Being a photographer (professional or amateur) can be a wonderful thing; after all, it is a dream of many people to devote their lives (or a significant portion of them) to a creative pursuit. Like anything in life, though, it has its drawbacks as well. This great video essay features a seasoned photographer discussing what is good and what is bad about being a photographer.
Coming to you from Justin Mott, this insightful essay discusses the pros and cons of being a photographer. When it comes to professional photography, things are certainly quite difficult nowadays. In particular, while ever-evolving camera technology has made our work easier and enabled more creative opportunities than ever before, its trickle-down into more and more consumer devices has meant that an increasing number of people think they can pick up a camera and be a photographer. Even worse, some clients think they can get it done themselves. Despite the crowded and competitive field, there is still strong demand for imagery, however, and if it is something you love, you have a talent for, and are willing to back up with a strong work ethic, it is worth considering what you might be able to do with it. Check out the video above for Mott's full thoughts.
I think if you have to ask the answer is probably "no". In 2021, the only photographers who will really succeed are those that are so passionate about the art that they are compelled to be a photographer; nothing else could possibly satisfy them.
My general advice is "Don't do it unless you absolutely can't make a decent life doing anything else." Because only the ones who want it so bad they'll disregard my advice are going to have the commitment needed to survive. I asked the director of the world-class 1-year full-time certificate program in photography from which I was about to graduate, back in 2001, what fraction of graduates were still working as photographers 5 years after graduation. His answer: "Five percent."
Do it if you are a great marketer/networker and if you are willing to spend much of your time photographing material which is not that creative but useful to your clients. Photographing for money is working for others, it's not making money of your hobby.
Not true. I know lots of photographers with fantastic marketing skills who are making $100k+ in their field. Some even hire photographers because they can't handle all the business.
I know a lot that say they do, but don't, after overhead they make ? ? about as much as my son does at a hamburger stand. After cost it low and getting lower or they have one good year then 3 bad.
"Lots" = 1%.
It's ok to be a photographer, but you better have a back-up career. I made a lot of money in the 1970-2000 shooting assignments when I went out with Doctors without boarders, but I never took an assignment if there was a working photographer there trying to make a living. I had a income. I was a "Pro" or was I (is there such a thing)? I wasn't one of those, oh look mommy, I'm a pro photographer I send X camera company XXXXX dollars and they send me a camera strap that says so right no it. I had to show a printed portfolio. I still get loaner gear from 3 major companies when I go out in the world. With cell phones coming up hard and fast in the rearview mirror I'd move back to film if I wanted to be a photographer in todays world.
Just my 2 cents worth
Be Safe but have fun
Roger
I finally know how to take better photos but I would rather just post to Instagram than deal with all the headaches of trying to compete.
After college I was a reporter at a small daily newspaper. I also was provided a then $700 digital camera that took 8 photos. That was it.
My next newspaper had a few full-time photographers for news who were still using film. Nobody was paid very much.
The paper used part time folks for sports. This was decades ago. A reporter can take many of photos now easily.
One of the photographers at the 2nd paper went to work for a larger newspaper in New Orleans.
Even Survivor Man had to resort to Youtube since his private web page was not making nay money.