School of Hard Knocks
Ok, so making it as a photographer is tough. And trying to swing it as a fine art nature photographer in particular is tough wrapped in a knot of really hard. When I decided to quit my day job and make the leap from part-time to full-time photographer, I had no idea if I could pull it off (and I still don’t!). All I knew is that I wouldn’t be able to live with myself if I didn’t at least give it a shot.
So I took a huge risk and jumped in the deep end without any kind of floatation device except some savings and a fairly decent portfolio of nature photographs. And since then I’ve been experimenting with different sales venues, chasing leads, networking, developing my product line, and doing a million other things, busting my ass trying to eke out a living as a photographer.
As a result, I’ve been receiving a wonderful education via the school of hard knocks which is helping me inch ever closer to the dream of having a sustainable photography business. Recently it occurred to me to start writing these lessons down for a number of reasons: 1) I want these posts to serve as reminders to myself of where I started and what I’ve learned 2) I need a place where I can vent my current frustrations and mull over my current quandaries, and 3) Hopefully I can provide a little first-person wisdom for those of you out there who’d like to try something similar and want to learn from my mistakes.
These aren’t posted in any particular order; I’m just jotting down the stuff that’s currently on my mind. Enjoy.
I met you today at the Palm Springs art/photo fair and appreciated your advice about Nikon Capture. You are good with communication and would make a good photo teacher. I plan to contact yexplore and let them know I am interested in taking a class with you.
After reading your blog about launching your career… have you considered teaching photographly at your local community college or an art or photo school like Brooks? But, don’t give up a freelance career. You are very good at what you do. It will pay off in the long run. Persistance pays. (I’m starting to sound like a fortune cookie, so I’ll stop).
Stay in touch. Bill Marchese
Comment by Bill Marchese — January 25, 2009 @ 5:23 pm
Columbia College could certainly use a good digital photography teacher…I’m just saying
Comment by Andrea — January 27, 2009 @ 4:37 pm