Photography: Art Or Business?

Take a picture it lasts longer, is what they said.

See things differently is what I say. If you have ever spent any time behind the lens, you have more than likely wondered about the viability of your creative language of captured images, and asked yourself many questions.

Is my photography for me, you, or both?
Do my images possibly convey visually what I felt internally when I captured them?
Are the feelings evoked by my photographs strong enough that people will be drawn to them, for whatever their power is, negative or positive?
Will people be able to see the beauty and artistry involved in the isolation of that moment, angle, light, or feeling?
Does my particular talent have the ability to move a consumer enough to go into their pocket?
Does my talent make people, places, and things more interesting?
Do I have the desire and ability to approach it from an entrepreneurial stand point, or am I a hobbyist?

Expressing our creative talents definitely has the potential to provide personal fulfillment as well financial blessings. The reality for the photographer with a recognized talent is that it can be either or both.

Play. Create. Enjoy.

If the lines can blur between work and play, you’re winning. Should you commit to making Photography a career?

5 Things to Know Before You Start a Photography Business

While it may sound exciting and glamorous to consider yourself an entrepreneur, the reality isn’t as exciting or glamorous. The very definition of an entrepreneur is someone who organizes and operates a business, and takes on greater than normal financial risks in order to do so. Rather than working for someone else, you’re taking the full responsibility of operating a business.

As a business owner, you’re in charge of starting the business, accounting, legal compliance, marketing, sales, managing staff, coming up with startup capital, staying motivated, and balancing work and family life — all while trying to minimize risk. If this still interests you, then you have the right mindset. If it doesn’t, I’d really sit back and question whether this is a right fit for you or not. If you want to be your own boss, you’ll need to run a business.

The fact that almost all business will fail should scare you. Ninety-five percent of businesses will fail within the first five years according to the Small Business Administration. Why?

Because most businesses do not have a sound business plan. Most entrepreneurs have not accounted for the reality of failure. They simply focus on one end goal and have a difficult time shifting their business strategy to accommodate for the market.

This is an excellent video by Jeff Rojas that may help you decide …

1. Remember That You’re an Entrepreneur

2. Don’t Overestimate Your Market

3. You Need to Be Stubbornly Dedicated

4. Creativity Means Nothing Without Purpose

5. It’s All About Who You Know and Who Knows You

Want More Tips For Your Photography Business?

Nino Gabaldon

Nino has been a creative educator for over twenty-five years and will forever be a student. Disciplines have included Acting, Writing, Directing, Photography, Videography, Editing, and Coffee Fetching. Blessed with many opportunities to support and encourage diversity in the arts, teaching acting and creative writing to incarcerated youth and adults, was by far his favorite. With a strong background in the visual arts, his creative spirit continues to assist the endeavors of The Recovery Brand, "New Now." Projects Include: New Now Life, Sober Directory, New Now Foundation, and New Now Village (A Sober Tiny House Community). Grateful for what was so freely given to him, he feels truly called to give back through love and service. He and his beautiful wife Victoria, are blessed to share the common purpose of walking with others on their Recovery Journeys. From helping individuals to meet their basic needs, to building community, to discovering and pursuing their passions, Nino and Victoria’s mission is to Love others through.

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