Spoiler alert! I’m answering, “Is Being a Full Time Photographer a Dream Job” up front. Yes it is. And, no it’s not.
Inspiration from this blog came from Amy Anger, Vice President & General Counsel at Stefanini NA. She posted a question on LinkedIn after reading The Dream Job that Wasn’t by freelance writer Clio Chang from The New Republic. Seeing the responses to her post jump started this blog.
Do dream jobs exist? Sure they do, as long as you recognize both the dream and the job parts. The title dream job in itself is a contradiction. An oxymoron.
When I discovered photography, I knew that some day I would pursue this craft and study full time. During the backside of my corporate journey, the majority of my spare time shifted to building and funding my photography business. Photography, writing, networking, selling my work and a ton of learning!
After a few years of working both, the transition to full time photographer turns to the real deal. Tackling the corporate career combined with my drive for photography didn’t leave a lot of spare time.
However, entering in to my new found role, there was energy and awareness of what lied ahead. Work, work, fun. More work, work and yes, fun.
Reality: Is Being a Photographer a Dream Job?
Today, my life as a full time photographer is rewarding, fun, challenging and unpredictable. Yes, I love it.
But, the reality is that it’s 80% job and 20% dream.
What will I say if giving advice to my 20-something year old self or someone else? Drop your current job and become a full time photographer? Yes, if your plan includes a balance of resources and perspective that keeps you moving forward.
However, for a dream to come true, you have to wake up.
How to Create Your Photographer Dream Job
Grow in your craft: When we choose our dream job, the biggest word is dream. Dream by doing! Commit to improving your work, techniques so that your art evolves. Your art is the business foundation. Even though we’re pulled in many directions, dedicating time learning and doing what you love keeps you motivated and your business thriving.
Network: In today’s world, your network plays a huge role in your success. Your business contacts. Friends and family. Social media (this one is huge! Instagram, Facebook, etc) . Fellow photographers and artists. Photography clubs. Art Associations and groups. Media outlets. And the list expands given your genre and goals. Your network shares with ideas, tips, knowledge, partnerships, referrals and resources. Many turn to fabulous friends as in my muse Sarah Goodwin of SG Captures in the featured image.
Discipline & tasks: Your dream happens by learning as much as you can about discipline of work. Staying focused. Following through. Taking care of the jobs and tasks required for the company/person you work for – even if that’s you – to be successful. And, knowing how to build working relationships with people.
Eliminating distractions: This is another other real element. And trust me, they’re everywhere. The refrigerator, social media, phone calls, texts. Before you know it, your photography and post processing time disappears into a vat of other distractions.
Tip: Take care of the not-so-fun tasks first. They’ll get done faster because the fun, motivating stuff is waiting for you on the other side.
Dream & Reality Converge
Success is not guaranteed but it’s more likely with a realistic view of the work. And, spending time with both ‘you’ and your art in a way that keeps your creativity thriving, the energy driving and your business growing! Your dream job awaits……how will you make it happen?
