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Author Topic: Changing photographic careers  (Read 3089 times)

ckimmerle

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Changing photographic careers
« on: August 25, 2010, 05:36:18 pm »

After continual employment as a benefited staff photographer for the past 22+ years, I'm going to be on my own. My wife got a new job in Casper, Wyoming and I, the dutiful husband, am following.

Being a staff photographer is a safe and sane existence. The paychecks come on a regular basis, paid sick days and vacation are the norm and, at least in this job, most of the equipment is supplied. I'm leaving it all. :o

As pushing a button is all I know, and fine-art sales are sporadic, I'll be trying my hand at commercial work. I've never done much more than the casual freelance gig (journalistic and commercial) although some have been for national clients. Entering the freelance game in full-on mode will put me in new territory. Anyone care to offer up some free advice?

I'm no newby and have a firm grasp of the basics (and the obvious), so am looking more for pitfalls or business practice advice.

I'm looking forward to the move, but there is a "gulp" factor I cannot deny. Gulp!

Chuck
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RSL

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Re: Changing photographic careers
« Reply #1 on: August 25, 2010, 05:52:21 pm »

Chuck, I can't help but I can wish you the best of luck, and I do.
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Eric Myrvaagnes

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Re: Changing photographic careers
« Reply #2 on: August 25, 2010, 05:53:46 pm »

Chuck,

I wish I had some useful advice for you but I don't.

However, I admire your work and I do hope you will find the time and resources to continue your fine art ("pro bono") work. I'm now going to pony up and buy your Lenswork folio that I've been putting off for too long.

I suspect that a few months of serious legwork, showing portfolios around in Wyoming ought to bring you some clients, and then word of mouth will keep you going. At least I hope so.

Good luck!

Eric
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Ken Bennett

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Re: Changing photographic careers
« Reply #3 on: August 25, 2010, 07:49:01 pm »

Hi, Chuck,

I'm sorry to hear that you are leaving the university photog world, after doing it so well for so long. :(  However, many congrats to your wife on her new venture, and props to you for being the "trailing spouse" as they say in academia.

For the last two years I have been putting together a very specific plan for going out as a freelancer, after 13+ years as a staffer. No, I'm not planning to quit or move -- I just think every staff photographer should have such a plan, and the more specific the better. (Given the current job market for photographers, you understand.) If you want to contact me off list, maybe we can talk about it.

Good luck.

--Ken
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Rob C

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Re: Changing photographic careers
« Reply #4 on: August 26, 2010, 04:45:29 am »

Chuck

Just think of Albert Watson. He foillowed his wife from Britain to the US where she had landed a teaching job. The rest, as the saying goes, became history and of photographic legend.

http://www.albertwatson.net

Okay, different times, different worlds, but you have to try.

All the best to you both.

Rob C

Patricia Sheley

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Re: Changing photographic careers
« Reply #5 on: August 26, 2010, 09:05:39 am »



!!!!!!!
Have followed and grown with your work...I can only say allow your wonderful vision to flow over wherever you find yourself quietly standing and gazing...many have sight....you SEE...fair tides...Pat S


Chuck

Just think of Albert Watson. He foillowed his wife from Britain to the US where she had landed a teaching job. The rest, as the saying goes, became history and of photographic legend.

http://www.albertwatson.net

Okay, different times, different worlds, but you have to try.

All the best to you both.

Rob C
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DarkPenguin

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Re: Changing photographic careers
« Reply #6 on: August 26, 2010, 09:34:44 am »

Good luck!

Shoot!  I still need to order a print.  When are you expecting to be settled in?
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Christoph C. Feldhaim

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Re: Changing photographic careers
« Reply #7 on: August 26, 2010, 09:51:26 am »

Good Luck for your venture!
I admire your b/w work a lot.

Best wishes
C.

bdkphoto

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Re: Changing photographic careers
« Reply #8 on: August 26, 2010, 10:29:05 am »

I would look into joining or taking advantage of ASMP's resources www.asmp.org (I currently serve on the Board of Directors).  We are rolling out SB3 -Strictly Business 3 programs which would be a great help to get things started. Visit the site - the are great business sources there, including paperwork shares, real world bidding principals, insurance etc.  Feel free to PM me if you have any Q's.

I can't seem to break my habit of steering folk to ASMP since I did the membership here in NYC for many years;-)

Dick Roadnight

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Re: Changing photographic careers
« Reply #9 on: August 26, 2010, 11:43:24 am »

As pushing a button is all I know, and fine-art sales are sporadic, I'll be trying my hand at commercial work. I've never done much more than the casual freelance gig (journalistic and commercial) although some have been for national clients. Entering the freelance game in full-on mode will put me in new territory. Anyone care to offer up some free advice?

I'm no newby and have a firm grasp of the basics (and the obvious), so am looking more for pitfalls or business practice advice.

I'm looking forward to the move, but there is a "gulp" factor I cannot deny. Gulp!

Chuck
Good Luck ...

¿What kit/expertise do you have?

¿What industry/commerce is there in the area?

I too, am setting up as a freelance, in an area where there are many potential customers, with kit that will enable me to tackle jobs that the 10,000 DSLR owners cannot, and I am coming out of retirement rather than giving up an income.
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ckimmerle

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Re: Changing photographic careers
« Reply #10 on: August 26, 2010, 04:44:05 pm »

Thanks, all, for those kind and encouraging words. The possibilities are exciting, but they're tempered with a healthy dose of....uncertainty. On the bright side, the less "work" I have, the more time for my fine art  :D

I've never had to be a big self promoter, so am not too adept at blatant self promotion. However, I found a great source of inspiration from another photographer who states that he is "an award-winning Master Photographer, beloved by over 40,000 fine art collectors worldwide." And, that he "is listed as a Yahoo Master of Photography, accompanied by Ansel Adams...Edward Weston...Alfred Eisenstaedt...Eliot Porter...Jerry Uelsmann and Alfred Stieglitz."

Don't get me wrong, his stuff is nice, but c'mon.

Check out: http://www.rodneyloughjr.com/index.html?display=AboutTheArtist.html&session_id=24124K43KSgFN24jH2FQ.HQCAbCx2FJMXbLO7T.

Bold words. I need to learn to make claims like that!

As for Dick's fair questions...I've got 15 years under my belt as a photojournalist and own a 1/4 share of a 1998 Pulitzer Prize nomination. My current tenure is as a university photographer where I do all photographic genres (we're all generalists in this field) and can claim my share of plaques and certificates and pats on the back. As for my gear, I'm a bit light on the....lights. Should probably invest in two more heads, then I should be set to tackle the jobs that 10,000 DSLR users cannot....with a DSLR. ;)



« Last Edit: August 26, 2010, 04:54:02 pm by ckimmerle »
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