I have been a professional event photographer and photography teacher for 10 years. Follow the links below to see my work. / mikmilman mikmilman.com Instagram | @retrograding / retrograding Facebook | / mikmilman
Good video. Reminds me of a Nietzsche quote: Today as always, men fall into two groups: slaves and free men. Whoever does not have two-thirds of his day for himself, is a slave
Great video! I am one of those rare people who loves my full time job with no intentions of leaving it. But I do love photography (especially Event Photography) and making more time to develop my photography skills. I am so glad that you said it takes time (and money) to build a photography kit. Thanks again for being authentic about this wonderful thing we call photography. It is so refreshing to subscribe to a channel that is not pushing the latest gear or arguing about photography. I love hearing from a real, working photographer about the journey.
That was one of my fears for not pursuing professional/commercial photography because I may not be able to feed my family. But now that I'm retired ( living here in the Philippines ) with my U.S. pension, financially I probably can afford to go Pro. But then again I want my freedom. I am a professional photographer tho'.
As someone who recently quit his job to become a full time photographer, I really appreciate this video. I'm excited and terrified at the same time, but your message really struck home with me and I feel I made the right move. I really enjoy event photography and look forward to your tutorials. Thanks for the hard work and for sharing your knowledge!
@@MikMilman Although I use real estate photography to pay the bills, I actually specialize in motorspots photography. So far it's been an interesting contrast - bracketing wide angle shots during the weekdays, then big lenses and fast fps on the weekends. Honestly, as long as I can comfortably pay the bills (and have a bit of fun), I'm a happy camper. Fortunately my fiance is 100% supportive (I'd be interested to hear more about your support system - friends, family and working with other creatives). Thanks again!
Thank u so so much... This video was sent for me.. Photography is a passion for me and I struggling to build it up cause I have no support financially and even after getting to shoot session after a while, I still don't take any money back home after shooting cause the whole money goes on renting camera and equipments. It really hard out here but the passion keep us going.
Mik, you rock! I´ve been a pro photog for some 20+ years and as you say- it´s tough. I have only been able to "make it" because I love it and I cannot imagine doing anything else for a living. That´s the truth.
I am taking a 2 year long course in professional photography , but honestly i am happy if i can ever get a single payed gig. That's how hard it seems to get payed for it these days. I will probably have spend like 5000+ bucks by the time i get payed for photography (think i spend around 2500 so far) And on top of that i have no clue what job i am going to do besides photography, i am going to have to do something to be able to afford buying food.
You don't need to go to school to learn photography, but the structure must be nice. I learned photography at a conceptual art school, so I mostly learned the technical side on my own.
That's up to you. Early on in my career - because I was full time - I just had to take any gig I could. But later on in my career I was able to focus on what I really wanted to pursue. These days if someone offers me a gig like product photography, I turn them down.
As a long time pro photographer this is a question we used to ask ourselves: what’s the difference between a photographer and a large pizza? Answer: a large pizza can feed a family of four. Another thing we used to say: how does a photographer end up with a million dollars? Answer: you start with two million. Nonetheless I did it for forty years and still shoot (although partially retired) and teach. For me photography was/is a passionate mistress.
Undercutting is like not valuing your own photography... I don't shoot professionally, but take it seriously and I photographed unknown people for free. I was the only one at the scene with semi-pro gear, photographing my girlfriend. I was asked if I could take pictures of someone's daughter too for money. I said no way, it will be a gift. I loved every minute of the shoots, the post, the whole experience. But - as I learned - they did not value it, as it was free. Giving out for free I valued my work to zero. Did it twice, not anymore. Who is not a pro, should still charge close to the pros, since shooting and post takes time and time is valuable for everyone.
