4 answers
Ace
Student
Hellertown, Pennsylvania
1
Question
Asked
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Is it possible to make a career solely out of photography?
Ever since I’ve started trying to pursue It as a career, I’ve been told that it’s only generally successful as a side job, and having a different career as a main job would be better.
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4 answers
Dexter Arver
Senior Manager, Web Applications
232
Answers
San Jose, California
Updated
Dexter’s Answer
Hi Ace,
I think it depends on what you want out of your life and if photography work will seem like a "job" to you. I would argue that for the majority of professional photographers, life isn't easy, but for many, it is their life's calling, and they wouldn't have it any other way.
To dig a bit deeper, consider the following—if you're thinking about a career in photography as purely taking photos and delivering them to clients, I think you'll be disappointed. Much of the work in being a professional photographer (unless you are employed by publication arms), is work that all small business owners need to do. There is tons of work that needs to be done with self-promotion, scheduling, negotiating with clients, dealing with horrible clients, etc.
For instance, one of the surest ways for photographers to make money is to take headshots of people who work in corporate-settings, and while the first few might be fun (hopefully), I've known photographers that dread this type of work. It's hours of taking headshots in a conference room while dozens of people stream in-and-out of the room. The work doesn't require much creativity and is brain-off work, which probably isn't the reason why you love photography.
But maybe if you do lots of gigs like that, and/or you're amazing at wedding/event photography, it's totally possible to make a career in photography. Oh, and just be warned that like many other small businesses, the amount of work you can book can be volatile. I remember lots of photographers having issues making ends meet when the pandemic started and all their wedding and event work were cancelled.
Anyways, I hope this was helpful Ace!
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Dexter
I think it depends on what you want out of your life and if photography work will seem like a "job" to you. I would argue that for the majority of professional photographers, life isn't easy, but for many, it is their life's calling, and they wouldn't have it any other way.
To dig a bit deeper, consider the following—if you're thinking about a career in photography as purely taking photos and delivering them to clients, I think you'll be disappointed. Much of the work in being a professional photographer (unless you are employed by publication arms), is work that all small business owners need to do. There is tons of work that needs to be done with self-promotion, scheduling, negotiating with clients, dealing with horrible clients, etc.
For instance, one of the surest ways for photographers to make money is to take headshots of people who work in corporate-settings, and while the first few might be fun (hopefully), I've known photographers that dread this type of work. It's hours of taking headshots in a conference room while dozens of people stream in-and-out of the room. The work doesn't require much creativity and is brain-off work, which probably isn't the reason why you love photography.
But maybe if you do lots of gigs like that, and/or you're amazing at wedding/event photography, it's totally possible to make a career in photography. Oh, and just be warned that like many other small businesses, the amount of work you can book can be volatile. I remember lots of photographers having issues making ends meet when the pandemic started and all their wedding and event work were cancelled.
Anyways, I hope this was helpful Ace!
--
Dexter
David Wuerth
Freelance Photojournalist/ Sports Photographer
115
Answers
Nampa, Idaho
Updated
David’s Answer
Hello Ace,
There are many professional photographers making a living with a camera and many more making extra money shooting professionally. My advice to young people is have a job so you can eat and have a roof over your head as you build your business. It takes a while to get established as a professional photographer. If you are looking to build a freelance business, you had better spend a good deal of your time marketing yourself.
Photography, like any of the arts, takes a lot of perseverance to get established.
You did not indicate your age or the type of photography you wish to pursue , so my advice has to be rather generic. I do recommend getting a liberal arts degree from a college or university. This can open you to new experiences and provide you with a path to a good job as you pursue your passion.
Best of luck!
There are many professional photographers making a living with a camera and many more making extra money shooting professionally. My advice to young people is have a job so you can eat and have a roof over your head as you build your business. It takes a while to get established as a professional photographer. If you are looking to build a freelance business, you had better spend a good deal of your time marketing yourself.
Photography, like any of the arts, takes a lot of perseverance to get established.
You did not indicate your age or the type of photography you wish to pursue , so my advice has to be rather generic. I do recommend getting a liberal arts degree from a college or university. This can open you to new experiences and provide you with a path to a good job as you pursue your passion.
Best of luck!
Donna Maggio
9
Answers
Floral Park, New York
Updated
Donna’s Answer
I think it's entirely up to you. You can make this a full time or part time career. The possibilities are endless with a good business plan! Good Luck!
Jimil Burkhart
Software Engineer
97
Answers
Gilbert, Arizona
Updated
Jimil’s Answer
Keyword is marketing. Being a photographer is like being a barber, it is a service based position where your income is entirely based on the quality of service you provide. With that being said, it is important for you to show your skills to a large audience in order to attain new gigs. You will probably need to make your own business for photography, but if you market and sell your photos correctly and to the right audience, then you be successful.
It is possible to make a career out of photography, but it can be challenging, as it is a highly competitive field.
Many people pursue photography as a hobby or side job, and it can be difficult to make a living solely from photography income.
To pursue a career in photography, you'll need to have a deep understanding of the technical aspects of photography, such as composition, lighting, and editing. Also, a creative and artistic eye to be able to produce visually compelling images that resonate with your target audience.
Here are a few ways to make a career out of photography:
Wedding and event photography: Many photographers make a living by shooting weddings and other events. This can be a steady source of income, but it can also be challenging because it requires you to work on weekends and evenings.
Commercial photography: This can include advertising, fashion, product, and architectural photography. It can be a good way to make a living, but it can also be very competitive and requires a good portfolio to land these types of jobs.
Fine art photography: This type of photography focuses on creating artful and thought-provoking images that can be sold as prints or exhibited in galleries. While this can be a fulfilling career, it can also be difficult to make a living solely from selling fine art prints.
Photography education: Some photographers make a living by teaching photography classes and workshops. This can be a good way to share your knowledge and skills with others, while also making a living.
Photojournalism: this can be a good way to make a career by working with media companies and publications to document the events happening in the society. It requires you to be able to create a story with your images.
It's important to note that success as a professional photographer is often the result of hard work, dedication, and a willingness to constantly improve your craft and adapt to new technologies. Pursuing a career in photography can be difficult, but it can also be very rewarding if you have a passion for the art and are willing to put in the time and effort to make it work.
It is possible to make a career out of photography, but it can be challenging, as it is a highly competitive field.
Many people pursue photography as a hobby or side job, and it can be difficult to make a living solely from photography income.
To pursue a career in photography, you'll need to have a deep understanding of the technical aspects of photography, such as composition, lighting, and editing. Also, a creative and artistic eye to be able to produce visually compelling images that resonate with your target audience.
Here are a few ways to make a career out of photography:
Wedding and event photography: Many photographers make a living by shooting weddings and other events. This can be a steady source of income, but it can also be challenging because it requires you to work on weekends and evenings.
Commercial photography: This can include advertising, fashion, product, and architectural photography. It can be a good way to make a living, but it can also be very competitive and requires a good portfolio to land these types of jobs.
Fine art photography: This type of photography focuses on creating artful and thought-provoking images that can be sold as prints or exhibited in galleries. While this can be a fulfilling career, it can also be difficult to make a living solely from selling fine art prints.
Photography education: Some photographers make a living by teaching photography classes and workshops. This can be a good way to share your knowledge and skills with others, while also making a living.
Photojournalism: this can be a good way to make a career by working with media companies and publications to document the events happening in the society. It requires you to be able to create a story with your images.
It's important to note that success as a professional photographer is often the result of hard work, dedication, and a willingness to constantly improve your craft and adapt to new technologies. Pursuing a career in photography can be difficult, but it can also be very rewarding if you have a passion for the art and are willing to put in the time and effort to make it work.