4 answers
Yunuelle
Student
Delavan, Wisconsin
1
Question
Asked
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What about photography?
Hi my name is Yunuelle or you can call me Yun. I'm going to high school next year. So basically I'm thinking about doing photography. My dad is a photographer and I did this one event with him. He also does videos and after I edit them. And I guess you can say I'm good. My favourite part though is editing. Even though it takes forever. But after the event, I wasn't too sure anymore. I also really want to be successful. So my questions are, Is doing photography worth it? Is it good money to have a great life? And what is the most you've traveled?
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4 answers
David Wuerth
Freelance Photojournalist/ Sports Photographer
103
Answers
Nampa, Idaho
Updated
David’s Answer
Hi Yun, does your dad work as a photographer to make a living? Or, is photography-videography a side hussle? I would think talking with your dad could answer most of your questions.
I believe the US Dept. of Labor statistics indicate the average photographer makes about $35,000 a year. Obviously, there are photographers who make a great deal more money. Advertising photography pays the best and costs the most to get established. Should you become extremely proficient at photoshop, many studio photographers have digital editors on staff.
If your are passionate about photography, then pursuing it either full-time or part-time should provide a satisfying life. Depending on the genre of photography you choose, travel and big money are possible. Of course, this depends on your talent, determination, persistence and luck.
I would recommend going to college because that can open your mind to opportunities and new worlds and people. And, that education can allow you to make a living as you establish your photography biz.
I believe the US Dept. of Labor statistics indicate the average photographer makes about $35,000 a year. Obviously, there are photographers who make a great deal more money. Advertising photography pays the best and costs the most to get established. Should you become extremely proficient at photoshop, many studio photographers have digital editors on staff.
If your are passionate about photography, then pursuing it either full-time or part-time should provide a satisfying life. Depending on the genre of photography you choose, travel and big money are possible. Of course, this depends on your talent, determination, persistence and luck.
I would recommend going to college because that can open your mind to opportunities and new worlds and people. And, that education can allow you to make a living as you establish your photography biz.
Michelle Cross
Cloud Architect
2
Answers
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
It's fantastic to see your passion for video! I recommend enrolling in a videography course to further hone your skills. Consider volunteering your newfound abilities to create video content for local non-profit organizations. This not only allows you to practice and refine your craft, but also contributes positively to your community.
Set ambitious goals for yourself, like directing a short film or producing commercials for local businesses and school projects. As you gain proficiency, you'll be able to command competitive rates for your work.
Bear in mind, from a business standpoint, it can be challenging to secure adequate compensation for the time invested in shooting and editing video. But don't let this deter you. Good luck on your journey!
Consider specializing in a niche area such as drone videography, which is currently a booming field. Sectors like photography and sports offer lucrative opportunities for drone video content. Keep pushing forward and your hard work will surely pay off!
Set ambitious goals for yourself, like directing a short film or producing commercials for local businesses and school projects. As you gain proficiency, you'll be able to command competitive rates for your work.
Bear in mind, from a business standpoint, it can be challenging to secure adequate compensation for the time invested in shooting and editing video. But don't let this deter you. Good luck on your journey!
Consider specializing in a niche area such as drone videography, which is currently a booming field. Sectors like photography and sports offer lucrative opportunities for drone video content. Keep pushing forward and your hard work will surely pay off!
Judi Kruger
Director, Recruiting
1
Answer
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Judi’s Answer
Hi Yun!
Figuring out how to make money doing something you love is a great thing! My advice to you would be to start exploring opportunities to do photography while you're in school... you can take pictures, help with videos... look for ways that you can help others so you can get more practice with your craft. For example, a lot of kids in high school play sports - you could see if their team wants you to video games or take pictures. You could also help any student athletes who need to make videos of them playing their sport as they start applying to colleges and have to submit video applications. Ask one of your teachers to help see if you could do photography for the different clubs or organizations at the school or sign up to be on the yearbook staff at your school! Any opportunity you can get to practice will help you decide if you want to build a career out of photography. And if you end up changing your mind ... that's ok too! But only you can decide if it's worth it as a career, whether that's about the money or the actual work. But having a great life is not determined by any one job and having a great life looks different for everyone. I would say if you are making money doing something you enjoy, then life will be that much happier!
Good luck!
Figuring out how to make money doing something you love is a great thing! My advice to you would be to start exploring opportunities to do photography while you're in school... you can take pictures, help with videos... look for ways that you can help others so you can get more practice with your craft. For example, a lot of kids in high school play sports - you could see if their team wants you to video games or take pictures. You could also help any student athletes who need to make videos of them playing their sport as they start applying to colleges and have to submit video applications. Ask one of your teachers to help see if you could do photography for the different clubs or organizations at the school or sign up to be on the yearbook staff at your school! Any opportunity you can get to practice will help you decide if you want to build a career out of photography. And if you end up changing your mind ... that's ok too! But only you can decide if it's worth it as a career, whether that's about the money or the actual work. But having a great life is not determined by any one job and having a great life looks different for everyone. I would say if you are making money doing something you enjoy, then life will be that much happier!
Good luck!
Thank you for the advice.
Yunuelle
Julia Marshall
Human Resources
4
Answers
San Rafael, California
Updated
Julia’s Answer
The decision to pursue photography and whether it can yield a substantial income for a comfortable life hinges on a variety of factors and personal situations. Here's an encouraging perspective on some crucial aspects to ponder:
Passion: A deep-seated love for photography can make it a gratifying and fulfilling pastime or career. Countless individuals derive pleasure and contentment from capturing fleeting moments and expressing their creativity through the lens.
Earning Potential: Photography can indeed be a lucrative career, with some photographers earning a handsome income. However, the earnings can fluctuate significantly based on the chosen niche (such as portrait, wedding, wildlife, fashion, commercial), geographical location, skill set, and promotional strategies. While some photographers enjoy a comfortable lifestyle, others may find it challenging to make ends meet.
Competition: The world of photography is fiercely competitive. To carve a niche for yourself and earn a reasonable income, you might need to invest in top-notch equipment, ongoing education, and effective promotional strategies.
Job Stability: The photography sector can be somewhat volatile, with demand for various types of photography ebbing and flowing. For example, the wedding photography sector may experience peak seasons and slower periods.
Lifestyle: Photography can provide flexibility in terms of work schedules and locations, making it an attractive option for those seeking a balanced lifestyle. However, it might also necessitate working during unconventional hours, including weekends and evenings for events.
Travel Opportunities: If you're drawn to travel photography, it can open doors to thrilling experiences and the chance to discover new locales. However, it might not always guarantee a steady income.
Passion: A deep-seated love for photography can make it a gratifying and fulfilling pastime or career. Countless individuals derive pleasure and contentment from capturing fleeting moments and expressing their creativity through the lens.
Earning Potential: Photography can indeed be a lucrative career, with some photographers earning a handsome income. However, the earnings can fluctuate significantly based on the chosen niche (such as portrait, wedding, wildlife, fashion, commercial), geographical location, skill set, and promotional strategies. While some photographers enjoy a comfortable lifestyle, others may find it challenging to make ends meet.
Competition: The world of photography is fiercely competitive. To carve a niche for yourself and earn a reasonable income, you might need to invest in top-notch equipment, ongoing education, and effective promotional strategies.
Job Stability: The photography sector can be somewhat volatile, with demand for various types of photography ebbing and flowing. For example, the wedding photography sector may experience peak seasons and slower periods.
Lifestyle: Photography can provide flexibility in terms of work schedules and locations, making it an attractive option for those seeking a balanced lifestyle. However, it might also necessitate working during unconventional hours, including weekends and evenings for events.
Travel Opportunities: If you're drawn to travel photography, it can open doors to thrilling experiences and the chance to discover new locales. However, it might not always guarantee a steady income.
Thank you! This helped me know more.
Yunuelle