When did you start supporting yourself on Photography only?

[Jacobredphoto]

Here is the deal. It's kind of a long post so don't comment if you don't want to, haha. I'll understand. I just need to hear what you guys think of my future plans.

Okay, I'm 16 years old and homeschooled. I will be graduating two years earlier than the rest of my peers.
I am taking a gap year to work for college and gear.
I'm planning on majoring in photography at an online art school, there are no art schools nearby.
I want to get the courses such as math and science out of the way at a local college and then transfer, is this a good idea?
I also would like to take a business course of some kind. I don't mind going to school and working a couple jobs, but my main question is how long did it take you guys/gals out of college to start supporting yourself solely on Photography?
I know I still have SO SO SO much to learn before I think I will be ably to support myself on it.
I don't want this post to seem pointless, haha. I'm just kind of freaking out. I don't come from a rich or middle-class family or anything so I'm starting to REALLY feel the pressures of money and would like to know how long it might take before I can support myself on just photography.
I also know that there is no real direct answer from you for me considering there are so many variables that would affect how long it would take for me to support myself.

[dbguy4eva]

Photography is hard. The only way to get out there is to have connections. If you're only doing home school stuff, that's not good enough. You need to go out there and network. That is how people know about you... Or another way is to work for a company, send in your resume, and go for there...

[Jacobredphoto]

Photography is hard. The only way to get out there is to have connections. If you're only doing home school stuff, that's not good enough. You need to go out there and network. That is how people know about you... Or another way is to work for a company, send in your resume, and go for there...

Thank you! Luckily I just started homeschooling this year, before that I was in public. I was good friends with most of my teachers, my yearbook teacher has been a big help. My math teacher has already had me do a shoot for her and have two more set up with her in the coming months :). I agree though that I have to get MUCH better at networking, it's something that I need experience in. :)

[blackmatch456]

I'm 15.
Have 2 intership w/pro photog's going.
Hired as backup photog at 4 wedding this summer.

[Jacobredphoto]

WOW, way to put me to shame, haha. Congratulations, that makes me want to work even harder.

[Jacobredphoto]

By the way where do you live at? I know that living in my town is going to be really hard as there are VERY few successful photographers here. They all do portraiture.

I'm 15.
Have 2 intership w/pro photog's going.
Hired as backup photog at 4 wedding this summer.

I realized after reading back over my original posts, I might have came off as whiny to people. I don't want it to seem like I have it any harder than anyone else or that I am complaining about where I live or how old I am. :). Just wanted to clear that up.

[mritchy]

I am 19, run my own photography business that started in January. I now shoot 2-3 weddings a week, and have ongoing product photography gigs that pay 2-3 times a month each. Make close to $5,000 a month now and it is climbing. I am also a full time finance and economics major student, even during the summer.

[Karl Johnston]

Mritchy; is that gross sales or revenue?

[mritchy]

That is not net income. But as a student my bills are limited. no food bills, no housing bills, etc.

[airfrogusmc]

I had a full time job the day I got out of college 1986 and have been support'n the family doing it full time ever since.

[Karl Johnston]

That's still pretty damned good! Congrats !

[tim]

It took me three years until I could support myself on weddings only, during summer. Then I bought a house. I have to do contract work at least six months a year to make a reasonable income, weddings alone is very difficult especially if you have a house and/or a family. This coming year looks to be especially bleak, bookings are way down.

[Karl Johnston]

Is it a nice house, at least?

[Jacobredphoto]

Thank you for the replies everyone! It's reassuring to actually hear from the people that do it rather than just reading about it being possible.

[cory1848]

I cant speak for being fulltime as I am not there yet. I have my BFA minor degree in photography from a highly regarded art school, my major degree is in Illustration.

First thing that I would say is mandatory is Business classes. They were not offered for my degree program when I was at school 10 years ago. ITs one of the things I find I need the most help with. Along with some kind of marketing class.

With the online schools...I would get the academic classes out of the way and work towards an Associates degree with that and then transfer to a real location school. There is no substituting hands on learning IMO. IF the school has a good photo program, you will get to use real professional lighting set ups, real labs, and nice studio stuff. That is hard to get being a DIY'er. You could do the online stuff for 2 years while working and saving up enough money to go away to another school to finish a BFA. See if you can live at home for those 2 years and sock all the money your making from a fulltime job into a bank account for school.

Sounds like your on the right track. Another thing to look into as well are any seminars or workshops that are nearby or conventions. Few hundred dollards and lots of networking and learning opportunities there.

[Jacobredphoto]

I cant speak for being fulltime as I am not there yet. I have my BFA minor degree in photography from a highly regarded art school, my major degree is in Illustration.

First thing that I would say is mandatory is Business classes. They were not offered for my degree program when I was at school 10 years ago. ITs one of the things I find I need the most help with. Along with some kind of marketing class.

With the online schools...I would get the academic classes out of the way and work towards an Associates degree with that and then transfer to a real location school. There is no substituting hands on learning IMO. IF the school has a good photo program, you will get to use real professional lighting set ups, real labs, and nice studio stuff. That is hard to get being a DIY'er. You could do the online stuff for 2 years while working and saving up enough money to go away to another school to finish a BFA. See if you can live at home for those 2 years and sock all the money your making from a fulltime job into a bank account for school.

Sounds like your on the right track. Another thing to look into as well are any seminars or workshops that are nearby or conventions. Few hundred dollards and lots of networking and learning opportunities there.

Thank you for all the help! Great advice. I do think I will take business classes, I've heard from this forum that it's something very important as only 30% of your career will be shooting whilst the rest is business. I'm so stupid. I hadn't considered doing the academic classes online, and THEN transfer to a real school for art. We do have a decent art school in Las Cruces, my yearbook teacher went there. I have sat my parents down and discussed my staying with them for a couple years while I was trying to earn money and they said they were perfectly fine with it. Thanks again for all of the helpful info. I just wanted to make sure my priorities weren't all screwed up. The seminars and workshops sound very interesting.

[airfrogusmc]

Thank you for all the help! Great advice. I do think I will take business classes, I've heard from this forum that it's something very important as only 30% of your career will be shooting whilst the rest is business. I'm so stupid. I hadn't considered doing the academic classes online, and THEN transfer to a real school for art. We do have a decent art school in Las Cruces, my yearbook teacher went there. I have sat my parents down and discussed my staying with them for a couple years while I was trying to earn money and they said they were perfectly fine with it. Thanks again for all of the helpful info. I just wanted to make sure my priorities weren't all screwed up. The seminars and workshops sound very interesting.

Well, business courses are good to take. I took them and its great if you're going to work for IBM but a good deal of business that photographers deal with is very specific to photography both in doing business and marketing. Most business classes don't prepare you to be self employed but prepare you to work in a large corporate environment. If you really want to learn go to work for a successful photographer whose work you admire and you will learn more about what to do and not do in just a few weeks than you will ever learn in the business classes. But my advice learn all you can about your craft. In the future I'm convinced its going to be what really separates those that are successful from those that aren't. In the commercial world you are only as good as your last assignment and if you screw it up or don't come back wit the goods all the good business wont help you one bit. Take some but business classes but really hone your photograph skills. Stop in Preston Center for Contemporary Art in Mesilla and talk to Paul Schranz. Hes one of my professors from college (retired now and running the center). Hes the MAN...He can probably get you on the right track...Anyway thats my 2 cents and I've been at it a long time and have supported my family doing it full time for over 20 years and have made a good living doing it.

[Jacobredphoto]

Well, business courses are good to take. I took them and its great if you're going to work for IBM but a good deal of business that photographers deal with is very specific to photography both in doing business and marketing. Most business classes don't prepare you to be self employed but prepare you to work in a large corporate environment. If you really want to learn go to work for a successful photographer whose work you admire and you will learn more about what to do and not do in just a few weeks than you will ever learn in the business classes. But my advice learn all you can about your craft. In the future I'm convinced its going to be what really separates those that are successful from those that aren't. In the commercial world you are only as good as your last assignment and if you screw it up or don't come back wit the goods all the good business wont help you one bit. Take some but business classes but really hone your photograph skills. Stop in Preston Center for Contemporary Art in Mesilla and talk to Paul Schranz. Hes one of my professors from college (retired now and running the center). Hes the MAN...He can probably get you on the right track...Anyway thats my 2 cents and I've been at it a long time and have supported my family doing it full time for over 20 years and have made a good living doing it.


I would really love to do an internship with a photographer. I had to look up Preston Center for Contemporary Art, haha. I don't live in Las Cruces. Thank you SO much for a contact, I appreciate it very much. I've got to get better at networking, I know very few people in my area that are into photography.

[Alleh]

When you turn 18 move to LA or NY and find work as an assistant. Spend a couple years assisting and working on your skills while taking business classes at a community college. Then try and make the transition to commercial photographer. If you fail go back to assisting and get a college degree in something else. There are only a small percentage of decent wedding photographers that actually love it the rest just got into it because they don't know any better. Retail photography is just the most obvious way to make an income in photography but you have many other option. Don't be a lemming.

[Alleh]

Well, business courses are good to take. I took them and its great if you're going to work for IBM but a good deal of business that photographers deal with is very specific to photography both in doing business and marketing. Most business classes don't prepare you to be self employed but prepare you to work in a large corporate environment. If you really want to learn go to work for a successful photographer whose work you admire and you will learn more about what to do and not do in just a few weeks than you will ever learn in the business classes. But my advice learn all you can about your craft. In the future I'm convinced its going to be what really separates those that are successful from those that aren't. In the commercial world you are only as good as your last assignment and if you screw it up or don't come back wit the goods all the good business wont help you one bit. Take some but business classes but really hone your photograph skills. Stop in Preston Center for Contemporary Art in Mesilla and talk to Paul Schranz. Hes one of my professors from college (retired now and running the center). Hes the MAN...He can probably get you on the right track...Anyway thats my 2 cents and I've been at it a long time and have supported my family doing it full time for over 20 years and have made a good living doing it.


Entrepreneurial skills only come natural to about %1 of the population the rest of the people have to learn it. Business classes are necessary but only the start you will still need to read a lot of books on both general business and marketing as well as books directly relating to the business of photography and even with all the studying and reading you still might not have what it takes but that's just a way of life.

[airfrogusmc]

If your going into commercial photography getting a strong background in photography is SO IMPORTANT and like I said you if you get a job with someone thats successful and whose work that you admire you will learn more about being an entrepreneur than you will ever learn in business classes. And the big thing if you are truly creative those business classes are all left brain activity taught by left brained people and you will probably hate them at best and not do very well (fail) at worst.

Again those classes are good at teaching you to work for IBM but will teach you little abut being a great photographer and running a successful photography business. Take some basic classes in both marketing and business but the classes in photography and art will help you see and think in creative ways that you for sure wont get in business school. Even if you do get say an undergraduate degree in business you would be ill prepared to go into business for yourself. Working for a big corporation yes but to start your own business well I would say and most would agree that you should work for a while in the field that you are going to start your business in first.

So get your degree in photography take business classes and either get a job working for someone while part time while you are in school or get a job with a successful photographer whose work you admire in the field you want to work in when you graduate. You might make squat for a couple of year but think of it as a crash course the business of photography and you already have strong visual background from you photography degree.

I would be working in the field I'm working in now or be as successful as I am now if not for my degree.

You can always hire bean counters to help and you will need to get a really good accountant anyway.

[FlyingPhotog]

July 13th, 2009

(Yup, it's coming...)

[airfrogusmc]

The time I think I was able to explore and was the most free to truly create and I haven't had a time when I was able to grow more visually and creatively than was when I was in school studying photography. Being in a truly creative environment and being around other very creative people all day everyday without the distractions of having to make a living and satisfying clients was a time that I will always cherish.

[airfrogusmc]

July 13th, 2009

(Yup, it's coming...)

So whats up Jay ?

[obnoxiousmom]

Thanks for posting this thread. I was told you do photography as a hobby and have a real job to support the hobby lol. Good to know that I might be able to make a career out of this

[Jacobredphoto]

Thank you all so much for the replies, you have all been a tremendous help.

[Jacobredphoto]

The time I think I was able to explore and was the most free to truly create and I haven't had a time when I was able to grow more visually and creatively than was when I was in school studying photography. Being in a truly creative environment and being around other very creative people all day everyday without the distractions of having to make a living and satisfying clients was a time that I will always cherish.

That's how I think I will feel as well. I don't want to compare something as serious as studying photography in school to something as mediocre as school yearbook committee...but, that class is what kept me going and getting up every single day. I loved it, I loved most of the people, I loved the idea of being given projects to photograph for, I loved the teacher. That to is something that I will always cherish, I can't wait to go to college, I realize it will be hard but it's something I've been looking forward to for quite sometime.

[Kadath]

I admire your enthusiasm for photography and attitude towards making it a career but caution you to note the severe changes the industry is still in the middle of due to the digital revolution. If you can embrace these changes you have the opportunity for some real excitement. If all you think you want to do is hang a shingle out in front of an office and hope that the world beats a path to your door you could be in for some harsh realities!

Definitely check out blogs like The B School and Chase Jarvis as much as you can. Since you are homeschooled and sounds like you are in a remote location, virtual networking is going to be even more important to you. You are your brand, what does your brand say about you to your potential customers?

[lyonsdennn]

what ever you do dont take online classes. most companies look down upon online students because you didnt receive any hands on training. as for art schools most are over priced and only appear to be a pluss. infact most receive terrible ratings not to mention cost more than a regular college. Art schools promise that they will help you find a job after completion however this is only true when the economy does not completely suck. schools such as Devry, ITT, and Art Institutes, that advertise on tv and claim to help you find a job. recently i looked into attending devry and or ITT like my father to realize almost 80% of their graduating students owe 100,000 in tuition upon graduating and fail to find work...HUGEEE problem..
also my ex gf is attending AI of portland and while she likes it, they will let any idiot in, WHY?!?!?! because they just want your moneyyyy!!!

word of advice, attend your junior college since ur graduating two years early ( LIKE I DID!!!) and get that general education done, JR college's charge 20 bucks a credit while universities charge around 120..then once ur general education is done find a school that is known for having a great photography department and move. you will save alot of money.
AI told my ex once she graduates she will own around 80,000 bucks...not to mention you must pay fees for computer use books and equipment that can run several thousand dollars ( computer software she must purchase was around $500 a semester)

just get that general education out of the way because like they are saying ^^^ above you will also want some business training or a degree which you must have your general education to complete but you can major in photography and minor in business then you cover both bases...

my best friends room mate attends at UC san diego and majored in photography and now has an internship with a company that edits pictures submitted by people for magazines and websites.

it will be rare to find your self making a full fledged living in the photography industry unless planning to live on top ramen for a while. but some lucky people do call this industry their job. my advice is get your general education out of the way as quick as you can. its hard and can take 2 years, if you do it at the regular pace. while doing that perhaps try getting an internship somewhere or at least try to work in walmarts photo department or something picture related. all experience is beneficial at this point :D :D :D!!!!

mainly be aware that schools want your money...they make promises of finding you work. buttt AI has at least 20 schools with thousands of students every years...meaning there is not enough jobs for all of them...but they dont care. once they have your name on the dotted line your sunk...you could owe 100,000 bucks when your 20 and be working at Mc.Donalds working 40+ hours a week...aka most devrey grads from my research when i planned to attend.

be smart, the economy is in terrible shape and jobs are hard to come by...just fair warning.

hope this helps :) if not im sorry and you can excuse this post XD

[Jacobredphoto]

I admire your enthusiasm for photography and attitude towards making it a career but caution you to note the severe changes the industry is still in the middle of due to the digital revolution. If you can embrace these changes you have the opportunity for some real excitement. If all you think you want to do is hang a shingle out in front of an office and hope that the world beats a path to your door you could be in for some harsh realities!

Definitely check out blogs like The B School and Chase Jarvis as much as you can. Since you are homeschooled and sounds like you are in a remote location, virtual networking is going to be even more important to you. You are your brand, what does your brand say about you to your potential customers?

I do check on Chase Jarvis regularly. I've never heard of B School so I'll have to give a look at it. I'm not really in a remote location per se. I'm in a remote location in terms of photographic opportunity. I realize that this industry is one that you have to stay on top of constantly and improve your work to be able to make a successful living at doing it, it's that challenge that is driving me to make it a career.

what ever you do dont take online classes. most companies look down upon online students because you didnt receive any hands on training. as for art schools most are over priced and only appear to be a pluss. infact most receive terrible ratings not to mention cost more than a regular college. Art schools promise that they will help you find a job after completion however this is only true when the economy does not completely suck. schools such as Devry, ITT, and Art Institutes, that advertise on tv and claim to help you find a job. recently i looked into attending devry and or ITT like my father to realize almost 80% of their graduating students owe 100,000 in tuition upon graduating and fail to find work...HUGEEE problem..
also my ex gf is attending AI of portland and while she likes it, they will let any idiot in, WHY?!?!?! because they just want your moneyyyy!!!

word of advice, attend your junior college since ur graduating two years early ( LIKE I DID!!!) and get that general education done, JR college's charge 20 bucks a credit while universities charge around 120..then once ur general education is done find a school that is known for having a great photography department and move. you will save alot of money.
AI told my ex once she graduates she will own around 80,000 bucks...not to mention you must pay fees for computer use books and equipment that can run several thousand dollars ( computer software she must purchase was around $500 a semester)

just get that general education out of the way because like they are saying ^^^ above you will also want some business training or a degree which you must have your general education to complete but you can major in photography and minor in business then you cover both bases...

my best friends room mate attends at UC san diego and majored in photography and now has an internship with a company that edits pictures submitted by people for magazines and websites.

it will be rare to find your self making a full fledged living in the photography industry unless planning to live on top ramen for a while. but some lucky people do call this industry their job. my advice is get your general education out of the way as quick as you can. its hard and can take 2 years, if you do it at the regular pace. while doing that perhaps try getting an internship somewhere or at least try to work in walmarts photo department or something picture related. all experience is beneficial at this point :D :D :D!!!!


mainly be aware that schools want your money...they make promises of finding you work. buttt AI has at least 20 schools with thousands of students every years...meaning there is not enough jobs for all of them...but they dont care. once they have your name on the dotted line your sunk...you could owe 100,000 bucks when your 20 and be working at Mc.Donalds working 40+ hours a week...aka most devrey grads from my research when i planned to attend.

be smart, the economy is in terrible shape and jobs are hard to come by...just fair warning.

hope this helps :) if not im sorry and you can excuse this post XD

I do agree that most art schools are over-priced, but most things that specialize in one thing usually are. My dream school would be the San Francisco Academy of Art as their instructors are actual photographers. They too require special software and things of that nature. I was planning on majoring in photography and minor in business. I do plan on getting the general education out of the way. Normal pace is not for me, LOL. I've discussed with my parents (don't have my drivers license yet, so they would be involved) talking with some bands as I love entertainment photography when I get the chance. Landing a paid job with a band that I can shoot exclusively would be amazing and that is my goal at this point. Right now while my main focus can be mainly on actual photography, I am working on building an extremely strong portfolio.

Thank you all for the detailed post, they've truly helped calm any nerves that I've had. It's very much appreciated!

[lyonsdennn]

your welcome.
but from just the research schools that typically specialize in one thing are only more expensive because your paying for the name...much like the paul Mitchell cosmetology school which is around 30,000 bucks, however around 70% of the students regret going and employers are finding many students are not qualified but just have a fancy diploma / license displaying they spent a lot of money...

why buy a porch with a honda engine is how i see it...

just realize sometimes a name is simply just a name,
band photography is tight but i am not sure if it pays that great?.. depending on the bands size but most bands today unless on the top charts dont have the funds to pay you more than a 100 bucks or just let you bum with them for free...
ive been in several bands..and worked with bands on warped tour...theres hardly any money floating around.

but that would be fun if it was a band you really enjoyed ^_^ :D

[Jacobredphoto]

your welcome.
but from just the research schools that typically specialize in one thing are only more expensive because your paying for the name...much like the paul Mitchell cosmetology school which is around 30,000 bucks, however around 70% of the students regret going and employers are finding many students are not qualified but just have a fancy diploma / license displaying they spent a lot of money...

why buy a porch with a honda engine is how i see it...

just realize sometimes a name is simply just a name,
band photography is tight but i am not sure if it pays that great?.. depending on the bands size but most bands today unless on the top charts dont have the funds to pay you more than a 100 bucks or just let you bum with them for free...
ive been in several bands..and worked with bands on warped tour...theres hardly any money floating around.

but that would be fun if it was a band you really enjoyed ^_^ :D

Thank you for your additional input. Why buy a porch with a honda engine is how i see it, haha I like that. I could of course do additional things on the side, I would really like to do live entertainment for a local concert venue or a casino, we have a LOT of those around here. There is just so many different avenues that photography takes you down, I thank God everyday that I found it. I don't feel at home anywhere else than behind my gear. One good thing about being in a place that has less photographic opportunity. People don't try as hard, therefore sometimes it's easier to get into doing something professionally.

[lyonsdennn]

as long as you love photography then go with it :)