I fell for this popular photography advice

Summary

The speaker shares insights from their decade-long photography career, emphasizing that becoming a skilled photographer involves more than just online learning. They stress the importance of practical experience, creativity, and consistency in delivering quality results. The speaker dispels the myth that if you love your work, it doesn't feel like work, highlighting the effort and commitment required. They also discuss the necessity of networking and the personal connections that come with formal education. Niche specialization is addressed, suggesting a balance between market size and personal interests. The importance of maintaining high-quality raw files and the inevitability of sharing them is covered, as well as the continuous need for self-marketing and fostering client relationships for a sustainable career in photography.

Takeaways

• 📚 Learning to be a good photographer involves more than just online resources; it requires practical experience and creativity.
• 🌐 The internet provides technical knowledge, but real-world experience and connections from a school or community are invaluable.
• 🎨 Photography is about delivering quality results consistently, which requires more than occasional creativity.
• 💖 Loving what you do is important, but it doesn't negate the fact that photography, like any profession, involves work.
• 📷 The glamour of photography often hides the hard work, including carrying equipment and extensive editing.
• ✉️ Even if you dislike certain aspects like emails or marketing, they are essential parts of running a photography business.
• 📈 Niche down based on your market size; in a smaller market, you may need to be more versatile to secure jobs.
• 🔍 It takes years of shooting various types of photography to find your preferred niche.
• 🗃️ Retain high-quality RAW files as they may be requested by clients or editors for further work.
• 🎭 The role of a photographer is to capture the essence in-camera rather than relying heavily on post-production.
• 🚫 Never stop marketing yourself; maintaining relationships with existing clients is crucial for a steady income.
• ⏳ The uncertainty of knowing where the next paycheck is coming from is part of the freelance photography experience.

Q & A

What is the speaker's opinion on the importance of online learning for photography?

The speaker believes that while online resources can provide technical knowledge and understanding of photography techniques, being a good photographer involves more than just reading books or watching videos. It requires practical experience, creativity, and consistent delivery of quality results in various locations.

What does the speaker suggest is a mistake that aspiring photographers often make?

The speaker suggests that a common mistake is relying solely on online learning and not getting out to practice and gain real-world experience. They emphasize the importance of actually doing photography and engaging with the community.

According to the speaker, what is a misconception about the work-life of a professional photographer?

A misconception is that if you love what you do, it doesn't feel like work. The speaker clarifies that even though the work may be enjoyable, it is still work, involving long hours and various tasks that are not always glamorous.

Why does the speaker emphasize the importance of not giving up your RAW files too easily, especially for beginners?

The speaker emphasizes that keeping and learning to work with RAW files is crucial for developing a photographer's skills. It allows them to understand the full process and ensures they are focusing on the photography itself rather than just the editing.

What advice does the speaker give regarding the business aspect of being a photographer?

The speaker advises to never stop marketing oneself and to focus on nurturing relationships with existing clients. They mention that it's easier to maintain a relationship with a returning client than to acquire a new one and that fostering these relationships can lead to long-term financial stability.

What is the speaker's view on the necessity of specialization or 'niche-ing down' in photography?

The speaker believes that the need to niche down depends on the size of the market one is in. In larger markets, it's beneficial to specialize, while in smaller markets, a broader approach may be necessary to secure more jobs. They also mention that finding one's niche is a process that can take years.

Why does the speaker compare the act of photography to 'playing with toys'?

The speaker uses the phrase 'playing with toys' to convey their passion and enjoyment for photography, suggesting that despite it being work, they find it fun and engaging, much like playing with toys.

What does the speaker mean when they say that 'having a camera in my hands is probably like 5-10% of what I do as photographers'?

The speaker is highlighting that the actual act of taking a photograph is just a small part of the overall job of a professional photographer. The majority of their work involves other tasks such as editing, marketing, carrying equipment, and managing client relationships.

How does the speaker feel about the administrative tasks associated with running a photography business?

The speaker expresses a dislike for tasks such as emails and marketing, but acknowledges that these are necessary parts of running a photography business. They emphasize that one cannot avoid these tasks simply because they are self-employed.

What is the speaker's advice for photographers who are just starting out?

The speaker advises new photographers to take advantage of the opportunity to explore different types of photography by accepting a variety of jobs. They also stress the importance of not giving up raw files too early in one's career and focusing on capturing the best possible image in-camera.

Why is it important to maintain relationships with existing clients according to the speaker?

The speaker stresses that maintaining relationships with existing clients is crucial because it's easier to secure repeat business from a client who already trusts you than to find new clients. They also mention that fostering strong relationships can lead to clients providing significant financial support over time.

Outlines

00:00

📚 Beyond Online Learning: The Importance of Practical Experience

The speaker emphasizes that while online resources can provide technical knowledge and theory about photography, truly becoming a good photographer requires more than just reading or watching tutorials. It involves showing up to various locations and consistently delivering quality work. Creativity is also crucial, which can't be learned solely from online content. The speaker highlights the value of formal education in photography for the connections and guidance it provides. They also stress the importance of getting out and practicing photography, rather than just studying it.

05:01

💼 The Reality of Work and Passion: Balancing Fun and Effort

The speaker discusses the myth that if you love your job, it doesn't feel like work. They argue that even when your work is enjoyable, it still requires dedication, effort, and time. They share their personal experience, stating that while they enjoy photography, there are still aspects of the job, such as dealing with difficult clients or the administrative side of the business, that are challenging. The speaker also dispels the glamour of photography, pointing out the unseen hard work behind the final product, including carrying equipment and post-production tasks.

🎯 Finding Your Niche: The Journey to Specialization

The speaker advises on the process of finding a niche in photography. They suggest that in larger markets, it's beneficial to specialize, while in smaller markets, a broader approach may be necessary. They explain that finding one's niche is a process that can take years, involving shooting various types of photography to understand personal preferences. The speaker encourages photographers to take every opportunity to learn and grow, and to not be afraid of changing their focus as their interests evolve.

🚫 The Risks of Editing RAW Files: Preserving Originality

The speaker warns against heavily editing RAW files, as it can detract from the photographer's original work and style. They argue that in professional settings, there are dedicated editors and retouchers, and the photographer's role is to capture the best possible image in-camera. The speaker suggests that striving for perfection in-camera is more aligned with the role of a photographer and that delivering high-quality RAW files is part of the job, which may sometimes require providing these files to clients or editors.

🔄 Continuous Marketing: The Importance of Client Relationships

The speaker stresses the importance of continuous marketing and maintaining relationships with existing clients. They note that it's easier to secure repeat business than to attract new clients. The speaker encourages photographers to prioritize client satisfaction and to aim for long-term relationships that can provide stable income. They also mention the unpredictability of income in photography and the need to always be marketing oneself to ensure a steady flow of work.

Keywords

💡Photography

Photography is the art, science, and practice of creating images by capturing light on a light-sensitive surface, usually with a camera. In the video, it is the central theme, as the speaker discusses the misconceptions and realities of being a professional photographer, emphasizing the importance of hands-on experience and creativity beyond just technical knowledge.

💡Online Learning

Online learning refers to the use of digital technology for educational purposes, allowing students to learn from various resources available on the internet. The speaker mentions that while online learning can provide technical knowledge, it is insufficient for becoming a good photographer, as it lacks the personal connections and practical experience that are crucial for the profession.

💡Creativity

Creativity is the use of imagination or original ideas to create something. In the context of the video, the speaker highlights the need for a photographer to be creative on demand, which is essential for delivering quality results in various locations and situations, and not something that can be solely learned through online resources.

💡Work Ethic

A work ethic refers to a set of values or a belief system that emphasizes the importance of hard work and diligence. The speaker dispels the myth that being a photographer means not working, explaining that it involves long hours, carrying equipment, and a significant amount of behind-the-scenes work, which is often overlooked in the final glamorous outcome.

💡Niche Down

Niche down means to specialize in a specific area or market. The speaker advises photographers to find a specific area of photography to specialize in after gaining experience in various types of shoots. This specialization can be influenced by the size of the market one operates in and is crucial for long-term success in the field.

💡RAW Files

RAW files are a type of digital file format that stores unprocessed data from a digital image sensor in a camera. The speaker discusses the importance of maintaining high-quality RAW files, as they are often required by clients or for further professional editing. This reflects the professional aspect of photography where post-production is a significant part of the job.

💡Marketing

Marketing is the process of promoting, selling, and distributing a product or service. The speaker stresses the importance of continuous self-marketing for photographers, as it is essential for securing future work and maintaining relationships with existing clients, which is a critical aspect of sustaining a photography business.

💡Editing

Editing in the context of photography refers to the post-production process of adjusting and enhancing the images. The speaker mentions that while editing is a part of a photographer's job, the focus should be on capturing the best possible image in-camera, as it is the photographer's role to recreate the scene effectively without relying too heavily on post-processing.

💡Networking

Networking is the process of building and maintaining professional relationships. The speaker points out the benefits of attending a school for photography, which can provide access to peers, professors, and other industry connections that can guide and support a photographer's career, something that is not readily available online.

💡Passion

Passion is a strong and barely controllable emotion or feeling. The speaker uses the phrase 'if you love what you do, you'll never work a day in your life' to illustrate the idea that enjoying one's work can make the effort feel less like a chore. However, they also clarify that even passionate work requires dedication and effort, dispelling the notion that it is not 'work'.

💡Professionalism

Professionalism refers to the conduct, aims, or qualities that characterize or mark a profession or a professional person. The speaker emphasizes that being a professional photographer involves more than just taking photos; it includes aspects like dealing with clients, managing business aspects, and delivering consistent quality, which are all part of being a professional in the field.

Highlights

Photography involves more than online learning; it requires practical experience and creativity.

Photographers benefit from in-person connections and guidance, which are not available online.

Success in photography is not just about passion but also about consistent hard work and dedication.

Photography is often misunderstood as a job-free activity, but it involves substantial work and effort.

The job of a photographer extends beyond taking photos to include editing, marketing, and other behind-the-scenes tasks.

Emails and marketing are disliked but are essential parts of running a photography business.

Niche down based on the size of your market; in a smaller market, broaden your scope to take in more jobs.

It takes years of shooting to find your preferred niche and align with the types of shoots you enjoy.

Initially, photographers should take every opportunity to shoot and gain diverse experiences.

Photographers should not give up their RAW files too early; they are a crucial part of the job.

The goal is to make RAW files as close to perfect as possible, showcasing the photographer's skill.

Photography is about capturing scenes in-camera as much as possible, rather than relying on post-processing.

Continual marketing is vital; nurturing existing client relationships is easier than acquiring new ones.

Maintaining trust with clients is crucial for repeat business and long-term success in photography.

Photographers should aim to create 'whales' - clients who can fund multiple shoots and sustain the business.

Never stop marketing yourself; the uncertainty of the next paycheck is part of the grind in photography.

Transcripts

hey everyone there's a lot of advice

thrown out in this photography world and

arguably some of it is a little bit

better than others over the last 10 or

so years of my career I've definitely

fallen for a lot of stuff that I would

have probably preferred not to so let's

go over a few of those things and uh

hopefully you don't do the same mistakes

I did let's get into

[Music]

it number one everything you need to

learn is available online now sure that

might work for some technical stuff and

for how to expose an image or you know

how to take a good photo or even what is

a good photo to begin with you might be

able to find all that information online

sure but being a good photographer is

about a whole lot more than reading

books and reading or watching videos and

understanding the techniques behind an

image being a good photographer is

showing up to all these different

locations for the first time and being

able to deliver quality results time and

time again being a good photographer is

being able to be creative when you're

needed not just one or twice or once or

twice a year so I think being a

photographer is a whole lot more than

just learning what you can learn online

and furthermore for those of you who

have chosen to go to school for

photography that you you get to have

this access to all these connections

around you the these peers and these

professors and people that are able to

guide you in the right direction those

are things that you just can't find

online it's it's too personal it's too

one-on-one that you just can't really

come across unless you're going out

there in your community and you're being

a part of it to be a good photog

photographer is to actually do the

photography not just learn about it

online so get out of your room and go

take some

pictures next if if you love what you do

you'll never work a day in your

life if you don't work a day in your

life you're not going to find success in

anything that you do whether you love it

or you don't you might find joy in the

work that you do but you're definitely

still working I I even to this day I

still feel like I don't have a job so to

speak because I'm just playing with toys

and I'm I'm having fun every day and

this is just part of what I would be

doing whether I was getting paid or not

but to say it's not work is is really

silly it's not that's not how it is I'd

rather not be working I'd rather be

skating or chilling at the beach with a

beer in my hands than than you know

dealing with a bridezilla on a Saturday

morning at 7:30 in the morning so sure

it's fun and it's better than maybe

being in an environment that you don't

want to be in or doing a job that you

don't want to do or or working for

someone that you don't want to work for

but I mean it's still work you're still

working you're still definitely putting

the hours in there's part of this job I

mean I think having a a camera in my

hands is probably like 5 10% of what I

do or what we do as photographers so

it's not exactly um I mean it's it's you

know it's glamorized it's like oh look

how cool this looks look how fun all of

these you know look at look at this end

result look at all this cool stuff I've

done but it doesn't show that you know

you're carrying grip stands for three

hours uh you're you're uh you're you're

loading and unloading the car you are um

doing a lot of stuff on the back end

that you don't have necessarily see in

the end result so yeah there's a lot of

work there's a lot of editing there's a

lot of stuff behind the scenes that

happens that you might not necessarily

see but it's still very much part of the

work of being a

photographer I hate doing emails I hate

marketing it's part of the job it's not

it's not necessarily that I I can avoid

it and be like Oh I'm self-employed I

don't need to do that part of my job

like no that's still part of having a

job um and yeah this is still work so

don't feel like you know oh I want to do

this so that I don't have to work and

and just wait till money rolls in

somehow miraculously uh no it's it's

it's work It's a Grind it's being able

to convince others that their hobby is

worth your career and your yearly salary

so you got to put the work in and you

got to be

undeniable next you absolutely have to

Niche down now I did a video about this

recently but really it boils down to the

size of your Market versus how much you

want to Niche if you're in a very big

Market you probably want to Niche very

very specifically because you have the

ability to do so but if you're in a

smaller market like I am you're probably

going to want to expand or broaden your

horizons a little bit so that you're

able to take in a little bit more jobs

within that same kind of scope of what

you would like to do to get to a point

where you Niche down you have to be

shooting for years maybe even decades

because you have to shoot a little bit

of everything you have to be in an

environment that you're not used to and

uncomfortable and then do that over and

over and over again and you're able to

more so align yourself with the types of

shoot that you do end up wanting to

do after a year or two you might enjoy a

certain style and you might go towards

that and then after that you might pivot

and go you know what I kind of like

shooting cars or I like shooting events

or whatever it is and that's okay but

it's going to take a decade of doing

these little six-month waves of for you

to understand like okay you know what

this is what I like to shoot this is the

environment that suits my head space or

the the workflow that I like to have

this is what I'm going to focus on but

until then just shoot everything that

comes your way take the experience in

take the take the knowledge take

everything that you can because that's

the beauty of Photography like we're

able to have access to so many different

worlds that we wouldn't otherwise have

just by having a camera in our hands so

take advantage of

it don't you ever give up your

raw that okay uh maybe when you're first

starting out you're like oh my God

there's so much power in this my editing

is my style that's how I can tell if

it's my photo or another one's photo uh

but really at the higher ends uh you

you're giving up your RW that's part of

the process that's part of the job um

they they have editors they have

retouchers they have people that are

dedicated to doing the other stuff

around photography that isn't just

clicking the shutter and that's what

we're supposed to be doing really so

make sure that your raw files are as

perfect and as or at least as close to

perfect as possible because at at a

certain point you're going to be asked

to to you're going to be asked for your

raws and sure that might be a huge

payout but at the same time you still

have to be able to you have to be worth

that payout when you're first starting

out you're probably not if you're

spending a bunch of time editing your

photos because you're thinking about uh

you know you're shooting and you're

trying to save them and you're trying to

you know create something that wasn't

there I mean sure that that can be part

of your workflow uh but you're probably

more aligned with being a retoucher than

you are being a photographer because

being a photographer is trying to

recreate those cool things that we've

seen for all of these years in camera

the film guys were doing it in camera

you can do it too you know so it it's

it's about finding the ways that you can

recreate these larger than live scenes

and shoot them in camera as much as

possible I think giving up your raw is

just part of the job that we have and if

you can make them as close to as a final

product as possible then you're probably

in the clear you shouldn't have anything

to worry about because your ra your

shots are pretty much straight out of

camera never stop marketing yourself

because your next shoot is probably your

last now I I know it's a scary feel to

not know where your next paycheck is

coming from but really you got to Foster

the relationships with the clients you

already have it's way harder to book a

new client than it is to please a

returning client have the ones that have

already booked you that already do trust

you just maintain that trust as much as

possible make it your ultimate priority

to just be a good employee for them as

so to speak you want whales in this

industry that can fund you for multiple

months and multiple years throughout

your career not not just for one shoot

and try to maximize what you can get out

of them try to maximize what you can

give to them and that way you'll get a

much better relationship and you'll be

able to book with them over and over

again over and over and over there's a

lot of those again man I say that a lot

don't I anyway thanks for sticking

around guys have a nice weekend I'll see

you on Monday later