with your choice! Oliver Cole Jan 14 07 12:32 pm Link http://www.luminous-landscape.com/colum … 3-23.shtml change from amateur passion to professional passion??????????????? Jan 14 07 01:14 pm Link Thank you all for sharing .... Ive really not seriously thought bout getting into it full time but when I hang with soem of my professional photographer friends - I sometimes wonder what its like to be in their shoes ...... Jan 14 07 01:25 pm Link Garry k wrote: I cann't speak for others,but for myself the answer is yes.In the past 30years or so I worked both full time and part time in photography.What attracted me to it in the first place wasn't there even if money was.When I decided to only shoot what I wanted to it all started coming back ,even if the money didn't.More than happy to say I am "ex pro" if that is how you describe it.Others will have a different experience and that is okay ,too. Jan 14 07 02:20 pm Link Garry k wrote: I call this to be a stupid assumption! Jan 14 07 02:37 pm Link Garry k wrote: That happened with me and ceramics. Jan 14 07 03:38 pm Link I have been a full time professional photographer for over 35 years and the passion is as strong or stronger now than ever! (I know there are a lot of photographers on this sight that don't like the word "professional" or debate over what it really means.) My definition (personal one) Earn sole income from photography, full time. Jan 14 07 04:00 pm Link when you start doing it full time, you dont really lose the passion, but you do run out of time to do the projects you want. for me, the passion shows up when i get really interesting or different projects. for those i really get to turn them into what i want to do. now, if youre thinking long term, most photographers i know that have been doing it for 25+ years are trying to become strictly artists because theyre sick of all the commercial theyve done over the years. i think that kinda happens with most jobs though. Jan 14 07 04:04 pm Link UdoR wrote: Udor . While I value your input above most others here, I am not pleased with your choice of words directed at me .... ie "stupid " - ( especially given that you are a mod) I recall similar personalized and derogating reactions from you in the past when I have brought up issues such as perceptions of race . Jan 14 07 10:48 pm Link I wonder if porn stars lose the passion for sex after they make it their profession? Jan 14 07 10:51 pm Link Garry k wrote: As long as you are still doing the shoots you like more often than the ones you do not, it should be fine. Most photographers lose their passion when most of what they do is shoots they have no interest in. Jan 14 07 10:52 pm Link Eric S. wrote: Your point being that photographers are similar to porn stars? . maybe in your world Jan 14 07 10:56 pm Link Eric S. wrote: Yeah, we do. :-) Jan 14 07 11:04 pm Link Garry k wrote: WHAT???? Jan 14 07 11:07 pm Link Passion is full time... In reality. The desire to be and the passion of being are two differant things. Passion does not meet you half way it is all or nothing... And it will set you free or kill you, all your hopes and your dreams for the rest of your life... Jan 14 07 11:12 pm Link UdoR wrote: Ok - So what I recall is you posting in response to my "Beyonce is White : thread ....Initially politely telling me how the thread offended you personally etc . Then when soemone else asked you were you really telling me to STFU - You replied yes- which in my view is the same as you saying it directly to me ... Yes that response to me was derogatory Jan 14 07 11:34 pm Link Full time photography?....80% business and 20% shooting. when you get started....then quickly changes to 90% business and 10% shooting. I have always said there are two types of photographers. 1. Great photographers who are not good business people 2. Great business people who are average to poor photographers The later of the two ...sad to say.....are the ones who do the best and last the longest. If you do take the leap to full time ....like I did 20 years ago.....remember to schedule some shoots YOU like for the fun of it to keep the batteries charged and to remind you as to why you enjoy it so much Jan 15 07 07:10 am Link Well, As photography is one division of my company, and the rest isall media related. I started this company 5 yrs ago because I have a passion for creativity and a l,ove for marketing and promotion. I must admitt that it becomes tedious at time, as you must RUN your business well to stay in the game. I can also say, I love getting into the meat of a project and I can be alazy as I want to be.Meaning, I can lounge at my whim. Ofcource I can only do that to a point as I have bills to pay. But really, I can chill when I want. If I really hustle I can start seeing HUGE Profits. Instead I am on crusie control having fun. That's the best part. Try going on crusie control at your day job...NOT! Take a leap..its worth it! V Jan 15 07 08:01 am Link the passion is everything in development of an idea into an image Jan 15 07 08:03 am Link Garry k wrote: Maybe. Jan 15 07 03:37 pm Link Making money at photography full time is a piece of cake! Tons of work out there! How could making money by doing something you love ruin it? Ridiculous! The biggest mistake made is going after the money. Hard to do. Better is to shoot what you love, show it off, and let the money find you... Easy! Jan 15 07 04:56 pm Link Allen Coefield wrote: Holy Shit! You missed the best group-- great photographers that are great business people. Amazing craftsmen that understand how to gain a client's trust, deliver the goods, and then never let the client fall. They are the ones the money likes to find the most. Jan 15 07 04:59 pm Link Thanks for the contributions Jan 15 07 10:52 pm Link |
