PaulaBrady Loc: Havre, Mt

Ok, I'm 54 years old and my husband is two years away from retirement. ( He would make a great photo assistant by the way) I would love to do photography full time, but reality sinks in and reality tells me I'm too old or not good enough to start a new career. I know how hard the work is to be in business for yourself, as I have been self employed in the insurance realm. My question is... is there anyone out there that has just bit the bullet and taken a leap. How do you get the courage? Am I too old? I am intimidated by all the (not so good) young photographers out there. I am working full time in a job, sitting at a desk in a VERY busy office, doing hard, brain type work. This is the type of job I have always had, making it extra hard to change careers. I am at a point in my life where I don't HAVE to work full time financially. Any body out there with inspiring words?

JC56 Loc: Lake St.Louis mo.

Not very inspiring words...but I owned my own bus for 22 years got to the point that I hated it....said (fill in the bad word) sold it and changed careers at 47...best damn thing I ever did.......... remember old and cunning will always beat youth and talent.

Wabbit Loc: Arizona Desert

Hey Doc ..... ya never know what ya can do until ya try .....

BHC Loc: Strawberry Valley, JF, USA

At 54, you have reached a point in your life where you can benefit from more than two-score years of maturity and experience - and yet you are young enough to have an extended future in something new. First of all, get out from behind that desk and get yourself in shape. Walk, take the stairs, hand-deliver that memo. Secondly, think about what you like to do now and how to tie that interest to photography. Third, start the initial steps (specific education) to become an expert. There aren't many bird or flower photographers out there who can tell you the latin names of their subjects; it isn't necessary, but it impresses clients. If you like weddings, start attending every one you can and become a second shooter. If you like babies, hook up with a hospital (or better still, a free clinic) so you can relate to all kinds of people (while you're at it, don't forget NILMDTS). If you are a social worker, think what you can do to help awareness of social injustice. Don't try to copy anyone's idea; YOU set the trend and the style.

I won't bore you with a list of people who have become famous after they turned 60 - or 70 - or even 80. But remember that at 69, Ronald Reagan was the oldest person elected to the Presidency of the United States, and served well into his 70's, in spite of surviving an attempt on his life, and Clara Barton was 60 when she became the founder and First President of the American Red Cross. Eichner, Rimma Vasina and Nadezda Kavtaskina are three women who have won Marathons in the last eight years - all over the age of 70!

NOTLguy Loc: Niagara on the Lake, Ontario

Hi Paula
I have never attempted to start a photography business, but here is my twenty cents worth.

If money is not an issue and you have a real passion for starting a photography business, then I would say, put your plan together and go for it. Just don't have any great expectations for making a great deal of money for a few years.

If on the other hand money is an issue, then you will need to really do your homework and make sure you have a solid business plan before embarking on this venture. I would also recommend starting out on a part time basis, to see how well you are able to meet your business goals on a part time basis. This will give you some idea about the potential for a full time business.

You probably know what type of photography business you are interested in starting, so you will need to do some in depth research into that side of the business. Start by identifying your market and decide how you will get the word out about your new business, and what type of advertising you will need to do to capture your desired market. Then check out the competition and determine if the market is already saturated, and identify what strengths / advantages you have over your competition.

You will need to put together some budgets for sales, capital investment, day to day expenses, cash flow predictions etc. in order to determine where your break even point will be, then track your forecasted sales and expenses, to identify if the business model is working out. When you are approaching the time when you think that the business can support your financial needs, then you can decide if you still want to make it a full time career.

If you already have a solid business background, then you are in a strong position to evaluate your business plan, but I would still recommend having a business professional, or someone at your bank, look over your business plan before taking the leap.

I truly believe that if a person is serious about achieving something in life, then they will find a way to do it, by applying the necessary amounts of determination, research, passion and effort into their venture. Always remember that you have a wealth of knowledge and help here at the UHH forum.

TNmike Loc: NW TN

Mogul, that was a very inspiring post. The only thing is I now feel worthless. :( OK now I'm inspired again. Maybe I can make something of myself yet. :) TNmike

John Lawrence

For what it's worth, Paula, I was in the same company for 22 years. I walked away from it and made a complete career change at the age of 50. I felt it was better to try and fail rather than live with regrets for not trying later in life. It worked out well and I'm now retired and happy I made the change.

I found it helpful to prepare a list of pros and cons for making the move before I actually did it. I also discussed it extensively with my spouse as it affected both of us. I didn't move until I had no doubts and could make a complete commitment. In the end, the answer has to come from deep within yourself.

Good luck in whatever you choose.

John

Annie_Girl Loc: It's none of your business

I moved from a pretty secure career to full time photographer, this May will be my 5th anniversary, my 3rd year with a store front/studio and mark the second year I will be a pofitable business. It was hard to make the jump but I did it in baby steps, part time for 2 years and then of course full time when my business grew enough. It can be done.

Mainlander Loc: P.C.Y.C. Toronto Canada

You are only here once. If you want to try it, then do it.

amehta Loc: Boston

Age isn't an issue, inner drive is the only thing that will determine success or failure. We know professional photography is a field which still exists, even if there aren't many opportunities. The only question is whether you want to make sure you grab one of those opportunities.

joer Loc: Colorado/Illinois

Getting into the business would be great for your figure.

craggycrossers Loc: Robin Hood Country, UK

“There is only one thing that makes a dream impossible to achieve: the fear of failure.”
― Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

Yes, but for Annie, it was easy. The Captain told me she is not only really hot, but also, only 23 years old !! :-) :-)
SS

sixshooter Loc: constitution state

LOL..What? Sharp..I'm pretty sure Annies a grandmother!

Paula..Watch this.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=45kNqUF6kC4

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

Paula, I'm hoping my words will be inspiring, and not just scare you. I'm in your shoes, and have been plotting a course to get me to where you want to go.
Some of my questions would be, have you prepared yourself for the jump, skill-wise? Do you have a niche, or a source to get work when you start to work?
I am 8 years older than you are, and two years ago embarked on a pro curriculum at my local college. I'm fortunate that the school has a great pro program and is a mile from my house. I will be done at the end of next year. I will start off somewhat like Annie, and wean myself.
I don't know your training/skill level. I'm in class every day with a lot of those kids being talked about. Some will never make it, but many are better than most pros I cross paths with.
I have no idea if you shoot a specialty, or even if you have a plan. It's not so much how good you think you are, but how good you really are. Could you open up a magazine and be confidant you could shoot most any add in there? If not, maybe you need some formal training. Many of the better pros have at least a BFA. That's what makes them better.
If you have never had any formal training, that would be a good place to start. Many think you can learn all that on the Internet, you can't, no more than you can learn medicine on the Internet.
Am I being encouraging? I say yes. Prepare yourself properly and you will have the skill to shoot anything thrown at you. I've met several pros that came from the corporate world. Some make more money now, others will just live a lot longer.
Paula, when your house is in order, I don't think the move will be that scary, since you will have plenty of confidance in your skills. Let's us know how your plan is unfolding.
I'll report back in a year and let you know how mine going.
Good luck with your plan. ;-)
SS