Exposed! :: Shooting out of the Recession ::

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Contents

"There's no money for that..."

A student confessed "My camera and computer equipment are dated and I'm reluctant to update anything before my income increases." Photography can be expensive... but it doesn't have to be.

Cutting edge cameras, lenses and computer hardware may "feed your need" for photography. But your bank account may groan at the expense! There are ways to advance photographically without draining your piggy bank.

In this edition of Exposed! we share ideas to shoot out of the recession for new photographers, veteran hobbyists and those aiming to earn a living.

New Photographers

"I can't afford a new fancy camera - they're expensive!"
Yep, they can be. Consider alternatives:

Veteran Hobbyists

"I need a new camera to take better photos." No you don't!! Many advanced hobbyists have incredible arsenals of fantastic photo gear that make pro photographers jealous. A good working pro captures their work based on experience and skills with the equipment they have.

My advice for veteran hobby photographers? Invest in your skills.

I sometimes hear inexperienced photographers blame gray snow on weather or equipment! White snow requires more skill than equipment. I know no camera in the world that produces white snow without the skilled intervention of a photographer.

Invest your time and resources in learning to use your camera equipment to create stunning imagery:

More experience generally gets you further ahead than new equipment.

Breaking into the Photo Business

Many working photographers are feeling the effects of a tough economy. There are ways to make it through tough times:

  1. Look for ways to do more with less. Inexpensive creative solutions exist for many technical, artistic and business challenges. Seek advice, bounce ideas off friends and colleagues.

  2. Diversify. Look for different markets and roads less traveled by traditional working photographers. That could involve photography or a photography related idea.

  3. Learn to promote and sell. As a young photographer I assisted Malak Karsh and was impressed with his drive - even though he was 82 years old! He and his brother Yousuf were very successful because of their ability to promote themselves and create demand for their services. Good photos are only a small part of business success.

Motion Photo
Inexpensive stunning photos

Pro Perspective

Times were tough at the beginning of my business. There were few sales coming in and I had very little cash flow. My initial chosen niche - stock photography - was imploding and redefining itself in a much less profitable way.

I was forced to do more with less and create solutions when I couldn't afford to buy solutions. The photo above was shot on a mechanical film camera, tripod, cord release and some climbing cord. That's it... other than the creative experience and technical skills to achieve the effects in camera.

I had to diversify and look for advice when needed. The business now draws on diverse assignments, stock, workshops, good marketing, brainstorming and networking to help follow a road to more sales.

The recent economic woes made me nervous but the hard learned lessons help me move ahead. One of my favourite songs is "I will Survive." It helps to play it loudly!

Homework

  1. Keep shooting!

  2. Look at ways to shoot within your budget. Some choices may be tough but tough times can lead to breakthroughs

  3. Let your mind wander. Good business ideas can percolate and develop if you allow yourself some good, constructive daydreaming

Final Frame

Keep shooting. Have fun doing it!