Getting started later in life

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[@lawrencekeeney4317]

I spent my working life as an Electronic Engineer, but took up photography when I retired at age 65. I am now 85 years old and still working as a photographer. I gave up my photography business about 5 years ago because I did not like all the paperwork involved. However at this age, I am still going strong as though I was still running a business. My last two jobs were 7 to 8 hour long cattle roundup photo shoots where I was served both breakfast and lunch which was made out in the cattle field. I am having a ball with photography and will as long as I can physically do so. During my photography career, I was the photographer for major city Ballet company for a couple of years until my wife passes away. I was also the photographer for a different major city Orchestra for a couple of years.

[@lawrencekeeney4317]

I mention my photography just to say you are never too old to be a photographer.

[@galensinkey]

Thanks Mr Keeney... very helpful encouragement. Stay strong & healthy!

[@annmarieperkins7059]

Wow, I’m so happy to read this, Lawrence! I’m 61 and just refound my passion after 35 years. I was really worried I’d left it too late, but your reply has made me realise it’s never too late! I wish you many more years of happy shooting 🤗

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

That’s awesome! Oh man a cattle round up sounds so cool

[@lawrencekeeney4317]

@@annmarieperkins7059 This evening I photographed a play for images for their website. I never know what tomorrow will bring.

[@keithsandercock1412]

Much like Lawrence Kenney I am Ph.D Biologist who retired at 59 and am now 84 years old. I began serious photography starting with a pair of Nikon F's in 1959. Work and recreational travel took me all around the world with endless photo opportunities, but I never considered it as a business. One of your recommendations that I heartily agree with is, "always carry a camera". Especially since the arrival of the digital age, I never go out anywhere without a camera. I frequently encounter interesting people (eg. those working in their community garden patches), chat with them, offer to take their photos, and subsequently give them prints. It makes them happy and creates a lot of good will.

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

For sure

[@reallynousername]

i agree with you 100%! Eat, breathe, live photography 24/7. I started full time photographer full time at 43. Now at 51, it took a will to shred the old me (civil servant profession) but telling everyone I'm a full time photographer really accelerate my growth

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

Awesome

[@jehudale2349]

Thanks for This one from a 57 years old, Daniel.

[@blonko86]

Ugh. I fall into this category, "later in life". 😄

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

Maybe wisened is a better word 😊

[@kcmophotographer]

thank you for this video. this is me. 10 years as a jet aircraft mechanic in the US Air Force, straight out of high school. then the last last 30 years as a computer programmer. The one constant since I was 12 years old has been photography, and now it's what I want to do with the rest of my life. PS, I did the t-shirt thing. never a second look or question. but add my camera to the ensemble and here come the questions and the conversions about what I do.

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

Right, you need the camera as well unless your logo or T-shirt is just really attention grabbing maybe

[@tedsmith_photography]

I found your first video earlier this evening and I've spent the last few hours watching several of them! You have lots of stuff that connects with me and my situation. I'm in my 40's now, having spent the last 25 years in IT. I've been doing photography since the 80's. Have had aspirations, and I've made some efforts to "break out the mould" but they just don't stick. My thing is canine photography. I take my camera out with me often when walking the dog and stuff. I get into a few conversations about it with other dog owners. But sadly, nobody ever seems to be that interested. I've even taken a few nice photos of other dog walkers' dogs. And they always say to me later "those pictures you took of fido were amazing", but it never seems to go any further. Very frustrating. But as you allude, I am now making my first steps into studio work, so that I can hopefully encourage dog owners to bring their dogs to me for a "proper shoot", rather than q qucik snap on the field! Thanks for the inspirations and ideas.

[@krishnaprasadkhandige3747]

I'm 42, and a doctor, been pursuing photography as a small hobby for years but now I tinker with the idea that I could maybe do more with it. The instagram account really helps a lot. People are slowly getting to know that I do photography too apart from my day job. 😊👍🏽 Nice talk. Was quite appropriate for my current situation👌🏽

[@Porshesmiles]

Me tooooo..... 😃👍

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

That’s excellent, and very true you can start off by using Instagram just to get the word out even if you’re not pushing for jobs in photography at this exact moment.

[@krishnaprasadkhandige3747]

@@DanielNortonPhotographer Thank you! 😊👍🏽

[@pembridgehouse]

I had photography as a part time career during the greater percentage of my working life. I have been retired from my day job now for about 10 years.I specialised in weddings and did other assignments as they came up.I went full time twice between jobs but found that supporting a family as a wedding photographer was very difficult.I was mainly in the film era but I embraced digital when it came.Now I consider I am mostly a better photographer after all the years of experience but the ageing process has meant I have had to say no to weddings as they are very physical.Anyone wanting to leave their day job to do this you need to think hard about the reality of making a dollar and, because of the immense amount of time required, the impact on your family.Your photography skills are only a part of it. You need to know how to run a business and learn a lot about marketing and positioning.I changed jobs a few times in my career but always working for an employer. Superannuation and all the sick leave etc are big factors.

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

This is all true, running a business is work and risk

[@steveteare3865]

Dispensing wisdom, as always. Thank you.

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@mattorrz759]

How did you know what I was thinking Dan? I was a oil and gas worker for Halliburton down here in Oz. I’m now 53 and falling in love with Portrait photography. I really hope with your great advice I can go to the next level. Cheers mate 🥃

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

Awesome!

[@gregkicinski8929]

Thank you Daniel for this video. You were speaking to me. I retired last August after 37 years as a Civil engineer. I turned 55 yesterday. I opened a small studio in March and am getting started. I do not really need the income. However, I love to shoot portraits and love having the studio so at least making rent allows me to justify all of my expense I put into this. I am doing plenty of free work and people seem to love my work, but I have not yet been able to do much as far as getting paying clients yet. Marketing has never been my strong point. Breaking into paid work has been tough for me as I just have fun shooting portraits. Your video has really motivated me to really get going. Thanks. I have really learned so much from you over the last couple years.

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

Excellent

[@csc-photo]

Congrats! What a great place to be in. My opinion, for what it's worth: People will love your work even more if they're paying for it - for sure. And not a "discount" rate - a rate that's at least comparable to the competition in the area. Use this "free" time to build an undeniably solid portfolio, come up with pricing in the meantime (perhaps a logo, basic website, etc.) and then start charging what your time & talent are worth. Happy birthday, and I wish you the best of luck in your new endeavor!

[@websitemaintenance]

The only difference between free you and paid you is telling them what you charge. Be kind, suggest they pay, and make money.

[@ricklosey3018]

good points - actually like the shirt idea to go along with the camera - no one asks from just seeing a camera - but maybe as things open up

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@mkting2]

Mr. Norton...Thx you.

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@RR-bd4bm]

This is a really good point Daniel, thanks for sharing your thoughts. There are many of us who do photography as a second career or as a side business. One thing though worth pointing out I think is that when you're in the "second half of your life" and introduce yourself as "I'm a photographer," people might assume that this is your first career, so you must have tons of experience, since you don't look like someone just out of school. And that might give rise to expectations far above the skills of someone who took up photography relatively recently. So I agree we must identify ourselves as photographers but must go carefully and be sure we take on gigs that we can handle.

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

Well, that certainly can addressed as the conversation continues. I can tell you that the vast majority of people that I photograph do ask me how long I’ve been doing it. So I don’t think that will be a problem.

[@davecarrera]

Hi Daniel. I started lasted year and have now completed my first year of learning photography. I am 53 creeping closer to 54 each day. Slowly people in my area are getting used to this madman walking around taking pictures of their dogs, them and birds. Giving cards out where they can see their photos. I am also concentrating most of my time on product photography, crafting and learning light. Fundamentally my road will take me where it will, not shy to charge if I am asked to do something professionally. Spend the literal rocky road of drumming for 31 years, still do a bit, but now putting my creative side into capturing life. Thank you for your videos and I wish you well .

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

Awesome

[@valrodhames]

OK, Daniel, were you like reading my mind today or something? That was a great video! I was just sitting here thinking about a photo shoot I happen to luck into, all because I took headshots of my wife and she posted them on Instagram, so naturally people were commenting about them, and someone contacts her and says that they need headshots for their city council members! SO, my wife says my husband IS A PHOTOGRAPHER! You are right on the mark when you say that you have to tell people that you are a photographer, ever if you have a day job that brings home the bacon. No one will ever know unless you are ACTUALLY saying that you are a photographer!

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

Awesome

[@250GTOAJ]

Good Insight. Thanks Daniel and have a Good Weekend. 😀👍🇨🇦

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

Thanks

[@PeterGrace2013]

I'm considering a second career of photography. I would love some pointers in finding places like stock photo houses or galleries to send images to. Heck, I'd be flattered if a gallery even wanted to show one of my photos, let alone me get paid for it! Thanks for sharing your knowledge and experience.

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

Well for stock, before I have a chance to put together a video I will say go to the biggest ones first. And if you really want to make money doing it don’t do the cheap stuff. Try to Stay out of the royalty free stuff

[@frits1463]

This video was for me. Thanks Daniël!

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@jjonestowne]

Simple and yet really good advice (that I needed to hear). Thanks, man.

[@bobrob8839]

Great video. I hereby petition Daniel for the rights to Bob’s Photography.

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

😊

[@asheeshkchopra]

Simple but relevant advise ...I can connect to that. Thanks.

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

Thanks

[@micronet67]

Awesome advice Daniel!

[@discusphotography4567]

Thank You for my On Set Shirt! Just got it today and love it. You’ve taught me a lot.

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

Awesome!

[@larryphotography]

0 dislikes! You're the man

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

🙌🏻

[@tjmarx]

I think what you're saying about letting people know you're a photographer has less to do with the arts and more to do with being a business owner, particularly a small business owner. The difference you're describing is between being an employee and being self employed. When you own your own business, you are always at work regardless of the industry.

[@stevemcbeyphoto]

Hit the mark! Great topic to discuss. 📷👍🏼

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

Thank You!

[@SwoleBeastTribe]

First Daniel Norton this is 🔥🔥🔥 - Swole Beast🤙🏽🙏🏽✌🏽 P E A C E !

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

😊😊😊

[@JimResnikoff]

Some great points as usual Daniel. Let them know your are a photographer. Sounds simple.. amazing how we can overlook the simple things. Thanks for this video

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

Thanks

[@patrickmcnair5401]

Right Daniel this is weird. After being made redundant from IT and after being an amateur photographer for over 5 years I have decided, late on in life, to use photography to create portraits and earn an income from it. I have also, just today, taken delivery of a shirt that says patmcnairphotography on it with a log that I paid someone to design. So basically it seems as though you made this video just for me.

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

That’s amazing!

[@tomschram1804]

Thank you Daniel, really great advice!

[@RossHa1e]

This was a super helpful video. Thanks so much

[@thebigLcom]

Wow!!!! Daniel you just spoke on my while life as an photographer. Truly sound advice that you

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@Starriddin]

Thanks Daniel! Very helpful advice. It fits my situation to a tee!

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@raulakis35]

that is completely my case Daniel... i am 49 and started photography about 3 years ago (it is not my stream of income at the moment but honestly I would love it to be)...

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

Awesome

[@Mark-qs2gn]

Dude is too funny!

[@shaunflemingphotography]

I never pursued my interest in photography back in high school. I wish I had. I am one of the starting a photography career later in life. I will say KZbin has greatly shortened my learning curve. Your content is a regular part of what i soak up. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

Awesome

[@chiraz111]

Great advice! Thanks Daniel

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@larryhaley3]

you are a badass sir! i love your work and content...... today you have hit on my story and it resonates with me.... thankyou for being you Daniel!

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

Thanks for watching I do appreciate all the feedback.

[@fmrff70]

Thanks, Daniel! This hit close to home. I'm going to watch this video again and again to let it sink in. Being an introvert, it just compounds matters. Sharing work with family and friends only goes so far. Time to get out of the comfort zone.

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

The first steps are often hardest

[@MichaelGreyCanal]

great advise, thank You!

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@jonstynes6365]

Great advice Daniel

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@horizonbreakk]

Thank you so much for this.

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@Alcanza_tu_meta]

wow not a single dislike!!! Impresive Good vid

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

🙌🏻

[@batworker]

I decided to NOT try to become a photographer later in life, I’m close to retirement and considered if I wanted to try and turn my hobby into a job, thought about it carefully and decided that all the business processes around it being a job would be more stress than I wanted at this point in my life. Coupled with the fact that rather than shooting things I *wanted* to photograph at times of my choice, I’d *have* to photograph things, perhaps things I wasn’t keen on doing, or if I felt under the weather. So for me, the step to making it a job wasn’t one I wished to make. My wife has her own business she started later in life, which she loves...but she spends a lot of time not doing gardens but doing paperwork.

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

That is the truth, if you’re going to turn it into a full-fledged business it will require work beyond just shooting

[@ssgh100]

Yes! Naturally that's the way. Show people that you're a photographer. 👍

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@foilpainterfantasyartist1711]

Very good pep talk for people like me who are over 60 and retired and looking to do photography for a living.

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

Thanks

[@dandipalma8687]

great take and advice, thanks

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@AbbasBinYounas]

First video I've ever seen with more than a hundred likes and no dislikes. And that's because it makes SO MUCH sense! Thanks Mr Norton.

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

Thanks

[@alexanderpons9246]

Yes, if you want to get into Portrait Photography you can't be shy but not over the top either! For sure have the camera with you but in todays world a social media page so you can show people your images is key. Thanks for always giving great advice Daniel Norton.

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

For sure

[@Lotus2885]

I appreciate this video immensely, Daniel! I'm a 36 year old touring musician who turned my hobby into a business since I've been grounded during the pandemic. It's been a really slow start, and I appreciate the genuine advice and perspective.

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

Awesome

[@csc-photo]

Timely video! I'm a former news photographer that moved into I.T. many years ago. I'd really love photography to be one of my revenue streams again - perhaps on the portrait & events side. Maybe some real estate. My first task is to decide on a clear direction, then build my portfolio to showcase to prospective clients in that market. What's the best way to accomplish a portfolio revamp for weddings specifically? (loaded question for KZbin comments 😆 so I understand if it's too much to answer here) Vid topic request? 🙂

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

Very cool. Yes, this might be more of a topic for a video. But what I will say in general is that any portfolio is really designed to show you can handle the assignment.

[@johnleighdesigns]

Fab thanks always for sharing your wisdom,I like the idea of getting a t-shirt made with my photo business,summer coming to London look forward to potential opportunities

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@anitastevens9969]

Daniel..I am not a pushing kind of person ...My community sees my work but I think they really do not recognize myself as a Photography. I am basically self taught so I am still eager to learn all I can. Love your videos.

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

This can be tricky, I would ask do you see yourself as a photographer? If so then try to reflect that in your actions around the community so that they also see you as such.

[@cliffholt2973]

Thank you - you’re talking about where I am in life right now....

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

Excellent

[@dimitri_6212]

Thanks for the words of wisdom Daniel! This so applies to me. 25 years of Emergency Medical Services working on an ambulance and now I’m ready to be adventurous and do what I love to do...photography.

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

Awesome

[@jer3006]

Very much enjoyed you presenting this topic. Having watched many of your business-side of photography videos, I would appreciate clarification on some terms you use often, EG, when you are hired for a catalog job. Or a calendar job. My first impression is that a photographer is hired only to take the photos for that job but I'm beginning to sense that you may also be involved to some extent in the planning/production of that catalog, or calendar. How does a catalog job for you typically go and what activities are included? Thanks.

[@benharris3949]

I’m a food/product photographer, coming into as a second career. Portfolio is on my phone always ready to go and it’s won me work unexpectedly

[@lawrencekeeney4317]

Ben, I had always wanted to do some food photography. I was thrilled when a Mexican restaurant asked me to photograph their food and design a website for their new restaurant. They set a day for me to do the shoots. I went to the restaurant and set up to do the shoot. I assumed they would repair the different dishes and allow me to photograph them. As it turned out, they waited until someone placed an order which they then made. They brought the dish into where I had setup, and said I had about 15 seconds to take two shots. This went on for a couple of hours. As you can imagine the images were not something I was proud of, but the client was pleased and they ended up on the website I designed for them.

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

Excellent

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

Yikes! Clients do the silliest things

[@djsugarbear6079]

Very true and interesting topic, Daniel. Some folks that don’t have an outgoing personality have more issues getting out there (not my case) but I know some folks like that. I am very fortunate that my 9-5 is being a photographer plus side gigs as well. However, I can honestly say that even with my outgoing personality and approach to getting new clients; most of them either don’t want to pay what it’s worth or rely on their phones for everything (the good enough) mentality within the masses. I’m sure this can be an entire topic within itself. The tech on our phones is so good that most folks (potential clients) are satisfied with the quality and won’t pay a profesional to create pro shots (at least from my experience). I keep pushing and just hoping for the best. That whole saying of “it’s who you know” is so true, especially in the arts arena. Stay well and Happy Friday sir! Great video as always!

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

I am of the mind that people that don’t want to pay, and just use their phone would never have paid you even if the phone didn’t exist they would just have no photos

[@djsugarbear6079]

Very true! No Cash? No Flash! lol 😝

[@mileskeever]

Hey Daniel, I consider you as my online PEZ Dispenser shooting out great treats of wisdom and goodness. I like that you clearly breakdown the topic and give examples and possibilities for action steps. You are the real deal. Thanks for your contribution, again,

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

Ha ha, that’s amazing

[@daveme1803]

I'm retired Air Force. Due to the program I retired out of, I don't get mine for about 4 years. This was pretty cool as an idea to supplement my income. Rock on, Daniel. Keep dropping the truth bombs.

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

Thanks 🙏🏻

[@JohnSullivansChannel]

Thank you Daniel for your work and for all the free advice you give us photographers. Cheers.

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@LuisMcote5]

This is a very important topic to discuss. I didn't know how to start, eventually I figured this out but this video would have been very helpful to me back then. So, thanks for taking the time to address this subject

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

Thank you. It’s definitely a subject that I could ask about a lot.

[@raunlohry4000]

Great advice, Daniel! I love your stuff and have learned a bunch - from studio lighting to close up adapters (plants don't talk back). I love that you have a treasure trove of knowledge and experience and you share it so well. As a hobbiest that has been capturing images for over 50 years I learn something new every day. Keep it up. You are an outstanding example.

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

Thank You!

[@V3kell]

Thank you so much... I've been looking for something like this for 3 years. 🙏

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@UkrainianBazooka]

Knocked it out of the park again, thank you Daniel. You're the best resource I've found for photography, you explain and teach in the right way for me!

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

Thanks

[@bkthompson877]

If we met, this is the exact question I would ask you. The problem I have is without formal training or a mentor, it's hard to get critique or advice if stuff is good, bad, etc. Thanks for this.

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@thomasriggs2914]

Great council Danial - thank you! Having people make the connection is really important and it's not that difficult to get interesting people to pose for you - even if it's in the grocery store or on the street. Having a real camera on your shoulder does send a message to people that you are serious.

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

Right, there are way more people that are willing to “pose” for a photo than most people think.

[@carlosdias1940]

Hi Daniel, here's another 'late starter'. Loved your project with Adorama, reason why I spot your channel. Very true what you say, of course and wondering if there's a different approach to sports photography? Just can't remember who ever addressed this subject, except you. Cheers

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

Professional sports? Or children’s sport leagues?

[@SergioGVasco]

I've been waiting for this video for a good amount of time. Inspiring and motivating. Thank you so much for sharing. Take care!

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@barryburns911]

Hey, Daniel. As always, thanks for all your fun and informative videos. So appreciated. I wonder if you'd tell us what you know about the photo stock market, how it works, the pros and cons, etc... Cheers BB

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

Sure, I’ll need to look into it a little bit before I make a video as I have not doubled in stock in a long time. The business has changed quite a lot, even in the last few years

[@barryburns911]

@@DanielNortonPhotographer Thanks, Daniel. Look forward to it.

[@danbrowning2418]

Great advice, as always. I started my portrait business at the start of the pandemic. I retired from my career as a newspaper editor/reporter at the end of the year to do more photography. It’s slow going, it’s starting to pick up. I would add that people in my shoes should be patient and persistent.

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

That’s the truth, it will take some time so patients will be needed but also persistence

[@witcheater]

Let people know? Talk to people? Let people know through demonstration? I suggest having the foundation in place to be able to mostly confidently accept the challenge.

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

For sure, I’m assuming that anyone who plans on taking a shot at doing it professionally at least has a foundation

[@alan.macrae]

Another great vid, Daniel. Photography has been the passion in my life since I was 14 but, I spent the first part of my career in a different field. I've been doing photography full time for 21 years this year and I'm loving it. This is great advice and wish I had it a few years back.

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

Thanks 🙏🏻

[@NH4Ukraine2]

Apropos! Thanks! (Retired Air Traffic Controller)

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@martintolley9234]

And always carry a pack of cheap business cards - a mini photo on one side and simple contact details, links to web etc on the other. "Here's what I do and where to find me."

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

Nice

[@goodguy4119]

Love your videos Dan! I learned a great deal from this one as well as others. In addition to portraits, I also shoot landscapes, and it would be great to learn more about how to sell my images. So far I haven’t had much luck. Maybe you could consider covering that subject as well. Thanks!

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

Will do

[@PcAddicted1]

this was great man! iv had this question in my head for the past few years. thanks for the info as always.

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@Bloody1369]

I have never had anything on KZbin more poignant for my life than this video. I am retiring in a little less than 2.5 year. Previously I have shot primarily landscapes, nature, planes and trains. However, I do all of the employee portraits where I work. Over the years probably a few hundred, dull, uninspiring, herd the cattle in and shove them on out type photos. (Because of recent life choices, doing photos like that I will no longer do. I have to practice like I'll be playing now.) I had a conversation a while back with someone I deeply respect telling her that I'm terrified of retiring. One can only do so much fishing. She knows I'm an amateur photographer (in my mind, anyhow) and she gave me some great advice that honestly I hadn't considered. She simply said, it's time to reinvent yourself, use your photography so you never have to work again. She said I should get into portraiture. So here I am, learning something new. I'm no stranger to change, and prefer to keep things changing in my life, I detest boredom. As lame as it sounds I hadn't considered this before. I spend hours a week watching videos (many, many of yours, Mark Wallace, Gavin Hoey, Vanessa Joy.). I've spent so much money with Adorama over the past few months buying lights, modifiers and other stuff that I'll probably get a Christmas card from them this year. 😉 The one thing I struggle with at the moment is getting subjects to shoot. I don't feel I have the best skill set to be charging people, yet. I have 2.5 years to work on my skills and that time is moving fast. I intend on specializing on social media portraits for business people. In your opinion (which I value highly) do you feel that is would be wise and worth the effort to create a website and social media pages when my skills are still in need of much work? I realize without actually seeing any of my work it would be hard to judge it, but it does need work. My concern or fear if you, will is that by posting up images now would be more of a detriment that help. I have considered just putting the word out in my neighborhood that I need subjects to get reps, and I'll shoot them for free and give them anything I shoot, of course with the caveat that I will also add the to my portfolio. Can you see any downside to this? I apologize for this being so long. Thank you is too simple a thing to say Daniel for all of the videos, the education and a hell of a lot of laughs! Any pearls of wisdom you may have would be greatly appreciated.

[@gregkicinski8929]

Lavern, I am on the same track as you, only a couple years ahead. I just retired last summer and have opened a small studio. I have refined my skills over the last few years by watching all of the same videos you have. I have great equipment. I have developed a pretty good portfolio by doing a lot of free sessions over many years. I think all of that was necessary and I have loved doing it. The only downside is that I am known as the guy who takes really good pictures for free. I am having a hard time jumping to doing the same and getting paid for it. I don’t really need the income, but I really love the studio work and need to make something from it to justify the rent and continue with my passion in my retirement. I think I will eventually get there, but it is slow getting started. This video was a big help to me with his encouraging words of advice.

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

I would do as you said, ask a small group to sit for you to essentially create a portfolio. Put that stuff up on social media and as you continue to grow and change your style and add better images if you will, you can always remove them. If you focus a bit it shouldn’t take long to get a dozen decent photos which is really all you probably need to get going.

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

One of the hardest leaps to make is from “free” to paid and I can say that it is nearly impossible to get somebody who has used your service for free to pay you. What you need to do is take the images you’ve created and seek out a different market. That sounds like a terrible lot of work, but it doesn’t need to be because you can go to subjects are you photographed before and ask them to spread the word into their social groups. They don’t need to tell their friends that you shot them for free.

[@Bloody1369]

@@gregkicinski8929 Thanks Greg! I'm concerned about becoming the guy that does it for free as well. And being in a similar situation as you, it won't be for the money, but yet will have to justify some of the expenses as well as some sort of a small offset. I have started telling people that the next ten shoots I do will be for free. I'm the only one that will know how many I have done, so hopefully that will give me the ability to transition a little better. But your words are very encouraging, that I'm not the only one crazy enough to try this later in life.

[@Bloody1369]

@@DanielNortonPhotographer Thank you for this advice. This will be the direction I take. I have started telling people that the next ten shoots I do will be for free. I'm the only one that will know how many I have done, so hopefully that will give me the ability to transition a little better. One more question I have though is, can the portfolio be just a few people with a few images from each, to get, like you said a dozen images, or is it okay to start with say 4-5 people with a few images from each and then change up as I go along, or should I wait until I have a dozen different people? Thank you Daniel. You're an awesome human being!

[@viggy269]

👍🏼

[@stevenguy2494]

Im 59 and have decided on semi retirement with a part time job to get me by. I love photography and have taken many portraits as well as other types of photography. I was wondering if you would recommend getting business cards to pass out ?

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

I’m going to say it’s worth getting a small batch to start with and then decide whether or not they work for you. It really depends on your community and who you interact with whether or not business cards will be useful.

[@hippopictures]

Love these career advice tutorials. I've been Instagraming offering free photography, I only have landscape pictures and want to work with models and ppl. Any better approach you recommend to getting my first person shoot?

[@jeremytome]

Ask fellow trail hikers to take pictures with them. Start incorporating people into your IG feed. If they're on there too you can tag them. Build it up, then you can offer shoots in local areas. See what other photographers do in your area, check out popular parts.

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

I typically would ask somebody that you know. Possibly as Jeremy below stated fellow hikers. Maybe not a random person you meet but somebody who is part of a hiking group with you or that type of thing. But the long and short of it is I would start with people that you know. Don’t expect them to be professional models and just have a great time making some fun images

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

This is all very good advice

[@barrekelley9268]

This is me! And this is what I have been struggling with, how do I get my name out there and let people know what I do? I have been a paramedic for 15 years and would love to grow my portrait photography into more of a career.

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

No better time to start than now

[@MrRandomatom]

Wondering who the 2 tortured souls who disliked this video are...

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

😊😊

[@RS-Amsterdam]

Make sure you have a target audience. (read future clients). Shoot for future clients, not for other photographers. Show them what you can do. (website with samples is mandatory) Having a job is a benefit, if you need more time for Photography, work part-time, at least your overhead is covered.

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

All very true

[@Carlos_Vasquez]

Hi! I do want to know about landscape photography of where and how to sell the images? 😄 Thanks

[@patyr6580]

Jason Matias, the art of selling art jasonmatias.com/the-art-of-selling-art/home Or try Creative Live classes.

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

Cool, I will definitely talk about that at some point

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

Interesting, I can’t say I have ever heard of that course. Did you take it? What did you think I’m assuming that if you took it you liked it otherwise you would not be promoting it.

[@patyr6580]

@@DanielNortonPhotographer I have not invested on TASA yet. I freeloaded (oops! 🙈) on their content after seeing the amazing results my BFF had in selling her art independently after 14 months of following their advice and guidance. I learned a lot and can say that I particularly benefited from the classes related to printing high quality prints, framing and selling. The other info available is relevant but I found it to be too advanced for the time being. I'm taking baby steps... building more inventory, testing new vendors, and planning business growth for 2021. I've decided that I will invest on TASA next year to gain full access to the mentorship and to their FB group. Last year I invested on a CL class ("30 Days to Design Your Portrait Business with Lori Norstrom") to set up a photography business selling "my beautiful photos". Thanks to what I learnt there, as a newbie photo entrepreneur I can manage my workload and keep track of the business' money. Overall that particular class helped me tremendously in understanding business management, taxes, legal issues, pricing for profit, bookkeeping and the importance of networking. The course dates from 2013 so I adapted her workbook to suit my business model... and it worked (Y).

[@jasoncollettephotography1986]

Very poignant commentary Mr Norton! Such great advice to give. You become what you want to be by being that person. In essence you live what you do

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@nobody1841]

I noticed you always cut off the top of the model's head. Care to comment on that?

[@llamallama9637]

Daniel Norton does what he wants.

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

Not really.

[@darsonhall673]

1:14 ...on some level 'co-co'? Is that a NY thing? (Or do I need new ears)

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

“ outgoing”