some life advice would be apreciated

[eightshot]

i was wondering if someone on here could offer a few tid bits of advice.

not too long ago i lost my job work for an architectural company making CG models of up coming development. since then i have found it extremely difficult to find a new job.

i am considering going back to college to learn one of a number of things im trying to get all my fact right before i do so. one of the subjects im thinking of studying is photography.

iv heard that when it comes to going pro that there is ALOT of competition and unless you are excellent you will never make it as an occupation, is that true?
whats it like trying to get a job in the photography industry?
where did you all start out?

i would REALLY appreciate any help anyone can give on this subject.

[lostmysnorkel]

Well, I kind of fell into it, almost by accident really.

I only ever used to take pictures when underwater, eventually earning spare cash (and prising cheap or free trips out of travel companies) by writing for a dive mag and supplying the pics to go with.

After a while, people started asking me if I would take their pics, and gave me money to do it!

As for taking it as a career, I guess that depends on which area you want to specialise in.

I can only really speak for the social sector, but, to give you an idea.....the numbers for 2006 read something like:

WEDDINGS: down by 10% on 2005
PHOTOGRAPHERS: up by 20% on 2005

I can't remember the total figures, but there were enough weddings, if spread evenly amongst the SWPP membership, for each 'tog to have 25 a year.

(Based on 80% of weddings using a pro 'tog)
I don't know why the SWPP membership was used as a benchmark, but that was what I read anyways.

[eightshot]

doesnt sound like the most secure of career moves by the sounds of it

[george.monaghan]

Hi,

If you are going for full time pro photographer then it will be a gamble unless you have plenty of cash to start with.

Cost of equipment is quite high and clients expect to see you with decent gear. Where do you gain your experience?

Try looking for a photographer in your area, Google it and see what it returns. Don't be surprised if it runs to tens of pages of those competing with you.

It is not impossible to make a good living out of photography but today most people who own a digital camera think they can make cash out of it. It can be done, but it is not an easy task you have in front of you. A lot depends on where you live and your immediate established rivals.

Self employment is often a gamble but you will never know unless you try. Training will help and you need the basic skills to start with.

Good luck with it. Most people start out part time and then try to have enough work to make a full time living out of it.

[Bandit]

i was wondering if someone on here could offer a few tid bits of advice.

not too long ago i lost my job work for an architectural company making CG models of up coming development. since then i have found it extremely difficult to find a new job.

i am considering going back to college to learn one of a number of things im trying to get all my fact right before i do so. one of the subjects im thinking of studying is photography.

iv heard that when it comes to going pro that there is ALOT of competition and unless you are excellent you will never make it as an occupation, is that true?
whats it like trying to get a job in the photography industry?
where did you all start out?

i would REALLY appreciate any help anyone can give on this subject.


Photography is a strange one. It's one area of life where no governing body insists you have qualifications to actually do it as a job, or try to anyway. I guess this maybe because it's considered an art. How many artists need qualifications to actually paint? The true merrit of any artist/photographers is actually having the ability to do it.

A lot depends on your current level of ability and what type of photography you have in mind. Social togin in theory can be done by anyone who thinks they can do the job, it's the client who needs to be convinced you are worthy, no one else. Credibity is the hard part to get right and to convice them you are the wedding tog for them over all the rest in your area.

The hard part of this for me is probably the business side of things, mainly marketing. If you plan on going down the social togin route, perhaps some training in the marketing/business side of things may be more usefull.

Commercial/fashion togin really needs formal qualifications in the form of a degree etc, and when qualified you tend to start as an assistant and work your way up.

A lot of this depends on your motivation as to why you want to be a pro tog. I can honestly say it's not the easiest way of making money. If you are just needing a carreer change for the cash I reckon there are lots more vocations that will give a much faster return. :)

Saying all this I do it as a side line to my full time job in IT. The highest qualification I have in photography is a City & Guilds that I did part time at evening class for two years. I have the luxury of not relying on togin as my main source of income. Respect to anyone who can pay a mortgage doing it. :)

[eightshot]

i think its sounding just a little bit too insecure for me to spend a good few years of my life studying.

thanks for the advice

[lostmysnorkel]

Mind you, by the time you finish studying and are ready to go.....things are probably gonna be very different and we could be back in an economic boom!!!

Things are very tight across the board at the moment, not just photography in most sectors. I know so many people who's jobs are on the line, have been put 'at risk' or are considering voluntary redunancy.

Way back when I was choosing study course and quals, I ended up just going for the courses I thought I'd enjoy, rather than ones I thought would get me a job. I'm glad I did!

If you are serious about working for yourself, look for courses that teach business principles as well - good grounding in business principles will be just as valuable as 'togging skills