I would really like to have a career that I love, and that would be photography. I love it! I’m thinking about going to school and take business and photography. Because my dream is to have my own gallery, where I photograph teams, children, school photos, infants, etc. I’m also looking to take photos of weddings and things like that. But also sell my scenery photos and such. But I don’t know if it’s a high paying profession. Any clue? Any photographers with advice? And I was wondering if its hard to get your own business started? Do you need a certain licence?
It’s not a high-paying profession. If you want a high-paying profession with job security, go into the medical field. Save the photography as a hobby.
One Response to “Is photography a good career path?”
Is photography a good career path? Yes. Is it a high-paying profession? No. At least not usually. Sometimes you can make it big. But just look at Annie Leibovitz’s current financial woes . . .
Most photographers don’t get to the level of having their own gallery (though they may have a successful studio with perhaps 1 or 2 junior photographers working with them, who eventually go off on their own).
From your description (school teams, kids, etc.), it sounds as if you want to open up a small local studio and take formal portraits. That can be tough, as most people can’t justify spending money to pay a professional if they feel they can do it themselves (or pay some teenager with a camera to do it for free). You may also have competition from Sears or babies-r-us or lifetouch. But it’s entirely doable. It helps to have a business plan. (and no, you don’t need a license, unless you are talking about a business license).
By ’scenery’ photos I’m assuming you mean nature shots. Unless you go out to exotic locales (like professional nature photographers) you won’t have much luck. The world is inundated with pictures of trees, flowers, and sunsets. For example, I have a very nice picture of fall leaves but no one has offered to buy a copy.
Wedding photography is a full time job. And is very difficult to do well. Trying to divide your time between wedding, family, and nature photography isn’t easy. It’s possible if you know (I mean REALLY KNOW) what you are doing. I don’t recommend doing wedding photography until you have a few years under your belt and have worked under a professional wedding photographer.
References :
common sense