You’ve been doing photography as a hobby for a while and you’re thinking of turning pro. But is it the right choice for you? Should you become a professional or just keep doing it as a hobby? In this video, Ed Verosky discusses this topic. If you’re still indecisive as to whether or not you should turn pro, this might help you make the decision.Advertisements
Amateur vs. professional photographer
Amateur vs. professional photographer
For starters, let’s define what makes a professional and what makes an amateur photographer. The definitions differ and the difference isn’t always perfectly clear. However, for the sake of this video, Ed sticks to the financial aspect. Basically, a professional photographer is the one who makes a living from photography. On the other hand, an amateur does it out of love and not as a source of income. Of course, there are plenty more aspects that make a professional photographer, but let’s stick with the financial part. So, you want to start earning money from photography and turn it into your main source of income. Is it the right time? And should you do it in the first place? Here are some pros and cons to both options, and hopefully they’ll help you clear your mind and get closer to the decision.
Pros of being a professional photographer
Pros of being a professional photographer
Cons of being a professional photographer
Cons of being a professional photographer
Pros of being an amateur photographer
Pros of being an amateur photographer
Total freedom – when you only shoot for yourself and not to get pay, you get to choose when, what and how to shoot. There are no compromises and no dealing with difficult people and situations. In my case, this is precisely why I chose to remain a hobbyist.
Cons of being an amateur photographer
Cons of being an amateur photographer
There aren’t any, Ed says. What’s the downside of having a total freedom? I don’t see any, indeed. However, Ed mentions one possible downside: feeling unfulfilled. If you were born to be a professional photographer and you’re limiting yourself to staying a hobbyist, you may feel unfulfilled. I believe that the decision isn’t easy and there are many things to consider. But basically, if you love photography and you’re also okay with dealing with people, marketing yourself and occasionally making compromises, then turning pro could be good for you. On the other hand, if you love photography only for the sake of taking photos, then perhaps you should stay a hobbyist (at least for now). At the end of the day, the decision is all yours. But hopefully, these pros and cons have brought you closer to it. [Should You Become a Professional Photographer? | Ed Verosky]
