Why am I too afraid to follow my dream?

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

08/16/2008 05:06:07 AM · #1

I like to tell myself that I'm a good photographer. People who have seen my photo's tend to agree with me. Many times they ask me why I don't start my own business / studio. I'm wondering the same thing! I really really REALLY want to! But I'm too chicken :(
You see...there's this big pile of bricks which I lovingly refer to as 'home'. There's also this guy. Yups there's always a guy. He likes that pile of bricks just as much as I do. And I really REALLY like him. (he likes me too fortunately) OK, I'll admit, it's a pretty expensive pile of bricks. That's why we both work very hard to keep it, and enjoy it.
But many times my Hippie self starts dreaming away of having my own studio, doing photography all day, every day. And yes I know, there will be assignments that won't be as creatively challenging, and sometimes just plain boring. But still...the satisfaction of yet another happy client and the rewards for that will make it worth the while. But then my Realistic self starts kicking my Hippie self's butt for being such a dreamer. No assignments means no income, means ByeBye pile of bricks :(
And the Realistic self always wins this fight. And I don't want to disapoint my guy because he has build and loved that pile of bricks for so long, I don't want him to have to give that up.
So I guess I will just grow gracefully (right?) old, and I think I'm gonna sign up for that 10 day course of regret now.

But deep in my heart, I really don't want to....

Thnx for reading this, and if you have any advise please say so :)

hanneke

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

08/16/2008 05:19:24 AM · #2

Puckzzzzzz, I'll send you a pm

(is makkelijker ;))

Retroesque

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM

08/16/2008 05:29:02 AM · #3

Tanja - a quote from Anais Nin

Risk

And then the day came,
when the risk
to remain tight
in a bud
was more painful
than the risk
it took
to Blossom

I wish this day comes gently to you soon - you are so VERY, VERY talented!

Penny Lane

Canon EOS-5D

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS

08/16/2008 06:24:37 AM · #4

Why do you need to do one or the other? (same job, photography business).
Why not start doing some paid photography on the side and see where it takes you, or are you already doing this?
Good luck with your decisions.:)

Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM

08/16/2008 06:38:39 AM · #5

Originally posted by Penny Lane:

yeah, I'm going to look at some possibilities of advertising and doing it all in my spare time first. Maybe if things develop, start working one day less or so. I've just had a talk with my boyfriend and he totally supports me in this. Luckily I already have a small studio behind my house (converted garage)where I've done some paid shoots already. But I want to take it further than just mouth to mouth advertisement from friends.

So, exciting thoughts are building up, I have to wait a little while to organize some things. But I'm definitely going to have a go at it.

idnic

Canon EOS-60D

08/16/2008 09:33:15 AM · #6

Tanja, there is no reason you can't do both. In fact, please take it from someone whose been there.... don't try to do photography full-time until you have a fairly well established part-time business (or a lot of cashola in the bank). I was reading a photographer's blog a few days ago, she said to get a good start out the gate and to get a great looking portfolio she offered free sessions for 6 weeks (she was shooting kids only. The response was huge, she got the portfolio shots she needed and got a good base-list of clients who became regular customers. Sounds like a great way to get a quick start.

Louis

Nikon D800

Nikon AF Nikkor 85mm f/1.8D

08/16/2008 10:01:06 AM · #7

Cold feet are a mandatory part of the process of starting up a new business.

luv2photo

Canon EOS-40D

Tamron AF 28-300mm F/3.5-6.3 XR Di VC LD Aspherical(IF)Macro

08/16/2008 10:04:40 AM · #8

Send you a pm on my current ventures. I am lucky enough to have two very generous photographers (both well known in two different cities) who are allowing me to use their studios part time as my launching ground!

Prof_Fate

08/16/2008 10:33:25 AM · #9

Fear of the unknown has stopped more people from doing great things than anything else. If you want it bad enough you can make it happen - you have a great motivation - you want to keep your pile of bricks.

Step one is to make a plan- what do you need to have a business that will pay you enough that it can be your full time job? Have as in gear, location, systems (accounting, filing, workflow, etc), clients (who, how many), products (prints/frames/collages, and pricing).

Are you prepared to work 100 hours a week for the next 3 years - physically (got kids?), mentally, emotionally? That is what it will take to succeed.

It's exciting, rewarding, satisfying and fun - but it's hard work and can be very stressful.

If you persist you will succeed. Most folks give up too soon. Henry Ford's Ford Motor Company, the one we know, was actually his third car company, and he declared bankruptcy 5 times. But he never gave up. Edison never gave up.

Do some research, do not reinvent the wheel (just copy a successful forumula) and persist.

JulietNN

Canon EOS-7D

Tamron 16-300mm Di II VC PZD MACRO w/Canon Nikon mount

08/16/2008 10:49:16 AM · #10

You should give it a go part time. When you are old, do you think you will look back and regret that you did not do it.

Not sure how it works over there, but here you can rent studio spaces by the hour or day. Maybe set up one day a week where you book whomever you want into that day?

magenmarie

Canon EOS-5D Mark IV

Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM

08/16/2008 11:38:12 AM · #11

Sounds like one day you will regret it if you never try it. Even part time. Just dabble in it for now...and see what comes of it. You have the talent, the creative eye, and most likely the determination to get what you want. So, my advice is to GO FOR IT.

:)

08/16/2008 11:38:52 AM · #12

THNX every one for the positive feedback. I'm going to give it a serious try (and yes I will persist because I really want it to work)

I'll start with updating (or maybe even change) my website first and some small advertising in the local paper. I'm thinking about the suggestion

idnic made about offering free shoots to the first ten customers or so, to get a commercial portfolio going.

The whole thing needs to be planned thoroughly before I do anything. So that's what I'll do first. Make a plan, take

Prof_Fate his advise and see what needs to be done, where I need to invest in etc. We have a terrific financial adviser, so I'll ask him what I need to do with things like VAT numbers and C.o.C. numbers.

I'm all excited now :-D

DarkRider

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5G IF-ED

08/16/2008 11:53:34 AM · #13

Following dreams is so very hard. I have done it (and will do it again)...it was not easy...I lost a bunch...even a pile of bricks as you call it (dream chasing wasn't the only reason but it was part of it) and more....BUT, the rewards are just so much BIGGER!!!

I love my work... no stress (from work, the rest is still there but it's easier to deal with)...I have more time for my wife...I have more time for fun...I have more money and work less...I have more time to live!!!

Have a look at this music video. It has ALWAYS been an inspiration to me. It's all about chasing dreams and having the support to do it. (and so many more meanings)

Blind Melon - No Rain
It's also an artistic inspiration one of the best videos I have ever seen!!!!

08/16/2008 11:57:20 AM · #14

Originally posted by DarkRider:

I don't even have to click on your link, I LOVE that song! Got the CD :)

DarkRider

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5G IF-ED

08/16/2008 11:59:33 AM · #15

Cool, but have you watched the video lately...I bet it adds a whole new perspective when you watch it in your current state(for lack of a better word)...

08/16/2008 12:03:43 PM · #16

Originally posted by DarkRider:

Cool, but have you watched the video lately...I bet it adds a whole new perspective when you watch it in your current state(for lack of a better word)...

I just watched it :-) still love it!

and yes it does kinda make you want to try even harder.

so sad the singer is dead, what a talent lost.

DarkRider

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5G IF-ED

08/16/2008 12:38:45 PM · #17

Good Luck Tanja!! It took me a long time to realize that bricks are just bricks...it's the one you share the bricks with that counts the most. And that sometimes you just have to be a little selfish and do what's best for you! If the person you share the bricks with understands then you have it made!!!!
My wife thought me to LIVE - LOVE - LAUGH and that following dreams lets you enjoy all of them. I just simply admire all who have the courage to follow there dreams...best of luck and well wishes for your journey ahead. Scott

oOWonderBreadOo

Canon EOS-5D

Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L USM

08/16/2008 05:01:32 PM · #18

Originally posted by DarkRider:

Its funny that you mention brick walls because I was just going to suggest this:

Randy Pausch Last Lecture: Achieving Your Childhood Dreams

It is a long lecture- over an hour but it is inspiring.

It made me realize that trying and failing can be the best thing in the world. So go ahead and try :0)

Ann

Olympus OM-D E-M1

Olympus 12-40mm f/2.8 Pro

08/16/2008 09:10:33 PM · #19

I tried this a few years ago...changing careers to become a musician, not a photographer. Ultimately, it didn't work, not because I didn't have the skill as a musician, but because my 40+ year old body was too fragile to do music full time. Go figure. But I don't regret a minute of the time I spent trying to do this, and now I don't look at music with the sense of longing and regret I had before I tried to make the change.

Anyway, what I learned in doing research for that is four things:
* Most small businesses are ultimately successful.
* Most successful small businesses are started by someone working part time while they're still holding down their day job.
* Most successful small business owners work 80+ hours a week during the first five years.
* It helps to have a plan.

kittyjw

08/23/2008 05:19:08 PM · #20

....I have worked in the administrative field my whole life, I am 52, don't look it (I don't think, maybe I do, I don't know) and don't feel it.....I have an interview Monday at a photography studio where I can work as an assistant.....Something I have always wanted to do., but never did....I love photography, .....Now I have a chance and I feel too old....I sat outside in my car today watching the building for about an hour to see if any of the photographers came out, and just one did, she looked young and pretty....Now I get a chance to do what I have always loved, but I don't think they will hire me......I think I will go anyway, I will go for the both of us.....It may not work out, and I will feel horrible.....But I think i'm going to try.....I'll know for sure come Monday.

Nathanael_G

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 17-35mm f/2.8D IF-ED

08/24/2008 10:14:32 AM · #21

Don't worry about age! Do what you love, and people won't look at you for your age. I'm on the opposite side of the spectrum (very young) and at first people would look at my work as "really good for his age", now they just look at my work. Passion shows. Hard work shows. Don't worry about people thinking you are too old. Once they see your work, that's what's going to stay in their mind. And even if you don't get in where you want the first time, don't give up. Try somewhere else. It's uber scary, but it's worth it! Keep going after it!

Good luck!

_Nathanael

Eyesup