Reply To: Starting a business…

[stef]

“I learn something new every day and I’m seriously obsessed with photography. It’s a true passion as I’m sure it is with many of you.”

Be prepared to lose some of that passion. When you turn it into a job, the worst part is realizing it’s no longer your job. Your new job becomes that of salesman, or figuring out how to apply that passion. You can’t just go shoot a bunch of stuff you want, and magically get paid for it.

You are, however, starting with a bit of an advantage. You have another job, so you can actually photograph what you want without starving. Maybe you can do a book or something. Just be aware, to some degree your new job will be a significant percentage of non-photography. As a 2nd job, you should make sure to keep your expenses separate and buy new equipment only with money you’ve made from photography. If nothing else, your passion will pay for itself that way, and you’ll have more money because you’re no longer spending anything from your day job.

 

I can meet my expenses. But the bulk of my photography business hasn’t involved me picking up a camera in 2 weeks. It’s been all sales, among other (non-paying) things.