It's so good to hear your story. We have similar backgrounds. My journey in leaving my full time job to become a full time photographer was extremely difficult and risky. My parents did not support me financially and told me it was my decision to leave my full time job and the risk was all on me. They believed I was a good photographer, but in no way provided me any financial loans, camera gear or support. Instead of attending a fancy film school, I went to community college and took 6 semesters of black and white film courses, which was very affordable at the time. It took years before I made the leap and it was incredibly scary to walk out of my day job. When I had 10 wedding contracts and deposits in the bank, I took a leap of faith. I rented equipment for years until I earned enough cash to purchase my first Hasselblad and open my small studio in California. Shot weddings for nearly 15 years and several gigs to pay the bills, like parties, corporate events, etc. I love your content. Thanks for sharing this! Great way to start my Monday.
An addition hurdle with privilege (and lack of) is how it affects you psychologically. I’m lucky because I got a bursary and a Maintenance Grant to go to The Royal College of Art. The finance woman told me it would be best for me if I didn’t tell the other students. Everyone on my course was either extremely well connected through family or very wealthy. But they were all so confident in themselves. I didn’t make the most of my time there because I felt so inferior to everyone. It’s only years later that I realise that confidence came through privilege rather than ability.
I have a friend who went to private school who always says he can do something. Took me years to realise he couldn’t, but that he had the private school confidence that he was able to do anything haha
@@TinHouseStudioUK It's lack of consequence when taking risks, I think. The more you're able to risk, the more you succeed at things. Privileged people have a safety net so they can try expensive new endeavours, can venture into risky new businesses, hold a referendum on the EU etc.
So refreshing to hear this, a lot have opportunites that you just can't take because of responsibilities , but everyone faces challenges in life, and sometimes finding your own path gives you an unique perspective.
Bryan Adams is another shoe in. I used to know a photographer in the same town as me at the time. He had a great shop front with very nice images, and he was a very good photographer. He drove a Porsche 911. What most people didn't know was that he actually made most of his money buying property and doing them up and selling them on. A bit simialr to Mcdonalds net worth being in their real estate empire. Things aren't always what they seem.
I was a conscript soldier in the middle 80s during the Angolan / South African border war. In my second year of military service, I moved from an operational unit to the army magazine (propaganda and in-house for permanent force members) called Paratus. Before joining the army, I blew my chances of studying at university, hence the callup. I grabbed the opportunity to be a photographic reporter with both hands-there was only one year to learn everything before being thrown out into society again. Very fortunate and grateful to have learned from seasoned professionals at the army's expense. Most of my friends who studied (in those days a degree) photography never pursued it. My story links to yours, regarding hard work and gratitude. Also a cyclist - both passions not cheap - but we learn what is efficient instead of responding to marketing aimed towards amateurs/hobbyists. Reporting taught me to get the shot, no matter what because the colonel ordered it, and the punishment could be warzone duty or at the least a hot sandy hell of an excursion sleeping in the bush for a few weeks. Funny but true.
Excellent analysis and spot on. One of the big components i hear from photographers here in the US is, "it's not what you know but who you know." Abeit, that is largely true, but getting to know 'the right people' is easy and not the exclusive domain of the privileged. And in the end, it all comes down to talent and drive and no one can give those to you, you have to give those to yourself.
As always you make very good points. Victory is always sweeter when you've struggled for it. Appreciate what you have and strive to advance. Best place really.
I think the overlooked point here is that it's a lot harder to break into the industry today than it was 10 years ago. The market feels a lot more saturated now that the barriers to entry have lowered (everyone can learn how to shoot on the internet, prices for kit is lower). so a person's privileges (staying with parents, money etc) can become the sole factor of the opportunities available to someone.
Listen, I am not British; I came here with nothing six years ago. Today, I work with some of the best in London in my field. People who think negatively and too much will never succeed. It's also important to train yourself to be social and likable.
I come from blue collar workers, my parents couldn't send me to college so I had to fend for myself. After a couple unrelated careers, I found photography at thirty years old. I did assist for years at a nominal rate but I learned, did my own test shoots and I finally broke through. You either have a work ethic or you don't or it's beaten into you in order to survive. I appreciate my property because I remember the effort it took to buy it but it can all be lost in the blink of an eye.
I've been fortunate that my family have supported me throughout my education abroad. Because of the nature of their business, they have connections with people. For various reasons I didn't want to go live back home, but one of them was because I didn't want to be attached to my family's "reputation" and wanted to make it on my own merit (as opposed to being so-and-so's kid). If I'd stayed home, likely it would have been easier/quicker to get to where I am now in my career, but I don't think it would feel as satisfying. Then there's the childhood trauma of being told I'm never good enough that perpetuates good (drive to work harder) and bad (imposter syndrome/self flagelation)
You are you. We are all walking a similar path but at different places on it. You are you, and you will be the best you today. Tomorrow, if you learned something yesterday, you will be a better you today. Enjoy your clicks.
one person i know started 2 years ago borrowing their girlfriend's camera which is an older sony dslr ... for a long time then a year later got busier than me and bought proper mirrorless and surpassed me in number of jobs professionalism and confidence. as well making to finalists to some competitions. because he was more hungry than i am. if you are good and or make people feel comfortable you don need years and years of experience. im quite happy for them , shows where i could go if i sort my shit out.
Agreed fully! Great example. Talent & hunger can get you far…my professor used to say “hard work beats talent- when talent doesn’t work hard” Not to say you’re not working hard mate. Also I’ve seen in my years mediocre talent have big connections- book gigs but still need help with set up cuz they don’t know what to do 😂😂😂😂
I did 50 weddings and 3 bar mitzvah’s just to pay for the kit when I started my business. I’d not do either again but it really helped develop skills in so many ways that stay with you going forward.
My brother and I grew up on our dairy farm in the U.S. When we little - five and six - we were told we wouldn't get allowance, we'd have to work for money. Dad put the word out we needed old junk farm machinery to take apart. The whole neighborhood found us junk. Dad would set us to work on the machinery. He didn't tell us how to do something, he'd show us and then expect us to figure it out. I remember crying because we'd get stuck. We didn't want to beg for help since we knew he thought we were capable. He'd say "No such thing as can't! Not around here!". Then, tell us to figure out how the factory put it together and work backwards. When, we piled up enough we'd take theb steel to the huge scrapyar and we'd spend a whole afternoon looking at the cool stuff in the piles. We got the money for the steel. We learned if we worked hard we got money. A lot of it. If we watched Gilligan on tv we starved. We worked hard thinking of what we could buy. When I was 12 I bought a saddle for my horse, a 20 gage shotgun and a pilot friend bought me a Konica t3 camera in Japan and brought it back for me. How many 12 year olds can pull that off?
Despite coming from a privileged background, I followed my passion for photography and started a successful business in Zambia 17 years ago. Facing criticism and stigma, I believe hard work and determination matter more than your background. Family expectations haven't deterred me, and I continue to thrive. #FollowYourDreams
I am passionate about old cars from oil changes to paint jobs, that’s my jam. I have been taking pictures of cars for as long as I can remember but the pictures were always crap because until recently I didn’t think much of it until I looked back through old pictures I took and thought “wow, these are crap. What was I thinking?” Anyhow, cars are way more expensive when you accumulate the tools of the trade. A new Canon R1 would be cool but I have a 1960’s big block to build.
I did a paper round and a warehouse job from about the age of 13 (I didn’t start the warehouse job until I was 16 because that would be illegal…) but that helped me save up for a canon 70d which I got when I was 17 at college. because I knew it’s what Casey Neistat shot on. I taught myself filmmaking through UA-cam and at some point someone on here told me that I needed to practice photography to become a better filmmaker/cinematographer while I was still trying to figure out my career. I did an apprenticeship at a big ad agency where I cut my teeth making work in house at the expense of someone else and earn an entry level wage that gave me access to big clients. I partly got that job based on some films I made for local company’s in that 70d and for showing some entrepreneurial spirit. And now I travel the world shooting commercial work for brands. I always had a bit of a chip on my shoulder that I had no privilege, because I paid and earn my way through hard work. But people always have it worse off and I was lucky enough to be given the opportunity to prove myself time and time again and get my foot in the door at a lot of different places and gained trust and respect. A lot of people don’t get that opportunity and I reckon a lot of that came from the way I looked and sounded. I don’t have the same cockney accent that most of my class mates had because my nan used to tell me off for not pronouncing my T’s And H’s. The world’s complicated and we all were dealt different cards. I would get hung up on that fact. Keep pushing and trying and you’ll make good work
You don't need to be rich to start. I see plenty of photographers out there doing family portraits using a Canon Rebel T7i and a kit lens. You can save money buying something like this used. Now, if you want to grow as a photographer and improve your product, you will need access to financial resources, whether you acquire them from another job or from your photography it doesn't matter but you'll need to add better glass, lighting, etc... and that does take money.
Im based in Milan and you can for sure make a very good living as an assistant as a starting point. Good place to start out, and start building your book....
As someone with a family of 5 and as someone who lives under the poverty line, my key to photography success is to give up cars ... They are stupid money pits and I literally funded my fully stocked, no/little compromise studio after swapping out my car for an ebike and 49cc scooter.
Of course, it's always good to have money! But the key aspect is to have some type of support to get yourself established. That could be money, someone to borrow equipment, or space from, a mentor who is more knowledgeable than you, or friends who can introduce you to clients.
I suspect it is easier to get photographic work, if the family network is within the industry, whether it be fashion, or some area of the media as they already know the questions to ask. Coming from a non-artistic/media background, the difficulty is knowing what questions to ask, in order to move forward.
I know a few cases like a young dude 22 yo started his photography career with a Canon 1DXmk3 and a bag full of L lens, he's a student in philosophy and just start his business for like a year ago.
None of the photographers that I knew, and worked with were wealthy. They were working class people, working hard as I did, 7 days a week. I made a good living, was able to build a home, send my children to private schools, own new cars. The key was working hard, and doing it with my three best friends. Me, myself, and I. Not forgetting my wife supporting my efforts. And here I am, at 70, looking to get back into the commercial end of the business after a number of health issues had forced me to have to retire.
@@kavindelejrThanks! Having fun with creating commercial stills and refinement of my lighting. I was always a minimalist with my lighting having studied alot of Rodger Deans work over the years. I follow Tin House & Karl Taylor alot as well now. Always learning. Wish I was 20 yrs younger. Luck to you.
There are a handful of popular young and middle-aged photographer UA-camrs that I follow. Some in the U.S., and some in the U.K. A couple of them must be independently wealthy trust-funders. I am always wishing they would just fess up. Because when you don't have a day job, and it (their lifestyle) just doesn't add up, then.... What other answer is there? It does rub me the wrong way. And, yes, jealousy is in the mix for me.
There will always be others who have more than you and things that are beyond your control and there is nothing you can do about it. Stop complaining, ignore it and GET TO WORK! You will find a way if you really want it.
so, trained economist rather than pro photographer here, but I can't help but think that even though you had little money growing up, it still must have been worth something to not have to worry about the healthcare sword of damacles that we do in the US. It's funny but I came from a higher income family than you I think, certainly higher educated (both parents have phds), but I could never have been a pro photographer or artist of any kind because I had to make money the second I walked out of school due to student loans and needing health insurance. that's why empirically so few people are able to move up the income ladder. today, working as a software engineer, I can afford a lot, but it was really the groundwork my parents laid that made all that possible. all this is to say, the point of the status quo, is to keep the status quo. and with what feels like less chances to do photography work than ever, it will likely go back to how it was in the beginning, mostly rich people or people willing to take massive chances because they have nothing to lose. it is worth recalling that for a long, long time, only the fantastically wealthy could do photography at all.
I've started my career with old scuffed Nikon F2 (yep still in the age of film) with a couple of lenses which I've bought with money I've earned on construction sites over the summer as a teenager, while been shot on. Course I'm a reporter, there you go...
Bought all my gear from my own sweat and blood. Never had a formal lesson or have I attended a photography workshop, just pure grit and passion. These "faux-tographer" are just projecting their vanity disguising it as an art.
I really dig your style man. I think you are right btw. I have a pretty privileged background, which to be honest have made me pretty lazy. That being said, in the end of the day, the person have to make the work in the end of the day. Regardless, it is always easy to look at others with awe
To be honest, if you want it hard enough you'll find a way to get it or make it. I've known people who came from absolutely nothing and made it big. You have to have the drive and ambition, if you think "it would be nice", you won't.
I am American, You know what that means? Do ya? That means that our forefathers were kicked out of every decent country in the world. We are the wretched refuse. Everyone has an equal right to fail and maybe succeed. I care less about one's parents. I started in high school then went to a junior college then a four-year college majoring in photography and photojournalism. I worked 3 part-time jobs while in college. I started working part-time as a photojournalist by 19 and covered my first NFL game. I have worked for Scripps League, Lee Enterprises, and Pulitzer Inc. I started my career in photography in 1983. I still do journalism but I also do sports, portraits, glamour, and commercial arts. I've also added a video to my repertoire.
Maybe more prominent in fashion : Terry Richardson (probably the most famous of them all), Tyrone Lebon, Gray Sorrenti, , Michael Avedon... maybe not in the same bracket as Beckham but still a really big help up if you want to break into a hyper competitive market. They have superstar friends and the ability to travel to amazing places so their portfolios are of course more impactful than an equally talented Poor. They know how to speak to celebrity and have financial security to not take those dodgy jobs that the rest of us do to make ends meet. Now there aren't that many fashion campaigns going round so once these guys have shot 10 or so in a year, then your regular all stars (David SIms et al) shoot their allotment.... Its only a very tiny sliver of really well paid work that might allow for a bootstrap photographer to break in. So if you are a Poor like me ;) maybe better to get into really hyper commercial photography rather than shoot for the glamorous bits.
I guess I see it like matter and antimatter. You can have all the cards in the world or a single card. Either way, you should be aware that the opposite to what you have exists and both aspects can be a driving force. Either way. It’s what you do with what you have or don’t have that counts.
Of course you can; it's just more difficult. Also, Rankin's agency just declared bankruptcy. I've been telling people for some time the economy is going to burn; well, this is just the start.
Are you the only child of your parents? i see it with the kids I'm training the privilege ones with good bikes and softer than those with a secondhand bike. thank you for your lesson!
Creative industry has become more of a middle class industry as they DO NOT PAY interns and juniors almost anything. How can anyone who needs to pay for rent in todays inflation start out as a junior with almost minimum wage? Sometimes even no overtime pay?
My biggest mistake is to be the assistant to a female friend. She doesnt has the technical nor astistic skill, I resolve for her all the lighting and the mood, once all the lighting are set up and the cliente is presente, My biggest mistake is to be the assistant to a female friend. She doesn't has the technical nor astistic skill, I resolve for her all the lighting, the composition and the mood, once all the lighting are set up and the client is present, she aproaches to one light and pretends to redirect the light, just to leave it as I have set up, but her husband has contacts, she paid me too poorly. I decided to "support" her, in the future, as mínimal ways as possible. Maybe it's time she take advantage of someone new.
If you don't have the support from those closest to you, I'm not talking financial, dictatating how and what makes them happy, I rest my gear. If my gear rests, I rest and the wallet runs dry
I dont care what others have, if they are better than they are better if they have more success then its because of me being the worst businessman on earth. As long as i leave my images on someones fridge im fine but im not a full blown professional and im still not sure if i should fully commit to it... whatever looking left and right if anyone is having more of something is something i feel is a complete waste of time, time i could improve my self or take a nap 😅 I wonder if you could complain your self into a campaign 🤣😂
Why does everybody feel it necessary to apologise for this ludicrous conceit of “privilege’ these days? Privilege is part of life. Even biology confers privilege in looks, intelligence, athletic ability, height, weight - not to mention artistic/photographic talent.
Hi I don't agree with you! I was given everything (education and my first camera set) and I appreciate everything and I really respect money. I do not waste money.
I dont think they some destroy photography. At the end of tunnel are the point and shoot camera and AI. Photography are bound to get dramatic changes. There wont be a photographer any more, since everybody can do it.. it would be a media education branch that occasionally will use a camera.
Unlikely, because generative models have a hard time innovating and need extant training data to work. That training data has to come from somewhere else, unless you want to run into the copy-of-a-copy problem, think JPEG artefacts. Eventually all training data has been exhausted for "new" images of a thing, so somebody has to stand there, camera in hand, and think about new ways to light and image it. The darkest future for photographers I can see is one we already live in: good ones are just niche. But necessary.
What are your views on the matter?
It's so good to hear your story. We have similar backgrounds. My journey in leaving my full time job to become a full time photographer was extremely difficult and risky. My parents did not support me financially and told me it was my decision to leave my full time job and the risk was all on me. They believed I was a good photographer, but in no way provided me any financial loans, camera gear or support. Instead of attending a fancy film school, I went to community college and took 6 semesters of black and white film courses, which was very affordable at the time. It took years before I made the leap and it was incredibly scary to walk out of my day job. When I had 10 wedding contracts and deposits in the bank, I took a leap of faith. I rented equipment for years until I earned enough cash to purchase my first Hasselblad and open my small studio in California. Shot weddings for nearly 15 years and several gigs to pay the bills, like parties, corporate events, etc. I love your content. Thanks for sharing this! Great way to start my Monday.
An addition hurdle with privilege (and lack of) is how it affects you psychologically. I’m lucky because I got a bursary and a Maintenance Grant to go to The Royal College of Art. The finance woman told me it would be best for me if I didn’t tell the other students. Everyone on my course was either extremely well connected through family or very wealthy. But they were all so confident in themselves. I didn’t make the most of my time there because I felt so inferior to everyone. It’s only years later that I realise that confidence came through privilege rather than ability.
I have a friend who went to private school who always says he can do something. Took me years to realise he couldn’t, but that he had the private school confidence that he was able to do anything haha
@@TinHouseStudioUK It's lack of consequence when taking risks, I think. The more you're able to risk, the more you succeed at things. Privileged people have a safety net so they can try expensive new endeavours, can venture into risky new businesses, hold a referendum on the EU etc.
haha, yes and deffo the latter.
So refreshing to hear this, a lot have opportunites that you just can't take because of responsibilities , but everyone faces challenges in life, and sometimes finding your own path gives you an unique perspective.
Bryan Adams is another shoe in. I used to know a photographer in the same town as me at the time. He had a great shop front with very nice images, and he was a very good photographer. He drove a Porsche 911. What most people didn't know was that he actually made most of his money buying property and doing them up and selling them on.
A bit simialr to Mcdonalds net worth being in their real estate empire. Things aren't always what they seem.
I was a conscript soldier in the middle 80s during the Angolan / South African border war. In my second year of military service, I moved from an operational unit to the army magazine (propaganda and in-house for permanent force members) called Paratus. Before joining the army, I blew my chances of studying at university, hence the callup. I grabbed the opportunity to be a photographic reporter with both hands-there was only one year to learn everything before being thrown out into society again. Very fortunate and grateful to have learned from seasoned professionals at the army's expense. Most of my friends who studied (in those days a degree) photography never pursued it. My story links to yours, regarding hard work and gratitude. Also a cyclist - both passions not cheap - but we learn what is efficient instead of responding to marketing aimed towards amateurs/hobbyists. Reporting taught me to get the shot, no matter what because the colonel ordered it, and the punishment could be warzone duty or at the least a hot sandy hell of an excursion sleeping in the bush for a few weeks. Funny but true.
@@GerhardBouwer Great to hear. Salute from another S.A guy. Cheers.
Excellent analysis and spot on. One of the big components i hear from photographers here in the US is, "it's not what you know but who you know." Abeit, that is largely true, but getting to know 'the right people' is easy and not the exclusive domain of the privileged. And in the end, it all comes down to talent and drive and no one can give those to you, you have to give those to yourself.
yes deffo
As always you make very good points. Victory is always sweeter when you've struggled for it.
Appreciate what you have and strive to advance. Best place really.
I think the overlooked point here is that it's a lot harder to break into the industry today than it was 10 years ago.
The market feels a lot more saturated now that the barriers to entry have lowered (everyone can learn how to shoot on the internet, prices for kit is lower).
so a person's privileges (staying with parents, money etc) can become the sole factor of the opportunities available to someone.
Listen, I am not British; I came here with nothing six years ago. Today, I work with some of the best in London in my field. People who think negatively and too much will never succeed. It's also important to train yourself to be social and likable.
Hardship and lack of support can work wonders on a highly motivated person.
Congratulations!
Scott, your channel is an absolute treasure trove for those of us in this industry. Thanks for always sharing insightful perspectives!
I come from blue collar workers, my parents couldn't send me to college so I had to fend for myself. After a couple unrelated careers, I found photography at thirty years old. I did assist for years at a nominal rate but I learned, did my own test shoots and I finally broke through. You either have a work ethic or you don't or it's beaten into you in order to survive. I appreciate my property because I remember the effort it took to buy it but it can all be lost in the blink of an eye.
I've been fortunate that my family have supported me throughout my education abroad. Because of the nature of their business, they have connections with people. For various reasons I didn't want to go live back home, but one of them was because I didn't want to be attached to my family's "reputation" and wanted to make it on my own merit (as opposed to being so-and-so's kid). If I'd stayed home, likely it would have been easier/quicker to get to where I am now in my career, but I don't think it would feel as satisfying.
Then there's the childhood trauma of being told I'm never good enough that perpetuates good (drive to work harder) and bad (imposter syndrome/self flagelation)
You are you. We are all walking a similar path but at different places on it. You are you, and you will be the best you today. Tomorrow, if you learned something yesterday, you will be a better you today. Enjoy your clicks.
one person i know started 2 years ago borrowing their girlfriend's camera which is an older sony dslr ... for a long time then a year later got busier than me and bought proper mirrorless and surpassed me in number of jobs professionalism and confidence. as well making to finalists to some competitions. because he was more hungry than i am. if you are good and or make people feel comfortable you don need years and years of experience. im quite happy for them , shows where i could go if i sort my shit out.
Agreed fully! Great example. Talent & hunger can get you far…my professor used to say “hard work beats talent- when talent doesn’t work hard”
Not to say you’re not working hard mate.
Also I’ve seen in my years mediocre talent have big connections- book gigs but still need help with set up cuz they don’t know what to do 😂😂😂😂
I did 50 weddings and 3 bar mitzvah’s just to pay for the kit when I started my business. I’d not do either again but it really helped develop skills in so many ways that stay with you going forward.
My brother and I grew up on our dairy farm in the U.S. When we little - five and six - we were told we wouldn't get allowance, we'd have to work for money.
Dad put the word out we needed old junk farm machinery to take apart. The whole neighborhood found us junk.
Dad would set us to work on the machinery. He didn't tell us how to do something, he'd show us and then expect us to figure it out.
I remember crying because we'd get stuck. We didn't want to beg for help since we knew he thought we were capable. He'd say "No such thing as can't! Not around here!". Then, tell us to figure out how the factory put it together and work backwards.
When, we piled up enough we'd take theb steel to the huge scrapyar and we'd spend a whole afternoon looking at the cool stuff in the piles. We got the money for the steel. We learned if we worked hard we got money. A lot of it. If we watched Gilligan on tv we starved. We worked hard thinking of what we could buy.
When I was 12 I bought a saddle for my horse, a 20 gage shotgun and a pilot friend bought me a Konica t3 camera in Japan and brought it back for me. How many 12 year olds can pull that off?
Despite coming from a privileged background, I followed my passion for photography and started a successful business in Zambia 17 years ago. Facing criticism and stigma, I believe hard work and determination matter more than your background. Family expectations haven't deterred me, and I continue to thrive. #FollowYourDreams
I like the lighting you use here, any tips on how you got there?
I find it difficult to reconcile Scott's statements about "coasting" with those made in a previous video, that he can't stop working.
I am passionate about old cars from oil changes to paint jobs, that’s my jam. I have been taking pictures of cars for as long as I can remember but the pictures were always crap because until recently I didn’t think much of it until I looked back through old pictures I took and thought “wow, these are crap. What was I thinking?” Anyhow, cars are way more expensive when you accumulate the tools of the trade. A new Canon R1 would be cool but I have a 1960’s big block to build.
Not anyone can be a great artist but great art can come from anywhere
I did a paper round and a warehouse job from about the age of 13 (I didn’t start the warehouse job until I was 16 because that would be illegal…) but that helped me save up for a canon 70d which I got when I was 17 at college. because I knew it’s what Casey Neistat shot on.
I taught myself filmmaking through UA-cam and at some point someone on here told me that I needed to practice photography to become a better filmmaker/cinematographer while I was still trying to figure out my career.
I did an apprenticeship at a big ad agency where I cut my teeth making work in house at the expense of someone else and earn an entry level wage that gave me access to big clients. I partly got that job based on some films I made for local company’s in that 70d and for showing some entrepreneurial spirit.
And now I travel the world shooting commercial work for brands.
I always had a bit of a chip on my shoulder that I had no privilege, because I paid and earn my way through hard work.
But people always have it worse off and I was lucky enough to be given the opportunity to prove myself time and time again and get my foot in the door at a lot of different places and gained trust and respect. A lot of people don’t get that opportunity and I reckon a lot of that came from the way I looked and sounded.
I don’t have the same cockney accent that most of my class mates had because my nan used to tell me off for not pronouncing my T’s And H’s.
The world’s complicated and we all were dealt different cards. I would get hung up on that fact. Keep pushing and trying and you’ll make good work
You don't need to be rich to start. I see plenty of photographers out there doing family portraits using a Canon Rebel T7i and a kit lens. You can save money buying something like this used. Now, if you want to grow as a photographer and improve your product, you will need access to financial resources, whether you acquire them from another job or from your photography it doesn't matter but you'll need to add better glass, lighting, etc... and that does take money.
Can’t wait to hear more about the new YT channel!!
Im based in Milan and you can for sure make a very good living as an assistant as a starting point. Good place to start out, and start building your book....
As someone with a family of 5 and as someone who lives under the poverty line, my key to photography success is to give up cars ... They are stupid money pits and I literally funded my fully stocked, no/little compromise studio after swapping out my car for an ebike and 49cc scooter.
I do hope photography is a mix of both rich and poor. The perspectives from each are what makes life interesting.
Of course, it's always good to have money! But the key aspect is to have some type of support to get yourself established. That could be money, someone to borrow equipment, or space from, a mentor who is more knowledgeable than you, or friends who can introduce you to clients.
I suspect it is easier to get photographic work, if the family network is within the industry, whether it be fashion, or some area of the media as they already know the questions to ask. Coming from a non-artistic/media background, the difficulty is knowing what questions to ask, in order to move forward.
I know a few cases like a young dude 22 yo started his photography career with a Canon 1DXmk3 and a bag full of L lens, he's a student in philosophy and just start his business for like a year ago.
None of the photographers that I knew, and worked with were wealthy. They were working class people, working hard as I did, 7 days a week. I made a good living, was able to build a home, send my children to private schools, own new cars. The key was working hard, and doing it with my three best friends. Me, myself, and I. Not forgetting my wife supporting my efforts.
And here I am, at 70, looking to get back into the commercial end of the business after a number of health issues had forced me to have to retire.
All the very best with your re-entry into the business. Great to hear you’ve overcome your challenges.
@@kavindelejrThanks! Having fun with creating commercial stills and refinement of my lighting. I was always a minimalist with my lighting having studied alot of Rodger Deans work over the years. I follow Tin House & Karl Taylor alot as well now. Always learning. Wish I was 20 yrs younger.
Luck to you.
There are a handful of popular young and middle-aged photographer UA-camrs that I follow. Some in the U.S., and some in the U.K. A couple of them must be independently wealthy trust-funders. I am always wishing they would just fess up. Because when you don't have a day job, and it (their lifestyle) just doesn't add up, then.... What other answer is there? It does rub me the wrong way. And, yes, jealousy is in the mix for me.
There will always be others who have more than you and things that are beyond your control and there is nothing you can do about it. Stop complaining, ignore it and GET TO WORK! You will find a way if you really want it.
so, trained economist rather than pro photographer here, but I can't help but think that even though you had little money growing up, it still must have been worth something to not have to worry about the healthcare sword of damacles that we do in the US. It's funny but I came from a higher income family than you I think, certainly higher educated (both parents have phds), but I could never have been a pro photographer or artist of any kind because I had to make money the second I walked out of school due to student loans and needing health insurance. that's why empirically so few people are able to move up the income ladder. today, working as a software engineer, I can afford a lot, but it was really the groundwork my parents laid that made all that possible. all this is to say, the point of the status quo, is to keep the status quo. and with what feels like less chances to do photography work than ever, it will likely go back to how it was in the beginning, mostly rich people or people willing to take massive chances because they have nothing to lose. it is worth recalling that for a long, long time, only the fantastically wealthy could do photography at all.
I've started my career with old scuffed Nikon F2 (yep still in the age of film) with a couple of lenses which I've bought with money I've earned on construction sites over the summer as a teenager, while been shot on. Course I'm a reporter, there you go...
Always enjoy your talks!
Bought all my gear from my own sweat and blood. Never had a formal lesson or have I attended a photography workshop, just pure grit and passion. These "faux-tographer" are just projecting their vanity disguising it as an art.
⭐️ Great video!
Thank you!
I think a lot just think photo is to point at someone and press the shutter. How hard can it be.
I really dig your style man. I think you are right btw. I have a pretty privileged background, which to be honest have made me pretty lazy. That being said, in the end of the day, the person have to make the work in the end of the day. Regardless, it is always easy to look at others with awe
To be honest, if you want it hard enough you'll find a way to get it or make it. I've known people who came from absolutely nothing and made it big. You have to have the drive and ambition, if you think "it would be nice", you won't.
Interesting pov. I agree. If you are given something, versus earning it, you will appreciate it less.
I am American, You know what that means? Do ya? That means that our forefathers were kicked out of every decent country in the world. We are the wretched refuse. Everyone has an equal right to fail and maybe succeed. I care less about one's parents. I started in high school then went to a junior college then a four-year college majoring in photography and photojournalism. I worked 3 part-time jobs while in college. I started working part-time as a photojournalist by 19 and covered my first NFL game. I have worked for Scripps League, Lee Enterprises, and Pulitzer Inc. I started my career in photography in 1983. I still do journalism but I also do sports, portraits, glamour, and commercial arts. I've also added a video to my repertoire.
Maybe more prominent in fashion : Terry Richardson (probably the most famous of them all), Tyrone Lebon, Gray Sorrenti, , Michael Avedon... maybe not in the same bracket as Beckham but still a really big help up if you want to break into a hyper competitive market. They have superstar friends and the ability to travel to amazing places so their portfolios are of course more impactful than an equally talented Poor. They know how to speak to celebrity and have financial security to not take those dodgy jobs that the rest of us do to make ends meet. Now there aren't that many fashion campaigns going round so once these guys have shot 10 or so in a year, then your regular all stars (David SIms et al) shoot their allotment.... Its only a very tiny sliver of really well paid work that might allow for a bootstrap photographer to break in. So if you are a Poor like me ;) maybe better to get into really hyper commercial photography rather than shoot for the glamorous bits.
I guess I see it like matter and antimatter. You can have all the cards in the world or a single card. Either way, you should be aware that the opposite to what you have exists and both aspects can be a driving force. Either way. It’s what you do with what you have or don’t have that counts.
Of course you can; it's just more difficult.
Also, Rankin's agency just declared bankruptcy. I've been telling people for some time the economy is going to burn; well, this is just the start.
I watch your videos and i look at you, i don't think privileged. I think someone has worked hard to get there.
Hard work is always the key
Are you the only child of your parents? i see it with the kids I'm training the privilege ones with good bikes and softer than those with a secondhand bike. thank you for your lesson!
Wise words
Creative industry has become more of a middle class industry as they DO NOT PAY interns and juniors almost anything. How can anyone who needs to pay for rent in todays inflation start out as a junior with almost minimum wage? Sometimes even no overtime pay?
My biggest mistake is to be the assistant to a female friend. She doesnt has the technical nor astistic skill, I resolve for her all the lighting and the mood, once all the lighting are set up and the cliente is presente, My biggest mistake is to be the assistant to a female friend. She doesn't has the technical nor astistic skill, I resolve for her all the lighting, the composition and the mood, once all the lighting are set up and the client is present, she aproaches to one light and pretends to redirect the light, just to leave it as I have set up, but her husband has contacts, she paid me too poorly. I decided to "support" her, in the future, as mínimal ways as possible. Maybe it's time she take advantage of someone new.
If you don't have the support from those closest to you, I'm not talking financial, dictatating how and what makes them happy, I rest my gear. If my gear rests, I rest and the wallet runs dry
There are no maybes. It is life in a nutshell. It has nothing to do with what if???
Brooklyn Beckham didn't make it as a photographer.
I dont care what others have, if they are better than they are better if they have more success then its because of me being the worst businessman on earth. As long as i leave my images on someones fridge im fine but im not a full blown professional and im still not sure if i should fully commit to it... whatever looking left and right if anyone is having more of something is something i feel is a complete waste of time, time i could improve my self or take a nap 😅
I wonder if you could complain your self into a campaign 🤣😂
Why does everybody feel it necessary to apologise for this ludicrous conceit of “privilege’ these days?
Privilege is part of life. Even biology confers privilege in looks, intelligence, athletic ability, height, weight - not to mention artistic/photographic talent.
@@marcusnz232 leftist media brainwashing
Hi I don't agree with you! I was given everything (education and my first camera set) and I appreciate everything and I really respect money. I do not waste money.
I dont think they some destroy photography. At the end of tunnel are the point and shoot camera and AI. Photography are bound to get dramatic changes. There wont be a photographer any more, since everybody can do it.. it would be a media education branch that occasionally will use a camera.
Unlikely, because generative models have a hard time innovating and need extant training data to work. That training data has to come from somewhere else, unless you want to run into the copy-of-a-copy problem, think JPEG artefacts. Eventually all training data has been exhausted for "new" images of a thing, so somebody has to stand there, camera in hand, and think about new ways to light and image it.
The darkest future for photographers I can see is one we already live in: good ones are just niche. But necessary.
@@SkullCollectorD5 typographers died out due to they became obsolete.