Why are you a photographer? You probably didn’t get into this thing assuming it was a get rich quick scheme or for status and power. More likely than not, you love taking photos, being around people, and the excitement of running your own business.
At least, that’s how it was for me as a photographer.
I got into photography after a friend of mine, who was a sponsored skier, became more and more serious about turning pro. While we were hitting bike jumps, I was taking shots of him with a very old digital camera featuring a painfully slow 1.3-second shutter lag. Once he saw some images I captured, his reply was: “Dude, you should get a camera and be my photographer!” We were 17, and it was 2004, so a lot of “dudes” were thrown around.
I immediately replied: “Dude (again, we were 17!), cameras are like $500!” But after a few short hours of contemplating, I went ahead and ordered my first “pro model” camera. I believe it cost roughly $699. This was the start of my photography career.
Photo by Connor Walberg / Athlete: Matt Luczkow, the same pro skier who told me I should shoot pro.
Through photography, I was able to combine my biggest outdoor passions. I shot professionally because I loved skiing, biking, skateboarding, and being creative, all while hanging out with my best friends. Add to all that my love of technology, and it truly was a dream come true.
But as time went on, I quickly realized that photography (and any business in general, especially in the early stages) can be like riding a rollercoaster. One month, I’d be on top of the world as I booked even just one or two well-paying gigs. But the next two months might be a