All money-making photographers...what do you tell people who want to enter the profession?

Question

I have zero art background, but I love photography. I do all kinds, but i first started it because i liked nature/outdoor photography. I've been told by many people not to pursue the career, you can't make money in it, and some other people saying you can if you're good enough. I'm wondering if i should pursue it or leave it as a hobbie?I have another interest in my life...a different career path, very different. So i think i should follow that because it might be more secure and stable than photography. I've never used a $$$ proffesional digital camera. I like old-fashion things, and don't have the $ now. My talent is average, but has improved. My imagination and drive make me willing to try it. I also know zero about altering digital photos or making a website..which is a huge negative. I don't even know what kind of photographer i'd want to be
Photo-journalism also interests me

Answer 1

Well the best advice to give you is to go out and photograph EVERYTHING. People, Places, Animals, The Sky, whatever. Once you get a good batch of images, take a look at what you're really good at. Can you make people smile and still feel relaxed? Then maybe you should be a Portrait Photographer. Are you good at capturing a moment between two people and can tell a story with just one picture? Then maybe you should be a wedding photographer.

If you like doing nature photography, try printing your own calendar and selling them at craft shows along with some enlargements of some of the pictures alone. Lots of people like to decorate their homes with images of the outdoors, especially if it's from the area they live in.

Don't quit your day job, but pursue photography, find your niche, and when you can afford to take the next step, go for it!

Answer 2

I'm also a photography lover and I have been part-time photographer for companies (shooting photos for catalogs).

I suggest never turn your interest into your job, it'll be a nightmare 'cause it's not as enjoyful as you think, you are not doing art nor expressing your feeling, but to meet THEIR requirements. Photography should not be like that.

And nowadays most of the companies request (edited) digital photos and the photographers bring their own professional digital camera.

Answer 3

Before you try to go into business, make sure you have a good footing in the art of photography. When you do decide to start a busines, start slow and build a good reputation. One of the hardest parts of going professional is finding a steady stream of clients. Because of this, start out as a part-time business, maybe just doing shoots on the weekends. As your clientele grows, so should your business. Most importantly, have a plan. Not planning is only planning to fail.

Answer 4

I'm not a professional photographer and don't have an answer to your question. But do know what your talking about as I myself love photography, but mostly portrait type. I've always got a camera in my hand ready to shoot! Good Luck with whatever your decide.

Answer 5

Try the Photo section on G2bay

Answer 6

High Tech experts. Unlike USA in Israel High Tech experts paid more than doctors and lawyers. BTW, the tiny Israel has High Tech sector of the same size as Silicon valley.

Answer 7

I would say that if you are hardworking, have a large monetary supply, you are willing to work extremely hard building a name for yourself, you are wise with money, you have moral and ethics, you are always willing to learn and better your trade, then you shoudl be fine.

Answer 8

Take courses until you learn what's what and can be creative.