Tours. That is where the $ is for photographers. Offering tours showcasing either wildlife or landscapes along with technical expertise. What's nice about your video is the transparency. Some folks don't share as much which makes it not as 'real'. Good luck!
Keep it up Mark! 33 years shooting professionally (quickly coming up to 20 full time) has definitely reinforced what I was taught - Photography is 90% Business and 10% Taking Pictures. You are on the right track.
I know a photographer who approached Dr. OFFICES. Photos decorate the waiting rooms and they all have price tags on them. It's a great way to display your work for sale without having to have your own retail space.
I found this really interesting, Mark. For me, photography is strictly a hobby that I really enjoy. I often get comments from family and friends that I should make this my livelihood, but fortunately, I have a job I enjoy and it compensates me well. So I take their comments as a sign that my photos are striking a chord and this is enough for me. But I have often wondered how photographers make their living in this day and age, when so many people have a digital camera and have to contend with trying to monetize their efforts. Stock photo sites are not the windfall they perhaps once were, and so I think the key to success is to have many irons in the fire, as you are doing in your business model. To make it a viable business, you have to wear so many hats, starting with being a great photographer, but also being media savvy, not afraid to speak to groups of people, able to identify new revenue streams and realistically evaluate what is working and is not working and adapt to change. You seem to be off to a great start and I wish you much luck. As for RUclips... there are definitely algorithms that bubble videos to the top. One of your videos found its way into my feed last week (I hadn't searched for it) and I watched it. Today, this video found its way into my feed. I'm sure more will start appearing, since I have watched both of these. If you can figure out how the algorithms will promote your videos, you will benefit from a snowball effect. Good luck!
Thanks for being so upfront with what you are going through. The one major thing that has drawn me to your channel is your openness, honesty and straight forward approach to teaching & speaking about photography. You would be very easy to sit down with and have a cup of coffee. Keep going! Good luck!!
Creativity, Mark, is the only resource that can tell us apart from dozens of amazing photographers. The rest is just technique, study and sacrifice. We need to put our brain in "creativity" mode and think that way. We need to work in it. But I think you already knew that. In this very competitive and talented world of photography today, what makes the difference is our brain and the way we see things, and how we transmit them. Don’t give up, you’re gonna make it! You can do it.
Mark... You're brutally honest and I wish you all the best! I am about to take the leap leaving my 9-5 cycle. What's going to take you places is actually how honestly articulate you are about your self criticism (If there is a word like that :)) All the best!
I love the candor in showing the plight of a photographer/RUclipsr. It's clearly not an easy thing to do, but you seem off to a good start and I hope your momentum continues. I hope you stick with it.
This is good stuff man. I just bought my first camera, after taking time using pro mode on my Galaxy note 10+, to see if I could learn photography (albeit limited, because it's a phone lol) but i seem to have genuinely outgrown my phone, and now live on the east coast. Moved to Maine from California. So many RIDICULOUS landscapes out here. Every sunset is magical. But thanks for opening up about some of the struggles and sharing the success for people like me. 10/10 bud.
Interesting film Mark. I've had my photography business running for over 20 years and what you are experiencing is common to almost all photographers (I'll exclude the big international names, who play by different rules). Print sales are effectively dead as a source of income, people are now much more likely to print something they have taken on their own phone, than they are to buy from you or me. Agency sales are sporadic at best, the market is saturated with people willing to sell their work through microstock sites for a penny! Everyone is running workshops; unless you have a niche or a name, it is hard to sustain. However, what you have struck upon is the key. There are so many people adopting photography as a hobby, that the appetite for digital tuition is growing rapidly. Most of the requests I know receive are from 'hobbyists' asking for help with processing issues or basic camera management. The other request I get all the time is "can you give me the map co-ordinates for that image" because people see what I have done and want to duplicate it - a compliment of sorts, but I'd rather they buy my version! But is does open up an opportunity for guiding built in to tutorials. Good luck with the next six months, it is an exciting voyage.
@@MarkDenneyPhoto - I think there is an opportunity, if you can find the right audience/niche. It is a bit like being a golf coach at a course, lots of people by a set of golf clubs, but they need help learning how to use them. We're the new golf coaches! :)
As an Enterpreneurship instructor and a newbie in photography, it is always good to hear people talk about their businesses. You have a lot of ideas to flush out and you are very skilled. You will have to see which alternative will make the most bucks for you and which you enjoy the most. And it is so true, you cannot be a perfectionist or you will never get things done. All the best.
I love your honesty and transparency. This is something I'm looking to get into in the next few months once I'm able to afford a new camera. Keep hustling brotha. Good things are coming to you!
I’m sure you’ll get a million subs this year easily. My wish for you Mark. Never seen a channel on RUclips who teaches their hard earned knowledge over the years so selflessly and I’m so much detail. Hat off
1) For print sale, try on e-commerce website like Amazon. It will definitely help you. 2) Organise workshop on regular basis. 3) Tie up with travel magazine and write articles for them about your travel experiences and try to sell your pictures to them. All the best
Mark, thanks for the update on your transition to becoming a full time photographer. It was great to hear your story. I wish you much success and will be following you, and your journey!
"Stop trying to perfect things" resonated with me, I have been encouraged by my Camera club to take my LRPS with the Royal Photographic Society and I have been over critical of every image, I have spent the last 3 years procrastinating and I must stop doing it.
I haven't check yet for more recent updates on your status but just wanted you to know that this is one of the most authentic videos I have ever seen on RUclips. I don't do a lot of comments... Actually i rarely write any comments on the videos I watch but there's something about you, you're just honest and truthful and that makes you different from most people that just tries to show the glamorous side of life and businesses... All the best from Portugal... And now I'll go looking for more recent updates hopping you're doing more than OK. Cheers.
Hey Mark, thanks for the great tips! I've just made the decision to start transitioning out of the corporate world into landscape and wildlife photography full time. It's great to hear your take on your successes and regrets, some food for thought!
Hi Mark, this video really resonated with me. I'm trying to do the same thing that you did - not with landscape photography, but with photography in general. I'm still at my 9-5 job but I really hope to be able to leave that at some point this year. Thanks for sharing your story.
Mark, thank you for sharing all this with us. I'm subscribed to several landscape photographer channels, but yours is definitely one of my favorites. Your story really inspires me to continue pursuing my dreams and goals. I'm still on my "9 to 5 job", still on my first steps to becoming a professional landscape photographer, but seeing you succeed really motivates me to keep going. Please don't stop sharing your stories and creating amazing content like this!
Thanks so much Paulo! Glad to hear you're enjoying the videos! Definitely keep going with your photography, I think we can call do anything we desire if we want it bad enough. Best of luck with everything and stay in touch!
Mark, Quoting Winston Churchill... "Success is not final. Failure is not fatal. It is the courage to continue that counts". Love the videos. Just wish I had the nerve to quit my job years ago to persue my interest in photography. Wishing you all the best.
Thanks so much for the quote Robert! I hadn't heard it before, but will never forget it. Happy to hear your enjoying the videos and I appreciate the well wishes.
Thanks so much for the quote Robert! I hadn't heard it before, but will never forget it. Happy to hear your enjoying the videos and I appreciate the well wishes.
It is great you have a plan for the future in Landscape photography. My experience talking to other photographers that want/have done the same is "DIVERSIFY". Most of the people I know have branches that include; producing images for sale/ photography tours/RUclips- in the field + studio/ sellers of photography related equipment/ etc. I have followed Thomas Heaton from the UK almost from the beginning of his RUclips channel and he now has 100K+ subscribers, he has 2 episodes/ week of about 10-15 min, grat variety & very honest about his work and that has med him very successful. I know another photographer who only picked up a DSLR in 2013, now FT, jumped in both feet after being made redundant in his 20yr career. He uses social media HEAVILY! Another very successful photographer has a photographic printing business, developed a tour side etc. Only taking good images is no longer a viable option. Hoping 2019 is a great year for you Mark.
Hi Phil! Thanks so much for the information. Thomas is great, I've had the pleasure of meeting him on a couple occasions - super nice guy and his honesty in his videos is refreshing! Thanks for the well wishes - it's very much appreciated!
I've been searching YT for making money with astrophotography/photography and your video was recommended! Glad to be a new subscriber :) A few criticisms (and I've only watched this video), don't be afraid to make a cut in the video instead of making it one continuous talk (this could be your style and I don't know because this is my first video watching you). Sometimes the video punch ins and outs feel weird, I always associate a punch in with an important point. You're great at speaking to the camera and I hope your channel and other revenue streams keep growing!
Also, when it comes to watch-time and subscriber count, I watch a lot of RUclipsrs without ever following them. I watch them so much that their content is always recommended to me.
I don’t comment much on videos but I wanted to say thanks for talking about everything with us. As people have said, the transparency is very helpful. I’ve watched other videos on this subject and they are pretty much garbage. This really helped me understand the different avenues and methods of income so I can kinda focus more on direction. Also just as feedback for you as well, I have watched a few of your videos lately from a learning perspective. I very much appreciate the input of photographers who have made the leap of independence and I’m trying to suck all the info I can out of this platform. I don’t have any plans to buy prints. Really as much as I love a gorgeous photo, it’s not really something I feel the need to put on a wall. I think I might hang my own prints or pics of me and/or family but I’ve never been one to hang art. I like the “instagram” grid style of displaying work because I can go through massive amounts of it and feel inspired when I need it. If that helps at all to understand the audience. Best of luck to you, man. I will continue to use your videos to help me learn, as you are probably in my top 3 or def 5 people I look for when choosing results. And... subscribed.
In a world with so much information flying around metric is definitely a huge tool for to know where you are and which way to go. Great video, a sensitive and honest talk. Good luck 🙏
I agree that I think buying the final product with matte and frame is the way to go. I know personally I'd be more likely to buy with that completed product.
This is what I wanted to do as well. Get away from the boring desk job and get outdoors and be a landscape photographer. Whatever you are doing mate, keep on going. Nice to have found your channel here.
Mark, appreciate your honesty and really telling it like it is. I would never alter your path but wonder if you have considered adding another style of photography like real estate to help pad your income. I have been doing real estate photography for two years but really would like to do Landscape photography. I have the time now to do both. Just saying the two aren’t that far apart and real estate might give you enough extra income while you continue to do your passion.
Hi Mark, in a similar position to where you were a couple years ago and I must say your advice is really welcome thank you. I’ve only just found your channel, and I really enjoy your videos. You’ve got a gift for simplifying fairly daunting concepts. Thanks so much and all the best of luck going forward 😊
Ahhh ... the practical side! Doesn't seem to get enough attention. Success (whatever that might mean to anybody in particular) doesn't come from talent alone but from the unglamorous work of selling your work and yourself, and, to put it bluntly, just doing the math. What works and what doesn't? And why? Your stumbles can help the rest of us avoid the same mistakes. ;) Thanks!
Mark, you made this video a year ago so you might have already discovered what I’m about to say anyway by now, but you talked here about how to get the finished prints framed quickly and making it efficient - print on demand is really good. Lots of print on demand companies out there.
This is absolutely great content. Thank you for being so open and honest and giving a true behind the scenes look into this profession. As someone taking the leap into this full time this month this was very helpful
Wow what a terrific and informative video. Your transition from corporate to full time landscape photography is inspiring and educational. Keep up the dedication and hard work I’m sure you’ll succeed. Thank you again for the inspiration and informative video.
This was great to watch. Though some people may not find it interesting, those that do find an interest will have a much more personal interest in your channel. I hope everything goes well, and in a few years I can be one of those guys saying I've been following you since your first year. It also reminds me that I need to be more active to those channels that I want to support, I will make sure to like and be more interactive, especially with smaller channels such as yours. I've only been into photography about two years, but I do have a business education, I would love to talk if there is anything you would be interested in running by a member of your community.
I 'found' you just this morning, with this video, and am very impressed. I particularly like your self disclosure on a topic that is often private and thereby susceptible to mistaken beliefs - thank you for providing some clarity! I've been solo self employed since 1980 and as I watched you relate the successes and challenges of your transition I became aware of some limitations in my marketing vision; limitations I didn't even know i had for all these years, OMG. So my deepest thanks for the implicit invitation to have fresh eyes!
Great video. Having been there and done that I know how difficult it can be to get started but you offer great content and if you just hang in there you will succeed. As to print sales when I first began to sell prints some years ago I noticed, like you, that including a frame could boost sales. Wondering why that was so I visited a couple of custom framing shops. Luckily I brought along a bottle of oxygen so my wife was able to resuscitate me when I passed out after seeing the prices! Seriously, prints I was selling for $150 might cost several hundred dollars to have framed! My next door neighbor had a few art prints he wanted to have framed and he was quoted something like $250 each. He asked me if I could frame the for him and I did it for a small fraction of that price.
You will do well with your “down to earth” personalities, various goal of planning to improve your photography, and caring character. Keep up the good work. 👍👍👍
Hi Jennifer. You should register with this website if you are good photographer. You can earn great money, but everything depends on you. submit.shutterstock.com?rid=3890936 i wish you all the best!
Thanks for the honest comments on your first six months. This is kind of a bit worrying for me, as I am hoping to start landscape photography in the next couple months as I don't earn much in my job which I've been doing for 35 years, 28 of which I have been working for myself. Ok so on a positive, six months is a short time to report on how well a buisness is doing, as it took me about a year before I got a steady income doing garden maintenance, then I was spending everything I earned to live on for the first three years. I was going to have a transition period of a year, where I do my job now and do photography at the same time, before doing photography full time. Obviously I'd have to see how it works out. I don't know if the market for photographers selling prints is different over in America to what it is here in Britain or Europe, but there seems to be a strong art culture over here and I see a lot of different photographers from the UK, on RUclips, on TV programmes and in my small local community and they don't seem to be short of money. Indeed on the island I live on of 65,000 people, we have art galleries and I know recently a guy exhibited around 30 of his B&W prints ready framed and sold a third of them. I guess you can also sell your photos to magazines and I heard the website Squarespace is good for photographers too. One British person I follow is James Popsys, he is travelling all the time to places like Scotland, Iceland, Greenland, and limits his photo print sales to 50 in each size, so he must be making enough to live on. What is worrying for me, is that I don't do people, so I'm not interested in doing weddings or corporate jobs, just landscapes and wildlife, so I know I'm limiting myself already and I don't have any wife to keep me going financially either, LOL. Hope your next six months is more sucessful. Keep at it.
Thanks so much for this comment - it's very much appreciated! You're right- making a living off of landscape photography is quite a challenge compared to that of a wedding or portrait photographer, but it can be done!
@@MarkDenneyPhoto Maybe these days there is more demand for artists who paint their pictures rather then those of us who use a camera and software like us. They seem to be demanding hundreds or thousands of £££'s for theirs. I know of a local artist in my area who paints characters in scenes which look in the style of those in a children's book, yet he sells lots of no bigger then A3 size for a few hundred £££'s each. I don't know whether selling our images ready framed through fine art auctions would be a way to make money. That was one thing I was going to ask local auctioneers about. I was also considering selling calendars and books of my work too. Not sure if that's profitable these days.
You should definitely keep doing this because those numbers are definitely looking good and will definitely keep going up. Definitely a good idea to keep going.
Hey just a note for your stats and growth tracking : RUclips did indeed suggest this video to me (#1 spot in recommended after another video) even though I had never heard of the channel, so it must be gaining traction. Keep up the good work !
Keep going! I am big fan of you! I believe you have all the key elements to grow much more. Video titles are good and interesting, just remember maybe to do ALSO more basic and short videos, since beginners are A LOT, and they are the one that will let you grow your numbers.
Your definitely my new follow. Details are the essential to life, so don't feel like there not worth it. It's truly unique to only you and the way you see and live life. Thank you for the great video and I can't wait to see more.
Very open and honest video Mark. Interesting re the YT numbers/subscribers. I put a couple of videos out 18 months ago about my trip to the Hebrides and they seem to get a bit of traction immediately but then when I paused for a few weeks later on before uploading a new vlog (I only did them for me and for memories of my trips) they viewings fell off a cliff...definitely the YT algorithm seems to look for regularity of videos and/or a upwardly trending watching so hopefully you've broken through their "ceiling" and things go from strength to strength. I left the corporate world 2 years ago and while I'm not looking to be a full time photographer I may have to restart the videos just to see if I can beat the bloody algo !! Good luck with all your endeavours
I’m going to one day soon pursue photography full time trying to get a few things set up before I do. This was very inspirational and helped a lot thank you so much!
Has there been a difference between the time you made this video and today? Have you thought about collaborating with other photographers or doing something like interviews to teach, say, to aspiring photographers? Your video on focusing and image stacking really helped me. It was by far the most simplest and understandable. Sometimes photographers throw way too many technical terms, so having someone explain it as well as you did was the reason I subscribed to your channel.
Thanks for this. I am flipping the switch this year so it was timely. I will start two businesses that will be joined at the hip. I am expecting to need a number of years to get traction, which does not bother me overly much. I was concerned by your comments regards to print sales not really working that well. I was considering buying a high end printer and being in control of that process. My goal is to have a as many income streams around those two businesses as I can create. I'm less interested in the social media aspects people do these days, though I realise I have to use social media in the marketing for both businesses. I am currently working my ass off doing 10-12 hours 6 days per week, night shift, so down time is not great ... it's a struggle Mark but it's very exciting.
Mark Very honest..... in simple terms sub contract all your marketing channels and test and measure the results....have a 10 strategy marketing program all sub contracted. Sub contract the web site, e mail list, workshops, all social media schedules.... etc You’re a great communicator and photographer..... focus on that and sub contract everything else. Brian
Just found your channel a few days ago, great quality content! I like your way of talking: calm and without all those jump cuts! Looking forward to be a freelancing photographer / videographer some day too, but first things first: school
Found a comment about you making beginner videos: Two friends of mine started just a few weeks ago and even if there are already some videos online about exposure, iso, composition and all this stuff, they would love to see how it can affect landscapes. So it may be a good video for you (long exposure water / clouds, golden hour, sunstars, composition, focus stacking, bracketing, ...) I have not checked the videos you already made on this topic, but maybe I could find something to help! Greeting from Germany
Mark, love your contents! You're one of my favourite landscape photography youtubers here! Great tutorial, great images, great stories, and great reviews! I hope that you keep making high quality contents!
This is the first video of yours I have watched. Can you please do an update video after 1 year? I'd be really interested in that. Thanks for your transparency. I love reports like this. I'm really happy to hear that you have had the success you're having after only 6 months. How long were you doing landscape photography? I could totally live off $1000/month. I'm 32 and live with my parents. They charge me $250 in rent but that includes everything including laundry and prepared meals because they like to cook. They even do all the shopping. I have enough money to survive for about 2.5 years at that rate but I don't have any cool landscapes near my area in southeastern NC. Traveling could dwindle my saving in no time but if I could at least start making $250/month that would be awesome.
Thank you Mark for sharing so openly, this is so interesting to hear your story and your progress through this adventure of a lifetime. I wish you all the best and look forward for some great news in the one year video. I just subscribed to your channel and you are already amongst my favourite “youtubers”. Best wishes from England.
How well are you doing now Mark. I bookmarked this video a long time ago and just found it on my phone again. As you may see, I commented here back then. I still not started my photography buisness, due to different factors, which include some health problems, especially with being asleep more at the only time in the evening when I get to use my computer, so I'm a bit stuck at the moment, as I can't even work on my You Tube videos, let alone sort or edit photos or even look into setting up any website. Now we can't travel easily, due to covid, that has put my plans of visiting places out the window too. I will do it one day, but it may take me years at this rate. ☹
Thanks for your refreshing and honest content! These are among the qualities that will bring you great success, so you've gotta stick to these. Now on the revenue and money question: The landscape photography market is the *smallest* of all photography markets, so if you just rely on just that type of photography, you are not going to be able to make it at this stage of your photography business. Period. One day (in a few many years), you can reach the 'Peter Lik' stage, then you can rely 100% of your revenue on landscape photography. But for now, you've got to switch gear and do something like real estate or architectural photography--really quick and easy money (of course, you've got to live close to a big city for this). My two cents and wish you best of luck!!!
Great video man! I've been full time two years but Landscape full time is another animal, look forward to learning more! This is the first video I've come across by the way so keep it up!
Thanks Mark ... what would be interesting to me is having some kind of business coach to get started. Your tips are very helpful. At the moment my channel is just "silent hiking" and photography... the self-doubt is there which stops me from interacting with the audience. Your video's are always very open and easy to watch.
Mark, I just found your channel and liked you presentation and the information. Regarding your comment about time management, I always remind myself that done is sometimes better than perfect. Good luck on your journey. I will be watching🐱
Thank you for your story and for the honest numbers. I hope to follow your example and start full time photography by the next year. 2020 and my 30th birthday is my target. Have a great day!
Hi Mark. Enjoyed the video and your openness to share the journey. I too am in the same boat, although I’m still working full time, using my spare moments to put my website content in order before launch. I wish you all the best my friend. Stay hungry!
Really great information and production value. Glad I found your channel as I'm embarking on much the same, albeit different, voyage. Really appreciate how candid and complete your videos are.
Great video Mark. It's obvious that making a living as a landscape photographer is not easy and requires a lot of work. This video will be a rude awakening for many. Thanks for your openness. I agree with the comment someone made below about the workshops. Some photographers are charging $8-10K for workshops to Iceland and Patagonia. Definitely worth considering offering those to your followers. Just subscribed to your channel and newsletter. Thanks!
The law of attraction is so funny. I was just ranting about how we only see the end results of the photographers Journey, but "during" is never documented. And here you are LOL
I'd like to see how you decide to exhibit and the followup results from that exhibit. I did an exhibit years ago and nothing even came from it. Look fwd to seeing what you have to show
Hi Mark, great channel, I too am a landscape photographer as well as a summer time concert photographer for LiveNation, the question I have is do you include your watermark signature on your prints? Ive heard a mix variety from other photographers that some do and some dont. Your opinion? Thanks Mark and best of luck to you with your future plans, they sound great!
Glenn Fritzsche Thanks so much Glenn! I always give my customers a choice. Some like it on the front, others on the back, but I always give them the option.
@@MarkDenneyPhoto thank you for your reply, that makes sense, only problem is with me alot of my art is pre-printed and already embedded into the photo. But for any orders from here on in I will remember your advice. Thanks again and keep up the good work! Im inspired. www.gfritzschephotography.com
Mark, thanks a lot for honest information and sharing also concrete numbers. this is very valuable! Most of the people would just create a hype they are full time photographers but they would not admit that their income is far away from what they would make in 9-5. I have similar experience as you do. Affiliate revenue and income from ads is very low compared to my own digital products (these are really significant part of the income - few thousands per month if it is a good month). Have you tried stock photography? I plant to start with this and see how it goes... Thanks again for making this and keep going, I am sure you will get to the point where you get enough money to be satisfied. It just takes time. Wish you all the best!
Hi Mark, you are producing wonderful landscape work. I just stumbled onto this video tonight. I have a suggestion for you regarding your print sales and handling. You are making the right move in marketing your prints completely finished and ready for your clients to hang. I am going to preface my suggestion with a little personal history and experience. I spent quite a few years in the portrait photography market prior to transitioning into the fine art nature photography world. During those portrait studio years my bread and butter was selling large wall prints. Every client was buying prints at least 20” fully framed and ready to hang. Most of my sales were more in the 40” to 60” range. Marketing to that end result, is another whole topic and does not suit the intended purpose here. What does is that although I was outsourcing my printing, I was doing my own framing in house. I should add that I love printing and framing and also have a career and educational background in graphics and printing. That were in the film days. By the time I transitioned into marketing fine art nature photography, I no longer had the space, setup and energy to be doing my own large format printing and framing. Yet for me, large, finished, wall prints is the only way to sell prints of my photography. So I went the route of using a POD (Print On Demand) partner. Essentially I am outsourcing all of the behind the scenes work of printing, framing, delivery and even shopping cart maintenance. I still print one of every photo personally before it goes in my print shop for sale, but by using a POD I am free of the time consumption of ongoing print sales and production. If you decide to go that route, do not make the mistake some people do of thinking the POD partner is going to sell your work for you. That is not going to happen! You still need to do your own marketing. What it will do is free up time to do so. There are several options out there for POD partners. When I started researching them I found one that is using the same framing supplier that I had used for years. Initial test prints proved It has been a good fit. The other plus is that it will open you up to a much broader variety of print style and framing options to offer your clientele. I hope you find this helpful. Keep chasing the good light my friend.
Mark Denney my pleasure. Hopefully not so much as to make your head hurt. 😉 I purposely did not say which POD I am using because it was not my intention to promote any one in particular. There are many and a few very good ones. What is right for me may not be for everyone. Having said that, feel free to ask me any questions you may have. You may contact me privately through my website as well if you like. Take care.
Your honesty is very inspiring. Thank you . Great video, very informative, I am looking forward to the next one. and good luck. I hope your aspersions become real.
Personally just found your channel as a recommendation from youtube because of your LR stuff (what I am trying to get better at). The few videos I've watched so far seem pretty well done. Checked out you IG and your pics are definitely outstanding so you are certainly a great photographer. Hope you continue grow and can keep doing what you want to do. I know I would love to do photography more than a hobby but really don't feel I'm at the level that need to be at for making money.
@@MarkDenneyPhoto , if you get up to the mountains of NC shoot me a message. I live in Wilkes County. I might be able to show ya around a little bit in this neck of the woods.
I watch your channel far more than MANY of the giants. I dont like watching you go through the struggle. I DO like watching you WIN the struggle bro. Wish I could afford to support you. Stay strong. (Sry for the cliche).
Thanks for another great video Mark. The content you're putting out is extremely helpful to everybody, especially people like me. I too aspire to become a full time photographer (and videographer). You put things out that are real, and simplified enough for everybody to grasp. If you ever hook up with a tourism board in Ohio, let me know. I'd love to meet up and do some photography.
Appreciate the honesty!! It's a tough gig, I hope someday to do this full-time also. If you figure out how to overcome the perfection thing let me know!!!! I also spend (waste) way too much time on details that no one will ever know or see but myself. Keep up the hard word!
You're doing great! I really like what i am learning on your channel. I am a totally new photographer... still on auto mode on a Sony A7 III !!! I know... says a lot ! But i will get there! Also have like 600 raw photos to process in Lightroom and Photoshop (which i am also learning from scratch) which eere taken on a once in a lifetime sailing trip to the Marquesas Islands last spring. Your seven easy steps and other tutorials have finally made it "doable" for me. I know I will not reach perfection (do we ever ? ) but i am already starting to get nice photographs. Appreciate your candor as well ! Just suscribde to your newletter ! Thanks a bunch and don't give up ! :)
Tours. That is where the $ is for photographers. Offering tours showcasing either wildlife or landscapes along with technical expertise. What's nice about your video is the transparency. Some folks don't share as much which makes it not as 'real'.
Good luck!
Keep it up Mark! 33 years shooting professionally (quickly coming up to 20 full time) has definitely reinforced what I was taught - Photography is 90% Business and 10% Taking Pictures. You are on the right track.
Really appreciate that - thank you!
I know a photographer who approached Dr. OFFICES. Photos decorate the waiting rooms and they all have price tags on them. It's a great way to display your work for sale without having to have your own retail space.
Oh snap ! Incredible observation ! Generous of you too !
I found this really interesting, Mark. For me, photography is strictly a hobby that I really enjoy. I often get comments from family and friends that I should make this my livelihood, but fortunately, I have a job I enjoy and it compensates me well. So I take their comments as a sign that my photos are striking a chord and this is enough for me. But I have often wondered how photographers make their living in this day and age, when so many people have a digital camera and have to contend with trying to monetize their efforts. Stock photo sites are not the windfall they perhaps once were, and so I think the key to success is to have many irons in the fire, as you are doing in your business model. To make it a viable business, you have to wear so many hats, starting with being a great photographer, but also being media savvy, not afraid to speak to groups of people, able to identify new revenue streams and realistically evaluate what is working and is not working and adapt to change. You seem to be off to a great start and I wish you much luck. As for RUclips... there are definitely algorithms that bubble videos to the top. One of your videos found its way into my feed last week (I hadn't searched for it) and I watched it. Today, this video found its way into my feed. I'm sure more will start appearing, since I have watched both of these. If you can figure out how the algorithms will promote your videos, you will benefit from a snowball effect. Good luck!
Thanks for being so upfront with what you are going through. The one major thing that has drawn me to your channel is your openness, honesty and straight forward approach to teaching & speaking about photography. You would be very easy to sit down with and have a cup of coffee. Keep going! Good luck!!
Yeah, I'd buy a used car from this man....!
Creativity, Mark, is the only resource that can tell us apart from dozens of amazing photographers. The rest is just technique, study and sacrifice. We need to put our brain in "creativity" mode and think that way. We need to work in it. But I think you already knew that. In this very competitive and talented world of photography today, what makes the difference is our brain and the way we see things, and how we transmit them. Don’t give up, you’re gonna make it! You can do it.
Mark... You're brutally honest and I wish you all the best! I am about to take the leap leaving my 9-5 cycle. What's going to take you places is actually how honestly articulate you are about your self criticism (If there is a word like that :)) All the best!
I love the candor in showing the plight of a photographer/RUclipsr. It's clearly not an easy thing to do, but you seem off to a good start and I hope your momentum continues. I hope you stick with it.
Thanks Chris! Very much appreciate the well wishes and the positive vibes!
This is good stuff man. I just bought my first camera, after taking time using pro mode on my Galaxy note 10+, to see if I could learn photography (albeit limited, because it's a phone lol) but i seem to have genuinely outgrown my phone, and now live on the east coast. Moved to Maine from California. So many RIDICULOUS landscapes out here. Every sunset is magical. But thanks for opening up about some of the struggles and sharing the success for people like me. 10/10 bud.
Interesting film Mark. I've had my photography business running for over 20 years and what you are experiencing is common to almost all photographers (I'll exclude the big international names, who play by different rules). Print sales are effectively dead as a source of income, people are now much more likely to print something they have taken on their own phone, than they are to buy from you or me. Agency sales are sporadic at best, the market is saturated with people willing to sell their work through microstock sites for a penny! Everyone is running workshops; unless you have a niche or a name, it is hard to sustain.
However, what you have struck upon is the key. There are so many people adopting photography as a hobby, that the appetite for digital tuition is growing rapidly. Most of the requests I know receive are from 'hobbyists' asking for help with processing issues or basic camera management.
The other request I get all the time is "can you give me the map co-ordinates for that image" because people see what I have done and want to duplicate it - a compliment of sorts, but I'd rather they buy my version! But is does open up an opportunity for guiding built in to tutorials.
Good luck with the next six months, it is an exciting voyage.
Much appreciate Damian! I agree - it seems that photography education seems to be in growing demand these days.
@@MarkDenneyPhoto - I think there is an opportunity, if you can find the right audience/niche. It is a bit like being a golf coach at a course, lots of people by a set of golf clubs, but they need help learning how to use them. We're the new golf coaches! :)
As an Enterpreneurship instructor and a newbie in photography, it is always good to hear people talk about their businesses. You have a lot of ideas to flush out and you are very skilled. You will have to see which alternative will make the most bucks for you and which you enjoy the most. And it is so true, you cannot be a perfectionist or you will never get things done. All the best.
MARGUERITE MOORE Thanks so much for the feedback - really appreciate it!
Yep. RUclips is where it's at. I regret not doing it sooner. Keep going mate!
fototripper Yep - best platform out there! Appreciate it bud!
Truly, Mark, your honesty is refreshing
John Doherty Thanks so much John!
I love your honesty and transparency. This is something I'm looking to get into in the next few months once I'm able to afford a new camera. Keep hustling brotha. Good things are coming to you!
Thanks so much Micah! Really appreciate it bud!
I’m sure you’ll get a million subs this year easily. My wish for you Mark. Never seen a channel on RUclips who teaches their hard earned knowledge over the years so selflessly and I’m so much detail. Hat off
1) For print sale, try on e-commerce website like Amazon. It will definitely help you.
2) Organise workshop on regular basis.
3) Tie up with travel magazine and write articles for them about your travel experiences and try to sell your pictures to them.
All the best
Mark, thanks for the update on your transition to becoming a full time photographer. It was great to hear your story. I wish you much success and will be following you, and your journey!
Really appreciate the well wishes - thank you! Appreciate ya watching the video.
"Stop trying to perfect things" resonated with me, I have been encouraged by my Camera club to take my LRPS with the Royal Photographic Society and I have been over critical of every image, I have spent the last 3 years procrastinating and I must stop doing it.
“Done is better than perfect”
Absolutely! That's the motto that runs in my head throughout the day!
I haven't check yet for more recent updates on your status but just wanted you to know that this is one of the most authentic videos I have ever seen on RUclips. I don't do a lot of comments... Actually i rarely write any comments on the videos I watch but there's something about you, you're just honest and truthful and that makes you different from most people that just tries to show the glamorous side of life and businesses... All the best from Portugal... And now I'll go looking for more recent updates hopping you're doing more than OK. Cheers.
Hey Mark, thanks for the great tips! I've just made the decision to start transitioning out of the corporate world into landscape and wildlife photography full time. It's great to hear your take on your successes and regrets, some food for thought!
Hi Mark, this video really resonated with me. I'm trying to do the same thing that you did - not with landscape photography, but with photography in general. I'm still at my 9-5 job but I really hope to be able to leave that at some point this year. Thanks for sharing your story.
Thanks so much for watching Nicole! Wishing you the best of luck during your transition to full- time photographer this year!
Hey, there you are. Happy to see you these😅😅😅
Mark, thank you for sharing all this with us. I'm subscribed to several landscape photographer channels, but yours is definitely one of my favorites. Your story really inspires me to continue pursuing my dreams and goals. I'm still on my "9 to 5 job", still on my first steps to becoming a professional landscape photographer, but seeing you succeed really motivates me to keep going. Please don't stop sharing your stories and creating amazing content like this!
Thanks so much Paulo! Glad to hear you're enjoying the videos! Definitely keep going with your photography, I think we can call do anything we desire if we want it bad enough. Best of luck with everything and stay in touch!
I know this level of honesty is not always appreciated. But I love it thank you for doing the video!
NoizyCloset Many thanks and glad to hear you enjoyed the video!
Enjoy your honesty. My best wishes to you! Do think your commitment and persistence will pay off professionally. Keep up the good work!
Mark,
Quoting Winston Churchill... "Success is not final. Failure is not fatal. It is the courage to continue that counts".
Love the videos. Just wish I had the nerve to quit my job years ago to persue my interest in photography.
Wishing you all the best.
Thanks so much for the quote Robert! I hadn't heard it before, but will never forget it. Happy to hear your enjoying the videos and I appreciate the well wishes.
Thanks so much for the quote Robert! I hadn't heard it before, but will never forget it. Happy to hear your enjoying the videos and I appreciate the well wishes.
Great honest video Mark , thank you . Doing the things you love does not often bring the best revenue , but it does bring something better !
Thanks so much David!
It is great you have a plan for the future in Landscape photography. My experience talking to other photographers that want/have done the same is "DIVERSIFY". Most of the people I know have branches that include; producing images for sale/ photography tours/RUclips- in the field + studio/ sellers of photography related equipment/ etc. I have followed Thomas Heaton from the UK almost from the beginning of his RUclips channel and he now has 100K+ subscribers, he has 2 episodes/ week of about 10-15 min, grat variety & very honest about his work and that has med him very successful. I know another photographer who only picked up a DSLR in 2013, now FT, jumped in both feet after being made redundant in his 20yr career. He uses social media HEAVILY! Another very successful photographer has a photographic printing business, developed a tour side etc. Only taking good images is no longer a viable option. Hoping 2019 is a great year for you Mark.
Hi Phil! Thanks so much for the information. Thomas is great, I've had the pleasure of meeting him on a couple occasions - super nice guy and his honesty in his videos is refreshing! Thanks for the well wishes - it's very much appreciated!
I've been searching YT for making money with astrophotography/photography and your video was recommended! Glad to be a new subscriber :) A few criticisms (and I've only watched this video), don't be afraid to make a cut in the video instead of making it one continuous talk (this could be your style and I don't know because this is my first video watching you). Sometimes the video punch ins and outs feel weird, I always associate a punch in with an important point. You're great at speaking to the camera and I hope your channel and other revenue streams keep growing!
Also, when it comes to watch-time and subscriber count, I watch a lot of RUclipsrs without ever following them. I watch them so much that their content is always recommended to me.
Yeah I do the same thing as well and that particular creators content is still recommended even with a sub.
I don’t comment much on videos but I wanted to say thanks for talking about everything with us. As people have said, the transparency is very helpful. I’ve watched other videos on this subject and they are pretty much garbage. This really helped me understand the different avenues and methods of income so I can kinda focus more on direction. Also just as feedback for you as well, I have watched a few of your videos lately from a learning perspective. I very much appreciate the input of photographers who have made the leap of independence and I’m trying to suck all the info I can out of this platform. I don’t have any plans to buy prints. Really as much as I love a gorgeous photo, it’s not really something I feel the need to put on a wall. I think I might hang my own prints or pics of me and/or family but I’ve never been one to hang art. I like the “instagram” grid style of displaying work because I can go through massive amounts of it and feel inspired when I need it. If that helps at all to understand the audience. Best of luck to you, man. I will continue to use your videos to help me learn, as you are probably in my top 3 or def 5 people I look for when choosing results. And... subscribed.
Mark, really like your honesty about the trade. In fact, very few people really tell it all like you do. Really appreciate your videos! Cheers, mate.
Thanks so much! Glad to hear you enjoy the videos!
In a world with so much information flying around metric is definitely a huge tool for to know where you are and which way to go. Great video, a sensitive and honest talk. Good luck 🙏
Marcelo Martins Thanks Marcelo!
I agree that I think buying the final product with matte and frame is the way to go. I know personally I'd be more likely to buy with that completed product.
Brad Beaird Appreciate the feedback Brad👍
This is what I wanted to do as well. Get away from the boring desk job and get outdoors and be a landscape photographer. Whatever you are doing mate, keep on going. Nice to have found your channel here.
Cris Skyler Thanks Cris! Glad you found the channel - I appreciate the positive vibes👍
All the best :)
Mark, appreciate your honesty and really telling it like it is. I would never alter your path but wonder if you have considered adding another style of photography like real estate to help pad your income. I have been doing real estate photography for two years but really would like to do Landscape photography. I have the time now to do both. Just saying the two aren’t that far apart and real estate might give you enough extra income while you continue to do your passion.
This is really inspiring.. i am going on US cross country and will be visiting at least 46 states.. Hope i learn and get good pictures. Thanks again.
Hi Mark, in a similar position to where you were a couple years ago and I must say your advice is really welcome thank you. I’ve only just found your channel, and I really enjoy your videos. You’ve got a gift for simplifying fairly daunting concepts. Thanks so much and all the best of luck going forward 😊
Thanks so much Phillip! Glad you found the channel and happy to hear you enjoy the videos! I appreciate the well wishes - Mark
Ahhh ... the practical side! Doesn't seem to get enough attention. Success (whatever that might mean to anybody in particular) doesn't come from talent alone but from the unglamorous work of selling your work and yourself, and, to put it bluntly, just doing the math. What works and what doesn't? And why? Your stumbles can help the rest of us avoid the same mistakes. ;) Thanks!
Thank you for sharing Mark, your honesty is refreshing. You certainly seem to be on the way to a great career as a full time photographer.
Mark, you made this video a year ago so you might have already discovered what I’m about to say anyway by now, but you talked here about how to get the finished prints framed quickly and making it efficient - print on demand is really good. Lots of print on demand companies out there.
This is absolutely great content. Thank you for being so open and honest and giving a true behind the scenes look into this profession. As someone taking the leap into this full time this month this was very helpful
Wow what a terrific and informative video. Your transition from corporate to full time landscape photography is inspiring and educational. Keep up the dedication and hard work I’m sure you’ll succeed. Thank you again for the inspiration and informative video.
This was great to watch. Though some people may not find it interesting, those that do find an interest will have a much more personal interest in your channel. I hope everything goes well, and in a few years I can be one of those guys saying I've been following you since your first year. It also reminds me that I need to be more active to those channels that I want to support, I will make sure to like and be more interactive, especially with smaller channels such as yours. I've only been into photography about two years, but I do have a business education, I would love to talk if there is anything you would be interested in running by a member of your community.
Casey Hoke thanks so much Casey! Very much appreciate the well wishes!
Your honesty and willingness to share earned you another sub. Keep up the honest takes and informative content, great job.
Thanks so much David! Really appreciate it!
I 'found' you just this morning, with this video, and am very impressed. I particularly like your self disclosure on a topic that is often private and thereby susceptible to mistaken beliefs - thank you for providing some clarity! I've been solo self employed since 1980 and as I watched you relate the successes and challenges of your transition I became aware of some limitations in my marketing vision; limitations I didn't even know i had for all these years, OMG. So my deepest thanks for the implicit invitation to have fresh eyes!
Glad to do it and thanks for watching! And, congrats on being self employed for almost 40 years - thats inspiring!!!
Great video. Having been there and done that I know how difficult it can be to get started but you offer great content and if you just hang in there you will succeed. As to print sales when I first began to sell prints some years ago I noticed, like you, that including a frame could boost sales. Wondering why that was so I visited a couple of custom framing shops. Luckily I brought along a bottle of oxygen so my wife was able to resuscitate me when I passed out after seeing the prices! Seriously, prints I was selling for $150 might cost several hundred dollars to have framed! My next door neighbor had a few art prints he wanted to have framed and he was quoted something like $250 each. He asked me if I could frame the for him and I did it for a small fraction of that price.
You will do well with your “down to earth” personalities, various goal of planning to improve your photography, and caring character. Keep up the good work. 👍👍👍
Hi Jennifer. You should register with this website if you are good photographer. You can earn great money, but everything depends on you. submit.shutterstock.com?rid=3890936 i wish you all the best!
Thanks for the honest comments on your first six months. This is kind of a bit worrying for me, as I am hoping to start landscape photography in the next couple months as I don't earn much in my job which I've been doing for 35 years, 28 of which I have been working for myself.
Ok so on a positive, six months is a short time to report on how well a buisness is doing, as it took me about a year before I got a steady income doing garden maintenance, then I was spending everything I earned to live on for the first three years.
I was going to have a transition period of a year, where I do my job now and do photography at the same time, before doing photography full time. Obviously I'd have to see how it works out.
I don't know if the market for photographers selling prints is different over in America to what it is here in Britain or Europe, but there seems to be a strong art culture over here and I see a lot of different photographers from the UK, on RUclips, on TV programmes and in my small local community and they don't seem to be short of money.
Indeed on the island I live on of 65,000 people, we have art galleries and I know recently a guy exhibited around 30 of his B&W prints ready framed and sold a third of them. I guess you can also sell your photos to magazines and I heard the website Squarespace is good for photographers too.
One British person I follow is James Popsys, he is travelling all the time to places like Scotland, Iceland, Greenland, and limits his photo print sales to 50 in each size, so he must be making enough to live on.
What is worrying for me, is that I don't do people, so I'm not interested in doing weddings or corporate jobs, just landscapes and wildlife, so I know I'm limiting myself already and I don't have any wife to keep me going financially either, LOL. Hope your next six months is more sucessful. Keep at it.
Thanks so much for this comment - it's very much appreciated! You're right- making a living off of landscape photography is quite a challenge compared to that of a wedding or portrait photographer, but it can be done!
@@MarkDenneyPhoto Maybe these days there is more demand for artists who paint their pictures rather then those of us who use a camera and software like us. They seem to be demanding hundreds or thousands of £££'s for theirs. I know of a local artist in my area who paints characters in scenes which look in the style of those in a children's book, yet he sells lots of no bigger then A3 size for a few hundred £££'s each. I don't know whether selling our images ready framed through fine art auctions would be a way to make money. That was one thing I was going to ask local auctioneers about. I was also considering selling calendars and books of my work too. Not sure if that's profitable these days.
You should definitely keep doing this because those numbers are definitely looking good and will definitely keep going up. Definitely a good idea to keep going.
Hey just a note for your stats and growth tracking : RUclips did indeed suggest this video to me (#1 spot in recommended after another video) even though I had never heard of the channel, so it must be gaining traction. Keep up the good work !
Nathaniel Woosley Thanks so much for this info - super exciting to hear!
Keep going! I am big fan of you! I believe you have all the key elements to grow much more. Video titles are good and interesting, just remember maybe to do ALSO more basic and short videos, since beginners are A LOT, and they are the one that will let you grow your numbers.
Really appreciate that Miro! Thanks for the feedback as well - good stuff!
Your definitely my new follow. Details are the essential to life, so don't feel like there not worth it. It's truly unique to only you and the way you see and live life. Thank you for the great video and I can't wait to see more.
Thomas Bowan Appreciate ya Thomas!
Very open and honest video Mark. Interesting re the YT numbers/subscribers. I put a couple of videos out 18 months ago about my trip to the Hebrides and they seem to get a bit of traction immediately but then when I paused for a few weeks later on before uploading a new vlog (I only did them for me and for memories of my trips) they viewings fell off a cliff...definitely the YT algorithm seems to look for regularity of videos and/or a upwardly trending watching so hopefully you've broken through their "ceiling" and things go from strength to strength. I left the corporate world 2 years ago and while I'm not looking to be a full time photographer I may have to restart the videos just to see if I can beat the bloody algo !! Good luck with all your endeavours
Thanks Nigel - I appreciate the well wishes! If you figure out how to beat the algo, let me know, I'm all ears:)
I'm on it Mark..I'll let you know !!
Nigel Morley Nice! Thanks buddy👊
I’m going to one day soon pursue photography full time trying to get a few things set up before I do. This was very inspirational and helped a lot thank you so much!
Jawaun Neal Do it!!! Thanks so much watching👍👍
Has there been a difference between the time you made this video and today? Have you thought about collaborating with other photographers or doing something like interviews to teach, say, to aspiring photographers? Your video on focusing and image stacking really helped me. It was by far the most simplest and understandable. Sometimes photographers throw way too many technical terms, so having someone explain it as well as you did was the reason I subscribed to your channel.
Thanks for this. I am flipping the switch this year so it was timely. I will start two businesses that will be joined at the hip. I am expecting to need a number of years to get traction, which does not bother me overly much. I was concerned by your comments regards to print sales not really working that well. I was considering buying a high end printer and being in control of that process. My goal is to have a as many income streams around those two businesses as I can create. I'm less interested in the social media aspects people do these days, though I realise I have to use social media in the marketing for both businesses. I am currently working my ass off doing 10-12 hours 6 days per week, night shift, so down time is not great ... it's a struggle Mark but it's very exciting.
Mark Sharman 100% agree Mark! It can certainly be a grind but I’d rather spend 10 hours working for myself than 1 hour working for someone else!
Mark
Very honest..... in simple terms sub contract all your marketing channels and test and measure the results....have a 10 strategy marketing program all sub contracted. Sub contract the web site, e mail list, workshops, all social media schedules.... etc
You’re a great communicator and photographer..... focus on that and sub contract everything else.
Brian
Just found your channel a few days ago, great quality content! I like your way of talking: calm and without all those jump cuts! Looking forward to be a freelancing photographer / videographer some day too, but first things first: school
Found a comment about you making beginner videos: Two friends of mine started just a few weeks ago and even if there are already some videos online about exposure, iso, composition and all this stuff, they would love to see how it can affect landscapes. So it may be a good video for you (long exposure water / clouds, golden hour, sunstars, composition, focus stacking, bracketing, ...) I have not checked the videos you already made on this topic, but maybe I could find something to help! Greeting from Germany
Jonas Becker Much appreciated Jonas! Happy to hear you enjoy the videos🙏
Dude, you seem like a geniunely nice guy. I appreciate that. Subbed and hoping it all goes well for you!
Taylor Petrie Awesome - Thanks so much!!
Mark, love your contents! You're one of my favourite landscape photography youtubers here! Great tutorial, great images, great stories, and great reviews! I hope that you keep making high quality contents!
techtenniz Awesome comment! Thanks so much for this - very very much appreciated🙌
Hi, I totally agree that your transparency about the business is one of the biggest added value. I hope you will hit your targets. Fingers crossed!
Mateusz Kozioł Thanks for the well wishes!
This is the first video of yours I have watched. Can you please do an update video after 1 year? I'd be really interested in that. Thanks for your transparency. I love reports like this. I'm really happy to hear that you have had the success you're having after only 6 months. How long were you doing landscape photography? I could totally live off $1000/month. I'm 32 and live with my parents. They charge me $250 in rent but that includes everything including laundry and prepared meals because they like to cook. They even do all the shopping. I have enough money to survive for about 2.5 years at that rate but I don't have any cool landscapes near my area in southeastern NC. Traveling could dwindle my saving in no time but if I could at least start making $250/month that would be awesome.
For sure - that video will most certainly happen!
Keep up the good work Mark. Its just matter of time that you will be super successful. Hang in there!
Thanks so much Salva!
Thank you Mark for sharing so openly, this is so interesting to hear your story and your progress through this adventure of a lifetime. I wish you all the best and look forward for some great news in the one year video. I just subscribed to your channel and you are already amongst my favourite “youtubers”. Best wishes from England.
Gérald Zammit Thanks so much Gerald! Very kind of you to say - really appreciate it!
How well are you doing now Mark. I bookmarked this video a long time ago and just found it on my phone again. As you may see, I commented here back then. I still not started my photography buisness, due to different factors, which include some health problems, especially with being asleep more at the only time in the evening when I get to use my computer, so I'm a bit stuck at the moment, as I can't even work on my You Tube videos, let alone sort or edit photos or even look into setting up any website. Now we can't travel easily, due to covid, that has put my plans of visiting places out the window too. I will do it one day, but it may take me years at this rate. ☹
Thanks for your refreshing and honest content! These are among the qualities that will bring you great success, so you've gotta stick to these. Now on the revenue and money question: The landscape photography market is the *smallest* of all photography markets, so if you just rely on just that type of photography, you are not going to be able to make it at this stage of your photography business. Period. One day (in a few many years), you can reach the 'Peter Lik' stage, then you can rely 100% of your revenue on landscape photography. But for now, you've got to switch gear and do something like real estate or architectural photography--really quick and easy money (of course, you've got to live close to a big city for this). My two cents and wish you best of luck!!!
Great video man! I've been full time two years but Landscape full time is another animal, look forward to learning more! This is the first video I've come across by the way so keep it up!
Cole Horchler Thanks Cole! Appreciate ya stopping by!
Thanks Mark ... what would be interesting to me is having some kind of business coach to get started. Your tips are very helpful. At the moment my channel is just "silent hiking" and photography... the self-doubt is there which stops me from interacting with the audience. Your video's are always very open and easy to watch.
Mark, I just found your channel and liked you presentation and the information. Regarding your comment about time management, I always remind myself that done is sometimes better than perfect. Good luck on your journey. I will be watching🐱
Brett Haddock Really appreciate it Brett! Yep, I’m always telling myself that - it helps sometimes😬
Thank you for your story and for the honest numbers. I hope to follow your example and start full time photography by the next year. 2020 and my 30th birthday is my target. Have a great day!
One of the most helpful and honest videos I've seen so far about this stuff. Just subbed, thanks man.
Many thanks bud!
Hi Mark. Enjoyed the video and your openness to share the journey. I too am in the same boat, although I’m still working full time, using my spare moments to put my website content in order before launch. I wish you all the best my friend. Stay hungry!
Dean McLeod Thanks so much Dean! Really appreciate it.
Really great information and production value. Glad I found your channel as I'm embarking on much the same, albeit different, voyage. Really appreciate how candid and complete your videos are.
Honesty at last! Thanks for showing people what really goes on at the beginning of a photography business
Sian Pearce Gordon My pleasure and thanks for watching it!
Great video Mark. It's obvious that making a living as a landscape photographer is not easy and requires a lot of work. This video will be a rude awakening for many. Thanks for your openness. I agree with the comment someone made below about the workshops. Some photographers are charging $8-10K for workshops to Iceland and Patagonia. Definitely worth considering offering those to your followers. Just subscribed to your channel and newsletter. Thanks!
The law of attraction is so funny. I was just ranting about how we only see the end results of the photographers Journey, but "during" is never documented. And here you are LOL
That’s awesome! Funny how things work out👍
This is “definitely” one of your better videos.
I am “definitely” going to watch your future videos. =)
Keep it up!
Jo Bo 🤣🤣Hahah! I definitely appreciate it Jo!
I'd like to see how you decide to exhibit and the followup results from that exhibit. I did an exhibit years ago and nothing even came from it. Look fwd to seeing what you have to show
Hi Mark, great channel, I too am a landscape photographer as well as a summer time concert photographer for LiveNation, the question I have is do you include your watermark signature on your prints? Ive heard a mix variety from other photographers that some do and some dont. Your opinion? Thanks Mark and best of luck to you with your future plans, they sound great!
Glenn Fritzsche Thanks so much Glenn! I always give my customers a choice. Some like it on the front, others on the back, but I always give them the option.
@@MarkDenneyPhoto thank you for your reply, that makes sense, only problem is with me alot of my art is pre-printed and already embedded into the photo. But for any orders from here on in I will remember your advice. Thanks again and keep up the good work! Im inspired. www.gfritzschephotography.com
First Time Watcher & Subscribed. Best Wishes To You
Mark Hinds Thank ya Mark! Really appreciate the well wishes and the sub as well👍
Thanks for sharing and keep on going! You are doing awesome and you feel super open about your experience 🤗
Agustin Tajch Thanks man - appreciate the positive vibes🙌
Mark, thanks a lot for honest information and sharing also concrete numbers. this is very valuable! Most of the people would just create a hype they are full time photographers but they would not admit that their income is far away from what they would make in 9-5. I have similar experience as you do. Affiliate revenue and income from ads is very low compared to my own digital products (these are really significant part of the income - few thousands per month if it is a good month). Have you tried stock photography? I plant to start with this and see how it goes... Thanks again for making this and keep going, I am sure you will get to the point where you get enough money to be satisfied. It just takes time. Wish you all the best!
Filming Family Thanks so much - really appreciate the well wishes!
Congrats on your journey so far, Mark!
Thanks Mark! I appreciate that buddy - I hope you're doing well!
Hi Mark, you are producing wonderful landscape work. I just stumbled onto this video tonight. I have a suggestion for you regarding your print sales and handling. You are making the right move in marketing your prints completely finished and ready for your clients to hang. I am going to preface my suggestion with a little personal history and experience.
I spent quite a few years in the portrait photography market prior to transitioning into the fine art nature photography world. During those portrait studio years my bread and butter was selling large wall prints. Every client was buying prints at least 20” fully framed and ready to hang. Most of my sales were more in the 40” to 60” range. Marketing to that end result, is another whole topic and does not suit the intended purpose here. What does is that although I was outsourcing my printing, I was doing my own framing in house. I should add that I love printing and framing and also have a career and educational background in graphics and printing. That were in the film days.
By the time I transitioned into marketing fine art nature photography, I no longer had the space, setup and energy to be doing my own large format printing and framing. Yet for me, large, finished, wall prints is the only way to sell prints of my photography. So I went the route of using a POD (Print On Demand) partner. Essentially I am outsourcing all of the behind the scenes work of printing, framing, delivery and even shopping cart maintenance.
I still print one of every photo personally before it goes in my print shop for sale, but by using a POD I am free of the time consumption of ongoing print sales and production. If you decide to go that route, do not make the mistake some people do of thinking the POD partner is going to sell your work for you. That is not going to happen! You still need to do your own marketing. What it will do is free up time to do so. There are several options out there for POD partners. When I started researching them I found one that is using the same framing supplier that I had used for years. Initial test prints proved It has been a good fit. The other plus is that it will open you up to a much broader variety of print style and framing options to offer your clientele. I hope you find this helpful. Keep chasing the good light my friend.
Photography by...Mark Myhaver Thanks so much for this Mark - you’ve given me a great deal of info to think about - so thank you for that!
Mark Denney my pleasure. Hopefully not so much as to make your head hurt. 😉 I purposely did not say which POD I am using because it was not my intention to promote any one in particular. There are many and a few very good ones. What is right for me may not be for everyone. Having said that, feel free to ask me any questions you may have. You may contact me privately through my website as well if you like. Take care.
Your honesty is very inspiring. Thank you . Great video, very informative, I am looking forward to the next one. and good luck. I hope your aspersions become real.
Personally just found your channel as a recommendation from youtube because of your LR stuff (what I am trying to get better at). The few videos I've watched so far seem pretty well done. Checked out you IG and your pics are definitely outstanding so you are certainly a great photographer. Hope you continue grow and can keep doing what you want to do. I know I would love to do photography more than a hobby but really don't feel I'm at the level that need to be at for making money.
travis branum Really appreciate it Travis! Thanks man👊
I'm here from the "begin" and I'm happy you are ramping to the right direction and success.
Thanks so much Francisco! I appreciate ya👍
This guy is easy to listen to and is adorable.
Love the channel. You earned my subscription. Thanks for all you do to make a good channel.
SludgeSlinger Thank so much - really appreciate that👍
@@MarkDenneyPhoto , if you get up to the mountains of NC shoot me a message. I live in Wilkes County. I might be able to show ya around a little bit in this neck of the woods.
Very inspiring Mark, I'm aiming to be there in 12months 😀
Just stumbled across your video which I enjoyed and found really interesting. Good luck with the next 6 months!
Thanks so much Phillip! Appreciate the well wishes!
Hey Mark, very interesting. Thanks for sharing your good wisdom and experience. I'm enjoying and benefiting from your talks. Keep it up!
I watch your channel far more than MANY of the giants. I dont like watching you go through the struggle. I DO like watching you WIN the struggle bro. Wish I could afford to support you. Stay strong. (Sry for the cliche).
Mark, great video and very informative. Now I will be going to your website and subscribing to your newsletter!!
You're the man, Kevin! Very much appreciate that!
Thanks for another great video Mark. The content you're putting out is extremely helpful to everybody, especially people like me. I too aspire to become a full time photographer (and videographer).
You put things out that are real, and simplified enough for everybody to grasp.
If you ever hook up with a tourism board in Ohio, let me know. I'd love to meet up and do some photography.
Thanks so much Erick! Very glad to hear you're enjoying the videos - means a lot! I'll be sure to reach out next time I'm in your neck of the woods👍🏼
Appreciate the honesty!! It's a tough gig, I hope someday to do this full-time also. If you figure out how to overcome the perfection thing let me know!!!! I also spend (waste) way too much time on details that no one will ever know or see but myself. Keep up the hard word!
Andrew Hertel Thanks Andrew! I’ll be sure to let ya know what I come up with, but man what a time suck being a perfectionist is!
Excellent, Mark. Honesty and talent together is a winner.
FaffiGP Rafael Garcia Perdigon Very kind of you to say - Many thanks!
Have really been enjoying your channel. See you are very close to 200k. Congrats and much deserved. I really like the photo tutorials. Thanks.
You're doing great! I really like what i am learning on your channel. I am a totally new photographer... still on auto mode on a Sony A7 III !!! I know... says a lot ! But i will get there! Also have like 600 raw photos to process in Lightroom and Photoshop (which i am also learning from scratch) which eere taken on a once in a lifetime sailing trip to the Marquesas Islands last spring. Your seven easy steps and other tutorials have finally made it "doable" for me. I know I will not reach perfection (do we ever ? ) but i am already starting to get nice photographs. Appreciate your candor as well ! Just suscribde to your newletter ! Thanks a bunch and don't give up ! :)