Who makes a living out of photography

[Jesse11]

I know this question has been asked before (a search revealed roughly every 12-18 months), but with forumites coming and going, I thought I would raise the question again and try to broaden the responses. So....

Who here makes a living souly out of photography? Do you work freelance or for a company or have a studio? Tell us your journey and how you got to where you are today. Was it hard to break into and with virtually hundreds of thousands of photographers out there, is it difficult to remain busy and get the job over the next guy or gal, particularly if you run your own business? Ever caught that perfect shot and sold it to any form of media?

 

[table1349]

Professional Photographers. Nuff Said!

 

[photoentrepreneur]

During my 20 year career, I have worked for the theatre, television and movie industry as a prop maker and scenic artist (now photographer). I have travelled the world working on multimillion dollar Royal Weddings. I also worked as a tutor for the Princes Trust, teaching young people to find work. I now run a successful photography portrait and wedding studio.

As well as work, I have always found new ways to challenge myself. I designed and built a garden for the Royal Horticultural Society “Chelsea Flower Show”, even though I knew nothing about gardening or garden design (I won silver, if you’re interested). I also created my own web sci-fi show (pre You Tube) which I also wrote and directed.

Most recently my company was selected by Dragons Dens “James Caan” to be part of the Entrepreneurs Business Academy. It has already been spotlighted by them and other business publications as one to watch.

My photography career started by landing a job as a trainee photographer for a cutting edge contemporary studio, here in the UK (They have since expanded worldwide). Despite never really having any real interest in photography, they noticed my obvious enthusiasm and said that they could put me on an intensive training course. I found myself absorbing everything and finding myself seeing new opportunities including a huge market that this company was missing out on.

After one year and being made style director, I realised that if I didn’t go and start set up my own business, I may burst, so I left my steady pay cheque and started up on my own.

Eight years ago, I started up working from home, with no capital and just a consumer digital camera (Canon EOS 300D Rebel). Added to that, I lived in Hastings, one of the poorest towns in the south east of England, with one of the highest rates of unemployment. I would also like to add that I have never taken out a business loan and have had to do this without employing any assistants. (Apart from my accountant).

 

[cgipson1]

Maybe you didn't notice that the OP is banned? He was a troll....

 

[luvmyfamily]

Maybe you didn't notice that the OP is banned? He was a troll....

Why was he banned? I haven't seen that on here yet and if he was banned, how did he make this post? I will keep most of my business thoughts to myself however I will say, that I know people that earn a supplemental income doing photography which is my goal. I am fortunate enough to be marrried to someone who has a great job and I stay home with the kids. I run the house, he brings in the $$. We have a system. I would say that unless you were into some serious photography like journalism, photography isn't a get rich scheme.

 

[paigew]

Maybe you didn't notice that the OP is banned? He was a troll....

curious....how is it found out that one is a 'troll'?

 

[NickA]

Maybe you didn't notice that the OP is banned? He was a troll....

curious....how is it found out that one is a 'troll'?

"Troll" is now mostly misused on forums. It's used a lot when the troll in question doesn't agree with another forum members opinion. They will call them a troll instead of having an intelligent conversion and trying to back up the points they are making.

A troll is one who starts discussions with the sole purpose of causing drama or conflict. A good example is "Nikon sucks, Canon for the world!", or something like that.

The banned member started several threads saying they were a noob, then another thread saying they were a professional. Other then that, I'm not sure what else they did.

 

[cgipson1]

Maybe you didn't notice that the OP is banned? He was a troll....

Why was he banned? I haven't seen that on here yet and if he was banned, how did he make this post? I will keep most of my business thoughts to myself however I will say, that I know people that earn a supplemental income doing photography which is my goal. I am fortunate enough to be marrried to someone who has a great job and I stay home with the kids. I run the house, he brings in the $$. We have a system. I would say that unless you were into some serious photography like journalism, photography isn't a get rich scheme.

Look at the first POST.. under the name JESSE11.. it says BANNED! He was banned... because he opened up numerous threads.. in one thread he claimed to be a complete NOOB... in the next thread, he was a PRO, with years of experience... next thread asking stupid crap that was very polarized, trying to start DRAMA!

That is why he was BANNED! Trolling! Are you NEW to Internet forums or something?

How lucky you are ! A stay at home MWAC! I wish I could find someone to support me!

 

[cgipson1]

Maybe you didn't notice that the OP is banned? He was a troll....

curious....how is it found out that one is a 'troll'?

Behavior! Contradictory statements! Drama laden posts! Making statements that people feel strongly about.. to start fights! etc....!

 

[luvmyfamily]

Maybe you didn't notice that the OP is banned? He was a troll....

Why was he banned? I haven't seen that on here yet and if he was banned, how did he make this post? I will keep most of my business thoughts to myself however I will say, that I know people that earn a supplemental income doing photography which is my goal. I am fortunate enough to be marrried to someone who has a great job and I stay home with the kids. I run the house, he brings in the $$. We have a system. I would say that unless you were into some serious photography like journalism, photography isn't a get rich scheme.

Look at the first POST.. under the name JESSE11.. it says BANNED! He was banned... because he opened up numerous threads.. in one thread he claimed to be a complete NOOB... in the next thread, he was a PRO, with years of experience... next thread asking stupid crap that was very polarized, trying to start DRAMA!

That is why he was BANNED! Trolling! Are you NEW to Internet forums or something?

I didn't go as far as looking at all his posts, but will do so now Gimme a break! I'm still drinking my caffiene

 

[luvmyfamily]

I just read his posts....multiple personality disorder maybe, but banned? I would think you have have to do something really harsh like post numerous nudes along with a slew of potty mouth words and pornography.

 

[cgipson1]

I just read his posts....multiple personality disorder maybe, but banned? I would think you have have to do something really harsh like post numerous nudes along with a slew of potty mouth words and pornography.

hmmm.. maybe you ARE new to the internet! This is probably some 16 year old pimple-faced kid.. sitting at home because he has no life! Just out trying to stir up some drama, because he thinks it is funny! See this a lot..... especially on forums that are known to be a bit volatile!

Like saying "Chevy sucks" on a Car Forum...

Like saying "Nikon sucks" on TPF...

do you "get it" now?

 

[Derrel]

Maybe you didn't notice that the OP is banned? He was a troll....

curious....how is it found out that one is a 'troll'?

How? Click on the person's name, then go to "All Posts Started"...which I actually did...the poster in question started quite a few bogus threads, filled with conflicting information on "who" he was, "what he shoots with",etc., and asked for all sorts of extensive information and research to be done by forum members...I do not believe a single one of his last 58 posts was genuine. Other forum stalwarts like gryphonslair99 o hey tyler, tirediron, cgipson1, were also onto this person's antics...

http://www.thephotoforum.com/forum/collectors-corner/274172-contaflex-126-a.html

 

[IByte]

A troll is one who starts discussions with the sole purpose of causing drama or conflict. A good example is "Nikon sucks, Canon for the world!", or something like that.

Aaaah the infamous photoguy, how I miss thee drama king/queen. So in a nutshell a toll is the super adult term for .....hole?

 

[NickA]

A troll is one who starts discussions with the sole purpose of causing drama or conflict. A good example is "Nikon sucks, Canon for the world!", or something like that.

Aaaah the infamous photoguy, how I miss thee drama king/queen. So in a nutshell a toll is the super adult term for .....hole?

That's a good way of putting it. Maybe a new term: troll hole??