In the almost 25 years that I've been in this business it's my experience that people make their own luck.
There are no lotteries to be won. There are no short cuts. There are only people that are more successful than others. Many are often too quick to equate a lack of success with bad timing and market factors.
The formula is simple:
TALENT + AMBITION + INTELLIGENCE + HARD WORK + AVAILABILTY = SUCCESS
I've been meeting and advising freelancers and new photographers for many years. I have a theory that so far has never been dispelled: Anyone who applies the above formula will succeed. I have never been wrong. If someone is not succeeding in this business, one or more of these elements is missing.
A few examples:
PHOTOG 1 - Very talented, naturally artistic, smart, well read and interested in current affairs and social issues. But has a full time job and a family and is not in a position to make the jump. Therefore will not have the opportunity to work on projects, apply for internships, or be available for freelance work that is critical to self-improvement and experience building.
PHOTOG 2 - Driven, works tirelessly, shoots everyday, keeps in contact with many professional photographers and editors, attends ECNPA or WCNPA events, is young and single and available. Unfortunately struggles with the artistic side of things. Has a difficult time seeing and developing the visual skills needed.
PHOTOG 3 - Talented and smart, this photographer has many of the skills and all the signs are there for success. However they are very lazy and expect the phone to ring with little effort. Becomes bitter at the business and blames others for the lack of opportunities.
PHOTOG 4 - Enough artistic skill to develop with time. Young and available to move around, low overhead. Works hard but shows very little interest in people, issues, news and current affairs. Likes to shoot action stuff like car racing and ambulance chasing, doesn't read newspapers or news websites. Likes the idea of being a photographer but not quite sure what that means.
There are no lotteries to be won. There are no short cuts. There are only people that are more successful than others. Many are often too quick to equate a lack of success with bad timing and market factors.
The formula is simple:
TALENT + AMBITION + INTELLIGENCE + HARD WORK + AVAILABILTY = SUCCESS
I've been meeting and advising freelancers and new photographers for many years. I have a theory that so far has never been dispelled: Anyone who applies the above formula will succeed. I have never been wrong. If someone is not succeeding in this business, one or more of these elements is missing.
A few examples:
PHOTOG 1 - Very talented, naturally artistic, smart, well read and interested in current affairs and social issues. But has a full time job and a family and is not in a position to make the jump. Therefore will not have the opportunity to work on projects, apply for internships, or be available for freelance work that is critical to self-improvement and experience building.
PHOTOG 2 - Driven, works tirelessly, shoots everyday, keeps in contact with many professional photographers and editors, attends ECNPA or WCNPA events, is young and single and available. Unfortunately struggles with the artistic side of things. Has a difficult time seeing and developing the visual skills needed.
PHOTOG 3 - Talented and smart, this photographer has many of the skills and all the signs are there for success. However they are very lazy and expect the phone to ring with little effort. Becomes bitter at the business and blames others for the lack of opportunities.
PHOTOG 4 - Enough artistic skill to develop with time. Young and available to move around, low overhead. Works hard but shows very little interest in people, issues, news and current affairs. Likes to shoot action stuff like car racing and ambulance chasing, doesn't read newspapers or news websites. Likes the idea of being a photographer but not quite sure what that means.