To be honest, I've thought that over many times. There are so many pros and cons that it takes a lot of considering. Especially when one is already well established in another trade with a reliable income.
One thing to worry about is of course the images themselves. Both quality and quantity.
To earn a living, the quality must be reliably good, and there must be a certain volume of production to entertain potential customers. Whether it's renewal of stock photos or personal projects. By keeping photography as an hobby, one doesn't have to worry about such things. It is possible to enjoy shooting at every push on the release button, and just leave the button alone otherwise. Creativity doesn't have to be persistant.
Another thing to worry about is how to sell one's own product.
I just feel embarrassed when trying to promote myself or my photography to strangers. I imagine that to be a professional would be like having a job interview for every customer, and honestly can't stand the thought.
A third thing to think about is the competition in the marketplace.
All together, I can count on fingers the number of full-time professional nature photographers in this country, which tells something about how hard it is to keep on top of that market. The number of part-time pros, however, is quite high. People with one foot in advertising, for example, or working at the stock agencies. My job is not suited for part-time nature photography. :-(
All that said,
Last year, I set up a personal one-man enterprise _in case_ some business comes along. Nothing much has happened yet, though...:-)... but one never knows. There are some tax benefits in our system from this practice, and it sends a signal to potential customers about devotion to the hobby, at least.
But I don't really have neither the guts or the merchant skills to pull off a photographic career.
Jostein
----- Original Message ----- From: "mike wilson" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, April 23, 2005 4:39 PM
Subject: Re: PESO: Spring comes. Eventually.
On 4/22/05, Jostein <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
A shot from today's stroll in the forest.
http://oksne.net/paw/gryta.html
All comments and critiques appreciated as usual.
Thanks for looking.
Been there, seen that. Sadly, not with your eye. Sigh.
8-)
Do you ever think of the commercial possibilities of your work?
m
