This is gold man. I was in the same fraternity as your brother at southern and heard about you through that. Loving the value here as I just got a camera. When I do create my photography website I'll be using your code. Thanks man.
1. Build up a skill (landscape, portrait, lifestyle etc.) 2. identify your dream client 3. Network with your Dream Client 4. Prove your value (free trials) 5. Social Proof (portfolio) 6. Be nice to work with
Hi! I am a wife and mom from North Carolina. I got interested in photography a couple years ago and trying to teach myself even though I will be 60 in a couple of weeks, learning something new everyday. I don't have a camera, so I take all my pictures with my phone. Really enjoy your videos, keep up the good work.
Your phone can be a great place to start Karen. I would try to get an app that will allow you to have manual control over your phones' camera. Get familiar with shutter speed, ISO, and aperture. Best wishes to you, and keep shooting :)
Man, I am watching you for couple years and now I am in ATL myself, it’s even hard to imagine that this is true . Me and my girlfriend left our home country Ukraine due to horrific situation there. I was hoping that my relocation would happen under different circumstances but it is what it is. You inspired me to buy my first mirrorless camera, I hope to get some great shots here in US
Thanks man. I’ve just started thinking about switching careers and you gave me some super helpful pointers to think about. Mostly the "what type of photographer do you want to be?" thing, and then building a portfolio that reflects that so that the right clients will become interested. I’m cool with starting out doing wedding photography but I should probably be more intentional than just doing what I know are paid gigs.
Thanks for this! After life steered me away from photography plans coming out of high school, I’ve decided that I’m going to pursue it as a business. this was super helpful for validating my thought processing through this!
Amazing advice for us trying to start. I got married last July & had a bad experience with our photographer. We had seen their previous work and we’re happy to book them. We were promised drone footage and beach pictures since our ceremony was outside & were sadly disappointed. The day of our wedding they said they didn’t feel like taking pictures on the sand & didn’t have enough time to do drone footage. We also had to wait 5 months for our pictures. And unfortunately the pictures were not too great either. My parents, all of the bridesmaids, groomsmen & flower girls did not come out in any of the pictures(18/20 people of the wedding party). I will never get to relive that day unfortunately.
In my youth I was into photography and wanted to make a career out of it but I went in a new direction, now I am 59y/o and I really don't want work in the same area, Software Development, in my last couple of years because it is stressful with the pace and deadlines. I thought it would be nice to end my career doing photography for myself. I think I would like to do landscape or outdoor in general photography. I kayak fish, disc golf, hiking and I think I can get into areas that are not easy to get to to produce some unique pictures. I've taken courses to learn the basics of photography, but I want to enjoy my last years of life doing something for me. Sorry, long entro. So, what I want to learn now is how to work the fine adjustments to really get that amazing picture. I am not sure what I can change a picture to be special, other than F-Stop to change the in focus detail. I am new to your channel, but based on the comments, you seemed to have helped many people. I am a new subscriber now. Thanks for your videos, I am going to go through them now.
Rekindled a friendship and did a free port shoot for him, a few months later i shot a paid job with him at his music gig and in 2 months we now plan to shoot a music video
Very good lesson. Its harder to overcome a bad reputation for quality work than to learn to do quality work in the first place. I met someone who decided to be a professional event photographer & shared their images to a group. They were not great. An experienced (20 plus years) event photographer told them he thought they had potential & offered them to be a second photographer at some shoots (unpaid) to learn & build a portfolio. The amateur was insulted because their work was good enough (their words) . If someone had made this offer to me when I still thought I could have been good enough to be a professional, I would have been thrilled. And I have been wondering about that hat.
I was told by a wedding photographer I know I really shouldn't compare my photos to others, but I feel it's hard not to. Especially when you see certain photographers whose photos don't look as good (composition, colors, lighting, etc.) or as sharp as yours or even others photos, yet they still manage to get a good amount of clients and attention somehow. Sometimes these photos look like they were taken with a cell phone rather than with an actual good camera. Did the amateur you know compare his work to other photographers similar photographers or looked up guides on how to improve?
Not just some tips on how to start a photography business but very valuable life advices Evan. In any work or business it's not always what you know but who you know. Also being always on time, friendly, open and honest, professional and all the other things you mentioned really help with progression in any work, business or life in general. Great video, simple, slick and to the point. 👏
Great advice! It's so annoying seeing people get their first camera and start advertising for paid photoshoots. No experience with the camera and no experience with editing photos. I know someone who tried to start a photography business by using only their iPhone with portrait mode. I blocked them. lol
I've looked up a good amount of portrait photographers who were recommended to me on Facebook from all over the U.S., who are running their own business. When I see their bio on either their Facebook page or website, sometimes they say once they started getting into photography, they were passionate about it and started their business as soon as they could, which often was about a year or so, which to me seems awfully fast but not really impossible with some good research and practice and I guess marketing? When I see their gallery, sometimes the photos look okay. But certain photos I sometimes see have questionable lighting and composition. Or the photos look like they were barely edited and have a very bland or boring color palette or preset to them. Sometimes these photos look too light and it often seems like making the sky white no matter what is a thing? Yet these people manage to get a good amount of clients somehow. Certain other small business photographers I've checked out do a pretty good job though but sometimes don't seem to get as much attention as they deserve. I've been watching a series of DVD's that are from a "course" on photography to learn the basics and much more from a photographer that works with National Geographic. I am not a professional photographer yet, and I've been told not to compare myself to other photographers. But sometimes it's so tempting to not compare and question how certain photographers manage to be successful so easily while other photographers who clearly do a better job don't get any attention for their photos that are clearly better. I would like to be a portrait photographer too, but feel I still need to do more research after almost 2 years of photographing to learn how to do it right.
@@Dj.D25 Couldn’t agree more. I’ve known people who buy their first every dslr and then immediately print business cards or start a photography instagram page to book shoots. Seems like most of their clients are family, friends, and friends of family who don’t have any experience with real photographers or portrait photography. I’ve been a hobbyist photographer for years and have done a few paid gigs as favors to friends. Im still learning and don’t consider myself a professional since I don’t have the confidence to make money off of it. Granted I’ve seen a couple of the people grow and learn and become great photographers. It’s like Evan Ranft said and they should be doing it for free at first to get the experience and knowledge.
Hi Evan! I want to ask about gear redundancy I’m a wedding photographer and right now i’m using macbook pro solely as my main computer. Also i only used my Sony A7RIII as my only and main camera. For redundancy, which one do you think that i need to invest to add another gesr first, the camera or the computer (probably desktop-based like mac studio). Thankyou, Evan!
Thanks so much for this one, some really great points, especially the shooting something you enjoy and not just shooting everything. I actually don't shoot for business anymore I ended up in the video editing world but am so keen to get back into photography again, I really enjoy being around and working with people and in the real world rather then just editing in the box all day. I have not been a good business person really so definitely been appreciating your videos, I also come from a creative /artistic background so found the business side of things trying. I have a question and I know it depends on various things but if I wanted to get back into the photography world my camera and lenses are well old now and shot them to death, I know I have the skills but don't have the equipment, would you recommend taking a loan to get some decentish gear even if some of it is secondhand, it's really something that's been on my mind for a while now but haven't made a decision so it's about time I guess.. Anyhow appreciate your vids I definitely relate to them..
While I’m not Evan, as a photographer. I can say that taking a loan creates stress. If you somehow fall out of love with it as a hobby or business venture. You’ll still be straddled with the loan. So I’d suggest looking on second hand market for a camera released in last 2-3 years. It’s more about the glass (lens investment anyway) than the body camera. Best of luck.
@@carlhuxley935 Thanks for your thoughts on this, I have thought that what I might do is take the loan while I'm still busy with current work video editing which I have got some steadyish clients and a reputation of sorts and then get back into the photography in between, will have to practice my juggling abilities but could probably pull it off, anyhow I'm fine with with secondhand it's just in my area the seconds market is pretty limited. Anyhow thanks for the input.. PS I know it might sound weird to want to change business when I have something mostly working but I just can't do the sitting all day long thing anymore. I need to be able to interact with humans and the world more is it's definitely about quality of life, which is really top priority
@@marcelduvenage3289 I love this kind of reply. That itch just won’t go away huh buddy. I’m actually transitioning the opposite direction. Moving into short form videography to test my abilities. And while I consider myself to be a fairly decent photographer, I’m constantly chasing learning new skills and techniques. In terms of the loan, if you can get a very good APR rate or even a free promotional 0% interest credit card. It may be a better option. Are you yourself on RUclips or instagram, would love to give you some support by way of following and interacting 😁
@@carlhuxley935 Hey, yeah for sure once one allows the ideas to gather momentum it's almost impossible to stop. Oh yeah greeting into film is definitely the next step if you haven't tried that out.. Definitely give it a good go, that's the creative explorer in us that just needs to expand and try new things out. To be honest I could definitely keep in editing as long as I was shooting as well, it's just the wake up and sit down all day thing that gets a bit much, it's also pretty intense focus, I've been working on some mini documentary style wildlife projects and some long form documentary as well and it just gets too much after a while, well for me anyhow, if you are shooting your own stuff or can direct productions then that's great. I guess it's what you do with your skills /equipment at the end of the day.. Getting that money/passion balance is tricky though. As for Instagram, wow I left that a while ago now, my page is still there but called it quits as felt it was taking way too much of my time, if you want you can take a look at it for kicks but I'm not actually active : instagram.com/duvenagemarcel/?hl=en
@@marcelduvenage3289 Such a wholesome and uplifting reply my man! This is what's missing in today's media platforms. People being transparent and honest about the risk of creative burnout. I've taken a few days off to recharge and adapt what I wanna shoot next and I'm getting excited. But gear price has exponentially increased in recent weeks over here. So that's a bummer. Pushes me to learn more with what I have.
I would like to try running a business in portrait photography, though I enjoy street photography most. (Is street photography marketable?) But I can see myself enjoying making photo portraits of different people for use in marketing, some modeling, or any kind of portrait photography that takes place in an urban environment. I get the feeling I will enjoy family, maternity, senior photography, etc for a while but may possibly get bored of it fast. Is it strongly recommended that you have a lot of friends or close friends to better market yourself other than social media? I don't have that many close friends where I live and it seems like you need to get noticed by word of mouth. Also doesn't help that I am introverted, kind of shy. But I can be energetic when I am comfortable around people I am used to. My photos don't get that many likes by my Facebook friends, (most of them I never met in person) but they sometimes get a decent amount of attention when I post in different groups. The photography group of my city does promote my photos for a Photo Of The Week newsletter more than others if that helps.
hello EVAN I love the way you present our work please travel to south africa and experience our photography business its hard this side we need your opinion thanks i know you will reply.
Awesome. Now how do I get people to stop asking me to take photos of "whatever" for them? For example I do urban street photography& landscapes now a friend is mad because I won't shoot their wedding next month. Lol
Absolutely love your work and videos man. But tbh I’m a bit burnt out on the business related videos. I’d love to see more creative focused videos on your process and work. Either way you rock. 🤘🏻
Work for free.. yeah. I wonder how many car mechanics, dentists, hair dressers, architects, plumbers, electricians, doctors etc. would work for free... ...just to prove that they are worthy.... This advice is exactly what killed the visual art industry. People don't respect the work of visual artists because of this approach.. Also, so many clients expect you to redo everything for free, especially in the graphic industry, and it's also because of this attitude. My favourite line is: "can you photograph this-and-that, it's only half an hour, and in exchange we'll give you credit on our social media channel." Yeah, sure... Do NOT to work for free. Period
Exactly! It may work for you after hours of free work but it also devaluate photographer as a professional for ALL photographers. Anyone can take nice photos with their expensive phone now so doing free after free work will def make them appreciate you and photography more. Hell no. Do it for free if you have to with models or people that are willing to model for you but I would never advice photographers even new that you HAVE to do it for free for those that are capable of paying because they are famous.
Thank you for watching!!
This is gold man. I was in the same fraternity as your brother at southern and heard about you through that. Loving the value here as I just got a camera. When I do create my photography website I'll be using your code. Thanks man.
1. Build up a skill (landscape, portrait, lifestyle etc.)
2. identify your dream client
3. Network with your Dream Client
4. Prove your value (free trials)
5. Social Proof (portfolio)
6. Be nice to work with
Hi! I am a wife and mom from North Carolina. I got interested in photography a couple years ago and trying to teach myself even though I will be 60 in a couple of weeks, learning something new everyday. I don't have a camera, so I take all my pictures with my phone. Really enjoy your videos, keep up the good work.
Love the video content! New learning every trip! 💯
Good luck! ❤️
Doesn’t matter how you start. It takes years to learn and gather a collection.
Plus the images these phones can take are very impressive.
Your phone can be a great place to start Karen. I would try to get an app that will allow you to have manual control over your phones' camera. Get familiar with shutter speed, ISO, and aperture. Best wishes to you, and keep shooting :)
I’ve decided to dive into photography and just officially legalized my business for it. I cannot explain or express how great this video is in value!
Man, I am watching you for couple years and now I am in ATL myself, it’s even hard to imagine that this is true . Me and my girlfriend left our home country Ukraine due to horrific situation there. I was hoping that my relocation would happen under different circumstances but it is what it is. You inspired me to buy my first mirrorless camera, I hope to get some great shots here in US
You will get awesome shots man and reach all the goals you envision. Keep it up❤
Thanks man. I’ve just started thinking about switching careers and you gave me some super helpful pointers to think about. Mostly the "what type of photographer do you want to be?" thing, and then building a portfolio that reflects that so that the right clients will become interested. I’m cool with starting out doing wedding photography but I should probably be more intentional than just doing what I know are paid gigs.
Thanks for this! After life steered me away from photography plans coming out of high school, I’ve decided that I’m going to pursue it as a business. this was super helpful for validating my thought processing through this!
Yes to 1:03 ! 🙌🏼 it’s like everyone’s a model now 😅
Had to watch this twice. Inspired me to really make my photography a business. First steps start today. 🥂
Much thanks.....Great info indeed. I need a jumpstart!!
dude's out here just raw doggin a 7k camera no strap just hangin on to it
Back with a banger!
man shout to Evan Ranft always making quality content
Amazing advice for us trying to start. I got married last July & had a bad experience with our photographer. We had seen their previous work and we’re happy to book them. We were promised drone footage and beach pictures since our ceremony was outside & were sadly disappointed. The day of our wedding they said they didn’t feel like taking pictures on the sand & didn’t have enough time to do drone footage. We also had to wait 5 months for our pictures. And unfortunately the pictures were not too great either. My parents, all of the bridesmaids, groomsmen & flower girls did not come out in any of the pictures(18/20 people of the wedding party). I will never get to relive that day unfortunately.
That stinks. When your anniversary comes about have a party or dinner and find a photographer for that 💯🎉
In my youth I was into photography and wanted to make a career out of it but I went in a new direction, now I am 59y/o and I really don't want work in the same area, Software Development, in my last couple of years because it is stressful with the pace and deadlines. I thought it would be nice to end my career doing photography for myself. I think I would like to do landscape or outdoor in general photography. I kayak fish, disc golf, hiking and I think I can get into areas that are not easy to get to to produce some unique pictures. I've taken courses to learn the basics of photography, but I want to enjoy my last years of life doing something for me. Sorry, long entro.
So, what I want to learn now is how to work the fine adjustments to really get that amazing picture. I am not sure what I can change a picture to be special, other than F-Stop to change the in focus detail. I am new to your channel, but based on the comments, you seemed to have helped many people. I am a new subscriber now. Thanks for your videos, I am going to go through them now.
Rekindled a friendship and did a free port shoot for him, a few months later i shot a paid job with him at his music gig and in 2 months we now plan to shoot a music video
Thank you!!!
Business = people 💯
Free Is Key
Very informal video. Very well done
Thanks 👍🏾
Great video. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.
Very good lesson.
Its harder to overcome a bad reputation for quality work than to learn to do quality work in the first place.
I met someone who decided to be a professional event photographer & shared their images to a group. They were not great. An experienced (20 plus years) event photographer told them he thought they had potential & offered them to be a second photographer at some shoots (unpaid) to learn & build a portfolio. The amateur was insulted because their work was good enough (their words) .
If someone had made this offer to me when I still thought I could have been good enough to be a professional, I would have been thrilled.
And I have been wondering about that hat.
I was told by a wedding photographer I know I really shouldn't compare my photos to others, but I feel it's hard not to. Especially when you see certain photographers whose photos don't look as good (composition, colors, lighting, etc.) or as sharp as yours or even others photos, yet they still manage to get a good amount of clients and attention somehow. Sometimes these photos look like they were taken with a cell phone rather than with an actual good camera.
Did the amateur you know compare his work to other photographers similar photographers or looked up guides on how to improve?
@@Dj.D25 I don’t know what they did. They would get upset at any criticism and left the group
Not just some tips on how to start a photography business but very valuable life advices Evan. In any work or business it's not always what you know but who you know. Also being always on time, friendly, open and honest, professional and all the other things you mentioned really help with progression in any work, business or life in general. Great video, simple, slick and to the point. 👏
Just very solid & clear executable advice! Very well done.
Thank you brother!
I want to know the which camera is that your using to take those pictures on the video
Dope to see you shoot some stuff for wolf dog!
Awesome tips, thanks Evan! Looking forward to seeing what’s next in your photo biz journey👀
Looking Ripped in this video man 💪🏻 💪🏻 🔥
Great video! Been watching since the beginning and love seeing your growth! Best of luck ❤️
Portfolio, webpage or socialmedia? Or perhaps both?
What boots are those in the thumbnail?
Some great tips here Evan! I’ve recently built a Squarespace Portfolio with a goal of trying to earn some supplemental income with my photography.
Hey could you make a video setting up a Squarespace website for photographers
Pretty sure he's done that
Great advice! It's so annoying seeing people get their first camera and start advertising for paid photoshoots. No experience with the camera and no experience with editing photos. I know someone who tried to start a photography business by using only their iPhone with portrait mode. I blocked them. lol
I've looked up a good amount of portrait photographers who were recommended to me on Facebook from all over the U.S., who are running their own business. When I see their bio on either their Facebook page or website, sometimes they say once they started getting into photography, they were passionate about it and started their business as soon as they could, which often was about a year or so, which to me seems awfully fast but not really impossible with some good research and practice and I guess marketing? When I see their gallery, sometimes the photos look okay. But certain photos I sometimes see have questionable lighting and composition. Or the photos look like they were barely edited and have a very bland or boring color palette or preset to them. Sometimes these photos look too light and it often seems like making the sky white no matter what is a thing? Yet these people manage to get a good amount of clients somehow. Certain other small business photographers I've checked out do a pretty good job though but sometimes don't seem to get as much attention as they deserve. I've been watching a series of DVD's that are from a "course" on photography to learn the basics and much more from a photographer that works with National Geographic.
I am not a professional photographer yet, and I've been told not to compare myself to other photographers. But sometimes it's so tempting to not compare and question how certain photographers manage to be successful so easily while other photographers who clearly do a better job don't get any attention for their photos that are clearly better. I would like to be a portrait photographer too, but feel I still need to do more research after almost 2 years of photographing to learn how to do it right.
@@Dj.D25 Couldn’t agree more. I’ve known people who buy their first every dslr and then immediately print business cards or start a photography instagram page to book shoots. Seems like most of their clients are family, friends, and friends of family who don’t have any experience with real photographers or portrait photography. I’ve been a hobbyist photographer for years and have done a few paid gigs as favors to friends. Im still learning and don’t consider myself a professional since I don’t have the confidence to make money off of it. Granted I’ve seen a couple of the people grow and learn and become great photographers. It’s like Evan Ranft said and they should be doing it for free at first to get the experience and knowledge.
Yooooo - love that you're Atlanta based (or were haha) - same here. Hit me up if ya ever want to talk shop / meet up!
Practice consistently! Another great video!
Thank you for the video, looking to make the leap into it full time. Love your work💯
Good advices . Thanks 🙏
That last step.!!
Super proud of his seamaster
Great video.
Hi Evan! I want to ask about gear redundancy I’m a wedding photographer and right now i’m using macbook pro solely as my main computer. Also i only used my Sony A7RIII as my only and main camera. For redundancy, which one do you think that i need to invest to add another gesr first, the camera or the computer (probably desktop-based like mac studio). Thankyou, Evan!
Great video 🔥
BRO SOLID TIPS
Thanks so much for this one, some really great points, especially the shooting something you enjoy and not just shooting everything. I actually don't shoot for business anymore I ended up in the video editing world but am so keen to get back into photography again, I really enjoy being around and working with people and in the real world rather then just editing in the box all day. I have not been a good business person really so definitely been appreciating your videos, I also come from a creative /artistic background so found the business side of things trying. I have a question and I know it depends on various things but if I wanted to get back into the photography world my camera and lenses are well old now and shot them to death, I know I have the skills but don't have the equipment, would you recommend taking a loan to get some decentish gear even if some of it is secondhand, it's really something that's been on my mind for a while now but haven't made a decision so it's about time I guess.. Anyhow appreciate your vids I definitely relate to them..
While I’m not Evan, as a photographer. I can say that taking a loan creates stress. If you somehow fall out of love with it as a hobby or business venture. You’ll still be straddled with the loan. So I’d suggest looking on second hand market for a camera released in last 2-3 years. It’s more about the glass (lens investment anyway) than the body camera. Best of luck.
@@carlhuxley935 Thanks for your thoughts on this, I have thought that what I might do is take the loan while I'm still busy with current work video editing which I have got some steadyish clients and a reputation of sorts and then get back into the photography in between, will have to practice my juggling abilities but could probably pull it off, anyhow I'm fine with with secondhand it's just in my area the seconds market is pretty limited. Anyhow thanks for the input.. PS I know it might sound weird to want to change business when I have something mostly working but I just can't do the sitting all day long thing anymore. I need to be able to interact with humans and the world more is it's definitely about quality of life, which is really top priority
@@marcelduvenage3289 I love this kind of reply. That itch just won’t go away huh buddy. I’m actually transitioning the opposite direction. Moving into short form videography to test my abilities. And while I consider myself to be a fairly decent photographer, I’m constantly chasing learning new skills and techniques.
In terms of the loan, if you can get a very good APR rate or even a free promotional 0% interest credit card. It may be a better option.
Are you yourself on RUclips or instagram, would love to give you some support by way of following and interacting 😁
@@carlhuxley935 Hey, yeah for sure once one allows the ideas to gather momentum it's almost impossible to stop. Oh yeah greeting into film is definitely the next step if you haven't tried that out.. Definitely give it a good go, that's the creative explorer in us that just needs to expand and try new things out. To be honest I could definitely keep in editing as long as I was shooting as well, it's just the wake up and sit down all day thing that gets a bit much, it's also pretty intense focus, I've been working on some mini documentary style wildlife projects and some long form documentary as well and it just gets too much after a while, well for me anyhow, if you are shooting your own stuff or can direct productions then that's great. I guess it's what you do with your skills /equipment at the end of the day.. Getting that money/passion balance is tricky though.
As for Instagram, wow I left that a while ago now, my page is still there but called it quits as felt it was taking way too much of my time, if you want you can take a look at it for kicks but I'm not actually active : instagram.com/duvenagemarcel/?hl=en
@@marcelduvenage3289 Such a wholesome and uplifting reply my man! This is what's missing in today's media platforms. People being transparent and honest about the risk of creative burnout. I've taken a few days off to recharge and adapt what I wanna shoot next and I'm getting excited. But gear price has exponentially increased in recent weeks over here. So that's a bummer. Pushes me to learn more with what I have.
Hi Po watching from Philippines
What if they don't give you the tag like you asked for ?
I would like to try running a business in portrait photography, though I enjoy street photography most. (Is street photography marketable?) But I can see myself enjoying making photo portraits of different people for use in marketing, some modeling, or any kind of portrait photography that takes place in an urban environment. I get the feeling I will enjoy family, maternity, senior photography, etc for a while but may possibly get bored of it fast.
Is it strongly recommended that you have a lot of friends or close friends to better market yourself other than social media? I don't have that many close friends where I live and it seems like you need to get noticed by word of mouth. Also doesn't help that I am introverted, kind of shy. But I can be energetic when I am comfortable around people I am used to. My photos don't get that many likes by my Facebook friends, (most of them I never met in person) but they sometimes get a decent amount of attention when I post in different groups. The photography group of my city does promote my photos for a Photo Of The Week newsletter more than others if that helps.
hello EVAN I love the way you present our work please travel to south africa and experience our photography business its hard this side we need your opinion thanks i know you will reply.
Awesome. Now how do I get people to stop asking me to take photos of "whatever" for them? For example I do urban street photography& landscapes now a friend is mad because I won't shoot their wedding next month. Lol
Pro tip @ 4:20 💯
Man I love shooting wildlife but these dang bears won’t return my calls for work after my first free shoot
Absolutely love your work and videos man. But tbh I’m a bit burnt out on the business related videos. I’d love to see more creative focused videos on your process and work. Either way you rock. 🤘🏻
The business is harder than the creative though
Hello..how are you doing??
What keeps you inspired?
Work for free.. yeah. I wonder how many car mechanics, dentists, hair dressers, architects, plumbers, electricians, doctors etc. would work for free... ...just to prove that they are worthy.... This advice is exactly what killed the visual art industry. People don't respect the work of visual artists because of this approach.. Also, so many clients expect you to redo everything for free, especially in the graphic industry, and it's also because of this attitude. My favourite line is: "can you photograph this-and-that, it's only half an hour, and in exchange we'll give you credit on our social media channel." Yeah, sure... Do NOT to work for free. Period
Exactly! It may work for you after hours of free work but it also devaluate photographer as a professional for ALL photographers. Anyone can take nice photos with their expensive phone now so doing free after free work will def make them appreciate you and photography more. Hell no. Do it for free if you have to with models or people that are willing to model for you but I would never advice photographers even new that you HAVE to do it for free for those that are capable of paying because they are famous.
Don't assume that the photography that you're interested in will be by default profitable financially.
Look for a less exploited niche.
the rapper that you did free work give you any paid work after he blew up.
Sorry but you don't have a single client? Great RUclipsr but real commercial photographer? No, sorry.