be a cheap photographer

[@sergiopstudio]

ok, but.... what's in your cart right now?

[@mintysingularity]

"Your Cart is Empty"

[@PilotNefron]

a Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II Lens 😅

[@thom7ad]

Two 5 foot paper backdrop rolls and possibly a light meter. But to be fair, I’ll only buy the backdrops after I sell the existing two colors I’m not using as much. Other than that, I’m pretty set on a slim kit.

[@manugeee]

A 3D printed 6x17 camera, made on the other side of the world.

[@trashtronics1700]

New to photo stuff getting a nikond3200 and a d3100 for the wife can't afford all the fancy stuff but these come with a couple of different lenses

[@graindropz]

"If you want to buy something, make sure you've saved for it 2x" So much excellent advice in this video. Not even just for photography, but for life in general.

[@agylub]

Not to mention if you just get paid for a $500 job you will receive a $600 bill

[@jornidema1884]

I worked in a camera store. And the full time photographer customers had always the oldest most beat kit. And the hobyist had always the newest and the best kit

[@harshil102]

Well yeah because the full time photographer is results focused: "How can I create the most income from my work?" Whereas a hobbiest is experience focused: "What do I want to mess with and enjoy using to photograph with?" Neither are the wrong approach for the respective user (assuming the hobbiest has the spare cash) but each approach is probably incorrect for the opposing user. Nothing wrong with that.

[@Vlay76]

Spot on 🙂‍↕️

[@jmackultra]

Facts!! I noticed that myself. With some exceptions. Folks who had a strong social media and KZbin presence they tended to have more up to date gear.

[@agylub]

Which makes buying as a pro, secondhand so worthwhile

[@recreationalplutonium]

very good advice for ANY small buisness owner. not only photographers

[@sergiopstudio]

how else would you afford all that plutonium?

[@recreationalplutonium]

@@sergiopstudio when it becomes legal, demand is going to skyrocket and the market will provide

[@donnacrantshaw8505]

This is the best advice because I think we all fall into the trap of thinking we need more stuff!

[@sergiopstudio]

Sure do, Donna! Something about chasing two hares, you’ll end up catching neither. Have a great weekend ✌️

[@ti2809]

this is just great life advice about lifestyle creep. even outside of a photography career

[@sergiopstudio]

That lifestyle sure is a creep.

[@amruuwaimir8925]

the most realest photography video i've ever watched in my life, thanks bro for opening my eyes.

[@rafriedman]

I worked for a photographer in NYC who photographed art. He was one of the three big specialists back in the day. He used homemade lights and an old Calumet 4x5. His darkroom was totally makeshift. He did this for around 30 years.

[@manilamartin1001]

Sounds like the guy I sold my calmed too. I was an idiot. I bought a sinar p2. Cost me a year of working. Shooting art was a good job but you won't get rich.

[@RyanREAX]

I have a9iii, a7r5, some lenses, lights, best computers, nice macbook too.. a dji air2s drone, dji ronin rs3 pro, and alot more things.. all bought with cash… customers dont care what u shoot with as long as it looks good.. but photographers care about other photographers gear lol.. sad reality..

[@petercofrancesco9812]

I know already what you're saying but I'm glad you're here to say it because we all need a reminder. 99% of photo/video channels are promoting gear because that's how you make a living on youtube. Even the good honest people end up doing gear "reviews" because that gets clicks. Have a great day.

[@LeeFleetCruiseDirector]

I love your message of grounding - in a world of "ditch the day job" "buy buy buy" what a refreshing watch - thank you!

[@sergiopstudio]

Stick to your day job! Stop lining ceo’s pockets! Ahahaha thanks for watching ✌️

[@pedrozayas2284]

Words of wisdom. "Don't worry. Be happy."

[@2deep2hard]

🇯🇲

[@gabrielchavez7474]

Needed this, especially since I was literally thinking about buying a GFX. Albeit, it's the "cheapest" GFX 50r, but it's still a big buy that I don't need. I've had a weird time with photography for a few years. I think I still have what takes to make it as a good photographer; I've just made poor choices because I convinced myself into needing too much. Honestly, I don't even think being a "good photographer" means being piled up with clients and doing it full time. It's always been about capturing the image, telling the story, and crafting good light regardless of quite literally anything. I can make money off this, and you've shown me that I need that money to help continue doing what lies at the core of the craft.

[@sergiopstudio]

Hell yeah Gabriel! Thank you for sharing ✌️ Keep at it!

[@WILLFRANCA1]

You just made me remember of an old friend who was a builder and he would work for a month, make some money and rest for 2, he was a home owner and and old single man, people would call him lazy, but I always found that incredible

[@sergiopstudio]

Sounds like a nice life! I had some friends who did similar work in the oil fields, and loved it.

[@JonathanCalkins]

So true. Can take this attitude and apply it to any career, any aspect of life, anything. Cameras, motorcycles, clothes, vehicles, etc.

[@sergiopstudio]

and even underwater basket weaving

[@diogomes26]

Your advice is great for life in general! I follow most of the "rules" you're speaking about for years and years and they have helped me being financially stable. Also trying to get things done, in photography, with what you have around you is fun and sparks a lot of creativity! I'm writing from a hobbyist stand point :)

[@sergiopstudio]

Thanks for sharing! ✌️

[@chipjohnson4378]

From a hobbiest standpoint, I have some nice gear. But I want to experience more. So a couple weeks ago, I posted on my socials, asking my friends if they had any old cameras laying around collecting dust that they would let me take off their hands. I now have over a dozen “new” cameras to mess with, and I’m picking several more up this weekend. Yeah some are garbage, but I also scored a few really cool vintage cameras. For free! Great video!

[@sergiopstudio]

That’s using what you got! Haha love the creative approach, thanks for sharing!

[@jaymarkmadamba4304]

11:29 Don’t focus on someone’s success today. Instead, look at where they started and the struggles they overcame to get there. ❤

[@scottnorland4214]

This wisdom goes way beyond photography

[@thepascalgermain]

Thanks for that talk, Sergio. I have been struggling with that, telling myself that I need new gear to get new, bigger gigs. I'll take your words and refrain from buying more gear. From now on, consistency is key, I'll work with what I have, which is already more than enough. Enjoy the life brother =)

[@sergiopstudio]

Who are you, the camera or the photographer? Hahaa thanks for chiming in Pascal, you got this!

[@mtmccornack]

You nailed the time exchange, I've designed my life to be home as much as possible, and the stupid day job I keep has 24 hour shifts, and I work 3x in a row twice a month. That's right, my day job maximizes and prioritizes time off so I can work as a photographer the rest of the time. (I get 52x 11day weekends a year)😂

[@mtmccornack]

I also gave up owning cars over the last decade. They are money pits full stop. I got a zip car subscription along with an ebike instead. I just roll the money into a photography budget.

[@sergiopstudio]

I do miss 3-wheeling into parking lots but you're totally right!

[@mtmccornack]

@sergiopstudio funny thing is... 3 wheeling into a parking lot hits differently in a zip car!

[@JonathanAkosah]

@@mtmccornack could i ask do you feel they are cleanly and if you have done it on the east coast for example? I'm debating if I should do it in the future as I am a student and a real company rental (hertz etc.) would be much more expensive for me. also do you usually get the insurance or have your own. thank you for any answers/help you're able to provide.

[@HAHHAHAAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHA]

I'm glad you tackle this cause I work in Juvenile Corrections, had to raise my prices just recently to get the workload off. Focus more on family and my own mental well-being, cause Photography was just a hobby at first then realized after purchasing my first home etc I like having certain things and taking certain trips

[@andysilverspoon]

If this means anything to anyone. I'm an agency truck driver........so I can be an artist. I purposely went into a career. I knew I could be extremely flexible and on an agency for so I could do things at a drop of a hat for all my creative hobbies such as making music, videography, whatever I want. Yes, 10 years on. I'm not a professional, neither of them but I couldn't have done it as a hobby level for this long without a full-time/ Part-Time agency job. The strange part is I get to do what I think is good and don't have to make anybody else happy. I don't have to succeed. I just get to be myself and create what I want. Just got to keep that balance of .work a few nights...... Create a few nights.

[@sergiopstudio]

Thanks for sharing Andy! I love the line about doing what you think is good, without having to please others.

[@andysilverspoon]

Cheers bro🦫

[@joshuagutierrez8407]

Just found your channel not too long ago. I love the real-world practical information. No fluff and right to the point.

[@sergiopstudio]

Thank you Joshua! That’s the goal. ✌️

[@Papanchasonline]

Fantastic video on living as a creative in general. Bravo man. Thank you for this 🙏🏼

[@sergiopstudio]

Thanks for watching ✌️

[@SlowChemicalReels]

Not only is this good photo advice. It's just good advice

[@imakegoodart]

You are wise beyond your gear...

[@sergiopstudio]

Love a good pun.

[@Raykenn1]

Great advice thanks for posting 👍

[@Edddvtv]

Amazing mindset video. It’s sobering, helpful, and the reality

[@sergiopstudio]

Nothing like a good ol’ sobering shot of reality. Cheers!

[@thatoletsheleproduction.2306]

I love this brother 🙏 I am subscribing on this channel

[@steevewhitehead1416]

Great way of doing life.

[@kyyuhl]

Excellent video! First one I have seen from your channel and subscribed. :) Lots of excellent points that I deeply agree and resonate with. I got my start shooting on all old, used gear. 5D Mark II and even older lenses. I just recently upgraded to a Canon RP just for a change of pace and it's great- though I felt some guilt buying it despite it being used and only $600. I've never understood the need for the latest and greatest. Using this 'junk' gear by today's standards and working within its limitations has taught me more about the craft than any book, video or course ever could. (With a few exceptions.) My goal with this hobby turned profession is with the end goal in mind of not having to work period if I dont want to. I want to be able to work on my own terms, for myself, by myself, doing only things that bring me contentment in life. Being a slave to my money terrifies me. I'd like to he comfortable sure, but even if I dont make any more money than a regular job would bring in, it is still enough for me. I've been in the trades full-time for over 5 years now, including running my own service business, and still- every day I work these jobs it drives me mad trying to rationalize tolerating doing this stuff for 30 or 40 more years. No matter how much or little money I make, it is just bleak. I just can't see it giving me the long-term fulfillment I desire out of life. Photography is the only thing I've done that I can see doing that with. My only lofty goals money wise is to visit other countries, buy/build a home and raise a family when I am a bit older. I dont give a damn about a new car, new equipment, new clothes, etc. Anything that seeks to seperate me from my hard earned money and thus my time I dont even bother entertaining.

[@sergiopstudio]

chin up, head down! Sounds like you’ve got the mindset 🫡

[@SurajBoddu]

most realest

[@vic_the_roman]

Im with you on this 💯 homie! This is how I live , cheap and frugal.

[@sergiopstudio]

A double whammy!

[@mikelaicreative]

Thank you! A much needed voice in the creative community

[@muhammadziaurrahman1289]

You my friend just got a new subscriber, love the mindset and the approach 🙌🏻

[@sergiopstudio]

Thanks Muhammad! Welcome ✌️

[@Lachicanafotographa]

Well super deep, and someone actually getting through to me!!

[@sergiopstudio]

Happy to hear. Thanks for sharing!

[@darinreyes2328]

Love this!

[@Rushtik9506]

goodness youtube suggested me the right person to follow

[@LiamsManual]

I think this mindset finally clicked for me when I started using a flashlight as a makeshift flash because at the time my lowest aperture lens was F/4. Even now that I have a 35 f/1.4, I still tend to use that technique because I don't want to drop cash on a flash yet lol

[@sergiopstudio]

Hell yeah I love it! Story first.

[@2deep2hard]

I love this message, thanks! I been gassed #GAS

[@zacharywillweddingsvideogr1919]

Just had a shoot the other day. A corporate salesmen walked up to me to talk about gear and was explaining how he just dropped 5k on a Lecia kit. He was asking me about my setup. And didn't have the heart to tell him his one camera was more than my whole 3 camera setup. Alot of working fulltime videographers just don't have the margins to buy the latest gear all the time.

[@sergiopstudio]

Not me watching every m11 video I see 🙃 hahaha but your story is one of many. Who are you, the camera or the photographer? Thanks for sharing!

[@rjcaubalejo]

That hits hard bro...

[@williamswilliam1152]

Finally I found a Common Sense photographer,I was using 5d mark 2, came out 17 years ago and now 5dsr $500 came out 9 years ago.Careless about WiFi on it,still taking great photos..5d mark3 is all you need,24-105 f4 L serie 50mm 1.4 it’s enough to start,$800-$900.

[@facesandplacesNZ]

gear rental comes in handy when the big paying clients hire you.

[@sergiopstudio]

Even if they don’t!

What a great video!

[@mathew2786]

Enjoy the life and be grateful.

[@vali69]

I'm waiting for my first dslr, a 5d mk3 with a 50mm 1.8 stm. Seems like a good combo and the camera I've good looked really good for the money(400 euros). Next I want to get a 70-200 f4 or a 150-600 contemporary. But that would be it. Can't wait to learn and maybe go out or something, I've never done that before since I'm autistic. I know, cliche. (Self deprecating joke: ✔️)

[@sergiopstudio]

Great combo! Thanks for sharing ✌️

[@cadu_underdog]

Im a tattooer and this make totaly sense

[@hunterhart1]

High megapixels and fast burst modes are usually not needed. Just saying, I preach this on my channel “rent before you buy”

[@jkingimages]

A couple of years 🤣🤣🤣. It took me 6 years before I landed my first commercial client. This video is spot on.

[@sergiopstudio]

Thank you! Do you remember what that client was?

[@jkingimages]

@ oh hell yeah, I remember! They are still a client. It’s a Tech company based in Dallas, Texas. They found me on LinkedIn. I literally had to scour Google and KZbin to see how to pack and transport gear. I reached out to a well known commercial photographer for help and they responded with great advice. Also sent me spreadsheets from their job with HULU as a reference . It was a tremendous help.

[@sergiopstudio]

thank you for sharing! if they're still a client, that must mean you're both great at what you do.

[@manilamartin1001]

Hmm. I usually didn't have the best gear but I was lucky I had my own house. My coworkers had nice cars and vacations. I liked having a nice house

[@sergiopstudio]

A house in cabo, next!

[@pwx8460]

Wise words, and doesn't just apply to photographers. Success in any career and vocation can be found in learning it really doesn't take that much money to be happy. Stop looking at what other people have, chances are they are broke.

[@dubanhernandocastanedamora7196]

Here with my sony a7 ii and sony a6300 😅 and my wonderful a900. A got a lot old gear camera but not the last release gear. Thanks for this video, graceful from ecuador 🇪🇨

[@sergiopstudio]

📸📸

[@filmyzrajdow]

Wise words have been spoken.

[@sergiopstudio]

(in bad grammar)

[@CamWho1225]

Great message!

[@GreatEgret]

This video is timely. I just removed the lenses in my cart I truly don’t need yet. I’ll wait until I have 2x saved up.

[@sergiopstudio]

You should see my “saved for later” 🥲

[@A1Bokeh]

I have had a bad habit of that. As someone who never really had credit and got some ive been spending way way too much. Smh.

[@1_HDLV]

Great advice

[@adrianrivera948]

I fell into this trap when I was starting out and got way too much gear for what I needed. I’m still paying off the debt. Compound interest is no joke.

[@sergiopstudio]

Sorry to hear Adrian! Keep at it 💪

[@JoanAvilez]

thank you for this

[@amitkrupal1234]

Thank you

[@Rushtik9506]

thanks sir!

[@sergiopstudio]

🫡

[@Kemstylebossy]

Ğreat advice man.

[@AllengerPhotography]

So are you telling me the new Sony A1 ii is out of the question for me now...... don't worry it has been lol one day, though one day..

[@D_R_Martin]

Good word!

[@robnjk]

Helloooo from Vancouver BC! Just found your channel through this video - great stuff man, we should chat

[@agylub]

Almost a Buddhist philosopher!

[@AaronAubreyPhoto]

I've got a buddy who is also a photographer. He makes about 3x the money I make in a year.. yet he's always broke.. why? He always needs the latest and greatest gear, 'upgrading' his car after 3 years even though he doesn't need to.. Meanwhile for me, at the end of 2021 I bought a used 2018 Macbook Pro, because my 2010 and 2011 iMac and MBP were getting very old.. 2 of my 3 main strobes were bought used for $600 for the pair back in 2017. My z6Ii was the first 'new' body I'd bought since 2012 as I'd bought 3 bodies used. Buy what you can used, decide what exactly you do and don't need for modifiers. don't get into the trap that you need the latest spec'd out laptop.. and as Sergio said.. when you do have a good month, don't use it as an excuse to spend like crazy.. save for the slow months.

[@sergiopstudio]

You know it Aaron!

[@agylub]

I never understand some one who works to midnight to buy a $100,000 BMW

[@BrettFosterDotNet]

that is not what waste not want not means at all mate. it means this: not to waste anything, because you might need it in the future

[@sergiopstudio]

Alrighty, video cancelled I guess.

[@alexlford]

Perfection

[@sergiopstudio]

medium-rare

[@LennonBright]

I've made videos on this same topic, for good reason! Seems we are both on the same page. 🙌

[@JessicaNeidingHaverly]

If i could give you 10 likes I would. Great message.

[@MSACoachMike]

Well, this explains why a Manfrotto Super Clamp is holding your microphone.

[@sergiopstudio]

Sometimes the more expensive option upfront, is the cheaper option long term.

[@MSACoachMike]

No one ever regretted buying quality.

[@imjasonennis3624]

While I agree with most of your points, I disagree about credit. Credit can be useful when you have the money to back it up. Let’s say you really need to invest in a new camera and you have multiples of the amount in your bank account. I’d still prefer to preserve my cash flow and spread that out over the life of the camera rather than knocking the bank balance down €5k in one swoop. Credit is a tool like anything else but you need to be smart about it.

[@sergiopstudio]

in the words of the late great Christopher George Latore Wallace: "that goddamn credit? Dead it"

[@GinoPetraccone]

🤔. Hummm. You’re getting wiser

[@sergiopstudio]

I learned from the best 😉

[@turo9992000]

Actually, i just make hella money to buy what i want.

[@sergiopstudio]

get ittttt 💸

[@HellYeahBrother89]

This bugs me lol. Can’t take it with you when you leave bro. Money literally grows on trees

[@sergiopstudio]

Must be a slow year for polymer trees in Canada

[@yonangodoy6367]

you have a very good point, for example, in flash photography you really only need one light, that can be a Speed light, and not like a super wow flash only for studio. And when you outgrow an item, I see that is good to upscale, but we really have to think that what we buy, its really what we need.' I got a 24-70 sigma, and really I don't need another lens for what I do. But for example I need another stabilizer, just because I have to do reels now, but if it weren't for that, I'd still have a Ronin SC 1

[@sergiopstudio]

You know what’s up. Thanks for sharing!

[@duckyz9]

I subconsciously did that due to lack of confidence and it turns out it was a good "decision" since last couple of months I maybe had 3-4 gigs that are not even close enough for life sustain. Kept my daily job even tho I hate it. Last couple of days I got cancelled on two events, third event is rescheduled etc. My job is basically minimum wage but for me it's enough to keep me warm and fed.

[@sergiopstudio]

1 step forward, 2 steps back… then 8 steps ahead.

[@dongee1664]

Why do photographers spend so much time telling people what to do, dictating what is right and wrong. Why don't you mind your own business, nobody's telling you not to spend so much money on tattoos, so be quiet.

[@sergiopstudio]

Oh you clearly don’t know my dad then

[@FrankDavalos]

I took a different approach… I tend to agree mostly with you, but I think that if your dream is to be a photographer, then making it your side gig is going to take far longer than going all in. I only think you should have side gigs if it’s never meant to be your main gig… otherwise go all in and the short term struggle will be far worth the long term gain.

[@sergiopstudio]

In a perfect world, I agree entirely. But this is a big complicated world, and sometimes that’s just not possible for some people.

[@FrankDavalos]

@ anything is possible brother!

[@ScentSince2010]

Bro just spent the last 11 minutes telling us he’s cheap and how to budget money my guy. This could have been a short and saved us all 10 minutes.

[@sergiopstudio]

Ok, you can make one now 🫡

[@roofedmyball]

@@sergiopstudio😂😂

[@zcharnelgazmen6054]

Love this!!!