is it possible to make a living from sports

hi

not sure if people care to share but I was wondering apart from staff photographers does anyone think its possible to make a full time living as a sports photog in the UK (assuming you dont do event photography)

Full time freelance sports togs do exist.. thus it is possible.. Buggered if I can figure out how though

KIPAX With the standard of your images being so high if you can't that makes it seem very very difficult

I'd say a resounding yes - Gavin (Gmen) and Simon (Stacas) are already doing it, so its definitely possible.

That said, most of the people I've come across up here in the North West who are full time togs do sports at evening and weekends and combine that with News and Features togging during the weekdays.

Would be interesting to hear from any other UK togs as to how their work is made up....

anyone else?
got a place to study medicine but loving my photography - if i do medicine no chance with photography for a few years but .... sports is hard to crack

Well, I would say get an education in backup to photography. I am a certified teacher in NY working on my masters (so close to being done)...however, I live off my photography and a bit of coaching. Event photography had to be added for me to just get over the hump of some down town from my regular picture taking adventures as this area isn't packed with jobs. You can make a living from it, but it takes a lot of work - there's a book called The Business of Photography or something like that (anyone remember?) that helps, though it is geared towards someone whos done it on a semi-full time level...but an easy read for those who haven't. I have it somewhere, if I find it I'll post the title and info.

Shoot what you love but I think limiting yourself to one area will make it harder to earn a living, especially in sports. Diversify...work in a couple areas and see what you enjoy and what brings in money. That was the advice given to me by many established surf photographers.

I'm an aspiring sports tog and it appears a very difficult industry to crack. Reputation and the ability to deliver on time, under pressure seems to count for a lot. Stacas (Simon) and Gavin are 2 UK togs on here that work full time. They may be others, I'm just not sure. I'm not sure about IncompletePete for example. It may be worth asking them off line, they might not want to discuss it online. Then there are the freelancers working along side their current jobs, Paul, Marc, Joe to name just a few.

In my eyes, and these are from someone outside the photography industry, practical experience and reputation count for a lot but it appears to be contacts and networking.

You need to make contact with local editors and papers that might need events/games covered, other photographers, build up a superb portfolio and decent equipment (not sure what you have now), approach agencies etc. It’s a long term process. There are no quick fixes I'm afraid.

Like Paul said, some supplement sports photography with general press/editorial, others do commercial, others do weddings and studio work, etc. the list goes on but it all boils down to what you want. I'd be quite happy doing IT contracting (2/3 days mid week) with sports photography on the weekend. Others might not be happy with this.

There are no right or wrong answers.

Darren

Had a friend taking pictures for one year doing little league sports and team pictures and grossed about 40k but the work was so time consuming that he had to give it up because he didnt get any free time because he was always working all weekend.

Slim,

I can't speak for the UK market, but in the States, it definitely is possible to make a living shooting sports, but you need to be flexible, and more importantly, a good business person.

Having the technical skills to take the shots is "entry level" - beyond this, you need the skills to deliver a top-quality product on time, at a competitive price.

In addition, certain sports photography markets are more lucrative than others. For example, youth sports brings in more money than pro here in the US. Also, other photography areas can be more financially rewarding, as mentioned earlier (commercial, real estate, etc.) which may mean having to be a sports photographer for a couple days, a commercial photographer for a couple others, and spending the rest of the time selling and administering your business.

In the end, though, it all comes down to how hard you want to work, how good you are, and how creative you can be.

There is undeniably a market and demand for the product, and there are people making a good living meeting this demand. The REAL question is: "Do you have what it takes to be one of these?"

I'm full time here in the UK. I cover many sports including football, figure skating and road races. Some are my events, some I freelance for. I've also covered equstrian, boxing & motor sports.Most freelance photographers will proberbly turn their hand to anything as long as it pays .

Its certainly better than having a "proper" job. Although I dont know of many professions who will spend £1000's on equipment and then sit in rain, snow & hail just to try and earn a living!

snapzz wrote in post #3210631
Although I dont know of many professions who will spend £1000's on equipment and then sit in rain, snow & hail just to try and earn a living!

Yeh why do we do that???

Here in Vancouver you're either in or you're out. Right now I'm out. Seems thatthe scene here is very anti-enterprise with contracts and exclusives being the norm. Getting in as backup or a spare is the key. Pro hockey, cycling, high school anything, soccer etc. Lots of sports here, but seems no one is paying for shots.

It takes time.

Mike

I think this is the book you are reffering to
Title | Best Business Practices for Photographers
Author | John Harrington

I have this book and use alot the advise given along with some software for pricing

Romeo

gromeo wrote in post #3211475
Mike

I think this is the book you are reffering to
Title | Best Business Practices for Photographers
Author | John Harrington

I have this book and use alot the advise given along with some software for pricing

Romeo

Although this book is aimed at the US market, i have this book and its very interesting for UK photographers as well. Well worth a click on Amazon!