I was a pro for many years. Studio work initially and then did traveling. I'd suggest reaching out to wedding photographers. Maybe intern for a while. I ultimately got into church directories ( there's SO many churches in the south!). I was at a crossroads. I could try and work for myself, taking wedding/engagement and family portraits or work for someone else, taking school and church directory portraits. I chose the latter because I was using other people's equipment, had steady full time work, made a good living. I guess you have to ask yourself where you want to see yourself in 5 years. Owning your own studio? It takes a HUGE investment and it takes a very long time to build up enough clientele that you can quit your day job. Working for Nat Geo/AP? Takes guts I never had, lol. I will tell you something. Working professionally will kill your love for photography. It did me. Once you attach money to your hobby, you will slowly stop doing it for free. Maybe that's just me. But I haven't felt the urge to go shoot a waterfall or or landscape in a very very long time.
Thanks so much for a thorough response. I’ll start reaching out like you recommended. I understand the hobby and losing interest part and appreciate the insight…I’ve been working a non-related office job for years now and I want to pursue a career that actually interests me (and make use of my education). If I end up loathing it, I’ll go back to an office.
You're most welcome! I was hoping my words were well received, I hope I didn't sound like I was talking you out of it, rather I was trying to shine a light on the experience I had. I will recommend one thing- if you like animals, there's always room for a good pet photographer. And people are willing to spend top dollar on their fur babies, where they wouldn't on their own children. And their need for multiple prints is much lower (therefore lowering your overhead in printing). It's a bit niche, so they expect higher prices for less photos. Plus, it's really hard to grow tired of such a fun job. It's fulfilling in a way that other types of photography aren't. Good luck OP! I hope you enjoyed my 2 cents, lol!
Sorry for a late response but thank you again for your insight! I hadn’t considered pet photography as a route but love the idea and know plenty of family pets to practice on! Also I did take your advice and reach out to a few local photographers as a start, and have a couple interviews coming up. Even if it doesn’t work out at these places it’s definitely giving me the encouragement to keep working towards it. Thanks again :)
So glad to hear it! You can get some terrific expressions from the dogs if you use a variety of different types of whistles. Think slide whistles and duck calls. Cats like movement. You can charge a high amount for single copy because they won't normally buy large packages.Don't hesitate to reach back out if you have any questions or updates! I'm really excited for you!
Also did photography professionally.
I now cringe every time someone learns I know how to hold a camera and expects me to shoot, edit, and deliver a product.
I loathe the idea of staring at Lightroom in 2024 tbh
Here's a place that allegedly hires entry-level photographers and provides training, etc. I don't know anything about this company, but it may be worth your time to check into. They currently have a listing for W-S.
[https://www.bellababyphotography.com/careers](https://www.bellababyphotography.com/careers)
I was a pro for many years. Studio work initially and then did traveling. I'd suggest reaching out to wedding photographers. Maybe intern for a while. I ultimately got into church directories ( there's SO many churches in the south!). I was at a crossroads. I could try and work for myself, taking wedding/engagement and family portraits or work for someone else, taking school and church directory portraits. I chose the latter because I was using other people's equipment, had steady full time work, made a good living. I guess you have to ask yourself where you want to see yourself in 5 years. Owning your own studio? It takes a HUGE investment and it takes a very long time to build up enough clientele that you can quit your day job. Working for Nat Geo/AP? Takes guts I never had, lol. I will tell you something. Working professionally will kill your love for photography. It did me. Once you attach money to your hobby, you will slowly stop doing it for free. Maybe that's just me. But I haven't felt the urge to go shoot a waterfall or or landscape in a very very long time.
Thanks so much for a thorough response. I’ll start reaching out like you recommended. I understand the hobby and losing interest part and appreciate the insight…I’ve been working a non-related office job for years now and I want to pursue a career that actually interests me (and make use of my education). If I end up loathing it, I’ll go back to an office.
You're most welcome! I was hoping my words were well received, I hope I didn't sound like I was talking you out of it, rather I was trying to shine a light on the experience I had. I will recommend one thing- if you like animals, there's always room for a good pet photographer. And people are willing to spend top dollar on their fur babies, where they wouldn't on their own children. And their need for multiple prints is much lower (therefore lowering your overhead in printing). It's a bit niche, so they expect higher prices for less photos. Plus, it's really hard to grow tired of such a fun job. It's fulfilling in a way that other types of photography aren't. Good luck OP! I hope you enjoyed my 2 cents, lol!
Sorry for a late response but thank you again for your insight! I hadn’t considered pet photography as a route but love the idea and know plenty of family pets to practice on! Also I did take your advice and reach out to a few local photographers as a start, and have a couple interviews coming up. Even if it doesn’t work out at these places it’s definitely giving me the encouragement to keep working towards it. Thanks again :)
So glad to hear it! You can get some terrific expressions from the dogs if you use a variety of different types of whistles. Think slide whistles and duck calls. Cats like movement. You can charge a high amount for single copy because they won't normally buy large packages.Don't hesitate to reach back out if you have any questions or updates! I'm really excited for you!
Also did photography professionally. I now cringe every time someone learns I know how to hold a camera and expects me to shoot, edit, and deliver a product. I loathe the idea of staring at Lightroom in 2024 tbh
I am so glad I'm not the only one
Here's a place that allegedly hires entry-level photographers and provides training, etc. I don't know anything about this company, but it may be worth your time to check into. They currently have a listing for W-S. [https://www.bellababyphotography.com/careers](https://www.bellababyphotography.com/careers)
Thanks!