Zechariah Loc: France, Paris

Hello everyone,

I'm Zech 20years old

I don't know what to do next in my life .. I like to take shots and I like photography.

may I make my future by photography ? or is it possible to make money with it to build your future? if yes, what for example?

thank you, my friends .. I really need a help.

russelray Loc: La Mesa CA

You can make money from photography but only if you understanding marketing or hire someone who understands marketing. It doesn't matter how good your stuff is if you don't understand how to reach the people who will buy it.

I'm currently averaging just under $11,000 a month in sales. Here's how I did it: http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-327835-1.html

I'm nowhere near as good as the guy who has a beautiful studio in downtown San Diego. He has about $50,000 worth of equipment. I, on the other hand, have $2,000 worth of equipment and $1,000 worth of software--Photoshop, Photo-Paint, Paintshop Pro, onOne, Redfield, Landscape Pro, Optics Pro, Photomatix, Nik, Gimp, Topaz............... and I know how to use them. Even then, though, if I didn't know how to market my work, knowing how to use all that software wouldn't amount to a hill of beans.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

The easiest way to make money in Photography is to sell your equipment ....

ricardo7 Loc: Washington, DC - Santiago, Chile

So true. Very funny.

IBM

You forgot , and learn a trade like plumbing, electrition , cook , carpenter , floor layer , heat installer , etc .

G Brown Loc: Sunny Bognor Regis West Sussex UK

Become a photographic journalist - it seems that there are lots of people talking 'how' and 'about' photography in print and on-line.
It must make them something - and less hassle than 'doing weddings'.

But I would get a day job too!

have fun - at your age that is what you are supposed to be doing!!

Jcmarino

You can make money with photography, if you want to. You have to want to. It has to be a passion not only for the art but also for the business end. Follow your dreams. The saying "I can do this" or "I can't do this" are both true.

Szalajj Loc: Salem, NH

What kinds of pictures do you like to take?

Often your passion will show up in the quality of your shots.

Have you taken any photography classes yet?

If not, start building your knowledge about shooting by finding classes near where you live. Check out your local Community College, and learn how to use your camera to it's best advantage.

Take classes with different instructors, but look at their reviews. My last instructor might have been a decent photographer in the field, but she had a really hard time trying to teach, especially if you asked her for technical assistance with your equipment. She was a last minute substitute for the original instructor.

If you get a lot out of your first class or course, then look for more classes or seminars to broaden your knowledge base.

There are also entrepreneurial classes that will teach you how to write and implement a business plan which you'll need if you want to start up a photography business. But be realistic in setting your goals. Interview successful local photographers as part of your business plan development, as well as photographers whose work you admire across the country or around the world.

The world is your studio, make good use of of that studio.

Also, what kind if equipment do you currently own? Is it entry level equipment, or did you invest in better quality equipment? What is your anticipated budget for future equipment purchases?

paulrph1 Loc: Washington, Utah

Only you can answer that for yourself. I do not know you or your capabilities. Some people are natural at photography and some can never get a grasp. No matter how much the study, learn or know. It just does not click. I know some who even majored in photography in college and were never any good, yet some never get a degree and are excellent.

elliott937 Loc: St. Louis

As a teacher myself, but not of photography...yet a passionate photographer, may I recommend two things Zech? First, listen to all the good advice here, to include following your passions. Second, when I've traveled in Europe, I've enjoyed learning the different cultures. This suggest to me that the photography market is also unique there. Use your resources, like Facebook and others. Learn all you can about photography, all you can about art, and all you can about what people in France and Europe desire. And most of all, have fun behind your camera.

rpavich Loc: West Virginia

Forget it. You won't make any money as a photographer. Find a trade that pays well and that you can do for the rest of your life and do that. Take photos and do the "fun stuff" on the side.

It's like any "fun" trade; take acting for example. Can a person make money and be successful acting? Sure...but for everyone who makes money there are gazillions eating out of dumpsters because they aren't.

If this site teaches you anything it's the 99.999% of the folks thinking that they are a photographer don't make money doing it but want to.

Mary Kate Loc: NYC

Out of all the people who use this site and are active on it. My impression is the vast majority do not use photography as a means of earning a living. It is, however, a great source of information. I would check with your local state and county community colleges and see what they have to offer. Your first step is you need a source of income to support yourself. Work in that direction. As a person with limited knowledge in this field making a living in photography and providing you with a weekly paycheck is not at this time, realistic. It may happen. It just may take a while.

DavidPine Loc: Fredericksburg, TX

Go to work for a photographer as an apprentice. Many young people want to start at the top or near the top. That isn't reality. Even Tony Corbell worked for another photographer in the beginning. Learn the craft from the business side and don't be too anxious to fly on your own. Save your money so you can survive when you leave to go on your own. Become a constant student.

CPR Loc: Nature Coast of Florida

I absolutely know how to make a small fortune as a Photographer ---
Start out with a large fortune.................

Jimmy T Loc: Virginia

Perfect response, and absolutely perfectly correct! Lol