Closing up the Shop
Jun 18, 2015 01:54:06 #
gemlenz wrote:
As much as it pains me, I'm seriously considering ... (show quote)
I'm so sorry that is happening to you. My wife has been in a similar situation with an Antique Jewelry business and if the market collapses there is only so much you can do.
Best wishes in repositioning your life , and stay around if you can. You add value to the community.
Take care, and good luck.
Jun 18, 2015 06:06:03 #
billnikon
Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont
Photography for me was a hobby, happy, happy, happy. Then, as a freelance UPI photographer and wedding photographer for over 40 years, satisfied but not real happy, now retired and doing it as a hobby once again, happy, happy, happy.
Jun 18, 2015 06:24:42 #
I had a good little photo business, doing photos for local theaters, for nearly ten years. I had digital cameras, early in the technology. I had to quit because I was competing with dozens of others with their own cameras at every shoot. When I sold a disc with all the pictures from a show for $20 and watched a man copying it for everyone, I quit. The same thing happened to videos. Although I was shooting HD video, others shot with early cell phones. Same story.
Jun 18, 2015 06:48:36 #
gemlenz wrote:
As much as it pains me, I'm seriously considering ... (show quote)
You might enjoy photography better as a hobby. In retirement, you can strive for your art, not your client's product. Good luck, have fun, keep in touch.
Jun 18, 2015 07:00:34 #
Enjoy your semi retirement. Now you have time to do all the creative shoots you only had time to dream about. Relax, enjoy and shoot often.
Jun 18, 2015 07:12:17 #
gemlenz wrote:
As much as it pains me, I'm seriously considering ... (show quote)
Sorry to hear it, but you're smart to close shop on your own terms.
Jun 18, 2015 07:13:12 #
Sometimes rewards other than monetary are best! Consider lending your considerable talent in places where people will really appreciate it. Are there any local schools that would appreciate a professional lending their knowledge to the camera club, yearbook club, etc.? Is there a poor part of town where a church might work with you to offer free or deeply-discounted prom or graduation photos - or family photos even, maybe at Christmastime? If you do things like that, very few people will be trying to tell you how to do your job, and most (but not all...) will be tremendously grateful for your time and talent! Years ago I offered a short series of classes on photography through a free adult education center. Not being an expert or professional, I was still capable of covering the basics of light and exposure, the way to use aperture and shutter speed, and basics of composition - with plenty of good and bad examples I could offer! The participants really appreciated it and I had fun. And there were no specific expectations that I had to meet and no specific demands other than to share what I knew and provide basic instruction. I could see a fun seminar to offer called" "I have a cell-phone - why should I get a camera?"
Have fun but keep busy!
Have fun but keep busy!
Jun 18, 2015 07:25:50 #
Jun 18, 2015 07:31:54 #
Hi George,
Have always enjoyed your posts. You always challenged us to become a better Hog.
That's what this forum is all about.
Now grab that camera and a couple water bottles and go have some fun.
Rick
Have always enjoyed your posts. You always challenged us to become a better Hog.
That's what this forum is all about.
Now grab that camera and a couple water bottles and go have some fun.
Rick
Jun 18, 2015 07:33:53 #
gemlenz wrote:
As much as it pains me, I'm seriously considering ... (show quote)
George,maybe you could teach a class on photography? I wish you lived in my area I would love to take a few lessons.Good Luck to you!
Jun 18, 2015 07:44:15 #
The "good enough" photography strikes again!
I'm also sorry to hear that you're going. Being retired and in a new location, I know what your talking about.
I'm also sorry to hear that you're going. Being retired and in a new location, I know what your talking about.
Jun 18, 2015 07:57:04 #
Nikonhermit
Loc: In This Place
You gave up a profession, but you just got something every professional envies: complete creative freedom. Congratulations!
Jun 18, 2015 08:00:23 #
gemlenz wrote:
As much as it pains me, I'm seriously considering ... (show quote)
Good Luck! You will probably have more fun. One thing I have found, especially in the last few years, is that there are a lot of "photographers" who do not do very good at photography, but since they are cheap, they get hired.
Can't believe the product that some of them put out.
Once again, Good Luck! Have Fun.
Jun 18, 2015 08:01:06 #
Good luck George. Now the pressures off you can really start to enjoy photography again. Please stay with us on the hog and share your knowledge & experience with us that are struggling.
Jun 18, 2015 08:09:18 #
gemlenz wrote:
As much as it pains me, I'm seriously considering ... (show quote)
That is essentially what I did some time ago. Anyone with a couple of hundred dollars can get a camera and three hours later start shooting weddings for $20.
Most of my photography income has been from selling prints privately. That pays for the bits of equipment I find I need from time to time. Lots less stress too.
--Bob
If you want to reply, then register here. Registration is free and your account is created instantly, so you can post right away.