The Truth about Becoming a Professional Photographer 

“A goal is not always meant to be reached, it often serves simply as something to aim at.” - Bruce Lee

I am not sure how Sean does it, but when he speaks it feels like he is talking to me, just me. I just love these videos, no bullshit...straight to the point, with real experience and stories of real struggle, which I can relate to. I am glad we have people like you on this platform.

When everyone is talking about Canon EOS R5/6 and Sony a7sIII, Sean's video is exceptionally refreshing and educational. Every job is not glamourous. There are always struggles, push backs, and orders from either boss or clients. Out of curiosity once I made a business plan to be a photographer for profession and there is no way that I can make living out of it. Having said that, I’ve found out that a business mindset/skill will help weekend photographers saving expenses, etc. I’m looking forward to the next one. It’ll definitely help everyone even you are not trying to be a professional one. Cheers.

Who else remembers Sean’s brilliant Snowdonia video? Feels like a lifetime ago now. ❤️

I love my job as a police officer and I love my side job as a RU-vidr. Not having to worry about my income gives me the freedom to do the things I love, which is great! I don’t think going ‘pro’ will give me more happiness... Great insights once again Sean. Cheers from Gouda, The Netherlands 🇳🇱 🙏

Love his honesty & passion in tackling his chosen topics.. Loads of youtubers out there who has higher followers than him dont really cover the reality of photography.. This maestro talks from real experience & no fancy presentation tricks, yet captivating from start to finish.. 🙏

As difficult as the transition from hobbyist to full time pro can be, I made the transition literally overnight as an injury forced me out of my old career and into a new direction. I went from never having owned a camera to making a full time living with video/photo in the span of about 6 months. A lot of luck, a lot of learning as I went (as Sean mentioned) and a lot of just plain old hard work. Now it’s 5 years later and still going strong. So even though making your living with a camera can be difficult it’s not impossible. I can thank Sean for his sober and reasoned explanation of things and many others for teaching me and encouraging me along the way. Good luck to everyone out there who takes the plunge and keep up the good work Sean!

here is the advice I give (more focus on adults who support themselves already) .. do a budget- be realistic including entertainment, insurance, rents, etc. Do you have 3 months in the bank .. if not- dont even think about leaving your dayjob. Do you have 6 months in the bank .. think about it. The number one reason people fail at this- they arent realistic with their goals, needs and budget. Dont forget to make a plan on how you will earn enough income to cover your needs monthly- and make sure you have 2-3 streams of revenues or making money. Example- lets say you find your budget is $3000 a month. Ok- maybe develop a plan to say- weddings or events 1K a month, portraits 1K a month, second shooting or editing etc 1K a month. Have a plan on how to get there- ie- 1 wedding a month, 3 portrait sessions, 2 days second shooting etc. Again- if you have the plan- until you have the savings- dont even thiink about it. Once you are suficient and have a budget to shelter your poor months and a plan to make your needs- thats where you can start- any extra goes to savings until you have 12 months which is ideal for a freelancer in the bank- or at least half in the bank, a quarter in cash and a quarter in easily liuid excess gear you can use and wont depreciate fast- think camera lenses

Sean, thank you - such a great video! I worked as a forensic photographer shooting everything from dog bite wounds to burned vehicles, accident scenes to large industrial presses, even climbing around in sewer systems. No creativity in the images. Huge creativity in problem solving that guided another career. Now, 40 years later, my camera is calling. Thanks for your story, perspective and encouragement to learn anew.

Good video and seems like sound advice. I'm a retired architect (50 years). I learned that architects are similar to photographers in that some are creatives and others are more technical. Those that are good/great designers are seldom good at business, and can't make it on their own. I had two architect friends (one with a business head and other a creative designer). They were at a point in their careers that they wanted to "do their own thing". They had briefly worked together at the same firm, so knew each other. They had parted ways in their careers. When having lunch with the "designer" one, he said he was thinking of opening his own office and would I consider working for him (as an intern since I wasn't licensed). I wanted to, but feared he would not make it. He would go broke. I suggested that he talk to the other architect with the business head, and be partners. They did and the firm was successful until the older one retired. I think photographers should consider doing the same thing. Or at least, if they are a creative, retain the services of a person that can manage the business end of things.

You're one of THE most genuine person I have ever come across online.

Thank you so much Sean. Big time. I haven't heard anything so inspiring in weeks. Do stay here. For us, for yourself, for this world. We need you

There's no other photography channel on youtube like this. You can't fake this level of honesty. So good.

Great thoughts spelled out here. Insights that ring true for me in my own experiences with the craft - as a professional. I have spent much of my career doing many things, which included professional photography and video (special events, weddings, live stage productions, commercial work and music videos)... and I do less and less of that now (partly due to COVID, however I was really doing less "pro" work and focusing more and more on my photography as an artform before the pandemic).The demands of photography as a professional, running and hustling after every gig to survive, taking every job to eat and pay the bills -- this wasn't for me. This isn't to say I do not do paid work anymore, I do, but I now do other things to earn my living so that I can focus on my love of image making. Allowing me also to choose which gigs I want to take on, knowing that I have choices because I have other steady income elsewhere (in digital marketing and print industry). It saved me from potentially learning to hate photography and giving it up. Being a photographer is a lifestyle, a vocation, a love of craft. Being an artist is a state of mind. It makes me happy. One of my favourite quotes of all time comes from Charles Horton Cooley, an American sociologist: 'An artist cannot fail; It is a success to be one'.

I respect your journey and many think it's all glamour and instagram but your approach is as real as it gets

I know honesty when I see it. You are so inspiring, talented and above all HONEST. That's why myself and many others follow your work. RU-vid has a lot of nonsense. You belong to another category. Greatness!!. Thank you and best luck .

One of the best self inflection/advice videos on youtube. truly fantastic.

Great piece, Sean. In the early 70's I spent a couple of years as a full time photographer doing pretty much any job that came along. After one too many disputes with an unhappy bride's mother, I went back to school then spent the next 43 years in the industrial electrical industry. I have been an avid, stress free photographer with adequate time and money to apply to the obsession ever since. Now comfortably retired, I can pretty much do as I please with photography. I found it much more challenging to satisfy my most important critic (me) but way less stressful.

Sean, your perspective has thrown light on the central challenge of my professional life - Is my image making, stills and video, my profession or my vocation. Over the decades I’ve explored both possibilities. Your video framed extraordinarily well the question and the implications of each choice. I hope your viewers consider carefully what you have shared. It’s pure gold. I wish I had access to advice laden with deep insight when I was starting out. Well done.

Very honest and very real, great video 👍

Sean, your content is such a gold mine on this platform. I've been following you for a while now and the way you express your thoughts is so eloquent. Please don't ever stop making videos.

Sean, is an absolute admirable person! Thank you for being there mate! Thank you so so so much!

Man, I've been freelancing for 6 years and also haven't managed to figure everything out with the marketing side. Can very much relate with your story.

Sean you are a brilliant communicator who happens also to be a photographer/videographer and I'm glad you are able to share both in these videos. Thank You

Great presentation. As a passionate photographer I got tired of wedding photography after 10 years. It wasn’t fun anymore. It became just a job. Now I’m enjoying my passion again… Travel, Street, Magazine, Landscape, Event, Sports, Portrait… just love being creative again. Thanks.

I decided many years ago to keep photography as a very enjoyable and fun hobby. After watching your video, it just reaffirms my decision.

The thing I enjoy the most from your posts is that along with your amazing photos you can leave the viewer with something to think about, right on the edge of the "ah-ha" moment where everything falls into place but letting us figure out how to take the next step. Thank you for your insights. I have a lot to think about today.

I just started a day job as a photographer for a studio. It’s a huge change for me but it’s a great mix between my customer service experience and love of photography. I’m looking to learn more and grow with this. I have my own website and creative on the side as I did but now it’s also my job. Thank you for this video. It’s very helpful to Balance the job and passion. My dream has been to make a living with photography and I am now. It’s not where I want it but it’s closer to my complete dream of it.

this kind of honesty won't come from an amateurs, this is artist talk. keep it up man, history will mention you for sure. you touch up on critical topics. wow

Thanks for the videos Sean! Honest, real and made with love.

Great Videos Sean, Thanks for all that you do.

I appreciate your time and information. Well done as always.

Great video. Love your passion and your honesty.

Always a treat to watch one of your videos.

Lots of love! Thank you Sean!

Definitely one of my favorite youtubers man thanks so much for this

Best lucid and clear advices ever! Congrats!

Pure honesty ! Thank you Sean.

Thank you Sean! for always sharing & inspiring will be waiting for your next video ❤️

So inspiring. As usual ! Thanks Sean !

Thank you Sean. I always appreciate your insights.

Sean, your videos are blessing for every photographer. One of the best channels Ive ever seen.

Thank you!!!!! Always useful advices from you!

Thank you very much for this video it helped me a lot! Also your other videos its just a pleasure to watch!

Thank you for your honesty. Fantastic video!

You're a truly inspiration for me, Sean! Thank you!

Thank you! That’s something I needed to hear rn. This is both honest and inspiring

Sean, thank you for always keeping me motivated and keeping my mind in check. I appreciate your presence in this community.

This video is teaching a lot of things. Thank You Sean.

Thank you for this!

Thank you so much for your honesty and sharing your story so openly Sean. Please know your work is so very appreciated.

That video was exactly what I needed ! Thank you so much

I love your videos! You are so honest and kind. Keep doing them all. I'd be glad to watch all of them!

Thank you Sean for another truly wonderful and inspirational video

In late 2018, I took a trip to visit my friend in Europe and I took a bunch of pictures with my phone. I was blown away by the response I was getting from friends and acquaintances about those images. It made me excited to invest in a camera system and start my photography journey. I soon realized that I wanted merge my new passion for photography with my love for cars. In early 2020, I left my 5 year job at a Fortune 500 company to work at a company that takes photos for different car dealerships. The photos are fairly generic, but I feel I'm on the right path to becoming a professional car photographer. I started a RU-vid channel and have been working on my Instagram to promote my personal work. I still have a ways to go but I feel like I chose the right thing. Don't stop believing in what you love!

"If you already take photographs, and you enjoy it, you are already legit." When I heard you say that, I choked up a little. There's so many people out there that will tell you that you aren't a "real" photographer if you do this or don't do that, and hardly anybody who tells you that as long as you enjoy it, you're a photographer. I still have "amateur photographer" in my social media bios because I don't feel like I deserve to call myself a photographer.

Kudos Sean! Very inspirational! Thank you for the great content you producing!

Awww, wow Sean. Felt like i had coffee with you (though i don't drink anymore) you took me to a place of reality, YOUR reality, back to mine and my decisions, much love

Outstanding. Thank you.

It is always a pleasure to listen to Sean, very real and honest in what he says.

Thank you for being so genuine and generous with your knowledge.

This resonates so much with me. It's honestly great to hear this from someone further along their career than me.

As always honest insightful and smart - your journey and your photography are inspiring - thanks Sean

Well said, well done and on point👍🏽

Sean, thank you. Your passion and your articulation are so inspirational as always!

Excellent advice! Thank you!

Love the openness of Sean’s story and that all of our photography journeys are valid

Really love your channel, Sean. You gave some great advice. I really enjoyed hearing about your journey.

I first found your channel by way of your Snowdonia video, and it resonates to hear you mention it. I've been following your channel ever since. Your videos are inspirational, and they've helped me re-discover my love of photography after some very difficult years & bad experiences. This is yet another brilliant video, thank you Sean.

Hey sean, thank you so much for making these videos. I’m really grateful for your videos and all the advice that you gave for us 🙏🏽

really good point of view, thanks Sean for sharing your journey

Thank you for taking the time to share your experiences and for being honest in your message. Inspiring and helpful!

Very accurate thank you Sean. In my 2-3 years of free lancing I've also found marketing myself and reaching new clients very challenging. Often relying on word of mouth and not being pro active in trying to expand my reach. The most recent big shoot I did have was for a textiles company and the work was as you described your furniture shooting days. Its one after the next, continuously shooting, dressing the sets, moving everything around, again and again and again. It quickly becomes work, definitely not the worst work but not the same as photographing portraits of your friend at the park. I think there's a bit of a misunderstanding of what it means to be a professional photographer. It's not the same as when you're learning or playing and have complete creative freedom but you just get payed for it. It is often controlled by someone else and you are fulfilling a need of a person or business. It's not about you or your vision (unless you are in a very lucky position where you are living by purely selling prints etc.) Its about your clients, what they want, what they need. Yes you may have your style that sets you apart but the mindset is very different. It's still a very privileged position to be in to take photographs for a living but that does not make the long hours shooting, setting up, processing and editing go by easily. Its still work and it would do someone justice to think about it before jumping in to hastily and being disappointed. Start with a few jobs on the side for a little while and see what it's like and how easily you are able to get work and get clients. Its easy to think that once you leave whatever job you have you will have to more to find clients or more time to do photography etc. But you can start the process before completely quitting to make sure you're not just going to be unemployed with a camera. Best of luck to everyone. May we all end up where we can help and do our best!

Thanks Sean. Good to hear your back story and experiences. Always appreciated.

Love your honesty

i think this is a true master class of advice! thanks Sean

You make such deeply useful content Sean, and never with filler, which is what most of RU-vid videos on the subject are. Thank you for what you do

Thank you for sharing your story!

Such a great talk. Agreed on all points. Thank you for that distinction between vocation and occupation.

Sean, thanks as always for speaking from the heart. The occupation vs. vocation context is a great framing for this question.

So authentic and humble - you really connect with your audience

Brilliant, insightful, honest and humble.

As always refreshingly honest and open discussion Sean - thanks for sharing. Fascinating to hear of your route into photography, had no idea you'd come in via videography. Look forward to the next part.

thank you sean! very much apriciated!

“Guard your motivation”…brilliant comment near the end. Perennially the challenge to graduate an enthusiasm/interest/passion to a paying gig…and, perhaps, the wisdom in knowing when not to. Another 22 mins well spent. Thank you.

Thanks, Sean! That Vivian Maier analogy at the end did the job.

I can feel your honesty and your passion... It push me up to continue dreaming but with feet on the ground! Thanks for sharing

Your videos are always helpful and entertaining. Your food pictures with only natural light were really impressive by the way

Brilliant! Thank you for sharing your story.

Thanks for being real and sharing

Great video Sean. You have a really pleasant manner and voice. The story and advice feels true, honest and ultimately inspirational.

Thanks for all these words, Sean. They came in the best time for sure 🙏

I so appreciate your candor and integrity in the information you provided in this and in all of your discussions. You are EXACTLY the type of person others should listen to. Thank you.

Thank You so much for Your motivating words!

Thank you for sharing your wisdom. It’s really refreshing to hear the truth of the day to day.

Humble yet strong willed expression of your intention to provide us the road to take. It hits my mind and heart Sean! Vocation to start with at this time. Can't give up my job yet. Shooting what I like is to keep the passion burning with interest to move forward! Thank you!

Thank you, Sean!

Sean Tucker - Great, yet modest charismatic man. My Guru. Thank you.

My brava...your honesty & all the tips you give me/us is so valuable and uplifting...you dont realise how you are helping so much with your videos...thank you..

Felt this video sooo much... Thank you