The 2 Keys for Success as an Artist Photographer

[@llchan]

Ted, I completely agree with you about happiness. I’m a software engineer and a hobby photographer. I picked up photography 20 years ago after I bought my first home, with the idea to decorate my walls with my own photos. I’m very happy to be a hobby photographer. I participate in a local photo club. We meet every month to share our work. I had some occasional success with my submission to magazines. In general, I’m very happy with the way it has been. I’d be very extremely happy if I got gallery representation or exhibit my work at MOMA, but that’s not my ambition and my goal. Photography is more like an appreciation of what this world offers.

[@craigman7262]

You have a very good POV. I think most that getting into photography now are not in it for the love of taking pics. It's more of how can I make it a business and start making money. I can't tell you how many people I see just get a camera and already post" DM for rates" lol.

[@veebets]

I have the pleasure of knowing Chung Ling personally. She is so sweet and is an amazing friend. Her art is incredible! 💕 Incredibly talented woman.

[@DI-cm5xc]

I recall an interview with Jay Maisel where he said the best advice he could give to an aspiring photographer was to pick your parents very carefully. His tongue in cheek way of saying the wealthier and more tolerant they were, the better. Pure Jay.

[@smk1189]

A successful photographer needs to have unique identity in their work that separates them from the rest.

[@pierremairesse6767]

My biggest goal as a photographer is to use my photography as a tool for awareness, whatever subject that means a lot to me. Photography is visual & beautiful, using that beauty for good cause to raise awareness and grow as a person really appeal to me. Great talk and interesting subject, more of that sounds good.

[@romiemiller7876]

Yep! Do more videos on this topic please. Making money at art photography is very difficult. The color and black & white shows have about 275 photos in each show, and each show sells 10-15 photos, or about 5% or a little less. I need other ideas.

[@darkenigm]

Gustavo Minas is literally one of the best Brazilian street photographers in our generation! His photos speak for him! Guy's insane! Much love from Brazil!!!

[@boris.dupont]

The question is what is success for an artist? I know several famous writers who actually make a lot of money doing what they perceive as a waste of time, hoping that one day what they do as a hobby, whenever they have enough time left to do it seriously, and keep to themselves because nobody's interested, will get some kind of attention. That's not success either. Saul Leiter did commercial work most of his life but what inspired so many of us is what he did after work. In most countries in the world there's no direct connection between talent and financial success but they do their thing anyway because they can't help it, they just need to do it and their body of work is their success or legacy. I don't mean they wouldn't enjoy a more comfortable life but what they need to express and create is more important. Basically they don't need approval to do what really matters to them. Van Gogh sold one painting in his life but that never stopped him from doing his thing

[@boris.dupont]

@@janneroppola_supersigma by focusing on what really matters to you? Richard Bandler, co-creator of NLP, once told me: only when I started doing what I like most and what really matters to me did money start rolling in

[@Enhancedlies]

please please carry this series on. I have been watching you for 10 years, and i am only 25! You have always inspired me, truly a fantastic person to look up to for so long. I always come away from your videos totally in awe, excited and biting at the bit to make more work. I have also always wanted to send something to you, but have never had the courage. But this year is different, i am going to submit my work. It doesn't even matter at this point if you see it! Anyway, you are brilliant and have inspired so many people i can assure you. Thank you :)

[@Midas87]

I think the problem is that thinking artistically and thinking commercially isn’t a combination that works. As an artist you need to have a free mind and being worried about your work selling well intervenes with that. But thats just my personal view!

[@Midas87]

@@janneroppola_supersigma 100% agree, I dont wish for anyone to starve obviously. Alot of beautiful art does come from a place of pain and struggle. So maybe in a sense some (definetly not all!) artists “need” being troubled? I Dont know, its an interesting & slightly unsetteling thought.

[@Midas87]

@@janneroppola_supersigma In order to survive most photographers will have to take on assignments that they’re not too passionate about, wedding photography for example. I don’t think thats necessarily a bad thing, in most regular jobs there will be things that you like and thing you dont like. Ps Im not bashing on wedding photography here, its just not the kind of work that you can use in an exhibition. And if anyone reading is passionate about wedding photography; good on you!

[@teocrawford]

Ohh yes, please more videos on this topic!

[@john-lenin]

Gustavo’s work is brilliant. I wish I could afford to buy the book.

[@GONZOFAM7]

From the outside looking in I see financially successful photographers and artists are business minded. They hustle to MAKE opportunities. That can mean many different paths but hustle and a business mind are key features of financial success. Staying true to your vision and style.

[@FreezeMango-BlazeLychee]

It would be lovely to hear your thoughts on such topics! By the way, in your opinion, could it be that things that make you happy may not be related to photography but still inspire you to make art?

[@shyamalganguly3598]

Happiness when it's short term in anything you get or accomplished and doesn't leave you to explore much about what you intended and you are satiated by heart at a point will, perhaps, never take you to next level and you are lost, like levels of a game is finished when last level is accomplished or the final whistle is blown after a session!! Now one's search like a game may be achieved according to the depth or layers a person is able to achieve giving him the happiness of his calibre afford to surpass and you find people who are happy around the little success and then nowhere to go but to reminiscent of the little success and happiness stagnated around that point!! Unless you have the ability achieved to give you dissatisfaction of some kind with a fastidious mind to perfection and an intangible goal to make yourself running after that forever with an undercurrent in your heart until to the very end of a life's journey to give happiness to them who are meant for all your painstaking works mattered inspired you to do better and better!! When art is parsued whether it's photography or else the same attitude applies to achieve the very best every time you present yourself as a surprise to them who you cater but for the ultimate satisfaction inside your heart and this gives you boundless happiness to work on!! All this to say that not only this topic but other ones which you wanted to have a deep debate to perley with and this is an enormous pleasure to talk through this unique channel!! Thanks a lot, want to be happy to be getting along with discussions!!

[@tonyhayes9827]

Without a doubt. Art is born from inspiration; that's the process precisely

[@seamus1952]

I did commercial photography for about 12 years. I quit and went into another area (telecom). I still did some photos but not full time. I am now 71 so I have semi retired (not good at retiring) but i am able to put three days toward my art (I have an art degree) so making a living is not my primary concern. I bought a ranch style with a walkout base basement. The contractors are finally so I have a full studio now. I don't recommend waiting until 70 but it's not too late. Almost all art now. Big fan.

[@rjohn463]

This video was wonderful, but way too short. I would love more specific advice. Should I go to a museum director or do I need to be famous or dead first? Is being a sunshine artist worth the trouble? Are portfolio reviews helpful and, if so, how do I find the right reviewer? Lots more to convert, so please do.

[@akisoga2345]

This is pretty esoteric but fascinating subject. I appreciate you taking this on. I think a lot of us conflate attention, success and good work, but if you disregard what others think of your work (and for most of us, that input comes from social media) then how do you know you're doing 'good' work. Is it enough that you're happy with your work? Maybe others love work that you don't think is your best and disregard your own favorites. Just throwing down some thoughts.

[@error60091]

yes, i find this interesting as well... there must be some objective difference in what is basically subjective (the public's preference over yours re: particular images)...

[@DanOehlsen]

Hello Ted -- Really enjoy your videos and your emphasis on photography, not just gear. I'm 72 and a neophyte hobbyist photographer with no professional photography aspirations. However, I was a publishing executive and entrepreneur for 30 years and worked with many artists, photographers and graphic designers. One of the thorniest issues I encountered, especially with young artists, was who owns the work when it is created for hire. I would be very interested in your views on this topic and I'm curious how you've handled it in your career. Thanks again for your thoughtful and thought-provoking videos.

[@Bazooka1987]

I don't have a clue about how to achieve success in photography. But As a video editor with 15 years of experience, the only thing that allowed me to get into the business was to create my opportunities. And to expand my social universe to reach the people that already was in the market i wanted to be. To be inspired and to work hard is very important, but to share all your progress with people that really understands what you're doing is even more important.

[@HugoBoia]

Gustavo's name is incorrect in your description link. The correct name is Gustavo Minas. And yeah, the pronouncing is the second one: "Gustav-oh Mee-nahs" 😀

[@joostgerritsen7104]

One thing is what you like, the other who you are. I love street photography for instance but I'm definitely not a street photographer. Knowing who you are is key. (and to discover that you have to ask yourself tough questions and accept the brutal truth. ) Don't be the person you want to be or copy the person you admire but be the person you are and go from there.

[@gustavominas]

tks for the shoutout, Ted, I'm glad it made it to you.

[@theartofphotography]

You bet! Thanks for sending!!!

[@tonyferrell3456]

Really nice work. I especially like the coloring and reflections. Congratulations on the book.

[@blazacrew]

Gustavo has talent

[@kenstrandberg1274]

The late, great Charlie Surendorf, the great block print, oil, and water color artist of Columbia, California and friend of Ansel Adams, once commented how that he was proud to have succeeded as a full-time artist and even sent a daughter to college. He did this in spite of having been evicted from his studio in Columbia for not conforming to the state's mandates that Columbia merchants must dress as period miners. His Bermuda shorts and sandals just didn't fit in according to the state. Nevertheless, bus loads (literally) of people visited his studio on the hill above Columbia. (One even got stuck on the way up.) Part of his success was his continuous contributions to newspapers. Wherever he was, even while in Tahiti, he sent letters to his hometown and other media to keep his name out there. The point being that he was an early purveyor of social media as a full-time artist. This seems to be a requirement of today's artists to help gain traction. Charlie was an individualist, and his writings expressed who he was, which I think is another aspect of an artist using social media. You have to find something different from everyone else but that is true to who you are when participating in social media to further your art. My two cents on being an artist--whether its visual, writing, or whatever.

[@RevLane]

If you can make a video about the various ways to sell photo-art work that would be great. I’ve been renting cameras for a long time just to walk around and experiment and lately have been thinking about focusing more on displaying my vision. Really would like to know from a pro how successful photo-art actually gets bought and sold.

[@humbertomorales6559]

Gustavo is one of the best contemporary street photography photographers for sure!

[@douggoodhill]

This is a difficult subject and you really were 100% on the mark. I have been doing fine art photography since 1973, and have been through many of the paths you describe. My only comment is that the idea of happiness can be rather superficial, while satisfaction might be substituted as it indicates the internal drive that propells an artists work. I know it is only semantics.

[@alexanderpons9246]

Thanks for talking about this topic Ted Forbes, for sure there us no prescription or set route to become an Artist! It is so fantastic to see all the wonderful mail you receive showcasing all the great inspiration your channel brings to many.

[@nomadprints]

Yes! More on this topic please. So many of us have this disparity between who we are and what we do (for a living). Maybe going all in on art can go some way to bridging that gap.

[@boyankrivoshiev679]

Thank you! Definitely do more of those videos, it's the reason I started watching you channel. It's inspiring and, most importantly, it helps you to look on the world from other perspective, which is rarely.

[@Viator19]

Love that Gustavo Minas book. Think ill buy myself a copy.

[@aramb]

Gosh, Chung Ling's photo is gorgeous!

[@sjkidd2010]

Your mail is infinitely more interesting than mine. 🤣. Seriously, as a returning photographer (after a few years) i binged on your videos since one of our lockdowns and found them incredibly inspiring. I loved the themed challenges of some the earlier ones and like the business, styles of photography and listening to your experience with the fine art side. Some more how to make it work topics for different commercial and fine art genres would be very helpful. Thanks.

[@Sherlockarim]

i consider my self some type of an artist, after struggling financially i decided to take a period off doing my art and dedicate it to get financial stability the thing that will help me (if not with making art) to make people see it, best of luck to all artists Never Stop Creating

[@djlenihan]

Thanks so much, your videos are always so informative. One thing I keep getting caught by is the whole "how do you break in as an artist when you don't have contacts in the art world?" we all try instagram but I find it so hard to compete, especially with overly-edited landscapes. It's really hard to get noticed

[@liamdoran2149]

I'm not a street photo guy, but Gustavos book looks fantastic. His shadow/light/reflections bring intense life to the scene....might have to order one!

[@sbai4319]

Thanks for this video and yes I would appreciate a longer analysis of this subject. Videos like this are some of your most enjoyable content. Cheers from Australia

[@AndresGonzalez-nj5ky]

Thanks Ted! Look forward to your videos around building yourself up as an artist, its a very intriguing topic. #1-Inspiration is a tricky thing and very elusive. It can also lead to depend on feeling "inspired" in order to work or abandonment all together as its difficult to control and predict inspiration. But yes I agree, an artist's work necessarily means studying what makes you feel inspired, why and ways you can tap into it more often. Which would lead me to my suggested #3 recommendation: Do the work/be intentional, give space and time (aka priority) frequently to acting upon desires in this sense so you give lady luck more opportunities to visit you with inspiration.

[@anta40]

A question from a photography hobbyist here (I work as a software developer, and certainly aspired to be artist photographer one day): can self contentment be considered as success? For me, photography is a bit expensive hobby: purchasing good books, doing trips, purchasing some lenses (only a few, fortunately). What do I get? Out of 100 frames, probably there are less than 10 interesting images. Ouch. But once I see those beautiful image as prints, I feel my expenses are well paid. Done. I don't look for approval from people (but it's still nice to be widely acknowledged) or money (but it's also nice if photography can provide you another income stream). I'm very aware for most people, success means money or recognition. Certainly like the idea and hopefully one day can achieve that. But for now, as long as I'm happy, it's sufficient. Or perhaps I'm being too idealistic/egoistical?

[@maxxmckinney3777]

My opinion, for whatever it’s worth, is that success should be defined by you, and it’s very definition is to feel fulfilled/content. I personally want to be accepted/recognized for my work, which is frankly a fleeting and unrealistic goal, probably driven by my ego, so every day feels like I’m running into a wall. I find that I have a disconnect between what I like and what others like when it comes to my photos. E.g. my favorite from a set will be everyone else’s least favorite. Because of this, I’m trying to get back to making photos for myself this year, because doing it to make others happy has taken much of the enjoyment out of it for myself. Of course, it then becomes hard to even afford it without making money off of it.

[@anta40]

@@maxxmckinney3777 We are living in digital era, that us hobbyists don't have to put our photos on exhibitions. Social medias are easier. Unfortunately, there are millions around the world doing the same thing. How to be stand out of the crowd? Ahhh not easy, yes? Unless you constantly produce outstanding works, I wonder if doing commercial photography is the "easiest" way to gain recognition?

[@RamaSivamani]

@@anta40 Maybe this comes from also having a background as an amateur musician but putting on an exhibition feels like doing a performance there's a certain energy and excitement about it (yes there are nerves as well but nerves and excitement go hand in hand when it comes to performing). However, posting to social media does not have that same "performance buzz" that an exhibition either a juried group exhibition or a solo exhibition has.

[@paulpakstas7957]

Thank you Ted. Always, always, enlightening, thoughtful, educational, and a pleasure to watch. After a lifetime of taking pictures I find myself asking… What’s next? Where do I go from here? Keep going on this subject! Exactly what I need right now!

[@gjwhite]

I concur that one needs to always maintain the spark of joy in their work ("what about this or that medium to I really connect to?") the saying of "inspiration is for amateurs, the rest of us just show up" does resonate with me in my professional life.

[@gerryphilpott9766]

First, yes, I 'd like to see more videos from you on this topic as it has taken on a whole new level between the popularity of 'picture taking' and the apparent reassessment of people's life goals after Covid. I'm probably very typical of most as I hope to retire soon and got a mirrorless kit a little over a year ago to reawaken the dormant enjoyment I had for photography. I recently purchased the M11 so looking forward to what that experience has to offer as well. I've been satisfying clients my whole life so zero interest in any commercial work, and as far as making a living or any kind of income, that isn't as necessary as maybe it is for others like me. Frankly, if i could cover the cost of my equipment over the next few years I'd be thrilled. I just want to learn ways how I can create and distribute what I photograph and hopefully grow as a photographer. If I'm happy doing it then that's all that matters. If other people like it enough to compliment me, or even buy it, then even better. Thanks for your perspective on this and looking forward to more.

[@disraelidemon]

I'd somehow missed this video so it was only today that I saw you show my book (9:55). Thanks so much for the shout out - I'm recovering from (a very mild case of) COVID right now so this really cheered me up!

[@JimRochePhotography]

I'd like to clarify some of the issues about being an artist...and surviving rather than starving. While right now my photos simply don't make me money I did spend a couple of decades as a landscape painter and printmaker. Here is how it worked: I was lucky, I had a gallery (actually three plus some private dealers). The gallery or dealers keeps 50%. Period. They supply the clients, the advertising, the space for shows, you name it. They get 50%. So let's take a good year and I sell $200,000 in work. Yes, I have done that many years, but not since I decided I love photography. After the gallery takes their share from $200,000 I'm down to $100,000. Now it gets a little worse in real life, anyone who buys a lot of work from the gallery gets a discount. 10-20%. That discount always came from my 1/2 of the money. So it's a bit less. Printmaking is very much like photography, there are significant costs in making the work, let's easily say $10-20,000 in paper, ink, screens, paint, stretches, you name it. I'm down to $80,000. This was the 90's so that's pretty good money until...tax time comes. You're paying your regular federal income tax, plus both your 1/2 and the employer's 1/2 of social security, and if you are in the wrong state, state taxes. Kiss another $30,000 goodbye. You are down to $45,000. Then there is your health insurance. When I left NY and moved to California in the 90's I was paying $680 a month. Let's round that off to $8,000.( Yes, that job teaching 4th grade actually wasn't a bad deal.) That leaves me with around $37,000 to pay my rent/mortgage, food and all those other living expenses. I was lucky to buy a home in Park Slope Brooklyn when it was dangerous to walk to the house and the rent meant money into equity. Oh, and when something is still at the gallery after 2 years at most they ask you to come and pick it up. If it is an edition they use to just give me 1/2, keep 1/2 and we each did whatever we could with them, but no more payments from the edition. Painful. And it's a small community, so you never - ever complain. Getting to the point of selling $200,000 a year means working as hard as you can and most likely having a job. I taught 4th grade. Now I'm trying to do photography and I am at the beginning again. Regretfully there is no longer sending slides out to dealers with a letter, or walking into a gallery and showing your work. But if you want to even be an artist/photographer at this third tier - surviving on the profits of your work- be prepared. What I can say is that later I went to law school and made real cash but was always happiest making art. Even when someone took 1/2 my earnings, and fighting my way through the costs and expenses. I'm happier today doing that.

[@gr2159]

I'd love to hear more. Quick question, who is harder to make images for, the general public or photography judges?

[@ephraimchama4756]

This is a great video make the series ted I think it’s a very important topic because so many photographers quit as the beginning trying to pursue it as a full time occupation because they think it’s easy and unlike other jobs doesn’t require work to blossom

[@thenoblepixel7586]

This is inspiring me to create a photobook. Need to get one done. Thanks Ted!

[@tothewoodsnet6714]

Definitely want to hear your thoughts on turning the hobby into a profession.

[@ZeLoShady]

I would love to be a fine art photographer however, I don't think most people enjoy putting my subjects on their wall... which is mostly spiders and insects. My goal with my macro photography though is to get it to a point where someone who is afraid of spiders WILL hand a spider photo somewhere, even if its the utility closet beside their water heater lol.

[@ahasver07]

ha ha ha, post here a couple of examples and i will relay to you the reaction of my girlfriend 😀 but i seriously believe that it could be a really interesting subject especially in macro - you can get to a level where the subject is highly stylised and abstract. also light, contrast and colours may help achieve in your endeavour. large prints. do not give up

[@kenstrandberg1274]

If you do good macro work on these subjects, I think you have a niche with marketability, especially as groups of photos.

[@ZeLoShady]

@@ahasver07 Thank you! I most certainly will not give up! I have had a couple spider hating friends already change their minds a bit so I know I am doing something right so far lol.

[@ZeLoShady]

@@kenstrandberg1274 Thank you! Group photos would be a great way to display them!

[@malmcowy]

I work as a wedding and portrait photographer but also do street photography. Slowly building the art side of photography and one day would like to be a full time artist. I’d be interested in getting more insight on how to sell your photos and how to work with galleries vs selling prints on your own.

[@robdeaton6137]

Yes to starving art videos. I do photography for a living and am in a transition because of covid. It's not easy but photography is like air to me. Keep up the great work.

[@robdeaton6137]

@@janneroppola_supersigma was that to.me or Ted

[@ArturPoluektov]

Great video, once again. And a very relevant topic. I really want to become an artist photographer, but I have so many struggling artists around me (including my close relatives) that I consciously decided to take a 2nd route you’ve mentioned. The struggle is to keep myself motivated and have enough time to explore my art. It’s not only a time to shoot, edit and print, but also a quality time to think and to feel. Maybe you can explore this topic a bit more in one of your videos. Finally, about Gustavo Minas, he has a great intro course about street photography at Domestica platform. I made it a year ago and can recommend for the beginner street photographers. BTW, he also has/had a day job :)

[@SergevanNeck]

Yes please. Keep this conversation going!

[@AndreasBeham]

Thanks Ted, love this channel, videos like these are amazing. Wanted to say I love Gustavo's work, just bought the book.

[@charliewaterman816]

Love to hear anything you can pass on brother! Think it could really help people think about what they want to do for a job/career

[@savagefrieze4675]

Terrific commentary on doing art photography! Gustavo’s images were awesome, with the added punch of being exotic when compared to my existence. Thanks Ted for another needed teaching!

[@Sams911]

I recently walked into a gallery in Las Vegas.... I usually see nice work at these galleries but nothing that floors me or worse yet, gets me to be impulsive and spend several thousand dollars ... Mario Basner's work, especially his library collection just floored me.. the way it drags you into the room is like nothing I've seen.

[@chunglinglo9687]

Thank you for sharing Ted. As always I enjoy your videos and how you look at the path of pursuing art. It is definitely not easy. And as you said, keep being inspired is also very hard. More than once I asked myself if I’m really good enough to do this? Am I on the wrong path? If I always live uncomfortably, will it still make me happy? So many questions that need to be answered yet I don’t seem to have them. But one thing for sure is that I know creating makes me happy. So either with music, or photography, I just want to remember the moment of happiness when I create something out of my hands. Thank you for being so inspiring! :) and yes, I would like to hear more your thoughts on this topic. It’s deep and we need it!!

[@theartofphotography]

Thanks for the print!!!

[@twaksak69]

Greetings from South Africa.I have been listening to your podcasts and Videos for years now . All been Super . This one the Best for me True Words spoken there Buddy .

[@photobistro]

I so thank you for this video... I've been stuck mentally with this right now and this has gave me comfort to that it's not just me...

[@andrefelixstudio2833]

Great conversation with some very profound advice!

[@kokokhanduja6981]

I love your channel and I really love this discussion. I’m a surgeon, started of doing photography as a hobby but then I started printing my work at least 20x30 inches at a good camera store in town. I then started framing some of the better pieces ( a friend frames my art pieces) and curated my own exhibitions. Found out that my friends and neighbors appreciated and bought a lot of my artwork. Yet have to get a website and have not published a book. I guess I am doing things backwards but having a lot of fun doing it. I am inspired most by my surroundings and travels. Really love to photograph my golf course in the dead of winter and the fog. Often post on Instagram.

[@redmonk8074]

Same here sir … i did same work over and over for 10 yrs but am not able to find happiness … money is not making happy … then i find that my passion is something else .. and i should be following my passion to make myself happy . Can you talk about how to start for a beginner artist photographer

[@segretia]

Yeah keep going with this, would love to hear more of your perspective.

[@Azertyvo]

Hi Ted, I've been lucky enough to work as a radio DJ and producer for the last 30 years and this was my day job, the one that's supposed to be boring. There's been a lot of hard work, a fair amount of luck and let's assume some talent... but above all, it all started in a very unpredictable way. So everytime I get asked what one should do to do the same job, I start saying that there's no particular roadmap, no recipe. And I advise them to listen to radio stations and not be the average listener. Instead, they should analyze what they hear and wonder why DJs do it this or that way, wonder how they would have done it had they been in charge. In other words, it's essential to make yourself ready so that if an opportunity, even the tiniest, shows up, then you'll be ready to catch it. I'm assuming there are a couple similarities with the long road to becoming a professional photographer. Thanks so much for your videos.

[@andrewzumbach8151]

Yes Ted, let's hear more about being an artist!

[@magik8566]

Some nice stuff here! And, bravo Gustavo!

[@gerryphilpott9766]

PS - it was your M11 video two weeks ago that put me over the top to take the plunge after many years so I thank you for that. Leica probably does as well.

[@matthewb21]

Good one. I always like digging through the mail part. Keep them coming!

[@PatrickDodds1]

Would definitely like more videos like this Ted - thank you. This is great.

[@AdrianIII]

Thanks for this video! Having a website is good. PROMOTING it is a lot of work, and unless you PROMOTE it well, you will not generate significant sales. Expect to spend many many hours posting on Instagram, Facebook, etc. etc. to generate a list of potential customers. Balancing this with doing your actual photography is difficult. Unfortunate, but just a fact.

[@samhardy2038]

Things have changed or maybe not since the old days.

[@hetschipVeronica]

IMHO having success as an artist being equal to being wel known or making money etc is a bit of an American way to look at things. For me, the only criterium can be your own perception, does your work meet your own standards, that can be the only way. As an artist you should not let other people decide if you are good enough or not, it is up to you. It is your struggle, your voyage, and has nothing to do with financial appreciation or 'being wel known', for me that just indicates that someone knows how to sell herself / himself. Nice topic 👍

[@b3arodactyl]

Would love move videos on these topics, especially the in between paths you mentioned you’ve seen. I think going through stories of different paths would be a great way to help us figure out what our path should be

[@DodoKing187]

Hi Ted, thank you so much for the inspiring words once again. :) short question: what kind of chair are you using for your office, it was looking kinda cool.

[@dianeschuller]

Ted, what do you think it is that makes street photography so appealing to so many people?

[@MattatHiddenLight]

What's that quote... "Inspiration is for amateurs. The rest of us just show up and get to work." I think in reality you need both hard work and inspiration, but you won't always necessarily have both

[@charleswilson8023]

Ted, great video and a create topic. I have been a hobby / semi pro for about 15 years. And yes I would like to be able to become a paid photographer. The real question is, how do you promote yourself enough and what does it take as far as promoting yourself as a profession so you can make cash flow? Ted I grew up in Texas, in the Houston area. And the minute that I saw your first videos about 5 years ago. I was taken. Love your work. You have helped me see things and you have taught me a lot. I really appreciate what you do. I hope you do this on into the future.

[@majeku]

Yes, absolutely would like to see more about that!

[@Liam-pq7zk]

Hi Ted! I am an architect student at the U of C in Calgary. It's pretty common for students and even industry professionals to compare portfolios. I'd love to see you critique/compare work submitted by some of your subscribers who consider themselves to be photographic artists and discuss points of improvement through the specific lens of art photography. I'd be more than happy to submit some of my work for such purposes! Cheers

[@Mike_Wazowski_z]

Please talk about this I would love to hear more from you on this topic! :)

[@RPGtravelphoto]

Thanks for providing both inspiration and a reality check when pursuing photography for work or pleasure.

[@MLodge]

Would be great to hear more about this topic. Love these kind of videos from you Ted.

[@andrewnoden9117]

Hi Ted, Andrew here in Ottawa Canada 🇨🇦, I have followed your channel for some time, in the past you did a video on the Photo sketchbook/journal. I would love for you to do a refresh of this and provide some recent insights. I am taking a art journal class in the next week all being well and I rewatched the video. I think one of my journals will be a photo art journal to capture some photos and my thought process as it evolves and perhaps an ideas journal for projects. Would love to get your insights and thoughts. Thanks Andrew Ps when are you going to do once of your masterful projects and interviews Cheers

[@curiousabout1]

I would love to hear more from you about marketing art photography, like tangible steps to take as a beginner. I have sold a few things to friends that saw my stuff on FB and I honestly felt a sort of buzz growing but then it just stopped. I don't know what I should have been doing to build upon that, and since have unfortunately lost motivation for a variety of other life reasons. I'm not done, but I need some solid, actionable steps to get going again and I appreciate your direct and honest approach. Edit: and I just realized this video is a year old lol. /facepalm

[@bambameron]

If you end up creating series on becoming a successful artist, can you speak on: creating a gallery proposal, tips on reaching out to curators, and/or funding and grant proposal. Appreciate ya. 🤝

[@kmbrco]

Love these topics, Ted! And keep the mail coming. It's so inspirational! Photography is just one aspect of my art interests. I don't expect to have major success, but I do want to keep pushing myself to improve. I have a website, but it's more of a nature blog and the photos play a role in that. Taking my photos from that aspect to something more (say a gallery show, or even just selling prints) has been a challenge. Within their context they are good. But in the art world, just average, I'm sure. So, how do you build on what you've already got going? Does the audience you are reaching make a difference?

[@TimofejNenarokov]

Can you talk about more artis block and balance photography with everyday life?

[@pupilo13]

This need yo be a serie of videos. Thank you very much!

[@DannerPlace]

Inspiration, is what I need. I retire in April, and B&W analog photography will be my focus. Desperately seeking inspiration, please help. BTW, I'm in FTW too.

[@lewiswilk]

Good solid advice / discussion. More. More.

[@photobizmethod]

Yes, you must be happy and have the drive to find clients instead of them finding you... great vid!

[@BryceWomeldurf]

That churros shot with the sunset, but Gustavo, was great.

[@DSGN73]

more please, … more! 🙃🙏🏻

[@aljo.antony]

According to me a photographer loves more than one genre even though the photographer is focused on only one genre. Ted, what's your opinion on this ?

[@alexfxlll]

Twitter is key guys! get on it

[@lausteofraigneau]

Give us some depth, please!!

[@colintoews7458]

If your Photography brings you happiness than you’re already more successful than most people. Would you still take photographs if nobody were to see any of them ever ?

[@nicktalerico8273]

Would love to hear everything you have to say about becomin an artist photographer, Ted!

[@KrzysztofDziuba----1-2-3]

Ted - I love your videos, I've learnt a lot about photography from your talks. Today I've learnt another one - phrase 'friends on instagram' - could you show, where it is marked on scale from 0 (total strangers) to 10 (that guy you know since junior that can read in your mind)? ;)

[@MannyPandya]

Would love to hear more about it.