A Pro Photographer's Honest Review of 2024

As another year comes to a close, I take a moment to reflect on the highlights, challenges, and lessons learned from 2024. This Year in Review offers a personal yet relatable look back at the key moments that shaped the last twelve months-whether creatively, professionally, or personally. It’s a time to pause, look at what worked, what didn’t, and set the tone for what lies ahead.
In this video, I share successes and struggles, moments of growth, and a few surprises that shaped the year. Whether you're looking for inspiration, motivation, or just a sense of shared experience, this wrap-up invites you to reflect on your own year while setting intentions for a bigger, better 2025.
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[@matrixphotodesign]

My whole year basically imploded !!!!

[@StudioBuilder]

Oh man, I'm so sorry to hear that. It's been rough out there for so many people, myself included.

[@matrixphotodesign]

@@StudioBuilder Well that's the risk we all take as entrepreneurs, but I have to thank you for being honest about the struggles its really helped me deal with the situation.

[@stephenjedgarphoto]

So happy to have found you. Thank you for the courage to talk about mental health and self care. The very word, "Duvet" gives me the warm fuzzies LOL. Hugs to you, full-on gratitude and props! I'm in your general vicinity so if we bump into each other I'd love to buy you a pint! Looking forward to a manageable 2025 :)

[@StudioBuilder]

Cheers! Let's hope we can all make it through 2025 without much more talk of being annexed by the angry orange man.

[@zosozoso2]

You are so right about beeing stuck with the work that pays ones bills... its like working 60-80 hours a week, and when you can breath a bit of air, the last thing I think about is grabbing my camera... And yes, money are less and less worth these days!

[@visual-enthusiast]

1:00 "people in the US doing.very well". BRO. here is a free for all deathmatch for photographers.

[@StudioBuilder]

In the Facebook groups I'm in, people in the US are making crazy money hand over fist.

[@adamjclaus]

That edit showing the softbox was awesome! I found you through your video about getting an agent, and I appreciate your honesty and transparency about it all. There's so much BS on youtube, so finding someone like yourself is refreshing. Keep up the good work!

[@StudioBuilder]

Thanks, glad you found me! It's a rough road where I am, but maybe it'll be easier for you.

[@jbakaricreative]

Appreciate your transparency. Your content and thoughts really have helped me in my pursuit in sustaining a photography practice.

[@StudioBuilder]

That's awesome to hear. We're not alone out there, even though it often feels like it.

[@Zomlies]

Thank you for sharing! I appreciate it very much. Your videos are always very personable because you discuss your own experiences and situations. It’s quite refreshing since a lot of creators out there don’t talk as much about that. I don’t blame them but it’s great that you did. Thank you!

[@StudioBuilder]

I think it's important to be honest about the industry, your own experience, and what you bring to the table.

[@MANIAKRA]

Super excited to see content from a southern Ontario brother. I've been deep diving photography lately and this was really enjoyable (and relatable) to listen to. I am literally 1 mouse click away from buying a Sony A7RV but I've also been thinking about our dying dollar and how maybe its not the best time to drop $8000+ on something like you said... not sure. I really wanted to take pictures of winter, my favourite mood of the year.

[@StudioBuilder]

The dollar is expected to drop even further with the US Federal Reserve not lowering the base rate and Canada's Central Bank continuing to. Vistek lists that camera at $4,798, which will be $5,400 after tax, but that's body only. Unless you absolutely NEED NEED NEED a new body, whatever you have right now is probably perfectly fine, especially if it's scenic. I just sold my Mini 2 drone because I hardly use it, and I'm also selling my Sony ZV-1 for similar reasons. Save your money.

[@WAPhoto]

Yes I agree I've done similar. I'm in Niagara and I've opted on finding used gear that is in excellent shape vs buying new if possible. Recently grabbed an additional body and saved 2K not including HST.

[@brad_in_yyc]

I also love Scott's channel. I'm not a commercial photographer, but I do headshots. But also weddings, families, and events. And I think a lot of info that both you and Scott share are relevant to what I do and how I want to run my business. Hopefully I'll be able to make the leap to full time shooter soon. Thanks for all the insights and advice.

[@StudioBuilder]

It's a tough decision, but hopefully you can make the leap!

[@Camera64video]

We are in the same boat here in the US. We have seen a significant decrease in sales over the past two years too. People are really starting to buckle down. A lot of smaller businesses are closing left and right because of it. Restaurants are taking the bulk of it. I am also rethinking everything. Do I want to continue or not, 20 years in for myself.

[@StudioBuilder]

I hear ya. I know so many photographers in the US who are making six figures or multiple six figures, but we don't work in the same genres.

[@nunosaraivaphotographer]

Top!!! Great info! I feel the same. Thanks again Hugs from Portugal 👍🤗

[@elliotresnick5433]

Post Covid, prices for goods and services has risen sharply in the U.S., so it’s challenging here as well. Just hopeful the tariffs being discussed aren’t imposed because that’s going to exacerbate the situation for all of us. I don’t like getting drawn into discussions about politics because that’s a slippery slope these days. Wishing you a prosperous 2025!!

[@StudioBuilder]

The tarriffs Trump is suggesting would plunge Canada and most of the world into a situation worse than the great depression. But then again, sociopaths don't care about whether or not they hurt other people.

[@steveatesh]

Interesting and Honest Scott. Sadly not much different in the UK - our productivity growth stagnated in 2010 and it has barely budged since, same in the EU although I didn't know it was like that in Canada. In The UK and EU we are steadily getting poorer as individuals compared to US citizens, and our spending power is noticeably dropping, cant see it changing much in the next few years! Cheers and have a good Xmas.

[@StudioBuilder]

Yeah, probably not for the next four year, at least. Best to invest in companies that would be needed during times of war and austerity.

[@Smamaj]

I think key element in working with headshot space is people are saving money and also I guess competition is much higher than in specified commercial jobs. For me this year overall I worked less but made much more than last year but I am mainly focusing on outdoor brands that have modern approach to their design. I ll probably restart my YT and will talk about it as I my segment of buissness is working as it is totally different I am not dependent on normal customers rather than brands that hire me for gigs.

[@Charlotte_Photographer]

What are the tax laws in regards to you coming to the US to buy gear and bringing it back into Canada?

[@StudioBuilder]

We would have to pay HST at the border or they confiscate it. Also, things like cameras and lenses purchased in the US have to be serviced in the US for some reason. I get some things from B&H and even with currency conversion shipping and duties, I'm often still saving a bit of money. Driving, with the cost of gas, just doesn't make sense, even though I'm relatively close to the border.

[@joseelement7695]

Thanks for sharing, man. Very informative. "pays taxes because he likes universal healthcare and roads"....bloody socialist. *sarcasm.

[@StudioBuilder]

💀💀💀