The "wealthy" photographer thread.

[jwbryson1]

Hey guys, this is Ryan. I haven't read all of the thread yet, so I don't know if it got wacky, but I'm happy to share some numbers.

1) I generally do about 65 average, last year I did 71.
2) My average is WELL above $3K -- as you can see on my site my starting price is $5.5K, which is before any albums or physical products. I don't hide starting prices. A few of these were discounted due to being short weekday elopements, but only around five or so.
3) I also do portraits, corporate work, etc. My base package doesn't include engagement shoots, and most of my wedding clients at least tack that on.
4) I have a full-time employee with benefits, she helps primarily with customer service, albums, design and such. I do all the shooting. I like to shoot and I don't like paperwork. I could do an associate program but that means less shooting and more paperwork.

So … yeah, I'm doing fine. But always remember that income as a business owner isn't the same as someone handing you a paycheck for the same amount. I have taxes and fees and fines I couldn't even begin to describe, especially since I choose to live close to my clients in Manhattan. I feel very lucky to make a good living doing what I love and not having to worry about money from day to day, but I won't be buying a Gulfstream any time soon.

This looks like a legit post! Maybe I'm naive, but thanks for the post Ryan. Very cool (if real...)

[Ads]

[fjrabon]

Yeah, I was an attorney in my past life. I had it fairly good for an attorney (I worked in house at a huge corporation, typically didn't work more than 50 hrs per week) and I left that to make less than half the money, because I just wasn't happy when I got home. I spent all of my time off trying to unwind from work, which essentially meant that I was really only ever working or recovering from work. At that point, what's the point of making all that money?

That's part of why I'm being so strict on myself of not getting into aspects of photography that I don't enjoy just because I can make money. I'm nowhere near the stage to do it anyway, but I have no desire whatsoever to get back to the point where I was, just in a different profession.

[jwbryson1]

Yeah, I was an attorney in my past life. I had it fairly good for an attorney (I worked in house at a huge corporation, typically didn't work more than 50 hrs per week) and I left that to make less than half the money, because I just wasn't happy when I got home. I spent all of my time off trying to unwind from work, which essentially meant that I was really only ever working or recovering from work. At that point, what's the point of making all that money?

That's part of why I'm being so strict on myself of not getting into aspects of photography that I don't enjoy just because I can make money. I'm nowhere near the stage to do it anyway, but I have no desire whatsoever to get back to the point where I was, just in a different profession.

I struggle with this every day. I have 2 young kids at home (ages 8 and 1) and I wish I had a profession that allowed me more time to spend with them. It seems photographers who are highly successful work an awful lot of hours.

[fjrabon]

Yeah, I was an attorney in my past life. I had it fairly good for an attorney (I worked in house at a huge corporation, typically didn't work more than 50 hrs per week) and I left that to make less than half the money, because I just wasn't happy when I got home. I spent all of my time off trying to unwind from work, which essentially meant that I was really only ever working or recovering from work. At that point, what's the point of making all that money?

That's part of why I'm being so strict on myself of not getting into aspects of photography that I don't enjoy just because I can make money. I'm nowhere near the stage to do it anyway, but I have no desire whatsoever to get back to the point where I was, just in a different profession.

I struggle with this every day. I have 2 young kids at home (ages 8 and 1) and I wish I had a profession that allowed me more time to spend with them. It seems photographers who are highly successful work an awful lot of hours.

Yeah, from what I've heard the problem is that it's possible to make a living in photography without working a TON of hours, but really the only way is to have built up a client base/reputation/portfolio that allows you to pick and choose more lucrative work, and the only way to really do that is to have already worked really hard for a while.

[unpopular]

^^ I think that's just the problem with making lots of money. It takes work.

I'm not saying that like "lazy bastard" way. But rather that often times for most of us there are compromises, and you have to question if those compromises are worth the gains. If they are, great. But i'd rather spend time with my family than promote my social status.

[jwbryson1]

But i'd rather spend time with my family than promote my social status.

I don't disagree but I'd like to retire someday with some type of decent lifestyle.

[Schwettylens]

Ryan signed up on TPF lol. Who tipped you off Ryan? Google analytic? Seriously Jwbryson, thousands of photographers including my self dream about doing it full time and make $$$$. More than likely wont happen and I'll be a weekend warrior forever which I don't mind. Right now my goal is just keep improving my work.

[unpopular]

But i'd rather spend time with my family than promote my social status.

I don't disagree but I'd like to retire someday with some type of decent lifestyle.

I don't know of too many people who retire, living a more frivolous lifestyle than when they were working. Maybe some will buy an RV or something, but it's nothing that they wouldn't have been able to do if they had the time to justify it.

The rich die rich, the poor die poor. Perhaps there is some mobility before 65, but there isn't any after.

[usayit]

Work and Life Balance..... and social mobility....

There are several consistent reports over the years that the US ranks at the bottom (no coincidence so does education) That hasn't been so apparent to me than over the past 10 years. That's ok, my priorities have always been my family.... and I've grown accustomed to it.

Speaking of RV for retirement....

That's exactly my plan.

- I did some shopping around and surprisingly affordable (relative to a house)
- Modern day technology makes it possible without being totally disconnected from the world and family
- Mobility makes it possible to easily relocate if when local events piss you off
- No property tax. Its the one of the few taxes that 1) is not based on personal income or ability to pay 2) payments never stops 3) proportional to increase in municipality spending (corruption). == You paying rent on property you've purchased.
- I'm pretty good with maintaining mechanicals.
- Our family tends to spread out. I predict the same with my kids. I can easily relocate to stay in touch.

Probably going to go with a smaller but capable of full time living RV that hitches to a pickup truck via a 5th wheel hitch. Vehicle maintenance will be easier and will double as local transport.

I still working on convincing the wife. I'm used to living with little but it will be a huge adjustment on her part.

[bhop]

Mary Ellen Mark gets $3,000 per print and $15,000 per 20 x 24 polaroid.

and her work does nothing for me. Art is so funny like that.

I think her photos are pretty amazing.. art is funny..

[IByte]

I struggle with this every day. I have 2 young kids at home (ages 8 and 1) and I wish I had a profession that allowed me more time to spend with them. It seems photographers who are highly successful work an awful lot of hours.

At home web designing

[unpopular]

I still working on convincing the wife. I'm used to living with little but it will be a huge adjustment on her part.

My grandparents live half the time in a 5th wheel, and like many also own a home - a very spacious home, in fact. My grandfather wants to sell the house and just live in the 5th Wheel, but right now he is in your same position. My advice, get the 5th Wheel, and work on convincing the wife to sell the house later.

[usayit]

That's good advice... I've taken her to a show room once to show her how nice it can be. My initial attempt to prove the images of barebones RV living are a thing of the past. Its probably one of those things that you never know till you try it, at least part time. She already knows that the notion of paying someone else's salary while I'm on a fixed income in the form of property tax is not an option. I'd have a different attitude if I thought the taxes were going to goods and services (education) but I don't see that happening (low quality education and low teacher's pay with high city official compensation packages). I figure once that time comes, my solution of moving into an RV will be the only feasible solution for her to consider.

I've given up on the idea of retiring well... but I definitely can see retiring comfortably. Ok.. reword that.. I can retire well but it would mean working to a very late age and having little to offer in terms of educational funding to my three kids' college (if they decide to). That doesn't feel like a decision I can live with.

[unpopular]

People seem to have this idea about retirement like it's easy street or something. While most people welcome the idea of retirement, I think there is this totally unrealistic belief about their lifestyle once they do, they dream of second homes in exotic locations. They dream of boats, RV's and not having to worry about money at all.

While I am sure some people can retire and live far "better" (well, with more stuff anyway) than they did, most people do not and are lucky if they can manage to maintain a similar quality of life to what they expected. After all, if you can't afford vacation homes and yachts now, what makes one think one could afford these things on a fixed income and savings that are needed to last until the grave?

[jwbryson1]

Ryan signed up on TPF lol. Who tipped you off Ryan? Google analytic? Seriously Jwbryson, thousands of photographers including my self dream about doing it full time and make $$$$. More than likely wont happen and I'll be a weekend warrior forever which I don't mind. Right now my goal is just keep improving my work.

I thought you were a full-time pro who made a living at this?