How I Became a "Professional": Will All that Free Work Ever Pay Off?

[DwightMcCann]

About 37 years ago my father died. I inherited his Nikon F and two lenses. After the war (in which I was a medic) I moved to San Francisco from the East Coast and took up photography as a hobby. I worked as a civilian for the Sixth U. S. Army Medical Lab at Fort Baker in Sausalito, California. While it was not part of my actual job as a histopathology technician, my boss needed someone who could process some medical photography ... actually just push processing some chromes. In return I was allowed full use of the darkroom, film (including unlimited supplies of 35mm film, developing chemicals, paper, a 4x5 camera and film ... the first of several miracles.) I shot thousands and thousands of frames ... actually had the Nikon F rebuilt twice.

... many years go by ...

First wife had dumped me and I was living with my girlfriend (now my wife) and a several years old Nikon FE and a couple of lenses. I shot occasionally. Girlfriend's cat knocks camera/lens from eight feet to floor from dresser thingie. Girlfriend offers to go havsies with me on new camera. Nikon N70 (fantastic film body for the money!) It has autofocus and several program modes and I go crazy shooting.

... several years go by and I am still shooting with that N70 ...

I start putting "scans" on a website for family and friends to see. I do a couple of Pro Bono (I lived with that phrase for way too long!) websites with photographs. Then my across the street neighbor buys a biker bar. They are nice so I offer to do a Pro Bono website for their bar. I start shooting the bands that come every weekend. I shoot twenty of them for the website. Then I find a band I like and I offer to do a Pro Bono website (http://mesacreek.info/) for that band. After a while, the head guy says I should really be shooting at another bar with better lighting, quality of people and bands. I start shooting bands, Pro Bono, at this better bar. This bar has started to bring in some pretty good country bands/performers (the kind that you see on CMT but not on NBC) and I start shooting them, Pro Bono, supplying the bar with webready images. I start putting the images on my own website (http://www.dwightmccann.com/MaverickSaloonProject.html) because the bar people don't display my images very well. People start looking at them and liking them. The bar manager, who is also the local country radio station program director likes them. He starts a business and wants to use some of my images in a website ... but has no website! I offer to do an "interim", Pro Bono, website (http://www.nashvilletoyou.com/) for him until he gets a professional website service ... this hasn't happened yet. More and more people see my images and like them. The bar manager/DJ gets work as a voice at the local Chumash Casino Resort. He tells the casino that they should have me shoot their entertainment. They have me come out and shoot three performances [Randy Travis, Dierks Bentley and Clay Walker ... coincidental that they are all country singers], Pro Bono. I have a quadruple coronary bypass. I get well enough to shoot again (it's now been a little over three months since surgery and I am doing GREAT!) and find that they want to hire me. And they want to pay me a fair per event fee. And they want to pay for the first three events. And can I shoot their poker tournament? And can I shoot their professional boxing matches? I am sure I died on the operating table and this is heaven.

I shot the first boxing match. We didn't know what I was allowed to do so I was standing in the aisle rather than at the mat. Tom Casino, the award winning Show Time boxing photographer found out I was shooting for the casino and pulled me into the seat next to him at the ring and chatted with me the whole time we were shooting. He said, "Get a Canon 1D Mark II and L lenses!" (REALLY) By the time of the next boxing card that's just what I had. And Tom made sure I had the place next to him and gave me one tip after another, reviewed my images and generally held my hand.

It appears that I will make $20-40K a year at this "part time hobby business". I am reinvesting all the money into the business as equipment ... see my signature for what I have already bought. I have a good "Day Job" so I don't need the money for the mortgage or my three year old daughter (http://palsgaard-mccann.net/FamilyPictures/AnnaAlbum.html).

I just wanted to share this story for those who may wonder if all their free work could ever pay off for them: Yes, but I am 59 and other than a horrible six weddings shot 30 years ago I have never previously been paid for any photography, so you may have to wait a long time. But, miracles do happen. Or I really am dead. :)

[belmondo]

Interesting story, and very likely uplifting to some, especially our younger members.

On the other hand, if I have to wait 37 years before I achieve a measurable level of success, I will be exactly 100 years old. I sure hope they're making cameras a lot lighter then.

Congratulations.


Tom

[DwightMcCann]

Tom, I've had a lot of success, just not making money from photography, prior to this. Now it is quitely likely that I will be flown back to Nashville to shoot some country singers/groups within the next year as well as shooting such groups as they "pass through", hopefully for pay ... although I'll do the first one for free, er, Pro Bono, just to keep my Karma properly aligned.

[dewmuw]

Wow what a great story. Congratulations. Now if I wait 37 years for success I'll be 72 - but I'm hoping to be retired and living in the lap of luxury by then! :)

[DwightMcCann]

Damian ... I have the same hope, that in 37 years I will be retired, finally, and living in the lap of luxury!

[pradeep1]

You seem to be in the lap of luxury. Wife, healthy child, good job, paying hobby. :)

[DwightMcCann]

Pradeep, I suppose so, but I guess luxury might be not needing the day job, eh? I am shooting Credence Clearwater Revisited at the casino tonight.

[kawter2]

WOW your daughter is BEAUTIFULL!!!!


cool story too!

[liza]

Dwight,

You're living my dream! Loved your story. Thank you for sharing.

[DwightMcCann]

Kawter, thank you ... she is also an excellent model when she wants to be and absolutely refuses to model when she doesn't!

Liza, can't tell you how many times I was frustrated and bummed. And it is hard to keep in mind that often, if you give your stuff away for free it will be valued accordingly. You have to give it away to those who you believe will value it and just simply not to those who don't ... and telling the difference up front can be hard! :)

[Fer]

Thanks for sharing... So do I have hope?... I wrote some images banks to start selling my images and no response yet :(

I'm really in love with photography and I'm still learning, even though I took some classes in college. So I just wish I could earn some money with it ;)

Any tips?

[DwightMcCann]

Fer, my images got better and better as I submitted them for critique on the net and then worked very hard to do all the things that were suggested ... and then took more lumps when I tried to take a shortcut or do it the easy way. And, of course, you have to shoot things people are willing to pay for ... so, yes, you have hope, but hoping isn't going to do much for you! And don't give up your day job.

[NILOLIGIST]

Great story to share. Your daughter is beautiful.

Thank you for sharing.

Frederique

[Spphotos]

Nice story. But wow , 37 years to make money from it ? Im 15 and been doing Photography for about 2 years and im making a nice amount of money already.

[DwightMcCann]

Frederique ... thank you ... I am blessed.

SP, I have gotten that response several times! :-) I'm not talking about $100 a week here ... I will gross about $25-30K from my photography side business in 2005 (I haven't gotten it entered into spreadsheets yet so I don't know exactly.) I already have a fulltime job that probably requires more time than your schoolwork, as well as a family and household duties. So, yes it was a long time. No, I'm not supporting myself with it. So, if you are supporting your family from your photography (which is very nice ... I looked at your website) then my hat is off to you, fifteen years old or not. If on the other hand you are living off your folks, didn't pay for all your own equipment from money earned from photography and don't have regularly consistent business that you can rely on, then I'm not sure what your point is! Don't mean to pick on you, but I could take your comment to mean, "Why did it take you so long, LOSER!" I didn't, and even if that's what you meant it really doesn't hurt my feelings, but you should understand that this is a big deal to me, and I would prefer that you understand that sometimes success is a long hard road ... and then I want you to be happy for me. :-)

[solinger]

That is a great story, Dwight. I am only 31 but I really would like photography to be my retirement gig. It's nice to know after thirty seven years you still had enough interest in the hobby to jump into it for pay.

I've only been at it about fifteen, but I worry sometimes about ruining it for myself by taking paid jobs too often.

By the way, you have a nice looking family there. The picture of your daughter with the bicycle helmet on had me cracking up.

[DwightMcCann]

Thanks, Sam! I am sitting here doing POTN while I download my Isley Brothers images from tonight. Who would have guessed 18 months ago that I would have photographed all those world famous acts by now! I did weddings for a while about 30 years ago ... horrible experience and only do them under duress and very special people anymore and refuse to be the "primary" photographer. It didn't ruin it for me, just weddings! I am a liberal and I am a veteran of the Vietnam era and after I was was honroably discharged I spent a fair amount of time protesting our illegal involvement in Vietnam. I used to go to marches and shoot. A buddy and I once had a show of hundreds of our images from these marches ... the responses by those who saw it, pro- or anti-war were absolutely stunning ... everyone was impressed. One of those experiences can wipe out a hundred bad weddings (I only did six weddings before I quit!)

So, I don't think you can ruin it if you love what you produce. While it is the process, not the product, that is important, the result needs to be part of the process, too!

[solinger]

I took on a few weddings later this year. I know about the horror stories, but I always say "don't knock it till you try it" so if it doesn't work out no big loss. I know I can handle the people, and I know I can handle the technical stuff. It's the monatany of it that I worry about.

My daughter turns seven next week, before she was born there was no way you would have caught me taking portraits of people for money. Times change :)

I know a few people involved with MMA fights and I am trying to weasle my way into that. My connections are through a fight school, not the promoter or the location so it will be a little tough. I just figure I'll be persistent and they will either hire me or beat me sensless :)

[Wazza]

A good story..
And nice income. Your side business is earning more than my main income. :(

[PhotosGuy]

Thanks for sharing a great story Dwight! I'm sure that it will give people some good ideas re: working hard to do the best work possible. And yes, even though it may be fun, it is work & should be approached with that always in mind.
After a while, the head guy says I should really be shooting at another bar with better lighting, quality of people and bands. But I'm wondering... at which point did you feel safe & stop wrapping yourself in chicken wire? :D

[Krapo]

Dwight, your story inspires me respect and humility.
I am still quite young (31) and for me photography is a hobby. I have never made a euro out of it and I don't know if I ever will.
It is not my objective, though. I do photography because I love it. Now, if I could make a little money so that it would pay for more photo equipment, I would of course be happy.
Also, being paid for your pics must be a good satisfaction. We always strive to take better pics and get feedback. Being paid for a picture is certainly a positive feedback.

I hope it will happen to me one day... ;)

[belmondo]

Will a quad bypass make me a better photographer?

I've tried everything else.

[DwightMcCann]

A good story..
And nice income. Your side business is earning more than my main income. :(

Our current house cost $870,000 USD ... the median house price in my area (southern Santa Barbara County, California) is $1.5M USD. I am the "poor boy" in my neighborhood. Everything is relative. :-)

[DwightMcCann]

Thanks for sharing a great story Dwight! I'm sure that it will give people some good ideas re: working hard to do the best work possible. And yes, even though it may be fun, it is work & should be approached with that always in mind.
But I'm wondering... at which point did you feel safe & stop wrapping yourself in chicken wire? :D
Yes, unless you always want to be an amateur you've got to make yourself think like a professional and keep in mind "this is business" ... as a bleeding heart liberal this has been one of the hardest things for me, but I am getting better!

Now that I am at the casino with good pay and heavy security I no longer carry a big stick! :-)

[DwightMcCann]

Dwight, your story inspires me respect and humility.
I am still quite young (31) and for me photography is a hobby. I have never made a euro out of it and I don't know if I ever will.
It is not my objective, though. I do photography because I love it. Now, if I could make a little money so that it would pay for more photo equipment, I would of course be happy.
Also, being paid for your pics must be a good satisfaction. We always strive to take better pics and get feedback. Being paid for a picture is certainly a positive feedback.

I hope it will happen to me one day... ;)
I think photography is a great hobby as there is such a wide variety of experiences to cover. Who cares if you make a euro so long as it is rewarding? What I have found though is that the freedom to buy the best equipment because I am paid for my work is very exhilerating and empowering. I no longer have to wish I had the top-of-the-line widget ... because I do have that widget ... well, I don't have the Hasselblad H2D with the 39MP back, but I'm not doing much studio work yet ... but I do have more stuff than I was comfortable putting in a .sig here ... which given some of the .sig's we see is a lot of stuff!

[DwightMcCann]

Will a quad bypass make me a better photographer?

I've tried everything else.
Belmondo, based on a sample size of one, Yes! :rolleyes:

I always let people know about that because some folks may feel that having some sort of major issues is reason to not try so hard any more. I took it as a chance to redouble my efforts, involvement and enjoyment. I certainly enjoy myself a lot with the photography and it just keeps getting better.

[zacker]

Wow Dwight, have you found out if youre still with us or in Heaven, cause it sounds like Heaven to me.. A quick test, pinch the skin on the underside of your forearm, if it hurts, youre alive, if it hurts enough and nothing changes, youre not dreaming. If not?.. well i dont want to be the one to tell you.... lol
That was an amazing story, very uplifting. im glad to hear youre ok with the Operation and all. Im also happy to hear how well things are going, life-wise and all else. Someone must really like you up stairs!
-zacker-

[Steve Parr]

Dwight, I read that post right after you initially posted it, and then again when you sent me a link to it in a PM.

It’s one of those things that always makes a person think “I can do this”.

I went to a little neighborhood bar last night; two bands playing, and took about 650 shots. I’ll probably be up all night tonight going through them all.

The end result? I sold a dozen prints to a guy who’s trying to get a guitar string endorsement from a string company that will be at our industry trade show next week. He wants the prints for his promo-package, and I want them to be prints of the best image I have of him.

So, about two hours of shooting last night and, what I’m sure, will be hours editing and reviewing, and I’ll end up selling a dozen prints at about $7.00 a piece. My wife asked me “Is it worth it?”.

Damn right it is…

Steve

[kawter2]

Will a quad bypass make me a better photographer?

I've tried everything else.


I think it depends on the size of your mufflers. If you have great headers and airflow, it should allow your motor to breathe. That IMO will make you a better photographer ;-)

[DwightMcCann]

Wow Dwight, have you found out if youre still with us or in Heaven, cause it sounds like Heaven to me.. A quick test, pinch the skin on the underside of your forearm, if it hurts, youre alive, if it hurts enough and nothing changes, youre not dreaming. If not?.. well i dont want to be the one to tell you.... lol
That was an amazing story, very uplifting. im glad to hear youre ok with the Operation and all. Im also happy to hear how well things are going, life-wise and all else. Someone must really like you up stairs!
-zacker-

It is only going to get better! But unexpected things keep happening! In the Fall the main talent buyer for the casino (don't ask me what talent buyers do for their 10% ... damn little as far as I can see) asked me for some pictures to put in her annual advertisement. We had a couple of iterations and then she used three. Hardly a Thank You and never an offer of compensation. So, I thought, "OK, I may need a favor" and moved on. This week (I thought) I needed her to pass along a print and PROOFS CD to Sawyer Brown so I asked her. She could tell I was going to ask her to do something when I approached and wouldn't even lift her hands to see the print, let alone touch the CD, and said, "I don't have time and I don't have an assistant. I'll email you their address." So, the $1500 worth of images she got for free were worth just that, nothing!

But, as I just mentioned in the Q&A over in Talking About Photography, 'Earplugsrequired' made me realize I should work with the lighting director at my venue to provide him with a portfolio ... a guy who works with local Live Entertainment lighting as a profession ... so I talked to him last night and he is excited. So, it felt like a push ... the Talent Buyer taking advantage of me (for the last time) versus having a local lighting director thinking well of me!

But out of nowhere my good friend Rick Barker says, "Oh, I know their management ... I'll give them your CD and print, no sweat!" This is the guy who got me the casino gig in the first place. Amazing, huh? :-)

[DwightMcCann]

Dwight, I read that post right after you initially posted it, and then again when you sent me a link to it in a PM.

It’s one of those things that always makes a person think “I can do this”.

I went to a little neighborhood bar last night; two bands playing, and took about 650 shots. I’ll probably be up all night tonight going through them all.

The end result? I sold a dozen prints to a guy who’s trying to get a guitar string endorsement from a string company that will be at our industry trade show next week. He wants the prints for his promo-package, and I want them to be prints of the best image I have of him.

So, about two hours of shooting last night and, what I’m sure, will be hours editing and reviewing, and I’ll end up selling a dozen prints at about $7.00 a piece. My wife asked me “Is it worth it?”.

Damn right it is…

Steve

I am smiling so wide my face may tear! :lol:

[kawter2]

But out of nowhere my good friend Rick Barker says, "Oh, I know their management ... I'll give them your CD and print, no sweat!" This is the guy who got me the casino gig in the first place. Amazing, huh? :-)


That is the sad thing about the talent business, there are a lot of bottom feeders.. a LOT of people running around acting like they have the ability to make decisions and spend money,.. the sad thing is that most of them are just trying to be important. In my experience, anyone short of Management, Label A&R, or label marketing.. You will get a LOT of attaboys and maybe a few sweet credentials.. but the only place the money comes is from the top..

Really cool that you got the "in" with their management

[DwightMcCann]

Eric, Rick also does some talent buying, has his own fledgling management business and has a lot of connections in the Country Music area ... and he loves my work! We are neighbors, both have little girls (ages 3 (his) and 4 (mine)). I will work with him from now on to get my photographs into the hands of talent management. And, sad to say, when Lori comes to me next fall and asks for images I will have to reply, "I'm sorry, I don't have an assistant to work with you."

[kawter2]

"I'm sorry, I don't have an assistant to work with you."


Dwight, you are worth more than that.. treat her with respect and guarded optimism as a customer. Don't let her make you play that game..ofer to provide images at $xx per high res file and leave it at that.

People like that love to play those games.. If she needs them she will pay

[graykita]

Thanks for sharing this beautiful story sure gives me hope.

[DwightMcCann]

Dwight, you are worth more than that.. treat her with respect and guarded optimism as a customer. Don't let her make you play that game..ofer to provide images at $xx per high res file and leave it at that.

People like that love to play those games.. If she needs them she will pay

You are, of course, correct ... it is business. Thanks for reminding me, Eric ... I tend to wear my heart on my sleeve, sigh.

[BruceC]

Very cool story. Thanks for posting.

[roli_bark]

Dwight, I follow your work & stories from almost day 1 I have joined here (about 2 months ago).

You are blessed with a beautifull wife & daughter, a nice day job, and a greate hobby, and important of all - HEALTH.

Go on...continue with you awesome work & stories !

[PhotosGuy]

And, sad to say, when Lori comes to me next fall and asks for images I will have to reply, "I'm sorry, I don't have an assistant to work with you." That would be my first instinct, too! And I'd cherish the image in my mind of her reaction to that.
Dwight, you are worth more than that.. treat her with respect and guarded optimism as a customer. Don't let her make you play that game..ofer to provide images at $xx per high res file and leave it at that. OTOH, my second thought would be, "ofer to provide images at $xx per high res file and leave it at that." except I'd cherish the image of saying, "I'm sorry, I don't have an assistant to work with you, so I'll have to charge you a little extra (DOUBLE!) for the rush processing!" And I'd give her a nice smile for free. :D

[DwightMcCann]

roli_bark ... thanks ... I will ... I hope to put Sawyer Brown up this weekend.

Frank, yes, a FREE smile!

[roli_bark]

roli_bark ... thanks ... I will ... I hope to put Sawyer Brown up this weekend.

The link for ALL Chumash fotos seems to not show PICs enlargements - for most, only collages...

[DwightMcCann]

roli_bark, I just changed the links setup on my site to separate years. I just checked and everything seems to work correctly. So, here's how it works. You go to my homepage and click on the Chumash logo. This will bring up a blah looking page with two text links, one for 2005 and one for 2006. Click the 2005 link. This will bring up a page with lots of small (200 pixel) images and text arranged in two columns. Scroll to the bottom. Click the small Little Anthony collage image. This will bring up a page with the large (1000 pixel) collage and underneath that sixteen small (200 pixel) images. Click on any of those smaller images and it will bring up a large (1000 pixel) version of that image. You can then use your 'back' button. I do not link the large images together directly.

So, what is it that you expect on my website that you are not getting?

[roli_bark]

....So, what is it that you expect on my website that you are not getting?

Here's an example. I go to:
http://dwightmccann.com/ChumashCasinoResort/ChumashIndex2005.htm
Click on Randy Travis - I get the collage only ! ...And so with many others.

However, at the bottom I get options to click on multiple PICs.

[DwightMcCann]

Ah, you caught me! Yes, for the first few months of doing this I did not post additional images other than the collage. Beginning with Willie Nelson in May I started adding the additional images. I completely understand how this is unexpected. If I did this using some sort of script or macro or plug-in I would have gone back and added images to these earlier exhibits but I do it "manually" with Dreamweaver and PhotoImpact and simply don't have the time or inclination.

[roli_bark]

Thanks anyways - all shots are awesome...
BTW - is there a SW I can use on my private site for PICs show...you know....one these nifty ones...?

[DwightMcCann]

roli_bark, yes, more than you have time to check out, but I am not the one to ask as I roll my own ... at least so far ... you should go over to Chat, or check out Pekka's Exhibit Engine, which is also a forum here. It's one of those things where the sky is the limit.

[kawter2]

http://www.imagevuex.com/ is probably my favorite gallery template.. but it is about $150 for commercial use and $54 for personal use

[roli_bark]

http://www.imagevuex.com/ is probably my favorite gallery template.. but it is about $150 for commercial use and $54 for personal use

Thanks !. I have check out its demo. Looks very good.

[DwightMcCann]

Very nice Eric. How do you find these things?

[bones]

Sounds like you have had a bit of a hard go....hopefully you take care of yourself and loved ones and reap more from your Hobby.

[spencer87]

thanks so much Dwight for posting your story, reading through this thread has been quite a 'pick me up'. I'm 19, in college and also have a part-time job but have been stepping up my feeble attempts at marketing myself and have landed my first few 'real', paying gigs including my first wedding in may. I was so thrilled at the offer to shoot the wedding, and even more thrilled to be paid for it, so I got a little taste of the excitement you experienced. Glad to see your hardwork and dedication paid off. Congrats and best of luck to you!

[reewik]

If you need help when you come to Nashville look me up. I am always up for a lesson... If anything I can help you lug stuff around!

[DwightMcCann]

Bones, not too hard but never really success enough to be happy with programming or photography until I ran into Rick Barker and got started with Maverick and Casino. Now all I see is UP!

Spencer, watch out for Weddings! Go to the Wedding forum and tell 'em it's your first!

Eric, if I get invited to Nashville I will surely try to find folks on POTN to help me.

[SQUAREROOT]

Dwight, Great story! It's actually inspirational! Now, your story of success in 37 years is great. Actually, to fellow members, you don't have to take it literally that you need 37 years to be successful! It's Dwights story, and respect that. Life has its own way to satisfy you. And what I see in Dwight's story is a story of success and fulfillment in life.

Again, thanks for sharing!

Cheers!
Square

[DwightMcCann]

OH, yes, I don't expect that most will need quite so long ... well, maybe Mark and Symes, but not the rest of you! :-)

[symes]

OH, yes, I don't expect that most will need quite so long ... well, maybe Mark and Symes, but not the rest of you! :-)

Is that suppose to mean you are holding on to your gig for another 37 years and then passing it off to me? :lol::lol:

Or are you being unkind...:lol::lol:

[DwightMcCann]

Symes, even my four year old daughter knows when I am teasing!:rolleyes:

[symes]

Symes, even my four year old daughter knows when I am teasing!:rolleyes:

I am well aware you were kidding...hence the visuals...:)

[DwightMcCann]

I knew you knew ... it was just fun to say! :-) You kids are all so similar.

[symes]

I knew you knew ... it was just fun to say! :-) You kids are all so similar.

Funny how we are all similar to people out own age...:D

[DwightMcCann]

I'm with the "Old and Cranky" crowd!

[belmondo]

I'm with the "Old and Cranky" crowd!

This is one area I can compete with you, Dwight. I'm definitely older, and very likely crankier than you.:p:p:p

[aliflack]

Dwight, thanks for sharing!

I wonder what my life will look like in 37 years time and what part photography will be playing in it. I'm 25 now, so will be 62 (in the year 2062 incidentally) and ready for retirement if not lucky enough to be there already !

Having taken photography seriously for less than 1 year I've got a long way to go in terms of techinical skill, composition, post-processing technique, business prowess, equipment etc. before I could consider myself as even a Semi-Pro.

For now I'm concentrating on shooting lots, trying to learn from as many people on here as possible, building my portfolio and getting the experience necessary to take my photography to the next level.

My first ever submission is with a stock agency waiting for quality checking - if that goes through, then I'll probably spend the best part of the next 5-10 years shooting for stock and family/friends events (having done two family weddings this year I could be tempted to try assisting a pro for a while). After that, I hope to have developed into a competant photographer with an eye for capturing and producing emotive images.

So, here's optomistically looking forward to the second half of this century!!

[DwightMcCann]

Aliflack, I think you will be 62 in 2042, not 2062, but perhaps I have missed out on the "new math"! None of us know what lies ahead and probably wouldn't want to ... you may be a street person or world famous photographer before being 50. Just keep plugging along and always go the extra step.

[aliflack]

Aliflack, I think you will be 62 in 2042, not 2062, but perhaps I have missed out on the "new math"! None of us know what lies ahead and probably wouldn't want to ... you may be a street person or world famous photographer before being 50. Just keep plugging along and always go the extra step.

D'oh! Hence why I need to work on the business acumen...learning to count is always useful when it comes to filing expenses!

As for the sentiment of your message - you've got it bang on. If we didn't push, we wouldn't live in the world that we do.

[sorashell]

Loved your story! You're a great writer as well as a wonderful photographer, and you have a beautiful family. Those nursing pictures just warmed the cockles of my heart. :) Thank you so much for sharing your story.

[DwightMcCann]

Sora, I am but a humble servant. Fortunately/Unfortunately a very, very busy humble servant. :-) BTW, Marna and Anna finally agreed to give up "the Nummies" to coincide with her returning to Pre-School after the winter holidays during which she turned four! They planned/talked about it for a couple of months ahead and made the transition without a whimper.

I haven't done much on my personal website for quite a while. We moved into a new house in which I have a small office and a room for a studio. I have recently decided I have just room enough to put overhead tracks in to hold my studio flash, but it will be summer before I have the time and money to really start moving on it. Once I have a working studio I hope to have a lot more Anna images as she will be my primary training vehicle initially. Oh, and thank you for your kind words.

[sorashell]

Sora, I am but a humble servant. Fortunately/Unfortunately a very, very busy humble servant. :-) BTW, Marna and Anna finally agreed to give up "the Nummies" to coincide with her returning to Pre-School after the winter holidays during which she turned four! They planned/talked about it for a couple of months ahead and made the transition without a whimper.

Good for them! I'm sure my 3 1/2 year old would still be nursing if I hadn't gently weaned her at 2 1/2. I was tandem nursing her and her 1 year old brother and it just got to be too much for me. :( Aiden is almost 2 1/2 now and showing now signs of giving up the "Nummies" either, lol. Tell Marna "well done" from another extended bf mama. :)

Funny I should have read your thread this morning as I'm about to post a thread now in this forum kind of relating to that!

[Croasdail]

Okay Dwight.. I know I am a little slow, but I am just now seeing this thread for the first time because it just happened to be at the top of the list. I don't wander the other areas often enough. I have experienced some of what you have....now I'm just trying to keep it all in balance - keeping my pay-the-mortgage job + fun job + family and friends.

Nice story Dwight... keep sharing.

[DwightMcCann]

Well, it's nice to see that you get out of the house now and then! :-) It is tough!

[DwightMcCann]

Well, this is several years later and I am still at the casino and happy as a clam with a few new people asking how I got started. I have now had professional boxing images licensed on four continents, shot for Showtime, have a HUGE gear list, 150,000+ image catalog, and still happy to answer questions.

Ah, just found where this other thread went: http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=81761 for a slightly dated explanation of what I do.

[belmondo]

Well, this is several years later and I am still at the casino and happy as a clam with a few new people asking how I got started. I have now had professional boxing images licensed on four continents, shot for Showtime, have a HUGE gear list, 150,000+ image catalog, and still happy to answer questions.

Ah, just found where this other thread went: http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=81761 for a slightly dated explanation of what I do.Good to hear you're doing well, Dwight. Now, when's the next BBQ at your house?

[DwightMcCann]

Good to hear you're doing well, Dwight. Now, when's the next BBQ at your house?
You tell me when you can come and we'll schedule it! Matt has been itching to get something schedule at Yosemite in the meantime, but I am scheduled tightly at home except for a possible Tucson trip for the next three months ... ain't success wonderful?

[modemanual]

This story made me forget for a minute that i'm 14 and already irreversibly fatigued because of non-paid work.

Great story Dwight, it was a very uplifting and inspiring one.

[DwightMcCann]

This story made me forget for a minute that i'm 14 and already irreversibly fatigued because of non-paid work.

Great story Dwight, it was a very uplifting and inspiring one.

Ah, yes, well, you may think you know fatigue but there is a reason we adults think we know more than you. :lol::lol::lol:

[Cybnew]

You tell me when you can come and we'll schedule it! Matt has been itching to get something schedule at Yosemite in the meantime, but I am scheduled tightly at home except for a possible Tucson trip for the next three months ... ain't success wonderful?

:)

Nice thread Dwight. Took me long enough to find it :)

As for a meet...I dont think Yosemite would work out too well anytime soon anyway...Lonnie pointed out (at least....I think it was Lonnie) that most of the roads will be darn near impassible. So I think a get together down near you would be better anyway. Maybe go shooting around Buellton, Solvang or Santa Barbara maybe, Schedule Dinner at Anderson's (I haven't been there in a long time, don't really remember the food) or maybe AJ Spurs?
I come down from San Francisco at least once or twice a month so I can work around most dates. Mo is going to Italy in ?March? So maybe something before then?

[DwightMcCann]

Matt, did you ever get those PWs working?

[Cybnew]

Yes I did, thanks again Dwight! I don't use them much with my 580ex, but I ordered a set of alienbees last night, and I used them at a place I assist with

[eeprete]

A nice story, and admire your fortitude (particularly with the fact that you have a 4 or 5 year old, god bless, my 2 yr old is my favorite model), but I do find the following interesting, and am scratching my head trying to wrap my hands around it it all and not trying to play accountant really.

You stated you'd make between 20-40K part time. Or is there a more concrete number now that work has become more regular? Because even at 30K annually, you've got a good chunk of change into your gear, most of which is a poor investment as it doesn't appreciate.

For what you shoot, I think you'd almost be fine with half the gear you have, no? The other funds could then be sitting in a money marketing account or CD's for when you really want to scale back and really retire.

But in any event, a nice story over a long winding road of life. Thanks for sharing.

[DwightMcCann]

A nice story, and admire your fortitude (particularly with the fact that you have a 4 or 5 year old, god bless, my 2 yr old is my favorite model), but I do find the following interesting, and am scratching my head trying to wrap my hands around it it all and not trying to play accountant really.

You stated you'd make between 20-40K part time. Or is there a more concrete number now that work has become more regular? Because even at 30K annually, you've got a good chunk of change into your gear, most of which is a poor investment as it doesn't appreciate.

For what you shoot, I think you'd almost be fine with half the gear you have, no? The other funds could then be sitting in a money marketing account or CD's for when you really want to scale back and really retire.

But in any event, a nice story over a long winding road of life. Thanks for sharing.

My daughter turned six last Monday.

I make between $30K and $35K I think although I just got a raise for the new year from my biggest client. I find your judgment that my investment in equipment is poor because it doesn't appreciate a bit unusual and unexpected. Are you an investment councilor? I have a full time day job that includes a pension as well as a 403(b) investment account as well as a young wife who has a full time job, pension plan and a 401(k). I enjoy every last piece of equipment I have and use them all. I'm not sure what you think I could give up and still be 100% reliable and able to always capture everything required and then something special. A body? Nope, I need two in my hands (wide angle and telephoto), two remote (one overhead and one high angle), one with a flash for the ring girl shots with VIPs and one for backup in case I need to send one back. Lenses? Which? Should I have forgone my new $4400 laptop ... I could have gotten one for $900 that would do the job ... but it would have been slow and maybe not had some features that make the work more enjoyable and faster. Of course, the biggest question is why one would think "doing without" these tools in order to retire a year earlier is a good trade off at this time in my life? I have no debt beyond what's left on my mortgage and we have money in the bank and a savings plan ... I don't see being more frugal as being an asset. I'm risk averse but not THAT risk averse.

[disneydork06]

wow, first time I read that story. very nice to know that the free stuff I do will eventually pay off somewhere. oh and looking forward to hopefully meeting you in tucson in january and playing...I mean using some of your equipment :-P But yeah, I'm just starting out with pay jobs myself lately and I'm learning that it is definitely who you know, that actually helps with this business. It's good to know things but knowing the right people to get your stuff noticed is prime.

[eeprete]

My daughter turned six last Monday.

I make between $30K and $35K I think although I just got a raise for the new year from my biggest client. I find your judgment that my investment in equipment is poor because it doesn't appreciate a bit unusual and unexpected. Are you an investment councilor? I have a full time day job that includes a pension as well as a 403(b) investment account as well as a young wife who has a full time job, pension plan and a 401(k). I enjoy every last piece of equipment I have and use them all. I'm not sure what you think I could give up and still be 100% reliable and able to always capture everything required and then something special. A body? Nope, I need two in my hands (wide angle and telephoto), two remote (one overhead and one high angle), one with a flash for the ring girl shots with VIPs and one for backup in case I need to send one back. Lenses? Which? Should I have forgone my new $4400 laptop ... I could have gotten one for $900 that would do the job ... but it would have been slow and maybe not had some features that make the work more enjoyable and faster. Of course, the biggest question is why one would think "doing without" these tools in order to retire a year earlier is a good trade off at this time in my life? I have no debt beyond what's left on my mortgage and we have money in the bank and a savings plan ... I don't see being more frugal as being an asset. I'm risk averse but not THAT risk averse.

Dwight, my apologies, I think you misinterpreted my words. No, I am no investment counselor. I also thought to the pension as well, since I too do something fairly similar to you, on the opposite end of the country. I work for the NYC Fire Dept. in Technology (same thing, pension, 403, etc, although I only have 5 yrs in, not 30). but also shoot on the side, although, not concerts, simply event photography, sports, etc.

Heck, if you use the gear, then by all means it should be had. I am a firm believer in that. And since the finances don't seem to be the issue, then by all means, as well.

My comment about gear being a poor investment was soley based upon a statement I think you made previously in "reinvesting in gear". Now if all that gear is being used, then yes, it is investing in the business (particularly since you seem to have achieved about 40-50% growth in a year or two, which is great). From my own estimation it seemed like a lot of your gear overlapped, and isn't always gear that you'd use for the stuff you said you shoot, but like you said, you do need it, so by all means.

Once again, my apologies. Didn't mean to come off wrong. Happy Holidays.

[PhotosGuy]

you've got a good chunk of change into your gear, most of which is a poor investment as it doesn't appreciate. I totally disagree. It's never a poor investment if you need it to get the job done. I once had a 600mm f/5.6 which mostly sat around gathering dust. But when I needed it for a job, it produced shots that blew the client away, which led to more work from him.
And, equipment can be depreciated + Canon stuff will hold it's value well if/when Dwight decides to trade up.

[DwightMcCann]

Dwight, my apologies, I think you misinterpreted my words. No, I am no investment counselor. I also thought to the pension as well, since I too do something fairly similar to you, on the opposite end of the country. I work for the NYC Fire Dept. in Technology (same thing, pension, 403, etc, although I only have 5 yrs in, not 30). but also shoot on the side, although, not concerts, simply event photography, sports, etc.

Heck, if you use the gear, then by all means it should be had. I am a firm believer in that. And since the finances don't seem to be the issue, then by all means, as well.

My comment about gear being a poor investment was soley based upon a statement I think you made previously in "reinvesting in gear". Now if all that gear is being used, then yes, it is investing in the business (particularly since you seem to have achieved about 40-50% growth in a year or two, which is great). From my own estimation it seemed like a lot of your gear overlapped, and isn't always gear that you'd use for the stuff you said you shoot, but like you said, you do need it, so by all means.

Once again, my apologies. Didn't mean to come off wrong. Happy Holidays.

I think it is very legitimate to ask these kinds of questions and didn't mean to sound irritated, just explanatory. And my gear does overlap ... I now have two 70-200mm f/2.8L IS lens as well as two 1DMIII bodies. I have the two lenses because it is my most used lens and banged around enough in heavy use they have issues ... and I can't be without one for a week ... I normally shoot at least once a week, often twice or more for my clients. And I have these good paying clients because they can absolutely count on me. I previously explained about the bodies.

I totally disagree. It's never a poor investment if you need it to get the job done. I once had a 600mm f/5.6 which mostly sat around gathering dust. But when I needed it for a job, it produced shots that blew the client away, which led to more work from him.
And, equipment can be depreciated + Canon stuff will hold it's value well if/when Dwight decides to trade up.

Good points! I have a 400mm f/2.8L IS. It sits in it's beautiful hardcase most of the time as does the Gitzo legset and leveling head and Wimberley head ... but when I have the opportunity to pop those puppies out the resulting images are an order of magnitude better than anyone else who won't invest or lug around that kind of equipment. And I write it all off which stretches my dollars twice as far and then I can resell ... although I have yet to be willing to give anything up because I use it all.

But again, I think these sorts of questions are good ones and people need to hear differing viewpoints and perspectives without feeling that they are overstepping. For what it's worth, my wife, the MBA, suggested that if I ever have everything I need (well, want anyway) that I could put money into an IRA. But with only about 4 more years before retirement I don't see how ... I keep eyeing thost Hasselblad H3DII's! :-)

[eeprete]

I can completely agree with both of you, and I also understand even two of the same lens. I've actually thought of getting a second 24-70 as its my workhorse, just as you'd consider with any of your own dupes.

I myself have a 500/F4 IS that I don't use for event work, but do for my nature and wildlife work, of which I am fortunate to have several exhibits going on right now, but unfortunately have not sold any prints just yet.

Yes, those Hasselblads do look nice for me too, with my landscape work, but don't think my misses will allow that just yet.... Still trying to talk her into why I need a 25 yr old Mustang SVO.....

[DwightMcCann]

Oh, and one more thing ... I'm the only one among my 'tog friends who can afford all this stuff and I am always pleased to loan. I think I have caused at least two guys to pick up 300mm f/2.8L IS lenses (one concert shooter and one relatively famous paintball shooter.) I think my 24-70mm f/2.8L holds up better than the 70-200mm f/2.8L IS because there is no IS which is what has gone wrong twice in the 70-200mm ... along with the front section being very loose.

And what could sound more idiotic than a professional photographer saying, "Sorry, I can't do my job right now because my equipment is broken!"

[Cybnew]

Oh, and one more thing ... I'm the only one among my 'tog friends who can afford all this stuff and I am always pleased to loan. I think I have caused at least two guys to pick up 300mm f/2.8L IS lenses (one concert shooter and one relatively famous paintball shooter.) I think my 24-70mm f/2.8L holds up better than the 70-200mm f/2.8L IS because there is no IS which is what has gone wrong twice in the 70-200mm ... along with the front section being very loose.

And what could sound more idiotic than a professional photographer saying, "Sorry, I can't do my job right now because my equipment is broken!"



After playing with your 24-70 in aug. I decided to get my own...so there is another one you have influenced :)

[DwightMcCann]

After playing with your 24-70 in aug. I decided to get my own...so there is another one you have influenced :)
I think Canon owes me! :cool:

[Cybnew]

Yup...you could be their Customer Representative Field Agent

[bikerider]

This thread was a good read and pertinent to my current situation Dwight. You may or may not know I've relocated to Italy, followed my heart you might say and am trying to kickstart a freelance photography career. After six months success is eluding me and I was feeling quite dispirited, particularly at this time of year. Your story has got me thinking to look outside the box that has been my photography so far and investigate new avenues.....don't know what they might be just yet. I am fit and healthy with plenty of energy, so I don't have any serious physical barriers like you had in recovering from major surgery. However I am 55 y/o and with that tends to come a resistance to change perspective, time for reflection then action lol. Anyway hope you're having a great holiday period and I wish you continued success for 2008.
Roger.

[airfrogusmc]

Hey first off Merry Christmas. I've always really likes your images. Beautiful family. Thanks for sharing that great story.

[DwightMcCann]

Oh, good, someone I can stay with in Italy! :-) Just remember, with all that energy, it is still 'who you know, not what you know' that will stand you in good stead! No ego. And you have to push the box until it breaks sometimes to know what your limits are ... if it doesn't hurt a little it likely isn't the right medicine!

[DwightMcCann]

Hey first off Merry Christmas. I've always really likes your images. Beautiful family. Thanks for sharing that great story.

Thank you very much! Someone in this place has to be inspirational. :rolleyes:

[bikerider]

Oh, good, someone I can stay with in Italy! :-) Just remember, with all that energy, it is still 'who you know, not what you know' that will stand you in good stead! No ego. And you have to push the box until it breaks sometimes to know what your limits are ... if it doesn't hurt a little it likely isn't the right medicine!

Dwight you are welcome any time :D.....your comments are so true and finding the 'who you know' here has been part of the problem.

[DwightMcCann]

Dwight you are welcome any time :D.....your comments are so true and finding the 'who you know' here has been part of the problem.

Finding them is ALWAYS the problem, which is why I chat up everybody to the point of edging up toward being a pain ... always handing out business cards ... always asking "Who is that over there and what do they do?" ... you cannot meet too many people and let them know what you're about.

On the flip side, you've also got to resist giving up too much or giving away too much ... a little goes a loooooonnnnnnng way. Ya' know, "Bikerider" doesn't sound very Italian!

[DwightMcCann]

Just stopped back in to say that I am still working for the casino, now in my fourth year and just got a big raise ... rather than just starting billing or just announce that I was raising rates I asked about raising one of my fees and was told that I had to raise my other one also (I only have two "standard" event types with the casino ... odds and ends are billed at whatever is right and I have never had any questioned.)

And after having dozens of people ask me about it, I now have someone who will assist me if/when I need it, Snedigity here on POTN. He and I have differing strengths that merge together well and we will be getting into motorcycles and hotrods! Now I'm off to get ready to shoot the New Year's Eve Dance Party at the casino.

[airfrogusmc]

Just stopped back in to say that I am still working for the casino, now in my fourth year and just got a big raise ... rather than just starting billing or just announce that I was raising rates I asked about raising one of my fees and was told that I had to raise my other one also (I only have two "standard" event types with the casino ... odds and ends are billed at whatever is right and I have never had any questioned.)

And after having dozens of people ask me about it, I now have someone who will assist me if/when I need it, Snedigity here on POTN. He and I have differing strengths that merge together well and we will be getting into motorcycles and hotrods! Now I'm off to get ready to shoot the New Year's Eve Dance Party at the casino.

Dwight HAPPY NEW YEAR and good luck and may 08 bring you much happiness and success....Sounds like you're off to a running start;):)

[DwightMcCann]

Dwight HAPPY NEW YEAR and good luck and may 08 bring you much happiness and success....Sounds like you're off to a running start;):)
Wanted to add another 2008 update! One of the regular events I do at the casino is called the Supper Club. About every two weeks they select about 150 of the top 300 high rollers and invite them for dinner ... the events are planned out six months or so in advance. The events are two hours. There is a four diamond buffet. There are tables for ten and tables for four. Except for the very top players who get reserved tables the guests select their own seating. The first hour (when most eating takes place) there is a small dinner music ensemble of some sort. The second hour there is a mid-tier musical (usually) group such as Rose Royce or Sha Na Na.

For the past year or two (it is vague at this point) I have been hired to come in and shoot pictures of the guests, "Excuse me, sir, may I take a picture of you and your wife while the two of you are trying to eat and probably have food stuck in your teeth or really need to go to the indoor plumbing before the big show starts?" I also shoot the talent, but that's not the interesting part. Anyway, I then took the images home, retouched them a tad, and ordered prints to be available at the next event or sent out by mail.

Well, about a month and a half ago my boss at the casino says, "Starting at the next event we want you to set up a themed photo booth and print the images immediately on-site." I need to be clear that, as everything at the casino, he had every intention of providing all the support possible ... when I said I didn't have appropriate printers he said he'd buy some ... when I said I thought it would require three assistants he said I should bring one to help with photography and he'd provide people to do the printing (which turned out to be him and his supervisorial staff) ... when I said that I didn't have backgrounds he said they'd provide them (which has turned out not to be the case but we have hacked something together for the first two.) I know I harp on it, but the Chumash Casino Resort Entertainment Department management is unbeatable for being supportive, inventive and aspires to excellence. Anyway, to top it off he says, "It doesn't have to be perfect the first two or three times ... we'll do it, see what needs work and keep improving."

Anyway, Scott Sneddon (Snedigity here on POTN) and I have twice hauled my entire studio lighting setup into the casino. The first time was a Valentine's event and the second a Hollywood event timed with the Oscars. We know that we didn't get the white balance right ... we have to shoot large jpegs as the prints are made "out of camera" from the CF cards and we're both used to shooting RAW and batch adjusting in conversion. Anyway, I'm embedding an image from each event. Interestingly, when we first start I have gone into the crowd and recruited "my regulars" to get things going. About halfway through the night we have a line at the photobooth. On Valentines there was a line after everything else was done and the production crew was tearing down the room. I have been overjoyed at how well received this process has been. We won't do a booth every time although I'll be there to shoot and we'll print on-site. But it just seemed like a more full bodied update on where this craziness is going was appropriate.

[DizzyV6P]

And what could sound more idiotic than a professional photographer saying, "Sorry, I can't do my job right now because my equipment is broken!"

"Sorry, I can't take your picture because the batteries in my flash has run out" True story from my wife who was running an event where the main VIP wanted a picture with his friend. The "Pro" photog's flash batteries ran out and somehow he didn't have spares.

I also wanted to comment on your concert pictures. They are GREAT! It gives me hope to do more concert photos in venues with better lighting as well. I showed your site to a rock band friend of mine just to show them pictures from someone who brought their "A" game to a concert. I'm looking forward to your upcoming photos as well. Keep up the great work and thanks for all the tips!

[DwightMcCann]

Second things first ... what Rock Band and when will they call to hire me?

Oh, I know about running out of batteries! It won't happen again but when it does you are dead meat and no professional should EVER need to say such a thing. I may not always have the right equipment with me when asked to do an impromptu shot that wasn't in the plans, but I always have at least two spare battery SETS in addition to what I start with. Same with CF cards ... I have my main 12GB card, four or five 8GB cards and a set of 12 GB cards, numbered, in three cases that are also numbered, for shooting these "Immediate Print" events. Next time your wife needs to hire me.

I think I will shortly start a series of posts to my blog on the equipment I take with me to the casino with pictures ... I think it helps the new guys to know what idiot lengths the old guys go to for reliability/flexibility.

"Sorry, I can't take your picture because the batteries in my flash has run out" True story from my wife who was running an event where the main VIP wanted a picture with his friend. The "Pro" photog's flash batteries ran out and somehow he didn't have spares.

I also wanted to comment on your concert pictures. They are GREAT! It gives me hope to do more concert photos in venues with better lighting as well. I showed your site to a rock band friend of mine just to show them pictures from someone who brought their "A" game to a concert. I'm looking forward to your upcoming photos as well. Keep up the great work and thanks for all the tips!

[blanc]

WELL DONE MATE..GLAD TO HEAR YOUR DREAM CAME THROUGH!

[DwightMcCann]

Thank you, Blanc. Some updates. I am sad to report that Scott Sneddon will be leaving me at the beginning of May to be deployed to Korea for a year and then he will go to Germany and likely retire there. We hope to visit him in 2010. I am pleased to report that I have recruited Marcella Kligman, a soon to graduate Brooks Institute student, to work with me.

Equipment updates: I have had a 1DsMIII for about a month but very little time to use it although I am expecting that to change. I am also trading in my Epson 7800 printer for an Epson 7880 printer at the end of the month ... the deal has already been done so I will get a rebate and customer loyalty bonus ... but it won't arrive at my studio for a couple of weeks. I expect to try printing on canvas with it for the first time.

For anyone who may be interested in a more detailed view of my equipment and what I do I will be doing a series of posts to my blog over the next few months going through my Pelican cases full of equipment and how I use what I have, so stay tuned ... I think you can get an RSS feed, whatever that is! :-)

[Psychobiker]

:) warmed my heart. Just today I was stressing about money, jobs etc. Why the hell should I be?!

L

[DwightMcCann]

:) warmed my heart. Just today I was stressing about money, jobs etc. Why the hell should I be?!

L

Well, it'll only get better for me so I would guess for you, too! Just keep pressing out, slow but constant, and something will give. :cool:

[DwightMcCann]

I wanted to mention (at the possibility of repeating myself) that I am currently reviewing my equipment, including how I pack/haul it with me, what I have in each Pelican case, a short explanation of most items and how I use them on my blog linked from my .sig. When I have gone through the equipment I will talk about how I use it at concerts and fights. If I am still alive when this is done, I will be working my way through my little studio complete with 'behind the scenes' images. And by that time I should also have a little "Strobist" style equipment set and will discuss it. My current goal is two posts per week and they include images of the items. My blog is not my primary gallery so you generally won't see just another copy of the images I post here or there in my blog.

[Tareq]

Not sure if i have to change my job [civil engineer] to become a photographer, i will not say i didn't earn much but to my opinion it is not much and with a photographer profession in my country i will earn less, so that i wish if i live in USA or UK as i know many photographers do great with this job.

[DwightMcCann]

Not sure if i have to change my job [civil engineer] to become a photographer, i will not say i didn't earn much but to my opinion it is not much and with a photographer profession in my country i will earn less, so that i wish if i live in USA or UK as i know many photographers do great with this job.
Tareq, you are right where you ought to be! You have the best of the whole world. It is not easy anywhere to make a living at photography ... it is like actors ... there are thousands/millions whose names you will never hear and who work as bar tenders, computer programmers and everything else. Enjoy what you have and don't worry about what it seems your neighbor has.

[Tareq]

Tareq, you are right where you ought to be! You have the best of the whole world. It is not easy anywhere to make a living at photography ... it is like actors ... there are thousands/millions whose names you will never hear and who work as bar tenders, computer programmers and everything else. Enjoy what you have and don't worry about what it seems your neighbor has.

Thanks

[DwightMcCann]

Just an update: my friend, Rick Barker (who got me the casino job) is no longer with Taylor Swift and no longer has Nashville to You Acoustic Radio Tour. He has moved to Nashville to be closer to his new clients. "My Band", Latin Soul Review, is changing personnel again, but this time my buddy, Eric, is leaving due to family issues, so I am giving them up, too. I was just too removed from any of them except Eric and wasn't getting much of a return.

I grossed about $45K in 2007. This year will not be so good ... the whole economy is trashed and that has a big impact on the hospitality and gaming industries and they are cutting back. I did ask if they (the casino) is cutting me as part of their cost savings and was given a big smiling, "No." I think they like me.

Well, off to update my .sig.

[belmondo]

Just an update: my friend, Rick Barker (who got me the casino job) is no longer with Taylor Swift and no longer has Nashville to You Acoustic Radio Tour. He has moved to Nashville to be closer to his new clients. "My Band", Latin Soul Review, is changing personnel again, but this time my buddy, Eric, is leaving due to family issues, so I am giving them up, too. I was just too removed from any of them except Eric and wasn't getting much of a return.

I grossed about $45K in 2007. This year will not be so good ... the whole economy is trashed and that has a big impact on the hospitality and gaming industries and they are cutting back. I did ask if they (the casino) is cutting me as part of their cost savings and was given a big smiling, "No." I think they like me.

Well, off to update my .sig.

That's certainly a mixed bag, Dwight. It's good news that you'll be maintaining your relationship with the casino, though.

[DwightMcCann]

That's certainly a mixed bag, Dwight. It's good news that you'll be maintaining your relationship with the casino, though.

Yes, my work for the casino subsidizes almost all the rest of my photography, even my other paying clients. And while the year as a whole will be off a little this year and probably more next year, this month, July, 2008, will be the biggest month I've had with them ... eight events. August will be only three and the visibility beyond that suggests three to four events rather than the six events per month for the first half of the year. It's a good thing I have so much equipment in the inventory already.

[misskitty5077]

I missed your story until today. Thank you for sharing. :)

Your daughter is amazing! Beautiful, confident and a natural model. Enjoy that now because in a few years you will been screening dates. lol

I wish you hadn't lost your gigs. This economy is going to hurt us all for a long time I fear...