Should I work on the side if I want to follow photography as a profession?
I'm asking because I'm interested in photography but the job does not pay well and starting off will be slow. #photography #photo #career
4 answers
David’s Answer
Hey Jonah,
Assuming photography is your passion, do whatever you have to do to realize your dream. Many artists have to support their art by working other jobs as they become established.
Dennis’s Answer
Unless you have someone to support you, you are very likely to need a job that pays the rent while you build a photography business. I worked as a social worker for ten years while doing assignments and shooting magazine stories on speculation. Frankly, the social work job had a lot of leeway to take time off and several weeks of vacation leave which made this possible. During my first six years in the business, and it is very much a business, I did not show a profit, only sales that proved intent to make a profit. After ten years I was able to make ends meet and eventually I had a few years with a six-figure income. I believe my experience was typical three or four decades ago. I couldn't be as confident now as the photography industry is in decline (since everyone can now do it with digital equipment). At least having a steady job while pursuing photography as a career will give you the opportunity to aspire without financial ruin. Worst that could happen is that you'll have a creative and satisfying avocation to pursue on the side.
Alwyn’s Answer
First I commend you for having done some research on your career choice. I too thought to become a professional photographer but the outlay of money for expensive equipment measured and contrasted against its earning potential dissuaded me from moving forward with it. That was my experience, my decision. THAT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH YOURS. Yes, you might have to supplement your income as you get started but depending on your talent, ambition, the type of photography you master and able to sell and your go-get attitude you could be a highly successful and well-paid photographer. You might want to refer to Salary.com as it gives you salary figures based on industry type and geographic location - take the ranges provided as averages. Promotion, networking and raw talent are key - you can grow in skill on any one of these so no need to worry. Be persistent, sell your photography as stock, have an amazing portfolio on Behance, connect and apprentice for famous photographers, know how to process your work (camera -raw in Lightroom, Photoshop or any other good image processing application), get your work in front of as many eyeballs and learn the business (contracts and getting paid). Good luck and send me a link to your online portfolio please.
Subbaiah’s Answer
Once you've good amount of money to buy camera, invest on a good one.. Start practicing with it and keep going.. Like some real genius who has said that the first 1000 pictures from your camera will be the rubbish ones, please keep going.. With time and dedication, you will be able to get the light and composure right.. When you have acquired all the necessary skills for this, you can start part time freelancing.. With time, you should also expose your talent as well as your photos.. Once you have good number of clients or a proper job in the field of photography or if you have set it up as your business, you can think of leaving your other job.. All the best.. : )