Here’s a sure-fire way to blow your career in photography: 
1. Take lots of photos.
2. Get on twitter.
3. Start a blog.
4. Assist for another photographer.
5. Buy a better camera.
6. Create a “style” that’s all your own.
7. Hire an intern.
8. Get an agent.
9. Do behind-the-scenes videos.
10. Get a studio.
11. Franchise your business.
12. Live off your stock library.
13. Sell your prints.
14. Get some gear sponsors.
15. Teach workshops.
16. Do a book.
Now you’re confused.
Ok, so my point is NOT to avoid doing any of the things on the above list – there are lots of good things in there. My point is that old recipes die hard. And guarantees are few and far between.
By following some old-model plan for how to be a photographer, a filmmaker, a creative whatever, you’re surely doomed. Because there isn’t one anymore. If you’re not……actively looking for a way to differentiate, to blaze your own path, to nuke the mold, your chance of survival is slim and your chance of raging success is even slimmer.
This is like deja vu because my business partner and I were just talking and listing the things that we enjoy most about photography, and making a to do list for future projects, and just about everything on this list is on our paper except for get an agent, which is an excellent idea which somehow never crossed my mind. Nothing felt better than that first sale, and it was a photo that I would have given the LEAST amount of thought to ( I believe it still holds the record for my highest sell yet). What I am saying is that this list could just possibly become my bible.
Chase,
Blog – check
Second Shot – Check
Better Camera – Check
Blog – Check
Twitter – Check
Studio – Had (moved)
Ok now that I have those checks in the block. I know having a full time job limits me on this, but I can’t afford an intern and I have been asked about workshops in the past, but no one follows thru. They want ti for free. Tried living off stock work and it seems to me that the market t=is to saturated already for that particular market. Working on the book as I type this. As for sponsors and an agent. That is the part I can’t seem to grasp much less find anyone to give me the time of day. So this is my question:
Where do I find an agent and sponsors?
First three done! Now…what was that about “your own style”? Where can I find that on the Internet?:)
Just the read I needed to boost my self criticism on the route my personal business is going. Thanks Chase!!!!
In a good way!!!
That is one of the best ways one can do it. Did you do it that way?
NO. i did not.