Simply put, trying to make money off photos locally or on a website such as this is proposterous. People want something for nothing. I went through the following stages with photography and I find myself at the last point:
1. Taking photos for free. I offered to take photos all the time to anybody who wanted it. Man, nobody could tell me anything, I whored my photos everywhere and it was something prideful to have it on a forum and people compliment you. In the meanwhile working on your craft to become a better photographer was a big plus!
2. The realization that your time is more important than, "free". Knowing this, your regular job during the week starts to take a toll on your mind, body , and soul. The weekends are your "recoup" period where you rest or do things you want to do. So many times have you gone to a photo-shoot for somebody, hit up many different locations, and then its over. You've wasted a half a day doing something you like, yet in the end not really gaining anything. Maybe its just my personal feelings towards the subject.
3. Start getting recognized for your photos. This probably was the high point for me. I never intended to "be on staff", or shoot photos full time. However, I got many gigs for my photos. 80 percent of my photos were used in an Enkei Wheels Catalog, I had a 3 page feature spread in a National "Shelf" publication (DSport), all with my photos, and most recently photos used in a Brian Crower ad. And my photos were used in a good bit of ad's for other magazines. It was great, and they paid me well for them, and even paid for trips to other events. I made a lot of connections I still keep in touch with today. But when all was said and done, I achieved what I wanted to. But to be completely honest, Ive done quite a few weddings and personally that is the most rewarding. If I had the time to invest in such an endeavor full time, Id personally choose this. Countless numbers of people get into wedding photography, only to quit later on down the road. They do a few gigs for friends or family, and then make the leap into "unchartered" territory then get a glimpse first hand at the hell that wedding photography can be, and they quit.
4. At a cross roads. Personally I think each every person in here will reach that time where theyll ask themselves, is it worth it? We all know that making a living taking photos is next to impossible for many. We are like painters and other artists that try to sell their paintings at shows/exhibitions , except our craft involves a camera for a paintbrush. Personally this whole "photography" fad is becoming overcrowded, overcrowding an already saturated field.
Personally man, do it for yourself. Dont do it for the money, dont do it to be "cool". If you love what you do then that's all that matters. Sounds kind of cliche but it is true. Im sure someday Ill get back out there and shoot, hell youll see me at a few events next year. I had a coworker tell me one time, "you need to find friends and clients that actually have money". Sounds kind of funny, but its true. I remember when I first started wedding photography one lady asking me to shoot at her wedding three hours away from where i live, and she told me she didnt have a lot of cash. I told her my lowest rate and Ill even help her out and give her more of my time. She said she couldnt afford it. Being the nice guy I am I said, then just cover my gas. Probably around 100 dollars. Since I was new at it, I would have been fine with it. She said no. She wasnt that poor either, she wanted to get something for nothing basically. I always get a kick out of people that skimp on photographers for their "one special day".
By the way: I am by no means a photo "god", despite how some feel that I have this mentality. There are tons of amazing photographers out there that do what they do because they enjoy it whole heartedly. So the above statements are my personal experience, so take it as you will.
Reply With Quote
Originally Posted by changaroo
