Saturday, April 24, 2010

A Career In Photography

Every artist comes across the same question at some point: what kind of work is feeding my muse, and what kind of work is selling out. Although this question seems pretty relevant when you're a teenager, it becomes somehow less important as you get older. Don't get me wrong – there are certain things that you should always treasure. You should always make sure that your own artistic projects stay true to your vision. Not doing so invites disaster. Nevertheless, that doesn't mean that you can't take jobs on commission. Look at it as an opportunity to refine your craft and make some money on the side.

Although I have considered myself an artistic photographer for many years, I only recently begun a career in photography. Back when I was in art school, I didn't even bother looking at the career fields in photography. I was so convinced that I was going to become famous overnight because of my astounding talent that I never really planned for my economic future. I assumed that I would earn a living working in a kitchen until I was able to get a few gallery shows. After that, I figured, I would be living the easy life.

When after a few years that did not start, I seriously began thinking about a career in photography. I had an uncle who has spent his whole career in wedding photography, and he seemed to really enjoy it. He is quite a talented artist, but he doesn't mind doing some wedding photo shoots to pay the bills. He lives in a nice house, takes good vacations, and seems to make a lot of money. The more I thought about it, the more thought a career in photography might be for me.

Nowadays, it is easier than ever to start careers in photography. Digital cameras make everything simple. If I had had to set up a dark room with a professional film camera and the other classic photography equipment, it would have taken me a long time to get started. As it was, all I had to do was buy a few new lenses for my camera and get to work. I already had a computer and image editing software. All I had to do was buy a few business cards, and I was ready for a career in photography. I take wedding photos, graduation pictures, and general family photo shoots. I'm still working on gallery shows, but I have to say that I enjoy my professional life as well. All in all, things didn't turn out so bad.

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