 Yomar Valentin |
Photography As A Career? Recently I purchased my own digital camera (Canon powershot A540) I've been shooting anything and everything that appeals to my eye and some of the pictures I take really make me think that perhaps I can turn this into a career. Since I was a child I've always liked to try to make my pictures look well "Pro" and I've thought about it before so it's not really a new thing for me. The reason I'm a little reluctant on taking the road to photography though is that I recently graduated from High School and am about to start college and I have a career already in mind. I've shown my pictures to friends and they've advised me that I should go for the career. I simply don't know though I love taking pictures and being able to show others what I see but can I really make it?
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Sharon Day |
Friends and family will always say whatever you put your hand to do that you are the very best at it. My sister-in-law was a cashier at an ice cream shop many years ago and my mother-in-law told everyone she was the bookkeeper. I would try taking a course or two first and see what instructors think of your work before plunging in head first. I love taking photos too and although I consider myself maybe a tad above average every single shot I submitted to a microstock site recently were rejected. I think a professional opinion like you would get from a course would be invaluable if you're serious at making photography a career choice. Good luck!
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robert G. Fately |
Yomar, remember that there's a difference between doing something you love just because you love it (like photography is for you right now) and HAVING to do something because it's your job. Your creativity and natural eye might well be fabulous (family compliments notwithstanding) - the question of "going pro" is whether you would happily subsume your vision for the client's. Imagine you're doing a product shoot for an advertisement - you have some notions of how the product should be lit or arranged. But the art director from the client or ad agency has something else in mind - guess who's opinion wins? The question becomes, would you maybe grow to resent having to take shots based on what these "know nothings idiots without taste or class" (or whatever you come to think of them as) want? Or you do weddings, and the MOB (mother of the bride) demands you shoot this or that, even though you think it's awful. Again, over time that can start to bug you. SO don't lose your love for the art - if you're reluctant now then you certainly don't want to be without other options should it turn out that these kinds of things annoy you too much. And perhaps, as you gain confidence, you can enjoy a second career later on (or part time in thenear future)...
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Stan Lubach |
Yomar, another way of saying what Bob has already so eloquently stated is: When it's a hobby, it's 95% fun and 5% work. When it's a job, it's 95% work and 5% fun. Always keep that in mind no matter what career you choose. :)
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Yomar Valentin |
I thank you all so far for submitting your responses I can especially you bob and stan. I totally get what you mean and I will continue shooting for pleasure for now.
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Craig m. Zacarelli |
Yomar, you can take a few classes, even just to Improve your craft..then after, decide if its something you might like to do for a living, and dont forget, you can have two careers.. one, what ever it is that you already have decided on and two, part time photography if you really likeit. Put it this way, If your hungry enough, youll find something to eat... Good luck!
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