 Michelle Campbell |
Where Does One Start to Make a Living Taking Pics? I have been told by many who have seen my actual prints that I need to be making my living taking photographs. Although I do enjoy taking pics of smiling children and families, I prefer abstract, wild life, scenic stuff - photos that I enhance using filters and experimentation. How does one get started? I live in a small USA town that honestly does NOT have much to offer in the way of galleries. I've been doing the internet thing, and I do know that it's persistence that makes one successful at anything, so far, lots of interest, but that's as far as it goes. I enter every contest I come across and have actually been published quite a bit although no "Winner" notifications have arrived yet. Advice anyone? I'm feeling discouraged in this wonderful world of photography that I love.
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Jeff S. Kennedy |
Well Michelle, fine art photography is a tough gig to make a living at. A very small number of photographers can actually earn enough to call it their primary profession. Most fine art photographers sell their photos as stock for books, magazines, and calendars. The ugly truth of the matter is that photography is one of the slower (if not the slowest) sellings mediums in art galleries. There are collectors out there but they are greatly outnumbered by painting collectors and others. I have my work in a gallery but that's more for my satisfaction than anything. It's just gratifying to know it's on display for people to see. It's nice to be able to share your art with large groups of people. When one sells its just icing on the cake. I earn my money at portraiture and weddings.
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John A. Lind |
I agree with Jeff. Fine art photography is a very tough business, and it's not just photography. Many noted painters during the 1800's put bread on the table doing portraits while painting what they're remembered for now in their spare time. A few avenues to explore in addition to stock agencies: All of the above require at least mounted, often framed and "wall ready" artwork. -- John
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Jeff S. Kennedy |
Many of the famous photographers had to make their living doing things other than fine art. Ansel Adams shot pictures for catalogs. I don't mean to discourage you. As I said there are those who have made money at it and you may be the next one. But I do want to paint a clear and accurate picture of what you are getting into.
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doug Nelson |
I just read a good book on travel photography and making a living at it by Lisl Dennis. What applies to travel applies to much of photography. It was out in paperback in the 80's. In a nutshell, she says it's a tough way to make a living. You have to establish a relationship with a few magazines. She once wrote a travel photo column for one of the big photo magazines [Editor: she still is writing one for Outdoor Photographer] Does your area have a regional magazine of scenic interest that could get you started on a small scale? I'd like to sell some of mine, too, but have been turned off by stock photo agencies' demands for 300 images a month or some such impossible requirement. See Ms. Dennis' web site at lisldennis.com.
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Donna R. Moratelli |
Hit a chamber of commerce meeting, itroduce yourself and pass out cards.
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Donna R. Moratelli |
Don't forget your portfolio.
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Tim Fields |
Instead of just handing out cards at the Chamber meeting someone suggested, put out a fish bowl and request that everyone drop a business card in the bowl and have a drawing for 1 free hour of photography for any local event or publication needs. Now you can send out a letter to everyone letting them know who won, and outlining your services and how to contact you. Forget everyone who says it's hard to make a living at photography - you just need to get a mental picture of where you want to go and then work your butt off to get there. Those sort of remarks kept me in my boring job too long and I finally made the leap in 1987 to shoot architecture and interiors. Now I've shot hundreds of stories for national shelter publications, shot an entire book, and contributed to many other books as well. That's not to brag, but just to say that no one knows your potential better than you and you have to run hard on your own convictions and dreams. Take things one step at a time and don't get intimidated by the competition - they didn't start out with a stunning portfolio and client list either. One last thought for now - you need someone who will brutally honest about your portfolio if you hope to make the right impression and win work. I'll volunteer for that if you don't have someone locally who can be critical without being ignorant. You will want to have 25+ STRONG shots and then pick the best 12-15. You probably won't use anything you've already shot because you weren't shooting with a selling or marketing message in mind, and now your images have to convey a specific idea; youth, fitness, successful retirement, growing family, etc. Good luck and approach this no differently than a persistent Fuller Brush salesman. Tim Fields
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