Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2000/01/06
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]All I can add after 40ish years of being unemployed( a freelance photographer) is that business skills and public relations are more important than the art and craft of photography. That is not to say a really bad artist/technician with Gatesian skill can make it in the long run. Like all sucessful business it takes a lot of hard work doing things that aren't the most fun for most of the time but getting those wonderful moments a few times. It is important to decide why you want to be a photographer and what you want to accomplish as one, excluding getting rich, traveling meeting cool folks and becoming famous. I have few regrets and many great moments to recall(show) and dont think I'll become a burden upon family or government. Returned from Texas and all my 0000's are inorder Steven Alexander > From: Ted Grant <tedgrant@islandnet.com> > Reply-To: leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us > Date: Wed, 5 Jan 2000 22:30:31 -0800 > To: leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us > Subject: Re: [Leica] Making a living at this? > > Les wrote: snip: > > <<<<< What I'm interested in is anecdotal info from someone who's made this > sort of transition before: a photography buff who moved into the field as a > profession.>>>>>>> > >> What sorts of issues are there in making such a move? >>>>> > > Business ability to promote yourself better than you are a photographer! > > <<<<<Are there any pitfalls>>>>>> > > Too many to list! > > <<<<Now that you're doing it for money, do you still enjoy it?>>>> > > Sure more than ever! Now I do what I want and someone else pays for the > film! ;) > >> Any stories, advice, or thoughts would be appreciated.>>>> > > Become a computer photoshop wizard! > .. >>>>>>> PS: Just figured out my taxes for last year. I've got enough coming >>>>>>> back in a refund to almost get me that M6 I want!>>>>> > > Well now if you said your refund would allow you to buy 3 M6's and > attendant lenses, all the other hardware to do the work professionally, pay > all your living expenses, promotion expenses and etc etc as a professional > photographer for year!! I'd say go for it. > > What the hell would you have to loose if you didn't make it?? A very nice > refund! > > But if the refund is....>>> almost get me that M6 I want!>>>>> Man hang > onto the job you have like s....t to a blanket!!!! It isn't a wealthy scene > out here for people just starting out.....Leica or no Leica! 45 years since > switching from amateur to professional. (Ok guys no smart cracks about > being a pro!) :) > > ted > > Ted Grant > This is Our Work. The Legacy of Sir William Osler. > http://www.islandnet.com/~tedgrant > >