Here is my story (am I dreaming)

I am an amateur but I'm learning, and I believe that I have the ability to go pro as time goes on.

I am currently employed in the standard 9-5 job outside of photography, but my passion is really growing.

So much so that all I think about photography practically all day and night.

Here is where the dreaming comes in.

I want to move. I currently live in a wonderful country but am very much involved and in love with someone in Europe. We have been together for 3 years. Although we see each other every 2-3 month's. Somehow I can't help but wonder if my passion for photography is a way for me to try to relocate to Europe into freelance work and to even go as far as opening my own business.

I've been reading book's on financial, Business planning....and I have been following a plan for the last 6 months that can allow me to give it a serious shot in early 2010.

Yes that's three years, but three years where I can build some equity for self sustaining purpose (1 year) as well get myself better gear in temrs of lenses and more cameras and lighting equipment.

As time goes on , the more I want it....I look through a lot of the local business and I see good things and bad things. I feel in my heart I can be just as good..but everything is due trial and error.

In 3 years I'll be 37 and it's quite risky at that stage of life to take such a chance.

I have no degree in photography and go about learning the tricks of the trade and eventually of the business myself.

Perhaps I need someone to burst my bubble and tell me to forget it, I'm a little afraid I may have my blinders on. This is probably a stupid post lol

What's even more strange as I see myself struggling to get by in the years ahead with less security and much more risk, I do see one thing more that is positive......I'd be much happier.

id say go for it. if you dont, you will always wonder "what if".

As I've heard many say, doing photography as a business is 75% business and 25% photography... or something along those lines.

Yes , I know with all the "Plans" I created it no doubt is a business ....I love it though, I keep pulling up my spreadsheets just to look at it all....amazed that it's feasable, I'm certainly ready to work very hard.

I agree, go for it. Sit down, put together a business plan, do some background research, figure the numbers, what it's going to take to get your dream off of the ground, have a backup plan and give it a shot. Sure there is a risk, but you have one go around and as you get older, it is going to get more difficult to do so. Look at it this way, when your 75 do you want to tell yourself, "well, I was conservative and never did the things I wanted", or "Well, I tried a lot of thing, some worked, some didn't", or "I am so glad I went into photography. I had the time of my life and I regret nothing."

Yep, definitely outline a plan and aim for the stars. Photography is one of those few fields that caters to those with talent, passion, and hunger more than it does credentials, but you need all 3 to make it become a business. Just do your homework and plan it all out, and climb up the stairs, and make sure you dont forget any of the 3 traits I mentioned up above in the process.

tofuboy wrote in post #2363721
As I've heard many say, doing photography as a business is 75% business and 25% photography... or something along those lines.

Maybe 60/40.

Well...up to this point there is some extremely good philosophy and practical advice in the comments.
At the ripe old age of 68, I can tell you that dreams coupled with intelligent action, are what make life worthwhile.
Try very hard to keep the romantic part of your life separate at this point. Emotions can get the better of you and unduly influence your 'business plan'.
I re-started my life at 45, so 37 ain't that old.
At best you will have a great career AND a great wife.

Nothing ventured, nothing gained. But have a backup plan. I would like to suggest that your vision of being with this other person in Europe not cloud your dream. Which one has priority. What happens if you don't get the work in Europe. Are you able to legally work there if you are not making enough freelancing.

I'm glad to see you studying the business side of the business. This really is important and one of the key steps to being successful.

Alot can happen in three years. What are your plans if the relationship goes south in that times. Are you still going to chase the freelance market in Europe.

I don't think you are crazy or over dreaming. You are in love and that makes us men make some odd decisions but that all part of life too. Good luck in whatever you decide.

There are alot of excellent posts in this forum on starting out. Take the time to study them and hopefully you can glean some useful info from them

Same as Sheldon, have a backup plan. I'm no businessman, but common sense tells me that if you have a part time relationship with someone over here in Europe, then that should take precedence, othwise your whole world will fall apart.

My advice would be :-

1) To move over here, but find a job that you'll be able to keep down for a good while - something you currently do and wouldn't find a problem working with if you didn't have your photographic dream.

2) Develop your relationship with your intended and let it mature for a while. Make absolutely sure that it's what you want and who you want to spend the rest of your life with (I know you beleive that now, but you're not seeing her 24/7 - things can change when you live together)

3) When your home life is stable and you're in a good financial position, build up a business plan and go for your dream.

If you have the passion to make it work then there's no reason why you'd fail. As long as you're presentable and friendly as well as fair (get good word of mouth) then why not? Well, as long as your photography is good also!

When you say "Europe" - where do you mean exactly? Some parts of "Europe" are better for a new business than others.

I would say forget about being too old at 37 (gosh I wish I was 37) - if you have a dream - just do it (note to self - check whether anybody has that phrase registered)

You only get one go at this life, and if your dream is to run a photography business, then nobody has a right to tell you you can't.

It's far better to wish you hadn't done something, than to wish you had!

Good luck with your new venture!!!

TJ (well and truly over-the-hill in my mid 50's)

I agree with Jon The Elder. I to at age 44 sold my house, quite my job and moved away from family and friends to go to graduate school. It took me three years (like your plan) to finish and then did an intership. I have never regreted a minute. At age 56 now I love my life.

It sounds like you have a good head on your shoulders and have thought things through. Now it time for action!

The best of luck to you (someone told me the harder you work, the luckier you are).

Barry

England used to make it very tough to come in & work there. Don't know what the situation is now, but I'd talk to someone in the right embassy.

Its not as easy to work in the UK as you would think. I employed an American lady and she could only get work permits for 12 months at a go - and this was with proof that she had a job to go to. However if you marry your partner it will make things easier

Dont forget that unlike the States where you only have a couple of main languages, we speak dozens (not all at the same time ), think English, French, German, Spanish and Italian in the west side alone, so bear that in mind when considering where to base yourself.

Many nationalities adopt a protectionist attitude to foreigners even tho' as an EU resident I can legally work anywhere I just get blanked when looking for work outside of the UK.
Please understand I am not trying to rain on your parade, just to add a little bit of reality to your dream.

On the upside, the market is larger, many areas (especially the east) are under developed but growing rapidly. Many Brits are buying in Romania and Bulgaria at the moment.

You have been given good advice about getting a regular job until you are ready to go full time. Its hard settling into another country when you have a regular job, if you are trying to build a buisness at the same time you are making it doubly so.

However, if you do relocate I wish you every success.