The Secret to Becoming a Pro Photographer and Saying Goodbye to Your Day Job - DO THIS NOW!
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- čas přidán 27. 08. 2024
- In this video, I'm sharing with you The Fear of Doing This. This is the fear that is stopping you from becoming a pro photographer and earning a living from your photography.
If you're looking to break into the photography industry and make a career out of it, then you need to overcome this fear. In this video, I'm going to share with you how I've overcome this fear and what I did to become a successful commercial photographer. By the end of this video, you'll understand why this fear is stopping you from becoming a pro photographer and what you can do to overcome it!
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Thank you!
How can I purchase this in American Dollar?
I had been doing photography for 10 years as a side hustle while working in my career at a very high level in my country. I enjoyed my job, but I was also just an employee and I knew at some point I wanted to build something on my own. It was during the pandemic that I was let go for the first time in my life, and I had no other choice but to make ends meet with my "side hustle." I've been doing it as my only job for almost 3 years now and I've accomplished more in that time than the entire 10 years prior. It was scary AF in the beginning and it sometimes still is, but wow do I wish I would've done this sooner.
scary autofocus
Started my business when I was 18. Did about 3 small jobs per year. Worked full time till I was 28. By then I had what I needed. No loans, car, cheap apartment, camera, lens, computer and life experience. Quit my job and went to film school 1+1/2 year. Now 32 and about 3 years as a full-time filmmaker. No big money yet but growing and improving each year. It a long term play. Happy I stuck to it and didn’t get trapped on the way.
I worked in ICT until 4 years ago. Had my own company, a bunch of employees, expensive lease cars, nice office, the lots. Sold it and went to photography school. Now I'm a photographer (at least I think I am ;-) ). No need to build a career, no need for a big salary. House has been paid for and I'm driving a 23 year old well maintained Volvo V70. I own my camera's for almost 9 years now and they serve me well (Nikon D810 & D750). And I'm as happy as I ever was. Just doing what I love to do.
was photography school worth it for you
For me, the biggest drawback against going fulltime "pro" is the thought of having to do jobs that I don't want to do. I'm perfectly happy turning down most offers and only doing the ones that I'm truly excited to do.
I’m lucky to have a loving and supportive partner as I move into the industry (and a military pension). We have tightened the proverbial belt here and are figuring it out. Our lifestyle has changed a lot but I can honestly say I’m happier than I was 6 months ago and Mrs. Conyers is grateful for that. Great advice Scott!
J.Conyers, I too am a retired Veteran who has a military pension and 100%VA rated disability pension as well. I moved to Germany last June and am stuck in a go no where job here. I would love to do photography full time and "try" to make money at it as well. Getting the Mrs. to tighten the proverbial belt is my roadblock right now. would love to converse with you to see what works/doesn't work etc.... and thank you Tin House Studio for this video. It is pushing me to do what I want to do....albeit very slowly :) ha ha ha
I've been doing nonsense for 10 years, but finally I quit this job, which didn't give me any pleasure. It was only taking pictures that brought me joy in life, now I am a middle-level photographer, but I am incredibly happy to live such a life. Yes, of course it's a lot more responsibility than working for someone, but this is my life and I do what I like. I am developing, learning and spending more time where I want and how. And I also get a lot of new acquaintances and it only benefits me more than if I was sitting in a stuffy office from 9 to 17
sry from langue, its translate from google. And yes i watch your video with translate. thank you man for you work!
A lot of stars need to align for it to happen. Foresight and logical preparation are great tools. Fantastic video - thanks!
Absolutely!
That last part though. I've known for quite a while that I need therapy. I haven't been able to talk myself into seeing someone, but thinking about it as "performance enhancing " completely changes it.
Go for it! It’s just like going to a physiotherapist or a doctor. When you need it, you go 🙂🚀
I think the key thing is to be crystal clear what makes you happy (happiness and pleasure are two different things), and then have the courage to pursue it...Thanks for sharing!
That’s exactly what happened to me a year ago! Just one random day was laid off. They didn’t need me and I knew it. Best and most stressful thing to happen in my career 👏
i got fired from my last job, tried to go self employed in those 30 days and with only one year in as a hobbyist. lol! needless to say, Its not enough time to go SOLO! so, Im back at my new job. Giving them what they are giving me, all extra HARD WORK is going into continuing my pursuit of happiness of working for myself! Good luck every one! use your job to fun your goals, dont be content with what they give you! But, we have to start somewhere! Good video
Scott, solid advice. Thank you! I've been in biz for myself (entrepreneur/leadership coaching) for 15 years and am fortunate to have a spouse that is fully supportive of my path. We don't have children, but we do have a mortgage, plus retirement 10-20 yrs off to consider. I've been finding myself pulled towards doubling-down on my photography and maybe shifting my coaching to a new niche (if I keep doing it). Even with our relatively simple lifestyle, it's still a financial risk, and of course, an ego risk!
How I plan to approach it: spend the rest of 2023 creating the plan and groundwork for a pivot and dedicate 2024 to going all-in to see what happens. I know it often takes longer than a year to really get traction, but I'd at least have enough data to know if I should keep going: if I enjoy it (just like any love, the romantic vision almost never matches reality!), if it's viable. As you say, I can always go back to what I was doing before; there's one contract I'll likely keep regardless just to keep my foot in the door. I'm not unhappy with my current work; I'm just much more excited about developing as an artist... and more and more, I feel I'll regret it if I don't try. If I have 15-20 years ahead of me of work, don't I want to spend it doing something I'm energized by!? My next step is to have a conversation with my husband to talk through what each of us hope for and what we're concerned about. I'm confident we'll figure it out!
Q for you Scott, if you're reading this: re: your marketing 101 tutorial, is it applicable to different types of photo businesses, beyond food or studio photography work? Thanks for any insights you can offer, and thanks again for a thought-provoking video!
I'm super lucky having a partner who's supported me quitting the well paid yet insanely stressful job to do photography. The pandemic was a killer as I was just starting, had to take a warehouse job and do photography on the side, but far far happier than sitting at a desk, dying in my own head.
I agree. I don’t need a NEW BMW, I need a used one 😂
We recently had an enforced 'limit your spending' and whilst it was a scary time we have found a way out of it that is going to create greater happiness. It's a gamble (my wife setting up her own business) but she is great at what she does and she has my full support. It's not photography but your principles apply.
Such good advice for anyone who is considering ditching the 9 to 5 and moving into creative self-employment (not just photography). So much is about honestly assessing what it is you really want from life.
Just quit my full time photo assistant job at a production company last week, and wanted to say you hit the nail on the head. I built up savings before leaving, developed a habit of living frugally, and am lucky enough to have a girlfriend who fully supports this decision. Definitely going to need to start working on my marketing, but I’m happy to hear that it sounds like I’m going in the right direction
Quit my IT career (20 years) to do what I love the most - photography. Been learning the light for the last 4 months now and definitely I have learned a lot. Family understands. Will work out marketing later :)
I'm so thrilled that I found your channel. You really share a very blunt, direct, not overly-stylised and unique perspective. I've been a hobbyist for over ten years, mainly because music is my first love. But now that I'm back in college I need an income I can fit around my music program. I didn't think I could make money with my photography without spending years building a following first. I'm gonna listen to a lot more of your content!
Another thing to consider is that you don't have to be a sole trading free lancer to be a pro. There are good paying photography jobs out there that can be used as a stepping stone. I would encourage people to look for roles with media and advertising companies that specialise in content for industries that you might already have worked in. You can have a leg up here because you understand the industry and sometimes the have the connections too. If you're presentlu workng in the industry too there might also be a way to practise and build skills and portfolio before you make the jump. I did this as a real-estate agent into real-estate photography before stepping in to freelance architectural photography and I didn't need to substantially sacrifice my income at any point. And I have heard of many other pros making the jump this way in other industries from chefs in food photography to dental nurses into corporate photography. Then once you're totally on your feed you can start transitioning in another field of photography if you wish. Good luck out there everyone 👍
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So much sense just from one video. Definitely thought provoking and bang on point.
The only photography channel in which the words “f stop” are never heard. Keep up the excellent work, Scott!
Relate to the dad bit. Kids all grown now (step and adopted, there were a lot) I should have made a career move back then but didn’t because I was trying to keep the wheels on the track. Which ever way you go you need to consider it while you can. I’m old now and I have some regrets. I hope that helps somebody.
Never too old hehehe I'm old too btw ;)
@@photobizmethod thanks 🙏, something to learn
10:27 answer is to rethink the relationship where money is more important than happiness of BOTH.
I love how these videos are more than just photography it’s about life and real scenarios.
Youre a really smart guy. Thanks for the practical advise. You see lots of videos about composition, gear, lighting, ect... but you rarely see career advise.
I absolutely LOVE your take on therapy as a performance booster. I think therapy comes with the, sadly, derogatory feeling that something is "wrong" with you. Schooling as caused so much negative to be associated with being wrong - like it's better to die than to be wrong.
This is gold. I’m in the same spot, long career in IT and now don’t want to go back to it. This helps me at least sociologically
As a committed amateur I should be out taking photos to please myself yet here I am watching another of your videos. Cheers 😊
This is a very philosophical approach to life applied to photography that I very much agree with once again.
Well said, difficult choices indeed. Will check out the marketing package.
LISTEN TO THIS MAN!
You've got a great presence!
I really enjoy your down to earth videos.
4:55. This is it. I'm basically living month to month, only spending on monthly necessary expenses. I don't spend big. I don't spend at all. Basics cost double what they did 1-2 years ago, but I earn 5% more. I have a hard time justifying spending $1 on something which isn't a necessity. It wasn't like this a year ago, but living expenses are climbing fast.
If I could get out of this trap, I would. Thanks for the advice. I don't think it's photography I want to do, but the principle is the same.
Great video. Love the insight. Made the leap to photography because our very successful business went under during COVID. So there is a lot of relevance in this video. Went from living very comfortably to scraping by and asking for help. Not in my 20’s either anymore. So it was devastating having to start from scratch. However, I’m really happy now. Haven’t felt this good about what I do in 14 years. Now we are not flush by any means and the photo business struggles because of location, etc but I’d rather keep doing something that fulfils me. The next step is to change location when we can and push into the commercial world. Like you say, it’s not clear cut or easy but nothing is certain either. Photography is what I’ve always wanted to do so I’m grateful for the opportunity to develop this career.
Your videos really hit the nail on the head
Excellent advice and as mentioned EXCELLENT advice I was a corporate photographer the rug was pulled save !!!
Of all the videos and podcasts I've watched over the last 10 years about going self employed, this is by far the best! So honest and insightful 🙏🏻👌 Quality like this is so rare to come across so a big thank you 🙏🏻 for putting this video together 👌
Spot on! Happiness is so much more important than money. Have a Job you love. Save some money so you don’t have to worry that much about it. Too much money might bring worries too and always comes with a price! Universal advice and wisdom (not financial advice indeed 😂).
On seeing a therapist... I've discussed my desire to be a photographer. My therapist told me no one is asking to buy my photos. I was like, "What!? People ARE asking for prints of my work!"
Fear of losing my day job:
In my day job, I've been really lucky to have a really sought-after specialty. For a while, I was a consultant and the phone wouldn't stop ringing. Several times, I've had multiple offers on the same day. To employ me, you'd have to pay me more than the other. I am concerned I wouldn't make this amount of money as a photographer.
Fear of not liking photography as work:
I love photography when I want to do it. Photography as the thing from which I have to make a living becomes something else...deadlines, negotiations, finding clients, compromises, etc. For example, I have done event photography and found my love of photo editing working against me. I'm also not terribly interested in certain aspects of running my own business. Automation is making that easier, though. There is hope!
Not knowing what I want.
I do travel, street, food, still life, among others...but people like my photos and ask me to shoot their weddings, headshots, etc. I'd love to get great at portraits...shoot models...and food. I am always told to pick a thing...but that's when it starts becoming less fun. I like to use my lack of focus to improve in ways focused people might not...like I learn a wider amount of techniques and approaches that I can mix and match. I can network wider. I can be unique...but people often look for a specialist. Everyone tells me to choose and I cannot. (Actually, working in many areas of internet-related technologies for decades is exactly what led me to be chosen to specialize in what I do now...but that doesn't mean the same would happen with photography...but it's still something for me to ponder. I like going my own way and have the privilege to do so with photography right now, but not (yet) for money).
I think what you'll find is that people are afraid of failure...the mentality is (unfortunately) very common in many who are first taking the first few steps..
Fear is a feeling we all get that protects us from getting hurt or injured and therefore tells our common sense gears to avoid the situation.
This is something we as humans are hard - wired into our brains.
This can however be tricked by approaching the thought path by learning how to simply learn a few basics of photography and creativity.
If one is unsure of taking that leap into being professional, remember what the word " "PROFESSIONAL" actually means... Not to overwhelm themselves in the pronunciation of the word... To be "professional " not just at photography but whatever your game is, simply means that you're generating an income on what ever you're doing... A living - in other words!
I agree that the word also refers to being good or great at whatever your niche is but if you're good or great at it then you're able to make a living at it and therefore you're considered as "professional!"
Oh and BTW, once you've made it to this point, you should have put The "F" word past you!!
Yeah, I totally understand. Nothing in life is free, if you want to receive, you have to give in return. Sometimes we’ll face harsh moments and the reality is we have to make sacrifices. When I pursue a goal and it’s time to make sacrifices, I ask myself, “how bad do you want it?”. That’s the Rocky Balboa moment lol
I fall into that 'mid live crisis' category, been doing this as a side hustle for 10 years, though yet to make any actual proper income from it. Spent the last few years cutting back on expenses but still I think the market in my location is just not there to provide more than the £200 jobs, so not sustainable for me a s the main bread winner in the house. I think I will likely sell most of my gear and just concentrate 100% on creating just personal work and nothing else, not even bother chasing clients anymore as they usually end up costing me money anyway.
start take money from your job bro, just do it!
Thank you. I needed this today.
Really enjoyed this! Quit commercial studio photography about a year or so ago. Really intrigued by you talking about the running of your biz - ie paying yourself a salary and keeping money in the company. I’m starting a new career and hoping to learn from the mistakes I made in the last one
I have tried working as my own boss 3 different times before as a photographer and I haven't had any luck. For some reason I always keep wanting to try again, this time I believe I have a better understanding of life and also Recently i keep getting clients like crazy and it gives me hope again.
I have some of the best problems to have, and some of the worst. Fortunately and unfortunately, I have a killer job. I have a job in health care that I genuinely liked, and I love my co-workers and I love my boss. I know it's not going to last forever, but the position I'm in I literally could retire from, and I'm 37 now. That's how enjoyable and secure my day job is.
If it was just me, I could leave without thinking about it. But I am a single father of three kids, and by the end of the year they'll be teenagers.
We live a very comfortable, very comfortable. And I refuse to do anything that is going to diminish to a large degree their way of life. That's actually why I got out of photography, professionally the first time, which is how I got to the corporate world.
But that's also why I'm gearing the business towards product photography. It's not seasonal and it's evergreen.
I'm too young to give up on my dreams. I actually just finished a lot of mail out packets tonight, including a speculative pitch book.
Really appreciated this view of therapy as "performance enhancement"!
Love this, and I appreciate the acknowledgment that everyone is different with different priorities. I’ve currently got two teenagers and a salaried job that’s “too good to leave”, but I also live pretty frugally overall and have formed a 4-5 year plan where I can transition to doing photography for money eventually. In the mean time, my focus is on getting better a little bit every day.
I m doing photography since 2010 as hobby, doing job with that till 2021, in November 2021 i decided to quit the job and do wedding photography for full time, and luckily i got weddings in 2021 & 2022 that's an awesome start which I hoped,in start of 2023 didn't get an wedding booking for me,but I did work for another photographer as an 2nd shooter and some little gigs of mine too.yes it's tough to survive but as you mentioned cut down the unnecessary expenses will make good sence.
I'm young and early in my career, so "big" jobs aren't huge, (low 4 figures), but living is also cheap. It feels amazing knowing that getting one of those "big" jobs is my bills paid for a month. I don't stop working, but it does a lot to relieve stress. I know as I get older some of my needs will expand, and that cost of living will increase a bit, but in general, I'm a big fan of knowing I don't have to work every day of the week to keep my life running. I finally hit a point where I've built a tiny buffer. Less than a month without work... but until this point I've been going month to month, so I call that a huge win. In any case, I feel similar to you, with exception of appreciating the occasional nice experience, my standard of living is kind of at its max. I have the stuff that I want already, blowing more money won't make me more happy.
This is easier said than done and just my opinion. Depending on the extent or lack of compromise from your partner weighed against your level of unhappiness in your day job. Leaving them should be an option. Otherwise resentment will build and an unhealthy relationship will probably form. Your kids will learn that this is what a adult relationship looks like. They will also perceive more than you realize and see the love fade. You only have one life and your partner shouldn't hold you back and limit your joy for life. Yes it might not work, but its a risk your partner should be willing to take for your Joy I think. Also if your kids are aproaching a big milestone wait until after. GCSEs or A levels for instance unless the relationship is falling apart.
I left a comment after I'd watched another of your videos. Something along the lines of 'You talk so much sense.' I stand by that comment and I wish I could've elaborated on it a bit, but it was 1 am when I watched that video and I was knackered!
My situation is a little bit different to the situations you were describing, but in many ways it's quite similar. I'm actually disabled and on benefits. So, a very low income. And one that I don't actually 'earn'. But trust me, I wouldn't actually be sacrificing much of a lifestyle even if I did try to make a business work! But (and this is a BIG but) a) I have wife and step-children who need the finances that the benefits provide, and also because of the disability and health issues I have, I don't actually know if I could run a business in the first place! All I know is, that I would love to try!
I plan to do some real estate photography work after my day job to start to get a portfolio built and start to gain some clients so that I don't just leave a lucrative job with no connections. I think real estate might offer me the best chance for steady income. I also have access to some exotic cars to shoot to build my portfolio. My ultimate goal it to travel around the world photographing exotic cars. I don't think I can just jump into doing that and expect it to be lucrative without some form of portfolio and some connections and clients. I think these types of clients might be harder to get then real estate clients.
"The things you own..end up owning you." - Tyler Durden.
Sage words as always. I really enjoy your business-focused videos.
I agree I don't need a new car I'm content with a Citroen DS and seriously yes my wife fought and destroyed my desire to go into photography business with our daughter. Hurt both daughter and I badly
Fantastic video.
I walked away from a job as a labourer site idiot but I love photography so I did it 🎉I do fitness shoots now this video came at the perfect time thank you very much I’d love to have a chat with you one day
You are gold! Love it! 🙏🏼💯
the internet is proper over saturated, good photographers are lost in the noise. you can pick up a camera, press the button and guess what your a "photographer" the general public have no clue these days what a good photo is. I asked several friends about two photos which one was best, the majority went with the one that actually had NO depth of field, other than that they was identical portraits. I would love to see the local photography business popularity trends over the last 5 years now iPhones are getting so much better.
Very thoughtful,,, I agree with the way you explained "a frugal lifestyle can be fulfilling" That is the way that I have lived.. We have a bit of savings that I am grateful at 71yo... I lived as a freelance photog most of my life, and had a great life :) :) :)
Downloading your 101 course while listening to this new video :) Thanks Scott 👍🏻🍻
Love this. Really appreciate all the advice you provide here.
Thank you
many people also don't really know what the work of a photographer looks like, they like more the idea of being a photographer
because they think they can do it because they like the known photogaphers and this is why they know what it takes to do the nice picture and they think I can do that because I follow the cool ones... many people also think the photographers work looks like being the next peter mckinnon, they will get free gear to make a mediocre video and they want to be like him, who is not even a photographer, if you check his photos he is completelly mediocre, but people think he is a real photographer and not just a hipster who entertains the people who wants to be photoraphers one day and see only the romanticized I have a gift part of it ...
or to simplify it's like when people want to learn to photograph on film and it's the coolest thing in the world because they do it twice a month, but none of then had to use film as a photogpraher every day and had to hurry and retouch it and everything, because then you realize how better digital is :) but the idea of film is so romantic and better and something...
There is one factor you are missing: not only a regular job provides a fallback in case photography would fail for any reason (like being publicly defamed), there are also reduced costs of doing business, if you also have a permanent position. So unless you are swamped or feel respected enough, keeping even part-time position not only gives a "side income" looking that way, a continued employment and skill maintenance in case of having to jump these "side jobs", BUT also it's a cost-cutting measure for business.
Sure, it would be nicer to focus on one thing, but finances can dictate otherwise.
😻 Kia car 😻 when you are working in a company ... you are just a small wheel in the system that can be replaced. Thank you for opening to us about your personal life!! Now I will call a sports psychologist to ask him for some aid. THANKS!!!
This is an entrepreneur channel. Great stuff
Scott🌀
Excellent video. You’re a lucky man. Because it sounds like you’re ‘Content’.
I’m 63 now. When I was 23, I was recovering from a nasty R.T.A. 10 broken bones… back, ribs, Femur & Scapula. My benefit was £23 pw. After paying my bills I had £3 pw. To my name.
I could remember walking home from the Pub one Sunny day 🌞 with my then girlfriend without a care in the world and it dawned on me that my fiscal woes were irrelevant. As I analysed my circumstances and recognised not just my happiness, but Contentment… this lasted a year.
Until she left me 😢😂 Cest la vie 😎
But the value of that life experience was vast. I haven’t quite reached that level of contentment since. But I do know what to look for 👀 . Also, to use my big brain 🧠 not my little brain 😂
I also understand your desire to control your overheads…. You are totally right. No worries is priceless.
I really enjoy your videos.
Your honesty and integrity shine through.
Kudos to you.
May the Force
be with you.🌀
Jim🌀
(-: :-)
Here's a third scenario: I'm over 50, work for the state, it's a secure job (posts never filled up, always recruiting) and it pays - converted to £ - about 20 000, enough to be debt free, not enough to make savings (maybe over ten years of struggle I'd save up to be secure for half a year). I always worked governmental positions, never for a private employer, never on my own. I'm not afraid to leave my day job - I'm scared shitless. And seeing how you judged works on random members' websites - while I am actually making progress as of recently - you'd judge my work as "crap amateur nearing intermediate". That video (with websites) really hit me hard, this one - just proves that my dream's not for me. A two-hour session with a hired model to improve my portfolio (and skills) costs me 20-25% of my monthly wages. And I do suck at architecture photography, I don't even persue that line, won't be including that in my portfolio... So paying through the nose for studio practice it is. I guess I am one of these (us) guys doomed to en expensive hobby.
And now I'm also deciding between hot meals for a weak and your marketing 101.
Still, I wanna say I enjoy your videos a lot and would find them that much more helpful if I were now in my 20s taking up photography.
Ah! And - oh, yeah - I'm single, with retired mother needing more and more of my help (in time and in money).
Im a dad and a photographer , but my partner has a really good job so we pool our money , but I still extremely frugal . Im also lucky to work with a local Amazon Agency that provides me with work on a on going basis.
In terms of security it’s as simple as this: as an employee you have one income stream, which you may lose at any time, as self-employed you have as many income streams as you have clients. You will lose clients along the way, but not all of them at the same time, and once you know how to get new clients, it’s much easier than getting a new job. It’s also a lot easier to fire bad clients than quitting a bad job.
The BIG sacrifice in running your own studio are the hours you have to put in. Both in the beginning and later on, making it in commercial photography is NOT a nine-to-five job, more like a 12/7 job - often more. THAT’S the big difference, especially when it comes to family time. At least that was my experience, and looking at it from the outside now, not much seems to have chaged.
I can't trust 9 to 5 jobs as an architect. The past 6 years were catastrophical for me in Vienna, every time lost another job because all kind of issues, offices closing, no projects anymore, toxic environment, psychopathic boss, etc. I went for photography during the lockdown actually, starting with a big investment and I'm broke and trying to make it work. Now I'm thinking to go back, but every door shut in my face (very bad job market here) pushes me to go on with this insanity.
I felt very secure in my old job and then suddenly I had to leave. That took illusion from me in a good way now I am in a new job with reduced hours but paid the same and I prepare to get into being a pro photographer in the Side and then maybe füll time.
Tough love... many people dont know the true meaning of need vs want or are willing to accept the sacrifices that they must make to move closer to their goals.
Choices + Decisions = Sacrifice + Regret
You have to choose your regrets, many people avoid regret, only to live to regret it ... who knew
There is no right or wrong choice. Right and Wrong are an outcome you look back at. They are the result of action
Nothing guarantees happiness, happiness is a skill. However intentional living toward a goal makes the shit bearable
There you go, now Im a life coach 🤣😂
Question on a bit different subject: How do you manage anxiety on the big client jobs? I found myself in a bit of conundrum: I perform great with low level clients, do amazing job, stress level is low, but every time I get more prestigious job I get so paralyzed with anxiety that my performance drops. Literally, my brain power decreases. Not to mention that the client smells my fear and does not enjoy the atmosphere on the set. I literally create my own glass ceiling... Any advice on how to tackle that?
Raise the bar for big clients, I bet. Treat others like low value, as it is apparently working for you. Why would be any client that important anyway?
Therapy? 🤔🚀🙂
Great video! However, the big question to answer, for me at least, is whether my skill level is already there? I got my first camera back in 1983 when I was ten years old and I'm into photography since then, but rather at a hobbyist level, taking it more seriously for the last two years. Still, I'm not sure whether I'm good enough to charge people for what I'm doing.
If you get paid for your work, you are a professional
Try having the full support of your partner on your self employed business, then finding after twenty years they have other goals and they drop you like a hot rock. I’ve had to supplement income from other sources to keep the wheels turning, trying to get back to my creative niche. All this during the global gag whilst the years seem to rush by. Scott, not sure if your wisdom is sugar or salt, I suppose my tastebuds need adjustment 😂
Of course there are differences based on place where you live. I can move 20 miles to Vienna and it will be completely different life, except my German is really bad at the moment :). But lets say i live in a city which is not so much into art in general.
The other problem is I already was pro, back in early 2000s. The worst thing is to have customers who dont know what they want. Reporters who want some photo to come with article, but have no idea how it should look like. I was doing a decent job and I had decent equipment for the time (Practica LTL3 with set of Zeiss "Zebras". Most of if 40 years old already :D). But that was at time when film was still relevant.
There was a bunch of photographers left and right, losing their jobs and being disgruntled by the digital photography and by the emergence of photobanks. Within year or two 99% of photolabs closed their business. In this atmosphere I was just finishing my school and seriously considering photography. I got some other jobs in IT instead, and those helped me to get some good photo equipment. And one important note - if its cheaper it does not mean its not good.
Now I am back at square one. I finally found digital cameras I like to use, lenses which renders in a way i like... I improved during last year in studio and cosplay and LARP photography, even developed my distinct and unique style. I give a lot of my energy to photography and its kinda personal for me - as some people say i take photos for the soul. I really like to see making people happy with my work. Cosplayers put a lot of their heart to costume, makeup and stuff, and it really makes me happy to see they like my photos.
I really cant imagine money in the way how i take photos now... it would come at cost of joy from photography, or worse cause of grief.
Cannot see where you reference the 6 month plan. Can you advise?
Firstly, I want to say that I really appreciate the content that you put out. But I would just like to politely point out something I find a bit odd. Each time I see one of your vids, you are always wearing the same thing, and it’s a bit strange. I’m often unsure if the vid I’m watching is one that I’ve already seen. 😊
Haha. All my clothes are identical. Makes life easier. So I have multiples of each item I like. I also film a months videos in one day. Maybe I need a second jacket
I was making 150k usd, and now I’m a photographer
Future of photography is no more according to me because of AI can create the images you want & mobile phone camera are becoming more superior day by day. Please tell if you have any solution?
I'm the mule so I can't afford to quit my day job. Last I looked, the average pro does not make much so it is more likely than not I'd be in that lot. If your single and are only responsible for yourself, then go for it.
HI!! Where is the link for the digital course??
Thanks for the reminder!
As someone who's also very frugal I can definitely relate. The capitalists of this world despise us 😂I'll happily drive my cheap and reliable Toyota
Tbh I'd be happier to win the lotto then i could retire and buy a Camper Van to scoot about to locations that i couldn't get too before and have the ability to stay overnight or 2 and not rush home
So where s the video?
It’s in the pinned comment
I'm way too lazy
i can share my bussines idea. get a wife. make her an onlyfans accont and become her photographer. big money!
A driver and a cleaner