Rongnongno Loc: FL

Has anyone tried to figure out how much it cost to be a 'poor' photographer per day/month?

I took the price of my cameras and lens and came out with about $25.00 per month, not including $100.00 I save every month toward replacement/purchase. (cost of purchase/longevity)

Computing cost is about $3.00 per day so about $90.00 per month. This cost is really $30.00 as I use my computer/software 1/3 of the time for photography or photography related activity. To this I have to add $10.00 for PS CC subscription so $40.00 per month. This does not include $100.00/3 saved toward updates, upgrades and replacement.

Add the cost of a dedicated web site and domain registration $50.00 yearly.

My total per year is $2,066.00 plus other costs such as local transportation and other incidentals. It also does not cover the cost of running a web site and custom printing services (fewer pictures than before).

Out of my yearly budget I effectively save/spend $470.00 per year ( Plus $1,596.00 saving)

So my real monthly cost is $172.16 (Including savings), so about $5.66 per day... The price of a pack of cigarettes?

What is your cost? Did you figure it out?

This interestingly enough is still much less than what it cost before when we were in the film era... You did not have computer then but between the film purchase, processing and printing... (Excluding custom printing)

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

I did a post on whether digital photography really was free! It wasn't!! LoL
Go back and look for it! It cost more than film!!!
SS

photoman022 Loc: Manchester CT USA

Cost of a new camera: A lot
Joy of taking a great photo: Priceless!

Note: I am not equating expensive gear with great photography!

jayd Loc: Central Florida, East coast

Running a business is like gambling, Don't spend what you don't have

Rongnongno Loc: FL

I do not know how you calculated the cost but since a film cost much more overall.

Digital camera are not even more expensive than films pro or not. Add film and processing and the cost per shot is way out.

The advantage of film is that because we were keenly aware of the cost we were paying attention. Now we do not.

Professional photographers placed a limit of shots in events (wedding, reception, whatever). Now? No one cares if it is 120 or 1,200. So film less expensive? I think not.

As a hobbyist film was somewhat less expensive but only because the cost was so high fewer images were taken compared to today.

Digital is expensive only if you go after the latest gear every time something comes out. If you do not it is much less so. I had the D300 for just about 7 years until I replaced a few months ago. I have a D800e for about three years now (if not four) and I am not about to replace it unless Nikon comes out with something that is not an incremental upgrade (for still photography). So if you do not play the 'I have the latest/greatest' your total cost goes down fast.

Rongnongno Loc: FL

With that you will never succeed. Gambling is left to luck. Business is about skill, knowledge of your market AND investing accordingly.

I borrowed 10k in the mid 80s and never looked back. Paid it back in six months. I did not have the money. I had the knowledge, the skill and knew the market (learned more with my mentor and stopped nickel and dimes affairs).

Gambling? Not in your life.

LFingar Loc: Claverack, NY

Interesting question, but for me:
1. It's my hobby.
2. I'm having fun with it.
3. I never buy anything I can't pay in full at the time of purchase.
4. Concerning myself with what it is costing me per week/month/year just isn't on my agenda.

Photographer Jim Loc: Rio Vista, CA

"Has anyone tried to figure out how much it cost to be a 'poor' photographer per day/month?"

No, I haven't. But then again, I'm not a 'poor' photographer! 😎

JPL

For me it is free. I only spend money on photography that I would take to my grave if I would not spend them on something.

Just Fred Loc: Darwin's Waiting Room

Well, certainly there is a cost associated with just about anything. When I run, I wear a pair of shoes that I bought. I can factor cost per mile (and there is a web site that will, in fact). But just about everything else is "free" (shorts, shirts and socks can be re-used frequently, so their cost is minimal). However, I enjoy running, so I spend extra on GPS watches, hats, sunglasses, iPods, earphones, etc. They aren't a necessity, but they enrich the experience. Maybe it adds up to the daily cost of running, but I pay that extra because it enriches the experience.

I play guitar. Just recently I added a twelfth guitar to my collection. I can only play one guitar at a time, so should I factor in the cost of all my guitars to the experience I get playing them?

The point I'm trying to make is that most of us accept the cost associated with something we enjoy doing. I'd probably be aghast at what I've spent on activities I enjoy over the years.

LoneRangeFinder Loc: Left field

Ditto

Rongnongno Loc: FL

I has become a hobby of sorts for me too but this does not prevent me from wanting to know how much it really cost. This allows me to put it under perspective.

I spend more in photography than in food!!!

delkeener Loc: SW Rhode Island, USA

I heard something about it one time ... "If you have to ask what it cost, you can't afford it."

martinfisherphoto Loc: Lake Placid Florida

If I calculate how much Per decent photo I've capture, it's not really much at all. Now if I didn't have any decent shots, then it would be expensive..... $5,000.00 divided by 25 equals, not bad..

Rongnongno Loc: FL

lmao @ this. If you run any business or anything that cost $$$ knowing what you are doing/spending is key to success.