For many, it has always been a dream in the back of our heads to someday be able to escape the rat race and follow our passion in photography and turn it into a career!
Even though the very idea can be both scary and exciting, the dream can at times be all consuming. In this very open and honest video from UK landscape photographer Paul Thomson, he shares some valuable insights into exactly what it can be like when you follow those dreams and pursue landscape photography as a full-time career!
Paul’s approach has been a well-thought-out one, and he shares the highs, lows, and everything in-between that he has experienced in his two years as a professional landscape photographer !
If you have ever considered, are currently considering, or have already taken the plunge, then this video gives you a look into the real-world experience that can lie ahead!
It’s certainly not an easy road lined with roses, and you need to constantly think on your feet, diversify, and ensure that you create multiple revenue streams. However, the benefits that it has brought to Paul from a mental health point of view can outweigh even the downs that come with trying to make a living through landscape photography versus the alternative of the 9-5 rat race.
How to end up with a million dollars as a landscape photographer? Start with 2 million dollars and shoot landscapes for a couple of years. :)
I’m sure it has been done many times but it’s a very brave path that this old wedding shooter wouldn’t try.. You’re a brave man.
Gordon
:-) Now that's an accurate statement right there Gordon :-)
I don't think this has to do with bravery. Times have changed, and we adapt. Even shooting weddings is not what it used to be...I can only imagine how hard it must be to photograph a wedding where every attendant take photos with their smartphone, where everyone claims to have some knowledge about photography and tell the professional how they would like to be portrayed. It a tough business....
I really enjoyed the video, very honest.
What troubles me though, is that all those new sources of income are not suitable at all for the ones who do not enjoy being in front a camera. I suppose that's also a skill to learn.
One more thing: it seems like the commissioned work is almost disappeared from the photographers vocabulary. And this concerns all photography fields, the B2B is almost not existent. The ones who used to hire photographers are now just after content creators, who can do a bit of photo, some video, some social media management, a bit of marketing materials and why not also SEO.
This is sad....