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.
I just want to say I love this blog post. I’ve actually printed it and put it up on my wall. Now I am going to fail. You have to fail to learn and succeed.
As a photographer in today’s changing media world, you should never stop learning new technologies and new business areas. What is the Art Director searching for, when he layouts for example iPads (two layout positions)? Could perhaps the wedding photographer create a slide show on a DVD and sent it out to the guests who attended the wedding (buying a DVD replicator could bring you some money). Never stop looking for opportunities for your photography and ideas on what you can deliver to your customers.
I guess it all depends on how you measure success.
In the meantime, my gift to y’all is some bacon and eggs while we’re on your journey 🙂
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CW
The right message. I would guess that it not so much about the forms of media one uses to express themselves, but what you express and to who.
Seems like the big point that has been communicated in the last few months is taking photos of things you are passionate about and then sharing those images with people/future clients that work in that type of market.
Example, I like to fish. I know a lot about fishing. Therefor my photos of fishing would be more then likely better then a fashion photographer. So in talking to Field and Streams, I would be able to communicate better, share experiences and just relate better to the editor then someone that doesn’t know about fishing. Plus my portfolio would be stronger with images related to that field.
Also I would be or should be using forms of mediums that fishermen want to use.
It’s should be all about a focus message to a target market.
Just cause I have a crazy new flash site no one has seen before, doesn’t mean I right for any kind of job.
This is a good point, but when you are starting or even in a transition is difficult to keep a clear mind and confidence in yourself and in own project.
Thanks for sharing and always inspiring.