To preface, most professional photographers are of course only doing their best to help others when they speak from past personal experiences and while giving advice. However, even the most well-intentioned words from somebody may create negative consequences for the listener. Sometimes it’s not even in the words, but the examples they tell through their actions. When it comes down to it though, you must always remember: Don’t let anyone — even the professionals — ever give the final say in how you do your photography or run your business.
What I see happening is professional photographers creating made-up rules about what projects they will accept and how they make their money, all based on their own level of expertise and what has worked for them. This is all perfectly normal, and falls right in line with having a developed business plan. What happens though is that other photographers pick up on how they operate, and feel like they should be doing the same thing in order to get the same results.
Having heroes is great, but it’s important to remember that everyone’s circumstances in life are different. Leading professionals have far more leeway in what business they will accept and for how much money. If a professional mentions they don’t shoot certain things because it isn’t worth the effort for them, that certainly does not mean you need to scratch it from your business as well. Making any money at all by doing photography is difficult, so don’t turn down projects only because they don’t match up with how your hero works or with how they charge clients. If someone asks you to shoot a portrait session for $50 and that excites you, then you should do it. Don’t feel like you have to turn them down or ask for more money because that’s what the pros would do. You always have the final say in your photography. Do what you need to do to get fed.
Short, but good article. I hope it doesn't get overlooked, because I've definitely wasted a lot of time following either conflicting advice or advice that doesn't mesh with me and my personality.
GREAT ARTICLE ! Short, Quick, To The Point !
Agreed!...I enjoy any and all advice on here, but FStoppers should consider adding more "short snippet" articles along side the lengthy ones....Maybe 3 - 4 paragraphs tops, that get right down to the point with much less filler.
I tried not to overthink this one, so thanks for recognizing it. More are coming, I promise.
Wise words.
Thanks, Don
I'm in my third year as a full time professional, and I completely agree. However, there is one thing that I would like to add: Although you should do whatever jobs are necessary to keep food on the table, don't take the same route with your marketing!
You show potential customers what you would like to work with and leave the rest out of your website/facebook/instagram/whatever - that way you will start getting more requests for the type of work you want to do. It may seem so simple it is almost stupid, but it actually works.
It's often the simple facts that seem obvious that get overlooked but are very effective. I wholly agree on the marketing point. Editing your work for what you love to do and want to do more of is a very essential skill that should not be overlooked. Take the gigs you need to get the money flowing, and showcase what you love doing the most.
Right. The key isn't to take advice from any professional, or really, any one person overall. Everything should be taken with a grain of sand because they don't live your life, have your desires and skills, etc.