Beginning of a new chapter
Tuesday 17 February 2009 at 1:00 pm. Used tags: business, development, money, photographyGoodbye Developer
It's a bizarre sensation to be leaving one life behind and stepping into another; at least it is for me as I advertise my copy of Microsoft Visual Studio Professional 2008 (Upgrade) for sale and realisation kicks in.
Up until this point I'd always played my cards safe, spreading my various interests around the dependable career of systems developer; the only shift being when setting up Global Studio with the intention of making the transition gradually. However the current economic situation has somewhat forced my hand; not only are sales requiring more time to close but the weakness of the pound against the Euro (against the Yen) has meant it made sense to beat the price hikes and move things forward. I'm also acutely aware that in the absence of large and challenging IT projects my interest in development is weaning.
Hello Photographer
So with excited steps towards the horizon I now tread into the world of full-time professional photography. With this comes the challenge of balancing creativity with longevity, and it's here that my anguish currently lies.
I have always been determined that my work should be born from artistic creativity and not from earning the proverbial "quick buck". Whilst I commend photographers such as Jeff Ascough for introducing this into their day-job, I do not feel this is the road I wish travel. Sure I do accept commissions for weddings and portraits, and will always bring my own style and creativity to them, but do I want to be a "Wedding and Portrait Photographer"? No.
My heart most definitely seems to be leaning to studio and location work, bringing my style to commercial projects and campaigns, and dare I say "fashion photography". Why? Because when I look at the work of David Bailey, FC Gundlach, Bourdin, Avedon (and more) I get immediately energized and reach for the camera - I need this passion and energy in my photography.
Easy then?
Well not exactly as the electricity bill on my desk reminds me, as although Global Studio will continue to bring in revenue from support contracts and small jobs, the photography needs to pay! I also need to continue to generate revenue to finance the cost of ever expanding equipment list and insurances that accompany it.
So ahead of me I have one massive (and perhaps stressful) juggling act to perform, not to mention a hell of an amount of strategic planning to make. Can I do it? Of course, but need to constantly remind myself this journey needs to be enjoyed and not endured.
seven comments
when my sprog is born, I’ll be wanting some WICKED pictures done. Interested?
chris (Email) - 17-02-’09 17:31
@Carlo: Many thanks! I think we’ll be crossing paths sometime soon, if only for a coffee :)
@Angus: I would probably agree, completely bonkers!
@Chris: A sprog!? I’ve been away too long; but yes of course – it would be my pleasure. I have another newborn shoot to do soon so might have some examples to share.
Ian (Email) (URL) - 17-02-’09 17:49
I could have written this mate. I’ve fallen out of love with the web and designing stuff..if I have to push an image 10 to the right again or close a paragraph tag I’ll ruddy well scream! It’s only really photography and cooking that gets me excited any more (amongst one or two other things of course! ;)
Trouble is like you say all the usual suspects want their pound of flesh so I’ll have to keep going for the time being.
The floating narrowboat cafe/art gallery is still a few years off yet!
John (Email) - 17-02-’09 20:15
Good Luck!
Carlo (Email) (URL) - 17-02-’09 14:28