Being a professional photographer is about more than just excelling at creating imagery; in fact, that's often only a small part of what goes into being successful. This great video talks about exactly the kind of mindset you need to have to make it as a professional photographer.
Coming to you from Jeff Rojas, this helpful video lays down some cold facts about the mindset you need as a professional photographer. I think it's easy to romanticize the idea of a career as a creative of any sort, when in all reality, the most romantic version is probably the passionate amateur, as the burdens of running your own business and trying to reconcile your artistic impulses with the need to have a steady income never exist or mix with each other. In addition to the great points Rojas makes, I think it's also important to always be honest and objective and your own abilities. It's crucial to know if you're ready to make the jump and once you have, to know any areas you need to shore up or perhaps begin learning. Having a close photographer buddy or two whose opinions you trust can make a large difference in this; just be sure (as Rojas alludes to) that they're people who will give you honest feedback, not just validation.
Lead image from Rawpixel, used under Creative Commons.
Good advice, and really those could be applied in your daily life or any professional field.
Thanks Shawn! :D
Do You Have the Mindset of a Professional Photographer? If not sure, Youtubers will tell you all you need to know, for sure...
Being on YouTube doesn’t preclude Jeff from being a talented and successful photographer, which he is.
Thanks for the share Alex Cooke! :)
Wait so is he a even a professional photographer? I don't see a lick of commissioned work in his portfolio. Please don't tell me this is utter hypocrisy
Do yourself a favor. Google my name before talking crap. A 1-Minute Search on my facebook page and you would have found billboards I've photographed. If you would have spent 2 minutes and you would have seen my clients. Call me when you've done anything of note and before calling anyone hypocritical.
https://www.facebook.com/SAJORFFEJ/photos/a.418775841511964.141046.25593...
I did google your name, and a single billboard for a small boutique/clothing company last year doesn't change my statement. But it is always neat when you see your work in print for the first time.
Small company? They're in every Costco nationwide... but okay, you're right. I haven't done anything. ;)
Stick to keyboards and complaining, I'll keep making money. :*
Just to confirm your logic... I shouldn't post on YouTube anymore because I have real clients? Got it. Not all photo educators are full of shit... I've had my fair share of those. ;)
I was rather impressed by the work on your website.
A question video professionals always asked before assembling the production team was, '...is a video the best way to communicate this message? These days this question is seldom asked.
Virtually every article has now to be packaged in an often pointless, void of content video produced by yet another self-absorbed 'expert' - when a written piece would be the best way to inform. What happened to the good old fashioned written article? What happened to giving your readers the integrity to decide whether they want to fully engage with content, or skip through it, picking out the pieces salient to them?
Fstoppers, it's time to tighten up your editorial skills and stop this lazy trawl through YouTube to fill your pages with dumbed-down time-wasters. Don't forget; less is more.
Some people learn by reading. Some people learn by watching. Instead of griping about it... why don't you focus on learning something productive or contributing where you feel there are areas for improvement. Don't complain if you're not willing to put in elbow grease.
That I don't put in the elbow grease is based upon what evidence...?
As a reader, I have every right to criticise. And with my criticism I contribute positively - by suggesting that the Fstopper team raises its editorial bar.
As a contributor, your shoulders must be broad enough to accept criticism.
And learn from it.
I didn't contribute to this; the author found my work on YouTube. Therefore by your logic, I can say the same.
As a fellow reader, contribute instead of complaining.
On a serious side note: "YouTube to fill your pages with dumbed-down time-wasters."
I scoped out your rates on your site... If you're interested in raising those, definitely check out more of my videos. Attached is my average commercial shoot day-rate. Always happy to share. ;)
To restate; I'm not complaining. I'm being critical of Fstoppers' choice of content.
Read my comment above this one. I'm here to help if you have any questions! :)
Shoot me an email at info@SAJORFFEJ.com. I'm always happy to help. :D
I don't just work in the US. ;) Let's be clear people in the states work for FREE.
It's not about where you are; it's about the value you can prove to the clients who have the budget.
While catering wasn't included, I definitely charged for usage rights. ;)
Jeff Rojas forget about those idiots that are not willing to learn what it takes to sustain a real business.
Would you be kind enough to transfer the time you're currently taking to hustle with those in order to create great guides on real business practices for those really interested in learning ? :D
From your YT channel, you seem to be doing just that. Here are some additional ideas.
I think the some of the most relevant areas are process & pricing.
Process : what are the people and steps involved when booking a real advertising job, ...
Pricing: deconstruct a real job quote (with actual figures if you don't mind), ...
Because clearly the ONE THING newcomers are afraid of is being laughed at when a professional prospective client they're trying to do business with for the first time will tell them "it's not like that, you're out of your mind". And they wasted a good chance for a cool project. Back to square one.
Anyway, if you're willing to share your valuable experience, that's just an idea ;-)
Thanks !
Yup I have had to scrape together money for rent.
Showing the bottom line of an invoice tells us something but not much.
Was that the license fee for one image for 2 years?
How extensive was the usage, "media usage" is sort of vague.
Was that for entire shoot, fees and expenses?
Did your lawyer agree that 3% per day late fee is legal and enforceable? (it isn't)
Anyhoo- I love a good ole Fstopper slap fight!
3% per day late fee is enforceable when it's in the preliminary contract. ;)
I provide a service, not a charity.
Everything that you're discussing is in my contracts. I'd be happy to film a video on one rather than "slap fight." :D
Jeff,
Those of us who know better know that you probably make more money as a photographer than anyone who would likely comment on these articles. No need to fight in the mud with these haters. I promise you they're in the minority. Most people appreciate what you have to teach.
As always, Thank you for the inspirational tough love. Being a successful photographer is more about business savvy than technique. You're one of the few who excels at both. I actually watch your videos on days when I catch myself being lazy and need to overcome my natural inclination to avoid talking to other humans.
What on Earth is it with the photographic community and its need to dump on everyone?
Although, all too often, the critics have nothing to show, or what they do have is complete garbage.
Jeff, I think your work is great.