Photography is an increasingly competitive business, with some creatives undermining the market by working for free and clients seeming to have ever-smaller budgets. How feasible is it to bring in six figures a year as a photographer?
Photographer and YouTuber Eric Floberg gives a very honest take on his business demonstrating that consistent growth is possible with the right approach and more importantly, explaining the increasing need for photographers to diversify their skill sets. That might be learning different types of photography, but equally, that may involve completely new lines of work, such as filmmaking, design, writing, or education.
In addition, a common theme from successful photographers (or YouTubers?) at present seems to be the need for creatives to establish multiple revenue streams that are complementary, each one helping in some way to advance the other. At the heart is building a community, and personality might be critical to this — though it pays to keep in mind that the formula that we are often sold might be an illusion that comes about as a result of our media being dominated by charismatic individuals with perfect teeth and good skin.
Is Floberg right? Is this achievable for anyone? Let us know in the comments below.
There is a world of photography out there that doesn't revolve around YouTube. Its completely possible to have a 6 figure photography business. Its also ok to have multiple streams of revenue. Many businesses do this.
Oh how I wish I could really believe this. But I honestly don't think the income my generation enjoyed will be as attainable for photographers now. And the biggest enemy for photographers is ourselves and the culture.
Photographers (and everyone is a PROFESSIONAL) doing mini sessions for $25 and giving the client "50 edited files" are in a race to the bottom. And Youtubeing is heavily promoted here. As for culture would someone like me, an guy in his mid sixties, who isn't going to talk endlessly about trivia, generate the amount of traffic with millennials needed to create a revenue stream? Would anyone listen to a Paul Strand or Edward Weston in today's culture?
But hopefully a young photographer, starting out, might be able to benefit from Eric's clip. And Eric will generate income from his self promotion and getting wannabees to sign up for his PIC-TIME.