Photography as a full time job!

[Kipper]

Anyone on here make a full time living from photography? It is something that I'm seriously thinking about doing! I have a few weddings to do over the next few months and have a few ideas for funky kids portrait pics (school photos etc...)

Any tips would be great!

I earn a decent income at the minute but I hate my job with a passion, I am very lucky in that my outgoings are next to nothing and the g/f income can easily support us while I get established! Just dont want to regret not doing it in 5/10 years when I look back on life!

 

[Aluco]

Get business cards made up with one of your best shots on them, don't skimp on the cost at all because thats all you will have to get your name out there.

Charge no less than £400 for a wedding and after you have done a few you should be aiming for around the £800-£1000 mark.

(This is what my girlfriends photography tutor told her, she has just finished her college photography course.)

 

[Ian]

I think firstly it's important to differentiate between leaving your job to pursue photography against starting photography so that you can leave your job. It's a subtle difference, but majorly important I feel. You don't want to be going into something just to avoid something else.

Secondly, would it be possible to get everything up and running while you still have your job - business cards, website, a few photoshoots to get your name out there etc? I know weddings are extremely time consuming, so you would probably struggle to fit them in around work; but as photographers mainly earn a living based on their reputation it would be good if you could get the ball rolling before you leave the security of your job.

Depending on how specialised your current job is and how well you know your boss, it may be possible to hand in your notice, but offer to continue as a consultant/trainer until they have somebody who is able to replace you.

Lastly, have you got a portfolio that we could have a quick flick through? The proof is in the pudding as they say.

 

[Tigger]

I'd love to do it too - has always been an interest to me

 

[dunganick]

In my tiny experiance of trying to work as a semi pro photographer, its very hard work, it completely saps your creativity but it is fun.

If you can make it work (long term) then go for it, just be prepaired to work very hard. I suspect it will get easier as you gain a reputation, but its not going to be an overnight thing. Having said this it sounds like you have the start of a decent reputation.

Can i ask are these friends/family or clients? And are you charging? There will be a massive difference between working as a favour and working with clients (sure i dont need to say that)

Would also love to see a gallery. Wedding photography is one thing that ive never had the balls to do. Im too scared of messing up someones day, by having an off day.

 

[Kipper]

Thanks for the replies guys, I'll get some pics up later when I get home! I posted some Le Mans pics up a few days ago if you want to have a loom through them and give me any feedback?!?

 

[Chapperz]

You can get franchise deals for your own store where ppl can come and get pro photo`s taken. Look it up on the web.

Friend of mine has done this and seems to be doing very well.

 

[Reyes]

If you have a deep passion for it then do it. For some people, hobby and work, mix. But like myself, If I mix a hobby with a job, I end up resenting it.

 

[GaryS]

I posted some Le Mans pics up a few days ago if you want to have a loom through them and give me any feedback?!?

Don't bother with motorsport photography as a career idea, far too many people giving their work away for nowt these days for it to work.

Weddings/portraits/corporate stuff etc there's still scope for making a living though.

 

[Kipper]

A selection from the last 8 months or so.

A real mix of subjects!

The weddings I have coming up are for friends of friends, I'm not charging as I aim to use them as experience and to build my portfolio. I figured if I don't charge they can't be expecting too much...... A good opportunity for me to see if I enjoy it too and could hack it as a full time career. I will prob aim to build my portfolio for the next 6-12 months before making the plunge!

Would really appreciate some c & c from you guys on the images.

 

[Soph]

wow there are some amazing photos!

really like the wedding ones that you have already tried out, think you'll be fine at the weddings you are doing for free

 

[JJ!]

I have sold horse prints regularly at shows, but to do it full time I think would be tough. Could you start out doing it in your own time to get yourself a decent rep and see how th business grows?