Exactly on point .2:20 . internet based photography is just for internet .you can't make into profession I realized it after about 6 years into reading forums and groups and following RUclipsrs at the end you are at the same point where you have started 😝
Nothing left so cut to moggie.... seriously you need to share on a podcast, I’m 39 years into my own career and still find you are one of the very few to cut through the fluff, bang on!
Brilliant! You give the most valuable advice away; not just for photographers but for life. I ran my own business until retirement and this is exactly how to do it. If folk don't get what you are saying they are probably not going to be successful.
People need to assist. Pro photography ia problem solving. I went to NY for a really great portfolio review (ie Esquire, Sunset, etc.). I became friends with a bunch of shooters from all over the country. Not once did we talk about gear. Mostly movies and clients.
7 months later, you might not see this comment, but, I feel the same about most things you have said. Interesting that this video showed up in my feed today. Google is definitely listening. As earlier today, a photography friend was blathering on about how much money he made this week, and that he is now head of a club, and and and and, on and on. My reply; “I find it easier to keep to myself. That is more creative for me than competing and trying to keep up with others” lol. Before I got involved with clubs and photography friends, I think my work was so much better. IMO, but maybe that’s because I was doing it for me and my reasons. Of course it’s all part of the journey meeting these people and learning, but, there comes a time when you should break free. The only people I go out shooting with are people that have their own vision. I have gone out shooting with people that are actually watching my eyes and then raising their camera when I do. Wtf? If I meet someone new and they want to go out, I know beforehand if it will be a good fit or not. Hopefully not sounding like a snob here, but some people can be very draining. Especially when you are trying to be creative. I could care less about their gear and how much they paid for everything. Yawn
I've found that as I progress as a photographer I follow less and less of the "influencer" types that seem to only talk about the newest camera to more of ones who show how they work and what is going on in their heads as they work. Much more important than the latest lens. And as far as the internet groups I joined a FB group to try to find models to practice and it seems that the only ones active in this group are photographers posting shitty pictures of half naked women. This furthers my conviction of doing my own thing and not worrying about what all the others in my area are doing.
Some of the best jobs I’ve shot have come from other photographers, so having a good network of other photographers can’t be understated but I came up through assisting for 6 years before I started shooting for myself
Great mindset you have. I prefer to keep my wardrobe simple too and eat the same thing every morning. I've been a photographer full time for 17 years and never shot a campaign. I never thought about it until recently a photograph near me shot a major campaign. I see his work everywhere and I think to myself what can I do differently to get to the next level. May need your advice. You seem to give good advice from the right place.
I like your mindset a lot! Also it is the opposite of what the majority of photographers advice. And still I can relate to it 100% to your way of thinking! So thank you!
Many thanks, as alway, for a super video. So glad you eventually mentioned the new camera and grading because I was shouting at the screen about why your production was below normal standard. Great points for anyone seeking to grow their business and not just in photography.
Thank you for putting this video out. I definitely suffer from being a perfectionist. I’m putting my website up today. No more stalling for the perfect picture
Great video! I can definitely learned a lot from this video. Especially your last point of not putting content out because it's "bad". I definitely have to overcome this obstacle in my head and create more content. The only way to to better is to simply do more.
I think there's a slight irony that if you feel like you're giving up a lot for this career then this career probably isn't for you. I feel similar to you in that I don't really spend money unless it's work or for the kids - but I don't feel like I'm missing out. My car is 16 years old but it performs as a car should, going from A to B. A more expensive car would perform the same role but with the added cost which in turns puts more pressure on me to make more money. So much of what we do (and buy) is driven by ego, typically at a detriment to our general happiness.
This is why I invest for income. The more I work now, the less I have to worry about income later and can focus on passions AND have bacon for breakfast LOL. I'm starting a photography business now and luckily I'll have a base income that comes without having to trade dollars for hours so that my basic needs are met without having to stress so much about money. I'm very familiar with the 80, 90, 100 hour work week but it has to lead to a better place not just more work next week, forever.
I must say I really like how you've framed all this advice. Sometimes listening to videos like this they can make a person feel guilty, but not yours. How you've framed this has made the advice more helpful, especially with the focus on how you applied it in your own life. Thanks for the advice. One question, since you suggest getting things out and releasing them how do you know if something is at least good enough that it won't hurt your business? Or do you even consider that? I often feel it's my perfectionism telling me if I spend more time it will improve my business but I don't know.
@@TinHouseStudioUK Ah, that helped me understand what you said about releasing things to get better. Nothing is stopping me from improving something once its in the public eye. So I could at least get it out then improve it if needed.
Hi Scott, I just wondered, the spending as little as possible, living cheaply, cheap car, clothes etc, but the big contracts and earning as much money as possible, what is the end game, is it big bank balance, no mortgage, early retirement or something else. I get earning as much as possible but isn’t it tempting to enjoy life a bit more along the way?
If I have to Google something to find the solution to a practical problem, the forums are the last place I will check - a truly desperate measure. And the reason I avoid them is just this: The most common response multiple people will post to any question of this type - "Can someone explain how I can do X?" - is the insufferable "Why would anyone want to do X?" A whole page of that.
With everyone having access to education and technology, now more than ever THIS is the only way If you REALLY want to stand out - in any profession -, period. Saving this one to show my teenage nephews
I don't do it as a job due to my serious sight loss but I have been told by "pro togs" that as I am not earning from my hobby and because i am partially sighted i should never take photos at all. I do it as my way to be creative and to keep my brain from going to mush
I say this from a place of respect, but if time is valuable, why the youtube channel? Photography as a topic is saturated and not the highest pay per view. The time invested in capturing and colour grading etc is useful for clients, but sits outside your niche. So why the channel? the new system? the learning curve of davnci etc?
oooh very good questions. Initially because I couldn't find any other commercial photographers who still use RUclips and later on to sell workshops as a side hustle as I got Brexit fear. Little did I know about Covid at the time. RUclips money is negligible for photography, but workshop money is a salary in itself and during lockdown was invaluable. I also have enjoyed learning to make and edit videos and since then have started on a food video portfolio for commercial work. So it all kinda sits here together in a very strange way.
@@TinHouseStudioUK Thanks for taking the time to answer. I can appreciate after the events of 2020/21 many people began looking at if you have only have one income source, you are only one step away from having no income. Its been a wild ride over the last 3 years.
Your studio must be a big overhead. I was going to open one locally and would have been perfect £550 p/m just not affordable especially with Covid happening.
If your life is nothing but work and bare subsistence, it's not a life. Why do you bother with life at all if you're not LIVING IT?!? Answer this question: Why do you work?
Because I love what I do and it affords me being able to be at all of the kids assembles and shows and to be able to not worry about the bigger problems in the world when I’m in my bubble. Works for me, but not for everyone.
I'm happy this is working for you, but this sounds like an utterly joyless life devoid of any excitement. You're entirely driven solely by income generation (which isn't a bad thing), but then what are you going to do with all that money? Take it to your grave? Your work-life balance seems to be 80% work with no time for the things that make life interesting. Again, great if that works for you, but I hope I never get to a stage where meeting a friend for coffee is a no-no unless I make some money from it.
its like a regular job you clock in spend 8 to 10 hours working then you clock out also most business don't want you wasting company time on socializing and such
The thing to remember is that my job is my passion and hobby. So if I had a 9-5 this is what I would look forward to doing in between. And when I am not working i'm with my family or very close friends. Although this lifestyle isn't for everyone and nor is the job.
The perfect balance does not exist. My girlfriend is a teacher and she is a teacher 24/7, like a policeman, like a doctor, a musician. This is a passion, not a production line job where someone is crazy about the last minute of the shift to go watch TV or take a beer as a reward. This is a business and businesses are like children, we have to structure and discipline them so that they progress. Free time, if it is not used for family or very and important close friends, should be to work, plan a new project, grow and learn.
There is a dual goal; satisfying the need for creative action and the end result. The end result is the final image(s), it rewards you primarily with the confirmation of self worth and secondarily with the income.
My two biggest flaws are perfectionism and impulsive decisionmaking. Both financially and just not thinking before I act on something. Luckily I’m getting better on the latter, but the former is something I need to work on a lot more.
If you want to see a bit of behind the scenes action, make sure you join me on instagram instagram.com/scottchoucino/
Exactly on point .2:20 . internet based photography is just for internet .you can't make into profession I realized it after about 6 years into reading forums and groups and following RUclipsrs at the end you are at the same point where you have started 😝
Nothing left so cut to moggie.... seriously you need to share on a podcast, I’m 39 years into my own career and still find you are one of the very few to cut through the fluff, bang on!
Brilliant! You give the most valuable advice away; not just for photographers but for life. I ran my own business until retirement and this is exactly how to do it. If folk don't get what you are saying they are probably not going to be successful.
People need to assist. Pro photography ia problem solving. I went to NY for a really great portfolio review (ie Esquire, Sunset, etc.). I became friends with a bunch of shooters from all over the country. Not once did we talk about gear. Mostly movies and clients.
“Done is beautiful.” This is something that I learned in college and have not forgotten.
I do enjoy your concise chat and tunnel vision to life that works towards your family and goals.
7 months later, you might not see this comment, but, I feel the same about most things you have said. Interesting that this video showed up in my feed today. Google is definitely listening. As earlier today, a photography friend was blathering on about how much money he made this week, and that he is now head of a club, and and and and, on and on. My reply; “I find it easier to keep to myself. That is more creative for me than competing and trying to keep up with others” lol.
Before I got involved with clubs and photography friends, I think my work was so much better. IMO, but maybe that’s because I was doing it for me and my reasons. Of course it’s all part of the journey meeting these people and learning, but, there comes a time when you should break free. The only people I go out shooting with are people that have their own vision. I have gone out shooting with people that are actually watching my eyes and then raising their camera when I do. Wtf? If I meet someone new and they want to go out, I know beforehand if it will be a good fit or not. Hopefully not sounding like a snob here, but some people can be very draining. Especially when you are trying to be creative. I could care less about their gear and how much they paid for everything. Yawn
I've found that as I progress as a photographer I follow less and less of the "influencer" types that seem to only talk about the newest camera to more of ones who show how they work and what is going on in their heads as they work. Much more important than the latest lens. And as far as the internet groups I joined a FB group to try to find models to practice and it seems that the only ones active in this group are photographers posting shitty pictures of half naked women. This furthers my conviction of doing my own thing and not worrying about what all the others in my area are doing.
The best piece of business advice is when you said keep your overheads down that is 100% on the money!
Some of the best jobs I’ve shot have come from other photographers, so having a good network of other photographers can’t be understated but I came up through assisting for 6 years before I started shooting for myself
I’ve been a Porter as a hospital for 15 months to keep the money coming in and this month has been good to me.
Great mindset you have. I prefer to keep my wardrobe simple too and eat the same thing every morning. I've been a photographer full time for 17 years and never shot a campaign. I never thought about it until recently a photograph near me shot a major campaign. I see his work everywhere and I think to myself what can I do differently to get to the next level. May need your advice. You seem to give good advice from the right place.
"Perfectionism is actually just anxiety and fear of failure." Brilliant.
You are the only one who consistently cuts through the b***shit - much appreciated - keep these blogs coming please.
Well said. This type of video is what we need more of on RUclips.
Thank you for all the truthful words. Particular good video, in length and content
I like your mindset a lot! Also it is the opposite of what the majority of photographers advice. And still I can relate to it 100% to your way of thinking! So thank you!
Many thanks, as alway, for a super video. So glad you eventually mentioned the new camera and grading because I was shouting at the screen about why your production was below normal standard. Great points for anyone seeking to grow their business and not just in photography.
The perfectionism comment is spot on - acting first and then having the benefit of feedback can be invaluable - Kolbs cycle 😁👍
Thank you for being honest about what it takes to run a successful business
This video is GOLD!! professional photographer here, six years into it and i feel every word there.
I sold all my Canon gear for press and sports work Canon 1Dx all too heavy and now use Fuji X-T3 etc lovely gear
Spot-on. Thanks for reminding.
Brilliant! Absolutely amazing! Thanks for waking me up! 🙏
This is the best video! Gritty detail and entirely actionable info
Loving every advice you provided in the video. ❤
Thank you for the reminder. Appreciate that a lot.
I agree we only have 24h in the day. Time is most valuable asset we have.
People always under estimate the importance of time
Thank you for putting this video out. I definitely suffer from being a perfectionist. I’m putting my website up today. No more stalling for the perfect picture
Thanks!
Welcome! and thank you :)
This channel is the voice of reason on RUclips. Thank you!
Great video! I can definitely learned a lot from this video. Especially your last point of not putting content out because it's "bad". I definitely have to overcome this obstacle in my head and create more content. The only way to to better is to simply do more.
I think there's a slight irony that if you feel like you're giving up a lot for this career then this career probably isn't for you. I feel similar to you in that I don't really spend money unless it's work or for the kids - but I don't feel like I'm missing out. My car is 16 years old but it performs as a car should, going from A to B. A more expensive car would perform the same role but with the added cost which in turns puts more pressure on me to make more money. So much of what we do (and buy) is driven by ego, typically at a detriment to our general happiness.
great video Scott !
This is why I invest for income. The more I work now, the less I have to worry about income later and can focus on passions AND have bacon for breakfast LOL. I'm starting a photography business now and luckily I'll have a base income that comes without having to trade dollars for hours so that my basic needs are met without having to stress so much about money. I'm very familiar with the 80, 90, 100 hour work week but it has to lead to a better place not just more work next week, forever.
Excelent advice as usual! I just get so much value from your videos, thank you so much.
Glad they are of use to you.
Thanks Scott this was fantastically refreshing!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Great video and advice, Scott. Thank you, always. 🙏🏼
totally agree bro. thx for sharing,
No problem 👍
Thank you for this video. Excellent - as always.
LOL love what you say about photographers arguing about f-stop, etc...
So, so true ! thank you for sharing this !
Life advice for anyone building a skills based business 👌
Hard Core upload!… Hard trials a necessary to establish truth!… ✊🏿
I believe you only have so much energy every day. You need to focus where you spend it its a better life in a long run.
This video is changing my way of thinking. Very inspiring Scott, thanks for it! Btw...I admire your work!
Wise words my friend. Respect
brilliant once again Scott
Solid, eye opening advice again. Thanks Scott.
Thanks Aidan
LOOK AT MY BATTERIES! LOOK! They're self looping.
Great video and advice👍
You need to finish your videos with..."a cat stroke from a distance"...loved it!
Deal!
This video will level you 😁 this was good, cheers Scott
Your honesty is brutal but I like it. Thank you.
My pleasure!
I must say I really like how you've framed all this advice. Sometimes listening to videos like this they can make a person feel guilty, but not yours. How you've framed this has made the advice more helpful, especially with the focus on how you applied it in your own life. Thanks for the advice.
One question, since you suggest getting things out and releasing them how do you know if something is at least good enough that it won't hurt your business? Or do you even consider that? I often feel it's my perfectionism telling me if I spend more time it will improve my business but I don't know.
Better to have it out there not perfect than to not have it out there whilst making it perfect
@@TinHouseStudioUK Ah, that helped me understand what you said about releasing things to get better. Nothing is stopping me from improving something once its in the public eye. So I could at least get it out then improve it if needed.
There is some very good advice in there, but turning in to a production machine wouldn’t be for me.
This is fantiastic advice, pro photographer, or not. Life strategy stuff.
Hi Scott, I just wondered, the spending as little as possible, living cheaply, cheap car, clothes etc, but the big contracts and earning as much money as possible, what is the end game, is it big bank balance, no mortgage, early retirement or something else. I get earning as much as possible but isn’t it tempting to enjoy life a bit more along the way?
We all have to find our own balance. He is just telling us what works for him not an ideal for everybody.
If I have to Google something to find the solution to a practical problem, the forums are the last place I will check - a truly desperate measure. And the reason I avoid them is just this: The most common response multiple people will post to any question of this type - "Can someone explain how I can do X?" - is the insufferable "Why would anyone want to do X?" A whole page of that.
Thank you
Great advice
Damn good video. Love your work. Thank you.
not a pro photographer, but your advice is invaluable, thanks..
I appreciate that!
Bravo!
With everyone having access to education and technology, now more than ever THIS is the only way If you REALLY want to stand out - in any profession -, period. Saving this one to show my teenage nephews
I don't do it as a job due to my serious sight loss but I have been told by "pro togs" that as I am not earning from my hobby and because i am partially sighted i should never take photos at all. I do it as my way to be creative and to keep my brain from going to mush
that's amazing . just keep doing what's makes you happy ..
@@or_not-o8i I will try to keep going. Mind you I bought manual focus lenses as well for my Nikon Z cameras, I must be nuts🤣🤣
Crack On!! Thanks Scott!
I think my superpower, for a while at least, was that I wasn't into photography when I started working in it 😂
I say this from a place of respect, but if time is valuable, why the youtube channel? Photography as a topic is saturated and not the highest pay per view. The time invested in capturing and colour grading etc is useful for clients, but sits outside your niche. So why the channel? the new system? the learning curve of davnci etc?
oooh very good questions. Initially because I couldn't find any other commercial photographers who still use RUclips and later on to sell workshops as a side hustle as I got Brexit fear. Little did I know about Covid at the time. RUclips money is negligible for photography, but workshop money is a salary in itself and during lockdown was invaluable. I also have enjoyed learning to make and edit videos and since then have started on a food video portfolio for commercial work. So it all kinda sits here together in a very strange way.
@@TinHouseStudioUK Thanks for taking the time to answer. I can appreciate after the events of 2020/21 many people began looking at if you have only have one income source, you are only one step away from having no income. Its been a wild ride over the last 3 years.
You should be a member of professional associations inside the industry. You missed the entire concept how they are not camera clubs.
Your studio must be a big overhead. I was going to open one locally and would have been perfect £550 p/m just not affordable especially with Covid happening.
Im getting off my High Horse as we speak . ( LOL )
If your life is nothing but work and bare subsistence, it's not a life. Why do you bother with life at all if you're not LIVING IT?!? Answer this question: Why do you work?
Because I love what I do and it affords me being able to be at all of the kids assembles and shows and to be able to not worry about the bigger problems in the world when I’m in my bubble. Works for me, but not for everyone.
There's a thanos meme somewhere in here
I'm happy this is working for you, but this sounds like an utterly joyless life devoid of any excitement. You're entirely driven solely by income generation (which isn't a bad thing), but then what are you going to do with all that money? Take it to your grave? Your work-life balance seems to be 80% work with no time for the things that make life interesting. Again, great if that works for you, but I hope I never get to a stage where meeting a friend for coffee is a no-no unless I make some money from it.
its like a regular job you clock in spend 8 to 10 hours working then you clock out also most business don't want you wasting company time on socializing and such
The thing to remember is that my job is my passion and hobby. So if I had a 9-5 this is what I would look forward to doing in between. And when I am not working i'm with my family or very close friends. Although this lifestyle isn't for everyone and nor is the job.
The perfect balance does not exist. My girlfriend is a teacher and she is a teacher 24/7, like a policeman, like a doctor, a musician. This is a passion, not a production line job where someone is crazy about the last minute of the shift to go watch TV or take a beer as a reward. This is a business and businesses are like children, we have to structure and discipline them so that they progress. Free time, if it is not used for family or very and important close friends, should be to work, plan a new project, grow and learn.
There is a dual goal; satisfying the need for creative action and the end result. The end result is the final image(s), it rewards you primarily with the confirmation of self worth and secondarily with the income.
Haha… kangaroos! Love it!
Clubs are pants it’s purely and ego trip. I went to a club for 2 years and new maybe 5 people
damn depressing man... but truth... LOL SHit... Better keep my day job.
My two biggest flaws are perfectionism and impulsive decisionmaking. Both financially and just not thinking before I act on something. Luckily I’m getting better on the latter, but the former is something I need to work on a lot more.