I'm wondering if anyone here actually is a photographer for their job. I'm trying to figure out what I want to do "when I grow up" (I'm almost done with college), and am curious if people can live off of photography. I know lots of people work in studios and stuff, but what about the more "artistic" stuff (not that a studio isn't artistic)? Is it true that most people don't really strike it rich in art until after they're already dead?
I'm a working professional and have been for about 20 years now. It's a highly competitive industry and one can live comfortably as a photographer, providing your work is good and you are ready to compete for jobs. I specialize in sports/editorial, and have regular clients throughout North America.
It becomes less of an art when you have clients that have certain expectations and need the photos by certain (and often unreasonable) deadlines though.
But, if you are passionate about photography, its one helluva job, I wouldn't trade it for the world.
Right now photography is my only income but i am only a student and dont have to pay for housing so it makes things simpler for me... there is a large market where i live that im finding and it is really easy to get work by approaching someone and asking if they would like something done for them
Definitely, marketing yourself to prospective clients is the only way to start; it just becomes a whole lot harder to get gigs/contracts/assignments when they are high value and high stakes, such as the Olympics/World Championships or even a sports team contract.
ive done sports teams at paintball tournaments but it is simple stuff... but yes i can see it being hard to break into that market... and it come with being nervous for your first few photoshots in different situations
Well, for starters, you will need a portfolio that you can present to prospective clients. It should contain no more than 20 images that cover a wide range, to illustrate that you are a versatile photographer and can handle pretty much any situation.
Then, you need to get in touch with media coordinators (for sports) or marketing directors, etc with organizations. It does require a lot of planning and homework though, for instance, I know that the Winter Olympics are coming up in February, so I marketed myself to various national sport organizations several months ago and got a contract. You have to "keep your ear to the ground" and look for clients that potentially require photographic services, then you market to them.
Kari