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.
Well D’uh
Am I the only one that is looking for eggs and bacon in the fridge now?
Uh no. You’re not the only one.
No.
I know exactly where this is coming from, and I’m trying to do my best to differentiate and stand out among the huge numbers of photographers out there these days. I’ve launched a dedicated “dudeoir” sideline – no other photographers near me do that at all, and it’s something I’m known to be pretty good at so I decided to go with it and see where it could take me. It might pay off, it might not – but it’s different, and that’s pretty much what I’m about.
Even in print choices – I offer a very small range, and really push stuff like aluminium prints – because all the other photographers around me offer more or less the same stuff, and haven’t changed that for years.
But then, I’ve never taken the “correct” approach to anything in my life – so hopefully one day, it’ll pay off for me!
This is an interesting thought. What’s the point of photography? To capture a moment, or to creatively tell a story?