A bit of honesty
Recently I read an article written by Yan Photography that really got to me. She was honest enough to say that as a full-time photographer, she was struggling to make it. Struggling to get even one inquiry a week and to be told she was too expensive even then, and that she was desperate enough to tell her clients that she is willing to compromise to earn something.
That's what I've been feeling recently. I've been told before not to undersell myself and undervalue my work. There are many, many articles written about the dangers of "cheap" photographers and what happens to full-time pros when people choose the photographer who'll work for a pack of ramen. They have bills to pay, the articles say. What those articles rarely mention, though, is that those "cheap" photographers are probably also trying to pay bills. They've just resorted to getting less than what they think they're worth rather than getting nothing.
Why would you trust someone who charges only $100 for an engagement session? Don't you care enough about your engagement photos to want to invest more in them?
It's not that I don't value my work. I know I can take great photos. I can create stunning imagery. I know I can capture moments that you'll cherish forever. I have the professional equipment, and more importantly, I know how to use it. I take into account the composition and lighting. I know that you probably don't want to stand there with the trash can right behind you. But right now, I have to put aside any pride I may have because I'd like to be able to earn something rather than earn nothing. I've compromised to the point where instead of being paid $250, I'll settle for $25. I'd rather earn $25 than nothing at all.
Somewhere along the way I will better show you what I am capable of. I can't make you love my work to the point where you consider me your "dream photographer," but I will gosh darn try my hardest to.
That's what I've been feeling recently. I've been told before not to undersell myself and undervalue my work. There are many, many articles written about the dangers of "cheap" photographers and what happens to full-time pros when people choose the photographer who'll work for a pack of ramen. They have bills to pay, the articles say. What those articles rarely mention, though, is that those "cheap" photographers are probably also trying to pay bills. They've just resorted to getting less than what they think they're worth rather than getting nothing.
Why would you trust someone who charges only $100 for an engagement session? Don't you care enough about your engagement photos to want to invest more in them?
It's not that I don't value my work. I know I can take great photos. I can create stunning imagery. I know I can capture moments that you'll cherish forever. I have the professional equipment, and more importantly, I know how to use it. I take into account the composition and lighting. I know that you probably don't want to stand there with the trash can right behind you. But right now, I have to put aside any pride I may have because I'd like to be able to earn something rather than earn nothing. I've compromised to the point where instead of being paid $250, I'll settle for $25. I'd rather earn $25 than nothing at all.
Somewhere along the way I will better show you what I am capable of. I can't make you love my work to the point where you consider me your "dream photographer," but I will gosh darn try my hardest to.
Back to filming
I realize for the whole of 2012, I haven't really shot much (though, I guess, it's been only 11 days). I guess that's because when photography gets a little slow, filmmaking gets picked back up.
shot by Tyler Watkins
On set of "Officer Down," directed by Richard Bakewell
shot by Tyler Watkins
On set of "Officer Down," directed by Richard Bakewell
Walk down the hill
I decided to take a walk down my steep hill for a chance to "stop and smell the roses" sort of thing. I should do it more often. Great exercise and a chance for some photos! :)
Fresh faces for 2012
Started off my 2012 with a mini self portrait session for some website changes, mostly for some much needed "About Me" sections. My website and blog could use a bit of a cosmetic change, so I made some slight tweaks to this blog layout as well as added a new bio page on my website. Happy 2012!
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