BetterPhoto Q&A
Category: New Answers

Safiya Bobb

To Be or Not to Be...

I'm not sure if I want to be a photographer or not. I'm 17 years old & I'm doing the whole looking for colleges thing. I haven't had much experience; I've only ever used a digital camera. I don't have really own photoshop, but a free program called Picasa from google. My mom doesn't think it would be a good idea to pursue photography because she doesn't think I'll make much money? Is that true? However, all my friends think I should be, but they're all my age... do they really know what good pictures are, really? I don't know what I'm looking for by posting this... perhaps some feedback on my pictures? What I should do? Hmm. Thanks, have a nice day!

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April 23, 2006

Debbie Del Tejo

First of all, DO NOT LET ANYONE STAND IN THE WAY OF YOUR DREAMS. My mom NEVER wanted me to be a photographer and then one day I showed her what my clients pay for an 8x10 photo (as she calls it 'a piece of paper') You are young and have time to see what you want to do...do you have a passion for photography?? Your work is good but I am 52 and still learning....one never stops learning, no matter the proffesion. Follow your heart and your dreams...GO TO COLLEGE and do not let anyone stand in your way!

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April 23, 2006

Brendan Knell

Yes, DON'T let someone stand in the way of your dreams. I'm 15 years old, and I'm planning on making a career out of photography. One way of going about doing this would be to aprentice a portrait/wedding photographer(that's what I plan on doing after college). Also, in college, don't just take photography courses. Make sure that you take some business courses also, as they will be a big help.

If you're not sure of how much money you'd be making, go talk to some of the local photographers, and they may or may not be willing to tell you about how much they make.

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April 23, 2006

Brendan Knell

BTW, check out Mark F's post on this thread.

http://www.betterphoto.com/forms/QnAdetail.php?threadID=23625

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April 23, 2006

Debbie Del Tejo

Great advise Brendan.....I for one, make a living out of my photography. I live quite confortably and make more then my friends. Plus, I LOVE LOVE LOVE what I do and most of my friends hate their jobs. An apprentice position is grat, just make sure you choose a good photographer. To run a business you do need business skills, so Brendan's advise is great....GOOD LUCK, and if I can be of any help elt me know.

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April 23, 2006

Brendan Knell

"Plus, I LOVE LOVE LOVE what I do and most of my friends hate their jobs."

That's one of the other reasons I want to be a photographer! I know I won't make as much money as I would being a lawyer(or something similar), but I'd really love being a photog, and hate being a lawyer. I heard this somewhere "It's better to make less money doing your passion than make more money doing something you hate".

PS. Debbie, I'm also wondering about how much photogs make. Would you mind telling us your average yearly salary, even if it's just in a private email? If you don't want to, please don't(I know it's quite personal), but if you do, thanks!

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April 23, 2006

Debbie Del Tejo

There are sooooo many photographers that make more then lawyers.....OH MY .. IT IS SO MUCH BETTER TO SLEEP AT NIGHT. ( I could not ever defend a criminal for the sake of money.) I will email you privatly.

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April 23, 2006

Mike Rubin

All I can say is listen to what Debbie and Brendan say !

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April 23, 2006

Brendan Knell

"( I could not ever defend a criminal for the sake of money.)"

I completley agree with you. That unless I knew 100% that they were innocent I couldn't. I don't know what type of legal I was thinking, but certianly not criminal defense.

Safiya, I don't know if Debbie emailed you, but all I can say is that, if you practice and get good, you won't need to worry about money.

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April 24, 2006

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