Can someone...

[D.A.]

without photographic school or education make living out
of photography? Or is it possible that average or mediocre photographer
make money out of photography?

[joedlh]

There are lots of average or mediocre photographers making money. Aggressiveness, self-promotion, and expensive equipment trump photographic skills.

I'm not saying that's a good thing.

[basroil]

I know a few in my area that fit into that category quite well (both parts), and they are making a decent living (not great, but decent). Really though, to make money off of photography you either have to be really good and lucky, or at least good and a great businessman. The latter is the way most do it. There are some that don't fit into the frame, but don't see many here on the forum.

[turbo212003]

A photography business is, 90% business, 10% photography.

[Dennis_Hammer]

turbo you have it so right there. There are many areas of the business open to the 'average' not formerly educated photographer. These areas usually won't attract the 'educated photographer because of the effort to profit ratio. So really its just a matter of defining "make a living" some can accept less than others. One thing I would recommend, as I did to a friend not too long ago and he wishes he had listened. Stay out of wedding photography until you are very good. A woman who has dreamed of her big day since she was a child doesn't want to hear squat about your lack of experience, education or the fee you charged her she expects very good if not great results.

[valentinephoto]

I am self taught. I just opened my own studio a week ago (delayed the opening or it would have been sooner) and I work for Pink Kitty Studios. I know my work isn't "amazing" but I think it's good - others do too, or I wouldn't be getting customers (or working for Pink Kitty Studios).

So yes, you can make it without any photography schooling and if you are just so-so.

[Pyromaniac]

Having an MFA (Masters of Fine Arts Degree) in Photography isn't going to do you any good if you don't know anything about running a business and an MBA isn't going to do you any good if you don't know how to take a photograph. I think you have to find a happy medium, have a good eye and the talent to capture the image and enough business sense to run your business.

I don't have any formal training in photography an only a few management and one accounting class from college, but I am trying to get a business going in photography.

I start taking snap shots years ago when I was in the Marine Corps (using a Kodak 35mm P&S which has slowly grown over the years to a 30D and L glass) and have learned on my own by trial and error, reading books, magazines and here on the forum.

I'm not quitting my day job and opening a studio anytime soon. I started doing local art shows this year (really last year but only did one in October) and have five this year and will try to get into more next year. I’m still building a list of what shows there are and when. My approach is to do the local art shows and get my work out there for people to see and try pick up work from that, that I can use to build a commercial portfolio. The shows are a good way to get good feedback on what people think about my work and get exposure. Most of the shows I enter are Juried shows so you have to be better than at least one other person that applied to get into the show. I also won the Founder Award from the second show I did this yea (Lebanon\Warren County (http://www.warrencountyarts.org/index.html) for those familiar with south west Ohio).

With a little luck in a couple of years I will either make enough selling at shows or have enough commercial business to be able to hang-up the 9 to5 and do photography full time.

[Maxxum5]

Having an MFA (Masters of Fine Arts Degree) in Photography isn't going to do you any good if you don't know anything about running a business and an MBA isn't going to do you any good if you don't know how to take a photograph. I think you have to find a happy medium, have a good eye and the talent to capture the image and enough business sense to run your business.

I don't have any formal training in photography an only a few management and one accounting class from college, but I am trying to get a business going in photography.

I start taking snap shots years ago when I was in the Marine Corps (using a Kodak 35mm P&S which has slowly grown over the years to a 30D and L glass) and have learned on my own by trial and error, reading books, magazines and here on the forum.

I'm not quitting my day job and opening a studio anytime soon. I started doing local art shows this year (really last year but only did one in October) and have five this year and will try to get into more next year. I’m still building a list of what shows there are and when. My approach is to do the local art shows and get my work out there for people to see and try pick up work from that, that I can use to build a commercial portfolio. The shows are a good way to get good feedback on what people think about my work and get exposure. Most of the shows I enter are Juried shows so you have to be better than at least one other person that applied to get into the show. I also won the Founder Award from the second show I did this yea (Lebanon\Warren County (http://www.warrencountyarts.org/index.html) for those familiar with south west Ohio).

With a little luck in a couple of years I will either make enough selling at shows or have enough commercial business to be able to hang-up the 9 to5 and do photography full time.


What does one take photos of at an art show? I am not understanding....My thoughts are, you take photos of ART? Or, are you taking photos of the PEOPLE in the art show, either interacting with others, busy in the making of their art style (painting, pottery, drawing, etc)?

Thanks

[Mike R]

I'm self taught and my marketing skill are terrible. I started with HS sports photography and each year it has grown and also led to more work. I cannot quit my day job because of the pay and benefits but the extra income is great. All my business growth has been through word of mouth. If my marketing skill were even the least bit good, I"m sure I would be doing even better. If I was a marketing expert, I would be full time by now.

[Pyromaniac]

The shows are for artist to sell their work. I set up my booth and display framed and unframed prints for people to buy. Here's the booth.

[Lunajen]

without photographic school or education make living out
of photography? Or is it possible that average or mediocre photographer
make money out of photography?

Yes, I live in a town full of mediocre photographers making a decent living. I personally know I am not the best. I am a decent photographer. And I try, I also teach myself what I don't know. One thing I have found, where I live...people want cheap versus good. Granted one of the most successful guys around me( by about 20 miles is extremely talented and I have tried helping out in his studio...but even he is having trouble making ends meet).

[SuzyView]

I have a degree, but not in photography, in psychology, and sometimes, that's more valuable working with customers. :) Skill and artistry come from practice and hard work, as well as school learning. Most of what I do isn't the photography, it's dealing with customers and subjects. So, I think a degree can't hurt, but not necessary the most important thing. I also am one who believes the right gear makes a huge difference in the product so don't flame me if I get a little smurk when I see someone with an XT and kit lens at the same shoot as me. :) I know they can be talented, but good gear has to help.

[Hark Photography]

I dont have any formal training in photography, I do however have years of experiance running succesful businesses.
I am now a professional Photographer in the year since I started I have made a reasonable amount of money.
i travel around the world so my photographic business is constantly on the move ... I am mobile and use it to my advantage .... I cover events wherever I am and have built up networks of contacts who I supply images to on a constant basis, these include top wire services in Europe and the USA. I also let picture editors, who have used me, know where I am and I get assignments from them when it is easier and cheaper for them to use me rather than send a staffer out on a flight.

I also shoot and print speculatively and sell to whatever my market might be where I am.

I use the best equipment I can afford, I take care to take better pictures than are available elswhere and choose my markets carefully ..... and most of all I charge a good price for the images I sell .....ie I do not undersell my product.

I have spent a long time working hard to excell at this ... and while technically not as knowledgable as a long time pro who trained for years I dont feel I lsot out on the education ...... sometimes it is possible to just do it ... one thing you must have but cant teach is talent.