HELP, embarrassed to be Photog

[Brinr]

Anyone else out there just feel totally stupid as a photographer. I guess I'm venting to the e-world cuz I'll never know any of you in the real one but I got out of high school and was lost so I started studying art/photography while all my other friends did engineering, or started working as an underground minor, or doing something "manly". I started this stuff and all I get is **** for it. My friends think I'm retarded, my family tries to make it sound ok but the only person in my family that doesn't have that look in their eye or sound in their voice like "got what the hell are you going to do with yourself" is my mom. I mean, I was too embarrassed to bust out my camera and even takes pictures for everyone at thanksgiving. Does anyone else deal with this? I don't know why but I just feel stupid doing what I love.

 

[lolondar]

ok i just got into photography and i know i shouldn't have to much of an opinion but **** em i mean really your doing what you love ask em how many of them actually love there jobs your thing isn't that tedious at least you can go anywhere and do it and hell when one of them gets married and sees how much a professional photographer costs who do you think the first person there gonna call and ask for a favor is gonna be?

 

[cgipson1]

If you can show them a decent paycheck.... then that should shut them up. That is often a popular way to define success! What qualifies as "a good paycheck" in your family... well, can't help you with that! (although if you are still living at home, then they have something to complain about! lol!)

 

[MLeeK]

I can honestly say I have never felt that way about photography. Other things? yeah.

First you need to learn NOT to judge yourself by other people's standards of success. You need to make your own success, your own way and on your own terms. If you stop looking at yourself through the eyes you perceive others to see you through (because you don't even know for real that is what they are thinking) and start looking at yourself through your own eyes; forcing yourself to measure up to you OWN goals and success measurements you will be successful. At which point "they" will all see you as successful.

True artists don't fit in the linear world. You can't make it happen. Stop trying and start creating your own success!!!

 

[Pugs]

I've actually got the opposite problem. I love photography. I'm a photography geek. I wish I could go back in time and make different decisions so that I my life could be devoted to what I love. Instead, today, I'm a corporate drone. I'm a IT Project Manager and I go to a job everyday that drains me. I'm very good at what I do, but I don't want to be doing it. People ask me why I'm not a photographer full-time since I obviously love it so much and I'm embarrassed to tell them that I can't because my financial situation won't let me take the initial pay-cut.

So, I teach photography part-time, take photography gigs where/when I can in my spare time, participate in photo-clubs and organizations in my area, and generally pretend that I'm a full-time pro photographer.

Do what you love so that when you're my age, you're not stuck in an office wishing you'd made different choices with your life.

 

[Brinr]

Thanks everyone, it's somethin I just gotta focus on and get out of my head. I appreciate the replies.

 

[pgriz]

Pretty much everyone gets into a crisis of confidence at one point or another. Do you do it because you love it, or because it pays well? If the love is there, but the pay is not, then we have a business issue, not a photography issue. I note that you're taking business courses - that is good. But to succeed in a competitive field, you need a niche, something that is pretty much uniquely yours. It helps immensely to do the marketing research to ensure that there is sufficient demand for that type of product or service. Assuming you found that niche and there is good demand for it, then you market until you are automatically the go-to guy (or company) for that product or service. Of course, you need to deliver on your promises, and then you have to figure out how to leverage successful and happy clients into more referrals and references. Most "overnight successes" spend years toiling until they get there. And there is still another thing to consider - many things we love to do just don't pay well, if at all. That's why having a hard look at the market potential is important.

 

[Stryker]

Brinr, I think what you should do is post your photos here and build your confidence. There are hundreds of people here willing to help you out by way of comments and critiques. Just be ready for both the positives and the negatives. It may hurt your ego but they only wanted to help you improve.

So go out, shoot, and post them here.

 

[imagemaker46]

I've never felt stupid or embarrased at being a photographer, however in this day and age, your friends are more than likely going to have decent pay cheques and probably end up have a more secure life than you will. It's not a shot against you personally, but being a successful photographer now, requires more breaks, more talent and more out right luck than it used to. Good luck with it, and take the support from Mom.

 

[dlaurie]

I just have to say....how many people actually get paid to do what they truly love? I had a friend take me with her to shoot a wedding....I took pics before but just of family and family outings....I had never given weddings, portraits or anything else a second thought. But, doing that wedding...I fell in love with the camera and realized that I was expressing myself doing something I loved. Don't regret your decision....you are making memories that will last a lifetime for someone. That is truly special and if you have that gift then who really cares what everyone thinks! How does photography make you feel? That is all that really matters!!!!

 

[camz]

I think typical family and friends have a tendency to judge our career choice based on practical terms. It tends to be the ones that make money, the ones that are stable, and anything outside the realm of arts and the ones within the norm. I don't blame them, I think it's basically just looking out for our backs as success rate is against us. The judging part is only a symptom for the most part and not the root cause. I wouldn't let it get in the way of your decision making in your career choice.

I too started the corporate world and still remain. I'm lucky though because I like my career and also photography. Eventually I will have to choose one. btw my wife is full time in photography now

Do what you love dude!

 

[2WheelPhoto]

Don't be embarrassed to do anything you want.

And just think, you could be at a starbucks corp store with momma's credit card talking about how tough the pepper spray is at the "Occupy meet area"

 

[KmH]

Anyone else out there just feel totally stupid as a photographer. I guess I'm venting to the e-world cuz I'll never know any of you in the real one but I got out of high school and was lost so I started studying art/photography while all my other friends did engineering, or started working as an underground minor, or doing something "manly". I started this stuff and all I get is **** for it. My friends think I'm retarded, my family tries to make it sound ok but the only person in my family that doesn't have that look in their eye or sound in their voice like "got what the hell are you going to do with yourself" is my mom. I mean, I was too embarrassed to bust out my camera and even takes pictures for everyone at thanksgiving. Does anyone else deal with this? I don't know why but I just feel stupid doing what I love.

Yes, that is all pretty evident from your avatar.

 

[Brinr]

[/QUOTE]Yes, that is all pretty evident from your avatar.[/QUOTE]

KmH, I put up a decent facade I know.
I appreciate the comments, and for me it's not so much about the income, I mean I'm on my way to an MBA, and I have a decent work ethic so I'm pretty sure I'll be fine as far as income goes. For me it's more about understanding why can't they realize I'll be fine monetarily and that photography is somewhat of a self sufficient hobby right now that I enjoy, like why can't they just let me do what I like. Maybe I'm just wining, but I don't rip on them for killing animals and working on cars so why do they mess with me? Maybe its just who I grew up with, who my family is, and who my friends are but it feels like I've come up against it from so many people and I'm a little surprised none of you have ever gotten that look or attitude from someone like "your hobby is dumb". Sorry for ranting.

 

[12sndsgood]

most people just can't understand things they have no intrest in. i dump money in cars and everybody things im just throwing away money. but ive met allot of great people from building my car and had allot of great memories that make the money well worth it. if you love it. do it and enjoy it and who cares what someone else thinks.