Austin Photo Inc wrote:
Has the present economy affected you?  Are you getting good paying jobs these days?  This is for everyone on MM.  I'd like to know how the economy is effecting us all.

My boss says she has definitely seen a decline in the number of weddings that she has been booking.  She has been doing 30-45 weddings per season for the last 12-15 years and this season she only has 20 booked so far.

It's hard to tell if this is related to the economy in general, or the market being flooded with inexperienced digital photographers offering a full days work with an album for $500.

I never get any good paying jobs because all my clients are gay publications, models, actors, theatre companies, musicians, and myriad other bohemian types with no money.

Amanda Schlicher wrote:

My boss says she has definitely seen a decline in the number of weddings that she has been booking.  She has been doing 30-45 weddings per season for the last 12-15 years and this season she only has 20 booked so far.

It's hard to tell if this is related to the economy in general, or the market being flooded with inexperienced digital photographers offering a full days work with an album for $500.

In my experience the latter is true.  There seems to be a technical correction every 10 years or so.  A bunch a newbies get their new Nilon for Christmas, and no I are a photographer.  They then water down the market with cheep work.  It usually takes about two years for them to understand that they are working to hard for the money they are charging, and either quit, or raise their prices to a level that they finally understand they can make a living at.

Amanda Schlicher wrote:
I never get any good paying jobs because all my clients are gay publications, models, actors, theatre companies, musicians, and myriad other bohemian types with no money.

Same here...

Though, some of those connections have recently started turning in to good paying jobs...but it's hard work.

Lens N Light wrote:
Ha!  Try first having to get an inspired idea; then figure out how to shoot it. Then  try to get a model to actually show up for a paying job and pose for you. Add post processing, printing, framing and then trying to market the result.
I couldn't support myself in a manner that I like on photographic art alone, but I'm making a few bucks and who knows, someday I may become known and desired.
It's what I want to do, though, so I'll keep at it.

Why wouldn't someone show up for a PAYING job?! That's insane!

jade83 wrote:
Maybe my problem is that I don't live in NY or CA and can't get to Chicago (classes...)for that big casting call in the middle of the week!

You know what, I said the same thing for months... but there is ALWAYS local work- you just have to hunt it down, network, and keep in touch with photographers you've worked with.  It took a little while, but now I am getting magazine jobs, national commercials, stock jobs, indie film roles, etc.  It's all about patience and continuing to build your portfolio, all the while networking along the way.

Addie wrote:
Why wouldn't someone show up for a PAYING job?! That's insane!

I don't know. I've had 2 bail on me; just disappear into the ether, on a project I'm tring to cast right now. Along with the paid time goes a weekend in one of the best old Inns on the coast of Maine. I will even include their escort.
I'm puzzeled unless: 1) They have looked at my port and thought , "Well, he certainly doesn't have the talent to do that." And they are afraid they will look foolish. Or 2) maybe they are nervous that I am working for a specific image and just getting up and looking cute in front of the camera just ain't enough. It's hard work.
I admit I am somewhat demanding, (I insist on shooting what I want.) but I'm also kind and I pay for my foibles.:-)