2007-09-18 05:16:26 · 9 answers · asked by ? 2 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Visual Arts ➔ Photography
Yes, it's called freelancing. However, you:
1. Have to define what you mean by a good living,
2. Realize it's a business and requires hustle,
3. Realize it's a business and that 80% of your time will be spent running and promoting that business.
Many people who want to go into photography professionally think it is just about running around having fun taking pictures and getting paid. Throw that idea away; it's an absolutely deadly misconception.
Some people think that having talent and a passion for photography will make everything magically work out. Throw that idea in the same garbage can as the other one. You need a reliable level of professional skill and discipline. You will work on assignments you don't like, that you don't want to do and for people you personally can't stand. Comes with the territory.
There is also the idea that once you have a client list, everything gets smoother. That's also wrong. Your client list will change. You'll lose clients for a variety of reasons having nothing to do with you. I have worked with newspaper editors that have moved on to other papers. The new editor wants to use someone they know. I'm out, they're in. A company goes out of business or cuts back on their PR/Advert budget. You make less money. You are always working on expanding your client base.
As a guide, a competent freelancer earns between $40,000 and $60,000 a year for the generalists that many of us are. Fashion and advertising photographers can earn much, much more.
Freelance photojournalists usually earn rent money and spend their time scrimping and saving for some new piece of equipment. A retirement plan consists of the idea that you willl die with a camera in your hand.
Vance
2007-09-18 06:00:20 · answer #1 · answered by Seamless_1 5 · 5⤊ 0⤋
I'm in school for photography right now. I find it to be a competitive field but if it's something that you love to do and have passion for, I think you should go for it. You can get your bachelors in fine arts (BFA) and go on to get your masters degree. I'm going to get my masters degree in Library science to be a librarian while also trying to be an artist. Photography is not a male dominated field, though some may disagree. You would have better luck starting out as a wedding photographer and do some portraiture for some cash, and perhaps open your own studio while also pursing fine art (if that's what you're into) Location is pretty big. It's good to be in a city that has a growing art community. New York City is on my list of places to move once I get my masters. Good luck!
2016-05-17 21:07:36 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You would have to have (1) a studio for portraits and (2) a large clientele to draw on and (3) a unique style. You would have to back up your studio earnings by doing a lot of wedding photos.
If you are talking journalistic photography, that is not independent. You need to be willing to work for a major news organization who can cover your expenses and salary and life insurance.
2007-09-18 05:23:35 · answer #3 · answered by loryntoo 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
first be technically proficeint, if your not once 1 or 2 jobs are messed up say good bye to future business (generally) then learn marketing/business.....took me 3 years study, 2 years selling cameras and 5 years of struggle before i got to the good living stage: good living is a relative term, for me its eating well, working when i want (which is all the time - like most self employed), paying tax and doing some travelling,
Vance has given you the best answer
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2007-09-19 00:47:19 · answer #4 · answered by Antoni 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Im pretty sure you can. Photography awards consist of a sum of money, but that means that you have to be really good. Im pretty sure there are photography yearbooks that photographers sell batches of photos to for quite a reasonable sum of money. Newspapers pay photographers, magazines do...
Yeah you could make a living.
2007-09-18 05:22:19 · answer #5 · answered by YouDontKnowMe 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I think you can. Some wedding photographers do well. I think fashion and editorial is harder and it takes about 5 years to start working.
But, it's something you just have to do and follow your heart. If you are really passionate and practice everyday you can do it. good luck
2007-09-18 05:21:13 · answer #6 · answered by ☆miss☆ 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, if you have very good training.
Clients are always looking for photographers with the edge. Usually they come out of good photo colleges and universities. Get trained - the world your oyster then!
2007-09-18 05:54:22 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
Sure with the right amount of skill, talent, and connections.
2007-09-18 05:23:43 · answer #8 · answered by mrchuckles789 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
No, I can't. I'm not that good.
2007-09-18 14:33:43 · answer #9 · answered by Bob 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋