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.
Makes perfect sense and is a formula I’m sort of following, thanks for the tips.
Thanks Chase! It’s pleasant that I can boast doing 5 out of your recommendations 🙂
I think the most discouraging thing is watching someone follow the above list and then seem to have a mildly successful career.
I have struggled with what I do, who I am, and all of that- just as we all do, I suppose. I have determined that the best way for me to stay “true” to myself (whatever that really means) is to ditch the list and just follow my passion organically. Wherever it takes me is where I am meant to go.
Hahahahaha…. “old recipes” Now I feel really old. How old can Write a blog or get on Twiter be? But I hear you. I’m doing almost all that in your list. Still woriking in getting a hardware sponsor and some other point there but I’ll get there.
Gracias Chase!!
But don’t you do all these things, Chase? Except maybe #11?
@migs: …www.minacicconi.com said it best above “He’s trying to say the list includes all the standard ingredients BUT in order to succeed, mix it up and add a dash of something new, something that belongs to only you. To make your business less cookie-cutter, you should strive to cultivate something original. Success isn’t found in some How To list. Make your own rules, :)”