Photography's viability as a career in 2024 is a topic of considerable debate, casting light on the evolving landscape of the industry. It's a question that touches the heart of both seasoned professionals and aspiring photographers alike, challenging the traditional pathways to success within the field.
Coming to you from Scott Choucino with Tin House Studio, this contemplative video explores the multifaceted nature of pursuing photography as a profession in 2024. Choucino dives deep into the contrasting realities faced by photographers today, breaking down the journey into scenarios based on personal commitments and aspirations. His candid discussion on the distinction between pursuing photography out of passion versus the drive for financial gain provides a sobering perspective. The video stresses the importance of aligning one's expectations with the realities of the industry, emphasizing that success in photography, like in any field, requires a combination of talent, hard work, and sometimes, a bit of luck. Choucino’s reflections on his own career trajectory, fluctuating between the "starving artist" and the commercially successful photographer, serve as a testament to the diverse paths one can take within the realm of photography.
Moreover, Choucino addresses the harsh truth that not everyone will make it in the competitive world of professional photography. This honesty is refreshing and necessary, as it challenges the viewer to critically assess their own skills, motivations, and goals. He encourages a pragmatic approach to entering the industry, advising on the practicality of managing financial expectations and the importance of passion for the craft over the allure of gear and technical mastery, offering guidance on navigating the intricate balance between financial stability and artistic fulfillment. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Choucino.
As a hobbyist I look at those who live with photography with success the greatest of business and that is what it is a business and today with the net there are many more ways to get contacts as well a show your wares than just a few years ago and I take my hat off to them. I meet wedding photographers at many works of life some in camera shops. But let me say this every day working at something could be over the next morning then a look for another. I have seen it from both sides for 70+ years for we all start at something and then another. I started as a military brat cutting grass and selling Krispy Kreme donuts door to door at age 9 to 12 then a transfer and did another for some 30 moves over and over. I even went into the military after being a factory worker making more than ever before the military was a big lower amount. Even after serving some 24 years you have to walk on even at a young age of 42 with a low retirement again find another way to keep a now family going. Take it from a older person it never ends i have been down the rocky road but made good decisions being blessed. If you are young and blessed with the eye of photography just look at those older ones working still in shops and factories.
Business goes on only with knowledge of things and great study of all things. My father in law a WWII sailor who made it to the top of enlisted rank in 6 years and a barber told his daughter who also wanted to follow told her he hated it but did it to raise 5 children with sore legs and feet and also had the night owl gene where he was awake most of every night also. What I also am saying is many do a job they hate forever but have to do for only job available to keep thing going and every day wonder if it will end the next day. I was blessed early in the military with finding photography by someone who shared it. Just early this month I awoke to a very cold and dark morning for a short drive to the coast with some fog over the ocean look for the milky way to rise at 5 am but at 6 am the fog rose with first light under all but thrilled when I saw it on the cameras I played with two. I know the feeling a pro has but better the feeling is with trade of skills to keep things rolling. A good knowledge of business and able to do something that fills with warmth on a very cold day or night, one is so blessed! Also we all start somewhere!