alliebess Loc: suburban Philadelphia

Many long years ago in high school I wanted to be a professional photographer, but went on to other careers. I did continue photography as a hobby. A few years ago, as part of my job (actually the fun part) in an academic library I began taking photographs for the blog and a print newsletter. Now retired, photography is back to being a hobby.

leftj Loc: Texas

33,258,000

Nikon Shooter17 Loc: Glenwood, MN

Thanks for the push / motivation!

Acufine3200 Loc: Texarkana USA

I like to tell people I went to college to learn a very expensive hobby. I earned a decent living as a photojournalist in the ‘70’s and ‘80’s, but newspapers and magazines were still mainstream.

Today, I shoot a some high school seniors annually to soothe GAS attacks. Otherwise most of my studio work is donated to volunteer groups such as Boy Scouts and a local prison ministry.

Basically I get to shoot what I want on my schedule. I don’t I would enjoy photography artistically anymore if it was a full time job.

GraveyDave

It's all I've done my whole life - 45 years and counting. Unfortunately, I still choose to shoot the things that interest me and to work with good people which eliminates a lot of great paydays.
When I first started in the late 60's just fooling around, the older people who took me under their wings complained how 35mm ruined photography and how anyone could do it. Listening to them talk about police radios setting off their flashbulbs and reloading 4x5 holders and robbing film packs seemed like ancient times. Now I hear about digital making it more difficult. Not so if you're creative and can solve problems. Boring prom photos and some family type photos are better with someone's cell phone anyway. Weddings and other events are still available and pay really great without all of the album craziness we used to have. Good travel photos and product photos are just as good with a cell phone. What I'm saying is, a lot of the less creative and imaginative photography is no longer there for people with cameras. Photographers are always needed.

russelray Loc: La Mesa CA

I have a photography business that runs itself. According to my Excel spreadsheet, my Photographic Art sales currently are averaging $10,023.01 per month. My target market includes Realtors, escrow agents, title agents, and loan agents, all of whom buy my Photographic Art as close-of-escrow gifts. It's all about marketing. If you know how to market yourself and your products, you can be successful. If you don't know how to market yourself and your products, you still can be successful by hiring someone who does.

Back in August 2015 I shared with UHH how I got started and what my goals were. I have surpassed my goals by a factor of two. Here's my article, "Marketing 101 for Photographers," from August 2015:
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-327835-1.html

Erv Loc: Medina Ohio

I did a lot of school pictures and weddings. Did pretty good back in those days. But it was a lot of work being back in the film days. But now I just play.:):)

Brent Rowlett Loc: Atlanta, GA

In all the places you visit, look on their walls for decoration and art. Most have none. Case in point, I like to frequent coffee shops with select brews of the week. Photograph settings that would be appropriate to that business. For fun I photographed coffee using their mugs for sale, their logos, etc. I made a whole professional book of coffee art using MPIX. I have sold a ton of these large prints. If you can mask well and composite as we do in advertising, the sky is the limit.

DanielJDLM

I used to do weddings...great money, hated doing weddings. Used to have full darkroom to process color and B&W. Switched to digital on 2009. Sell my works at juried arts and craft shows...getting rich, of course not, but doing something I enjoy.

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

I did professional photography part time during my education career. I did weddings on the weekend, some senior photo's and lots of family and reunion images. My career spanned the 70's to about 2004 when I retired from photography and went full time into education administration.
My last few years I averaged a profit of $2500.00 a wedding, I did about 20 a year, peaked at 45 with two assistants and a stress test, so I cut it back to about 20 a year.
I started out doing weddings just covering my costs until I built up the business. Once I got into a family, I usually was called to do brother's and sister's weddings, along with senior portraits and family shots.
If I was going to do it all over again, I would have done it again the same way.
Weddings however, were getting harder and harder to do but I really enjoyed the interaction with the bride and groom, bridal party and parents and family of the bride and groom.
I always had someone assigned to make sure the bride and groom were hydrated and had snacks during the day, I also had food and drinks for the bridal party, along with a sewing kit in case the brides dress got damaged, along with every color of bobby pin made. I also carried a variety of toys for the flower girl and ring barrier. I used these toys as rewards if the young folks posed nicely for a couple of shots. I also carried napkins for the mother's emotional ride.
Always, my number one concern were with the well being of the bride and groom. And, this approach paid off with return business.
Now, in retirement, I do one man shows, I average anywhere from $500.00 to $2000.00 a show. And, sometimes I earn 0, but, for me, it's about building the show to the clients wishes. This keeps me going and I enjoy it. My kids want me to make a book with all of my show images in it. Maybe some year.
Though out my life it has been more about pleasing the client than how much money I was making. If I had my brides cry from the joy of seeing her proofs, that was really payment enough for me.

Hal81 Loc: Bucks County, Pa.

I was part time wedding photographer for 30+ years. Retired now for 25 years. Made plenty of money and could write a book and not one page would be about photography. Things Ive seen at weddings were unbelievable. Only a wedding photographer will understand what it all about.

hookedupin2005 Loc: Northwestern New Mexico

I come home from a rigorous, stressful day at work, grab my camera and head for the hills. I shoot whatever gets in front of my lens.... It is enjoyable, relaxing, and fun! And you want to turn that into a four letter word(W-O-R-K)?? NO thank you!

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

CPR Loc: Nature Coast of Florida

It's great to hear people that have found a niche and are able to make a living doing photography. I hear many that have lots of gross sales but not nearly as many of those that actually make a profit from those sales.
Based on the fact that 2 storefront photography studios have opened, and CLOSED, in the last year in this area, I can only assume that many folks don't do a complete Business Plan before they start in the business.

russelray Loc: La Mesa CA

Yep.
I'm just starting my 39th enterprise since 1966--36 were sold or given back to the company or individual that hired me to create the division or company for them, 1 operated for 17 years and then I shut it down when I retired for the third time, 1 is still operating (my Photographic Art sales), and the 39th is in the planning stages, although I already have 7 sales from people walking by my home.
There are six things I do before ever opening the doors for business: Business Plan, Marketing Plan, Business Attorney, Tax Attorney, CPA, and proper capitalization of the business for the industry I'm going to be working in.