YOUR FORMER LIFE

[jb_browneyes]

What did you do (former job) before you became a photographer? if not a photographer by trade, what do you do now?

I'll start..

small business owner (Cafe)/ aspiring newbie photographer

[Jim G]

Full-time Registered Nurse in a cardiothoracic surgical ward.

Part-time photographer!

Between that and the girlfriend I don't have any time left for anything else at all. :p

[jb_browneyes]

:)right on!

[azpix]

I'm a banker.

Not aspiration to become a pro photog. leave that for those that know what they're doing.:)

[Dork Knight]

Technical Support Specialist for an International IT Outsource Company.

I've come to hate the job these past few years and may lose my job next month, if that happens I'm considering making a move towards Photography - No doubt it'll be a shock moving to an Assistants Job around Minimum Wage if anyone would take me on.

[Gary_Evans]

I was in the military

[blackshadow]

PR/Marketing Manager part time and part time freelance photographer. It balances out well and my photography income is getting closer to what I earn from my other job. If it keeps going at this rate it should outstrip it in the next 12 months.

[roundy]

Retired Air Traffic Controller/Air Traffic Manager. Now my wife thinks I'm a full time domestic engineer (housekeeper.)

Working hard to learn all I can about photography.

Don

[Dermit]

Sr. I.C. Mask Layout Engineer... which means I design/layout electronic chips using a CAD system for an electronics company.

I also earn just enough doing photography (weddings, family portraits, seniors, sports, etc.) that it pays for itself.. and I seem to be constantly buying more gear.

...and I am also a taxi driver for my two teenage girls :D

[butcha27]

I'm a train driver, part-time photographer

[Tandem]

SAFH - SysAdmin from Hell. Retiring in 281 days. All of them (l)users will be lost without me. :evil:

[dugcross]

Been a graphic designer for 25 years now. I've been doing a lot a photography on the side (my first wedding photography gig is March 15th!). I'm known around work for my photography to the point that my boss had a meeting with me a little over a month ago about changing my job position to graphic designer/photographer. I have considered switching to photography full time.

[Mark1]

Part time photo all thruout, Semi Pro at times. But in the past I have ...
built pools
Worked at Lowes
Assistant to the Administrator At Georgetown University Hospital...Not a secretary but an assistant....AKA gofer!
Car Painter
I have sold for Brinks Home Security
Lab tech, manufacturing artificial DNA
Inventory Manager
Currently, lab tech manufacturing products to crystallize proteins.

[ssim]

I worked in the airline industry and quit having fun there. I had always said that when I quit having fun going to work it was time to quit going to work. So I left there after 30 odd years and went shooting full time. I now wished that I had done it years before.

[xpsentity]

Jack of all trades. Countless jobs, 8+ years in college (no degree!)

I work to travel ;)

[tcphoto1]

Model, Waiter, Photo Assistant, Bartender and then Photographer... in that order.

[Fenster]

I'm currently in inventory control and accounting (it's much geekier than it sounds). I was full-time professional for a while as an event/nightclub photographer, but the stress and unsociable hours got too much for me. Hoping to take up the camera and lens again this summer.

[22littlereasons]

25+ years broadcast television director... only a semi-pro photographer on the side.

[archaeoman]

I'm an Archaeologist (Asia/Meso/Carib), Business Owner, Photographer & Husband. The order of which depends on who I am talking to ;)

[jb_browneyes]

wow...I love this...isn't it funny the paths we take. I would love to be good enough to sell out and do photography full time, but here in NM the learning resources are VERY limited..thats why I joined this forum. Everyone is so helpful and eager to share and help out us mis guided newbies. Thank you for all the responses

[flipstyle72]

Formerly from the health and fitness industry, suckered into where I am now - owning and operating a marine cargo inspection and analytical laboratory. I say suckered, because my father started in this business some time back long ago and I knew I would end up here sooner or later...no matter how hard I tried not to. Pay is good, just not as fulfilling job as helping people out on a personal basis. edit* Almost forgot a temporary stint in Network administration. Did the whole Microsoft selling your soul thing...MCSE for NT then 2000 conversion, network securities...man Mr. Gates annoys me now. I'm surprised I haven't turned to Apple systems.

Wouldn't mind getting paid for photographing people...and have been offered a few times...but not ready for that responsibility just yet. Want to practice and learn much more.

[jb_browneyes]

I hear ya

[michael_]

Operations Manager Shipping Company
Property Developer (which i still do)

[sam walker]

I was a graphic arts services sales rep with two functioning hands. I couldn't continue to do that job with one hand. I was able to retire. My goal 11 years ago was to improve my walking that suffered when my left hand failed. I also always wanted to persue wildlife photography. With my remaining right hand I grabbed simple auto focus digicams and took off to the wilds. Amature photography keeps my graphic arts experience working as I chase the feathered population around. This is my last last profession.
Sam

[jb_browneyes]

thats amazing sam

[cplchip]

currently a Longshoreman and only part time photog but trying to improve enough to branch out to full time as soon as i'm eligable for early retirement in 2013

[EnronRocks]

I was a high school student and athlete before photography took over my life, I need a intervention! Not really, I love it.

[pworm14]

Network Engineer, Husband, and Parent. Although I pick up a few bucks here and there, photography is only a hobbie and I like it that way.

[jra]

I've been in telecommunications since I left high school and joined the service as a communications electrician. Now, my day job consists of being a tech for the local phone company while I operate a small photography business on the side....Well, I actually hate saying that....it's more like I operate a small photography business while I work telecommunications on the side :) Either way, I consider myself lucky because I absolutely love both of my jobs and I have pleny of freedom at my day job to work on my photography as well. Work comes easy when you love what you do :)

[jb_browneyes]

doesn't get any better than that!

[FlyingPhotog]

25+ years broadcast television director... only a semi-pro photographer on the side.

Did you work for the Canadian Broadcorping Castration? CBC and TSN have both been clients of mine in the past as I've spent 20 Years at the other end of the headset as a Tape/EVS Op.

A peek at my world:
http://www.pbase.com/flyingphotog/scenes_from_the_road

[prilamai]

WOW lets see.. Worked as an office Manager for an oral surgeon, then as a sales rep covering a 2 state territory, then as an office manager for a photography studio. Now I am working on building my own photography business. I have my sister in law to help me sometimes. Oh and I am a mom to 2 children (one is deaf) and a wife. That makes 3 kids if ya count the hubby..LOL

[NC_Photo]

Student.

I graduated college, with a degree in photography, and got a job with a local studio as a photographer. It's been an amazing ride and I'm very thankful for the faith they had in me. I thought *for sure* I would be someone's camera bag carrier or at most an assistant - never thought I'd get a job as a working photographer right away.

[Gary Lindquist]

Business owner which allows me little time to do photography. This business is unrelated to photography but photography does come in handy a dozen times a year with this business. Before starting this business I was a paralegal in a Seattle law firm over ten years ago. Since then it has been a wonderful ride! Hate working for other people!

[Chandler.]

I'm currently a high-school student, and I'll be a college student next fall, where I will earn money with photography shooting senior pictures/engagements mostly. Eventually, I will be an Orthopaedic Surgeon. :)

[FreemanAMG]

I'm currently a Software Enginner for a large beverage company here in Mexico. And I'm struggling for put my own photo studio (hopefully, sometime in the next year)

[zacker]

Brain surgeon, part time forensic scienist, Astronaut.. in that order.. before that I was President of a fourtune 500 Company and I also helped John Lennon write "Imagine" .....

(actually, I repair sanitary pumps and valves used in the Biotech industry)

[Perry Ge]

In my former life, I believe I was a tree of some sort.

But I was a good tree and got reincarnated as a philosophy student who owns a business that teaches and coaches debating in Hong Kong, and photographer too of course :D.

[jb_browneyes]

[quote=prilamai;That makes 3 kids if ya count the hubby..LOL[/quote]

wow you're busy and you ALWAYS count the hubby:lol:

[jb_browneyes]

Brain surgeon, part time forensic scienist, Astronaut.. in that order.. before that I was President of a fourtune 500 Company and I also helped John Lennon write "Imagine" .....

(actually, I repair sanitary pumps and valves used in the Biotech industry)

My hubby is a plumber

[ShutterMomma]

I was a Pharmacy Technician. I had a baby and now I'm a full time "domestic engineer (housekeeper.)"<roundy> and have a it of spare time to learn about photography and lots of time to practice and improve photography skills. I am learning all I can and I am planning on going pro next year. I hope to open a studio!!

[R_Metzel]

I am currently a Presentation Supervisor/GM manager in training at a shopko, I am also double major at UWSP at the ripe old age of 28 (Psychology, Sociology) and I shoot weddings,portrait, seniors, and some commercial.

[Welby]

Internal sales selling switchboards and IT racks. Most boring job on earth. Aspiring photographer father and husband.

[jb_browneyes]

Did you work for the Canadian Broadcorping Castration? CBC and TSN have both been clients of mine in the past as I've spent 20 Years at the other end of the headset as a Tape/EVS Op.

A peek at my world:
http://www.pbase.com/flyingphotog/scenes_from_the_road


man you're lucky!

[TroyRaymond]

I started young as an artist doing portraits while still in my teens, grew up building street rods with my father. Photo realistic airbrush artist, custom painter, industrial painter of 25 years while running my sign shop for the last 13 years.

2 years ago I gained an interest in photography. Nov. 07 I got tired of working so much around chemicals and missing my kids growing up. I've narrowed it down to my sign shop and I'm trying very hard to get my photography business off the ground. Changed the focus of my artistic talents if you will.

My decision was based on extending my life (getting away from the chemicals) so I may enjoy my children and wife much more in a casual environment. Things have really slowed down and its great, but I still have to pay the bills.

My area only has portrait photographers, I plan on shooting everything else. ;) My specialty is capturing unique angles with ground based and low altitude aerial photography with a mast, and RC helicopter. Just starting event photography so when I can, I'm here soaking up knowledge.

Troy

[steved110]

Small animal veterinarian. Photography is one hobby, my passion waxes and wanes...I have a few other passions too, being multi-obsessional LOL

No plans or talent to go pro - I'm relatively fulfilled, just overtired. and I wouldn't want to turn my pleasure into work.

[EricL]

Retail management for the last 20 years. Can't we start with retirement right out of school then move on to the careers??

[Dramatis]

Working part-time retail and hunting for something (read: anything) else to help me pay my bills until I'm good enough to make money with my photography.

[Lunajen]

I have been since I was a wee little girl...

Sonic carhop(with roller skates no less).
Pharmacy tech.
Shoe sales person.
Photolab teach.
Senior Lab tech.
Sales person at ....................Wolf Camera(hey it made money)
Customer Service Represenative, then boss found out i could do photography, now am a
Product Photographer.

[elysium]

Full time
I work as a Sony software technician. (Interesting and challenging job)

Part time
Photography director for OneBrick
Night-club photographer at Prohibitions

Happy to have an active part with photography now :)

[Zonieart]

Engineering Manager for a large aerospace company (okay, some people call it a rocket scientist) and college professor. Will retire from those jobs in three years and spend all my time pursuing my love of photography.

[jb_browneyes]

You know there are a lot of really smart people on here. Where are all the "I was a carhop at Sonnic" and now I'm a pro making a bookoo of $$ story.:D

what no cinderella storys?

once again, thank you ALL for participating.

[FlyingPhotog]

man you're lucky!

Luck has (had) nothing to do with it...

Busted my ass at any and all gigs that came my way until someone thought I was ready for the "big leagues." Unfortunately, there isn't a whole lot of joy in TV production any more. It's mearly a job.

[Lunajen]

You know there are a lot of really smart people on here. Where are all the "I was a carhop at Sonnic" and now I'm a pro making a bookoo of $$ story.:D

what no cinderella storys?

once again, thank you ALL for participating.

Who said I was making bookoos of money...? ;)

[djmphotography]

First ever job - telemarketer for Olan Mills Photography Studio. Then: hospital employee, sales clerk, assistant to VP in automotive industry, SAHM and now I take pictures (AND PEOPLE ACTUALLY PAY ME)!!!!

[jb_browneyes]

Who said I was making bookoos of money...? ;)


lol sorry. I bet that was a blast! (ha ha sonic blast)


good for you.

Luck has (had) nothing to do with it...
you now what I mean :D

[quote=." Unfortunately, there isn't a whole lot of joy in TV production any more. It's mearly a job.
That's sad. Are you thinking about a change?

[Steve Parr]

I spent 20 years in the military, then got into the guitar business. I'm now a sales manager for a large guitar manufacturer...

[jb_browneyes]

I spent 20 years in the military, then got into the guitar business. I'm now a sales manager for a large guitar manufacturer...

may I ask which one?

[Becki_D]

Chemical Engineer down in Lousiana, followed by a long stint as a stay at home mom intermingled with coordinating a 2000 person adult tennis league. My daughter is now 17 and will be off to college soon. Thank goodness I've found my passion through photography.

[P51Mstg]

I was a lawyer. So now I can afford this new profession...........

Mark H

[jb_browneyes]

lol

[tbisaacs]

I guess I'm still living my former life- I work as a professional web / interaction designer. I've been dabbling in photography for a few years and picked up my first SLR just a few months ago.

It's interesting, many people on this board are trying to get their own websites, design cards, etc. Definitely my territory. Meanwhile I'm trying to learn as much as I can about becoming a better photographer. Sounds like we can help each other out!

Thanks!

[jb_browneyes]

I'm sure your expertese (or however you spell it..lol) will be greatly appreciated here.
and helping each other out is what this place is all about!

[ZeroOne86]

My current job is the first real job that I've had since getting out of high school. These weren't much of jobs but I worked briefly at McD's and was a bagger at a commissary on a naval base before I went into the military. I graduated early and came in a few months later.

I'm in the Air Force and the fancy name is Aerospace Maintenance Apprentice. I'm just a F-22 mechanic. Currently taking a break and working in the tool crib. Passing out tools, nice break from the normal grind and the elements. I'm only a photographer as a hobby I'm not sure if I plan on taking it any further then that I'll leave that to my wife. Hoping to be doing something with computers when all is said and done with the military.

[MikeT]

I am an aircraft communication/navigation specialist in the US Air Force. Been in almost 10 years :)

[ZeroOne86]

I am an aircraft communication/navigation specialist in the US Air Force. Been in almost 10 years :)

Uh oh it's a pointy head j/k cool to see another maintainer. :D

[MischiefK9s]

Currently a C-130J Flight Simulator Instructor at Keesler AFB, MS.

I was in the Air Force 24 years - 7 years as a Launch crew member for the Titan II Missile System (Little Rock AFB, AR) and the last 17 years as a C-130E/H/J Loadmaster. Retired 3 years ago. Wish I had a DSLR all those years I was flying around the world.

I do small photo assignments on the side for one of our local magazines. Helps pay for new camera gear.

[jb_browneyes]

I can only imagine what kind of pics you guys would have

[Az2Africa]

I owned a Safari business in Kenya from 1996-2002. Before that I owned two auto shops and a French resturant.

[jb_browneyes]

Then how did you end up in AZ...

[MikeT]

Uh oh it's a pointy head j/k cool to see another maintainer. :D

LOL, yeah the knuckle dragger called me out :D

[Az2Africa]

Then how did you end up in AZ...

I owned the shops in Tucson Az before I got sick of business and customers. I left for Africa and spent 14 months backpacking from Cairo to Capetown and then decided to start an small business in Nairobi. After 9-11, business was dead for a few months and I sold out to a friend in Nairobi and returned to Arizona. I still go back every year to shoot photographs and see friends.

[dolfinack]

Brain surgeon, part time forensic scienist, Astronaut.. in that order.. before that I was President of a fourtune 500 Company and I also helped John Lennon write "Imagine" .....

(actually, I repair sanitary pumps and valves used in the Biotech industry)


Haha!! Awesome. I'm a PhD student studying a wee parasite of all things! :oops: I would give my liver to be a professioanl photographer I'm not joking :(

[jb_browneyes]

I owned the shops in Tucson Az before I got sick of business and customers. I left for Africa and spent 14 months backpacking from Cairo to Capetown and then decided to start an small business in Nairobi. After 9-11, business was dead for a few months and I sold out to a friend in Nairobi and returned to Arizona. I still go back every year to shoot photographs and see friends.

wow what an adventurous life! (must say I'm a little jealous.) I really admire your ambition, and the persuit of your desire to try new things. thanks for sharng

[ZeroOne86]

LOL, yeah the knuckle dragger called me out :D

Lol :lol:

[JWright]

You know, your question assumes we even had lives to begin with...

Well, lets see... Where to begin?

20 years in the Naval Reserves, including assignments aboard ship, in expeditionary warfare and as a hard hat diver.

I've worked as a parking enforcement officer and then as a police dispatcher on a large college campus, in the aerospace industry, at Home Depot and for a gas turbine manufacturer. I also worked in a one-hour photo lab and shot weddings for a while in there also. Probably the worst photography job I had was being a Santa photographer one holiday season.

I'm now retired and working part-time as a contract photographer/writer for a monthly general aviation newspaper. I also do a lot of that "domestic engineer" stuff now and I'm a baby sitter to three cats and a dog.

[jb_browneyes]

I love it

[Az2Africa]

wow what an adventurous life! (must say I'm a little jealous.) I really admire your ambition, and the persuit of your desire to try new things. thanks for sharng

Thanks. Of course my lifestyle doesn't lead to a lot of stability.:lol: Over the years I have visited over 90 countries at a cost that would have bought a really nice house. But I wouldn't trade my memories or those to come for anything.

[jb_browneyes]

I gues your signature line says it all

[mgrover]

I was a software developer for 20+ years, quit that to become a general contractor, quit that after 1 year to become an independent software developer, quit that after 1 year to become a photographer. It's been almost a year, and I'm not ready to quit photography yet, so maybe I've found what I want to be when I grow up...

[PiRho]

Student, Tree Planter, semi trailer unloader for a box recycling company, computer programmer. then I got my first DSLR... and it looks like it's a long slippery slope. :)

~Z

P.S. it is awesome to read about all the different carreers represented here. all we are missing is the chef ?

[jb_browneyes]

I own and operate a cafe. (however I'm not quite sure that makes me a chef ...lol)
(cook is close ..no?) I'm sure we'll get a few now that you've said that though.
I'ts nice to know other people also find this thread as interesting as I do. Thank you for the post.

[Az2Africa]

I own and operate a cafe. (however I'm not quite sure that makes me a chef ...lol)
(cook is close ..no?) I'm sure we'll get a few now that you've said that though.
I'ts nice to know other people also find this thread as interesting as I do. Thank you for the post.

Hey, I was born in New Mexico! Where do you live there? I even went to college at NMSU in Las Cruces.

[jb_browneyes]

Dexter are you familiar?
How funny I am taking a digital photography class at ENMU-R
Actually I'm heading to Las Cruces tomorrow (finally going to get my sensors cleaned!)

[asysin2leads]

Full-time Paramedic
Volunteer Firefighter/Paramedic
Full-time Husband (of 1)
Full-time Dad (of 4 1/2)
Part-time student in Nursing School
Amateur photog who would like to make a few bucks for play money.

How many hours are in a day?:cry::cry:

[robgr85]

I'm a student, working as full time croupier, photography is just my hobby :)

[snails]

Aerospace (Electrical/Computer) Engineer

[archaeoman]

Full-time Paramedic
Volunteer Firefighter/Paramedic
Full-time Husband (of 1)
Full-time Dad (of 4 1/2)
Part-time student in Nursing School
Amateur photog who would like to make a few bucks for play money.

How many hours are in a day?:cry::cry:

Full time husband...of 1

LOL

[RuthNaomi]

I'm a nanny. Ten years this august and I still love it. Acctually i couln't imagine doing anything other than that or Photography...

[sfaust]

20yrs in software network engineering. Ie, I was on the Internet Superhighway when it was just a dirt road :) Went full time doing corporate videos about 10 yrs ago, added still photography about 5 yrs ago, and haven't looked back since. I love going to work everyday.

[MJPhotos24]

Music business, athlete, coach, photographer. Some overlapped others...

[Stocky]

Its nice to see some other military personnel here, even if most of them seem to be in the Air Force:p. I am in the Army and became more interested in photography in my current job as an adviser to an Iraqi Army Public Affairs Officer (PAO) and Civil Affairs officer.

[ZeroOne86]

Its nice to see some other military personnel here, even if most of them seem to be in the Air Force:p. I am in the Army and became more interested in photography in my current job as an adviser to an Iraqi Army Public Affairs Officer (PAO) and Civil Affairs officer.

Lol what are you trying to say? :p I kind of prefer being in this branch especially during these times. Although, I too have the chance of being deployed. I definitely respect those that do get deployed. Since I know y'all get the short end of the stick when it comes to getting deployed.

[packpe89]

Civil Engineer here. Highway construction. I do part-time photography, hope to be full time in 8-10 years.

[tiziano]

Project manager for a big IT company.
Trying to build my own photographic studio, but just for fun.

[flauri]

In my younger days, I was in the US Air Force as a Security Policeman and I am currently a Security Supervisor in a nuclear power facility. Would like to retire in a few years to do this photo stuff full time.

[snails]

In my younger days, I was in the US Air Force as a Security Policeman and I am currently a Security Supervisor in a nuclear power facility. Would like to retire in a few years to do this photo stuff full time.


Susquehanna?

[flauri]

Yep.....been there???

[ipschoser1]

Yep.....been there???

Yep, snails slipped under a fence one night and did some crazy wideangle stuff around the plant. ;)







Sorry Frank, just messing with ya, couldn't help it! :)

[snails]

Yep.....been there???

I haven't. As an electrical engineer, nuclear plants fascinate me, that's all. I've seen 3-Mile Island recently, I live near San Onofre, and I used to live near Palos Verdes.

[auroraskye]

Recruiter, full time Fashion Design student and aspiring photographer.. :)

[Hartness53]

Wow, now I understand how all you folks afford all them L lenses.:lol: I am 27 married with two kids. I build big green tractors (can you gues wich ones) here in Waterloo, IA. My hobbies include Woodworking, biking,model car building,photography, and talking about what else I want to do!

[DMax82]

My hobbies include Woodworking, biking,model car building,photography, and talking about what else I want to do!

Too many expensive hobbies!

Unfortunately I have the same problem.

[Hartness53]

Too many expensive hobbies!

Unfortunately I have the same problem.


The way my hobbies go is this: When I build a model car it looks like a 7 year old did it! Woodworking, I got all the tools then realized how expensive wood is. Got a bike but there is a foot of snow on the ground plus it takes time. Photography, got the camera (a couple cheap-o lenses) Now I can't afford all the good lenses and equipment I need. Although this is the one hobby that has the most potential to be good at and, get a little money.

[crackaonrice]

I'm a UCSD student studying Physics, Materials Science, and Biochemistry. As a side profession, I compulsively buy things I don't need for some reason.

Wedding Photographer by night/weekend...

:-)

[Maureen Souza]

Most people know that I am a Registered Nurse; currently House Supervisor at a private surgical hospital.

[JWright]

Its nice to see some other military personnel here, even if most of them seem to be in the Air Force:p. I am in the Army and became more interested in photography in my current job as an adviser to an Iraqi Army Public Affairs Officer (PAO) and Civil Affairs officer.

There's a lot of us former military personnel here too...

Lol what are you trying to say? :p I kind of prefer being in this branch especially during these times. Although, I too have the chance of being deployed. I definitely respect those that do get deployed. Since I know y'all get the short end of the stick when it comes to getting deployed.

We had our deployments too. I spent 11 months in Vietnam myself...

[laurielozano]

Independant contractor - Lotus Notes Sys Admin & Application Developer, part time photographer. Hopeing to go full time as photographer and drop the IT job. Been doing that for 13 years and sick of it, but it pays more than my dh makes, so I cant just up and quit yet. :(

[squashed]

I work in Radio. Disc Jockey and Program Director.

[haisai-ojisan]

Visual Merchandiser for many years. Moved over to become a Sign Maker for several years before becoming a graphic designer for another 4 years. Moved back to Visual Merchandising as manager, where I picked up photography with a Canon 300D. Immediately bought myself a 10D and got attached to the hobby...hardcore! Now, a web designer/graphic designer and back-up photographer.

[reneethomas]

Jewelry artist with my specialty being handcrafted chain which I solder link by link. However with gas price being high people are not buying as much as they used to. With silver and gold prices the way they are I cannot buy as much as I did a year ago if sales are down so badly. It seems like photography considering the average income locally is a better business model than jewelry although I will try my best to keep both passions going.

[opus13]

dayjob: artist --drawing, painting, 3d modeling + animating, video editing, special effects.

nightjob: more of the same.

[jb_browneyes]

Wow there are some really talented people in here. Thank you all so much for sharing.

[Kyle Landon]

I worked at Toys'r'us

Pathetic, isn't it?

[PiRho]

I worked at Toys'r'us

Pathetic, isn't it?

If they paid me in lego's I would LOVE that job... until I got hungry or wanted to take a pic of my building :D

[notapro]

I work in a law office. Someday I would like to cut back on my day job, but for now I need the security. I don't make much money with photography at the moment, and my kids need to be fed regularly.

[tomdi]

I've worked in IT since I finished my studies. Right now I'm an analyst(IT still). Discovered my passion for Photography in my "after hours" job as a Volunteer FireFighter.

I've been doing Photography more seriousely for a bit over 2 years now and can't let the camera out of my hands anymore. I would love to start a business in Photography but gov restrictions here are the worst for starting a photo business and make it imposible for me :(

Tom

[Paul S]

I'm a Cabinet Maker/ Architectural Woodworker-Designer. My website was done with a canon P&S before the 40D days :D I know all the photos are really poor IQ. But that will slowly change - Thanks to the POTN community. Picked up my first DSLR a XTI in Nov. 2007 and the addiction started.
www.stockmanncarpentry.com

[symphony-x]

Student doin Graphic Design, part time waiter, part time photographer :P

[collierportraits]

I went the opposite way of most.

Full time professional Photog. for over 15 years. Started investing in real estate about 8 years in and eventually it eclipsed my income from photography. So, now I'm more into that and do photography part time...:confused:

[Tom O]

US Navy, owned 4 businesses (at the same time), exotic bird store, aquarium store, gift store in a mall and a beauty salon (wife ran it), sold them all and went into the gaming industry first as a 21 & craps dealer then onto pit boss and ending up in surveillance. Recruited to AZ as a Senior Gaming Inspector. Left that to teach computers and networking at the college level. On to the state supervisor for Industrial Technology Education and retired from there. So in a sentence, I am the epitome of the old adage "Jack of all trades...Master of none".

[Rhinotherunt]

Analytical Graphics Designer for the US Army along with Photographer and Logo Designer. Moved to where my fiance now wife has lived all her life, and became a teacher. Hopefully, during the summer I will gain enough clients not have to go back to school.

[raymondcruz]

i'm a graphic, new media designer and also a photographer :)

[LoremIpsum]

Ditto!Designer+Production Artist+Art Director - Now Photographer ;)

[Mike R]

Service Tech with ADT (28years)
Now spending almost as many hours a week shooting HS sports.

[kuanyu]

Hrmmm, had at least 2 jobs at once for as long as I can remember....
some include:
Software enginer
Master Scuba instuctor
Small Bussiness Owner ( a few times)
33% owner of a current fortune 500 company
Mr. Mom (past job EVER! still proud to have it)
Semi-Truck unloader
Real estate broker
Semi-Pro Shopper :)

All this to almost afford the hobbies I love

[Mama Tried]

Used to be a heavy diesel Mechanic and truck driver, now a gun salesman/ part time freelance Photographer

[rsmedley]

Software engineer (25 years). Took an early retirement offer in 2007 and started up my photography business the day after!

[pixelharmony]

Account manager for Dell (2 years out of college with a BS in molecular biology). I've always been dabbling in something in the .com's.

I've been shooting for less than a year and love it. I do this as a hobbiest without any plans to become a pro photog.

[g-money]

Have worked for a checmical company the past 20 yr's as Electrical/Instrumentaion technican. The past three yr's have served as their Reliability Engineer even through I do not hold an engineering degree.

11 yrs ago was partnered with a couple of friends and we started up what became the largest privately owned Internet Service in South Arkansas while still holding our day jobs. Many long nights were spent there.Later we expanded into computer sales & repairs. We sold this business February of 07

Since then have been devoting my spare time to spending more time with my kids and being a better father....Also working on my photography!

Greg

[jb_browneyes]

wow! keep 'em coming:)

[Roy Webber]

Engineer :-( ..hated it!

[Rob612]

Hmmm... kinda a long list, but in short here it is :)

IT security (always been into that and I still am, running my own company, now specially focused on Social Engineering, doing mostly consultancy amd assesments/vulnerability/penetration tests - and no jokes on the latter please <grin>)
Parallel to that quite a few other stuff
IPSC (for you US fellows its USPSA) and IDPA Instructor
Scuba Instructor
Club owner (i ended up owning 3 clubs all together, but i realized it just wasnt life, so i sold everything to my partner)
Translator for the local CNN Bureau
And lot of other stuf in along the way.
Photography kicked (as a biz, it has always been an hobby) in when i decided to open an Imaging Division on my IT security small company, and its still there, now weighing probably 20% of the gross income, which is not bad considering im the only one working on it :P)
Actually, doesnt matter how many highs and lows ive had, i loved them all !

[MetalRain]

oh how i want to be a pro photographer. i just don't know how to get started :(

[jb_browneyes]

Actually, doesnt matter how many highs and lows ive had, i loved them all !
Congrats.. not many people can say that.

oh how i want to be a pro photographer. i just don't know how to get started :(
I skimmed through you pics and yu have some good shots. Where are you taking the Dig. Phot. class at? I am also taking one, but I swear I've learned more here. Don't be afraid to ask questions. also when you put a photos up for critique I would take any negative comments witha grain of salt unless at least 2 people say it IMO because different people see diff things and Many of them can talk the talk if you get my drift.

[Rob612]

Congrats.. not many people can say that.


I know. Under many aspects i must admit that i have been (and hope to continue this way :)) a lucky man, despite all the issues and the bad moments. I thank God everyday for this.

[amironsi]

Senior purchasing specialist, i did this 3 years before deciding to quite it and go full time photographer.

[Lars Finkelstein]

Student... studying law :)

[PiRho]

Student... studying law :)

What flavor? are you going to specialize in photography?

[jb_browneyes]

Senior purchasing specialist, i did this 3 years before deciding to quite it and go full time photographer.
hows that working out for you? any regrets? I hope not. Tell me, when/ how did you know it was time to do that?

[Stocky]

Student... studying law :)

a law student huh? please take a look and let me know if I am on track http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=489022

[cory1848]

I was a Clam Shucker, Paper Boy, Ice Cream truck driver, McDs employee, Video Store clerk.. all before going to college. Now I am a graphic production print designer...hoping to make photography my new career goal.

[Aszental]

Also a student studying commerce/law... hopefully i'll specialize in copyright/patent law...

[jb_browneyes]

very interesting guys!

[Richard Lincoln]

I started as a garden shed maker for a local company and left that to go into the Royal Marines. On discharge i went into business for myself manufacturing and retailing garden sheds. I got fed up with that a couple of years ago, to be honest i got fed up with employing people, dealing with the ever more increadible health and safety laws and paying a lot of what I earned to the Gov't just for them to squander.

I closed the business down and decided that I would go and work for someone else and let them have all the hassle. Since then I have worked in office I.T. sales and recruitment.

Now I've realised that when your working for someone else you're just a disposable commodity and not every boss treats their staff as I did. Also, where I didn't like giving the Gov't a lot of what I earned, when you work for a boss you give the Gov't most of what you earn.

I'm now in process of setting up the garden shed company again. Should be up and running by mid June.

To fund my photographic habit I also do event photography for Rotary, Lions and masonic functions. I'd like to spend a lot more time doing that sort of work!

[basroil]

lets see... engineering student during the day, photog at night. and full time business owner... man i need to find some free time and party like a normal college student, but photos take up all that time ;)

[adam8080]

Full time graphic designer, part time wedding photographer (full time next year), and I do freelance graphic design and photography on the side.

[MisterPhoton]

I've been many things so far in my life...and I'm not that old, lol.

I switched my major 4 times in college, landing on graphic design before leaving school to enter the workforce.

Now I'm a 25-year-old IT monkey (application production support), formerly an applications developer until I received a good-sized severance package which is fueling my transition back into the creative world.

Here's to hoping I'll be making the transition complete within the next year or so.