The Reality of Being a Full-time Landscape Photographer

[@paulcomptonpdphotography]

I have to say since you went pro I have been pulling my hair out wanting to do the same. But I cant take the risk, you are a very clever man on the brains side I dont have so you will get there. You will fill them places easy.

[@alanhumbard8298]

I always enjoy stories of people going from safe secure jobs to much more risky on the own adventures. My wife did that and she never looked back. So march on Cris as you do a great job of explaining you situation and at the same time taking enjoyable videos and of course photos.

[@ChrisSalePhoto]

Thanks Alan - we have done the same thing with my wife a few years back. She transitioned from the corporate world to running her own gardening business. Now it is my turn! :)

[@antont7357]

Excellent video Chris, you are one of only a handful of Landscape photographers that I watch on a consistent basis. Your videos and photography are on some top level stuff and I find you genuinely personable.

[@martinhall2593]

Chris i can see your confidence and presentation on your videos is getting bigger and better. Really am enjoying the insight on all aspects of your Photography life. This journey is a joy to follow, thanks again for the inspiration. BTW subscribers is getting bigger too. Nice to see.

[@ChrisSalePhoto]

Thanks Martin - yeah, the channel is starting to grow fairly consistently now which I am extremely pleased about. It has taken a lot of hard work to get to this stage.

[@jbairdexp]

Another fascinating insight into your life as a protog. I'm sure you'll get those slots filled for the workshops. :-)

[@ChrisSalePhoto]

Sold it within an hour of getting back into the office after filming this; I am a selling machine!

[@versescapes]

great shots, Chris! i like the shot of glencoyne with the polarizer cranked to max! I gotta tell you, mate. When i visit the lake district one day, i would be pumped to do it during a Chris Sale workshop. Keep up the good work, Chris!

[@ChrisSalePhoto]

It would be great to have you Bobby though I'm sure we'd find the time to nip off for a shoot, just the 2 of us. My way of saying thanks for the fantastic support and encouragement that you have given me over the years.

[@versescapes]

@@ChrisSalePhoto i feel i am the one that needs to thank you, Chris. Not only it is a pleasure watching your videos with amazing photography, you have a also been a source of inspiration. Take care mate! until the next video 😁👍

[@scottwestbrook7030]

I have very much appreciated your allowing us to follow you on this journey.

[@AlanMETALMAN]

The reality of running your own business, I only did it for a year and worked harder in my (supposed ) retirement that I did at the job I retired from. I did employ my son and although he had a decent wage, I made nothing, so gave him 3 months notice and closed it down. Three nice locations in a favourite area of mine and to be honest, I am not a fan of a black and white shot but ended up surprising myself and really enjoying your final shot, cheers Alan

[@jeffogden6060]

Interesting insights and I am not surprised that you have a backlog of office tasks! I feel that you are definitely connecting with your audience by selling the Lake District and the workshops are sure to grow and expand. It will be interesting to look back in several months time and see how this video ages. I quite like the Brothers Water shot--beautiful shapes on that shoreline. Cheers, Jeff

[@jimwlouavl]

Watching this in December 2020 and thinking that the lockdown must have been hard on your first year. I hope your dream continues to come true.

[@wilsonwhanau5618]

Yes, we’ll done Chris. Again, keeping it real. My hobby is photography and videography. My business is not. But, I take a lot of tips, tricks and ideas from Vlogs like yours to help me further and better my own business. Just wanted to let you know that you style of Vlogging is very refreshing (especially from a 35+yr old point of view). I get a lot out of your thoughts and ideas even though this is a photography channel.

[@nigelnewton4365]

Hi Chris. Thanks again for another really good and helpful video. I can fully relate to what you say about working as a protog full time as I'm in the same boat! Love that mono image at the end of the video. Inspirational! Well done.

[@ChrisSalePhoto]

Thanks Nigel - perhaps we should meet up for a coffee some time and swap notes. I am rarely in your neck of the woods so perhaps better to wait until you are next up here.

[@nigelnewton4365]

@@ChrisSalePhoto Sounds great, Chris. I'll be in touch very soon! Keep up the good work!

[@JohnDrummondPhoto]

I really enjoy and empathize with your exposition of the business side of your business, to a degree that few others on KZbin do.

[@ChrisSalePhoto]

Thanks John - I felt inspired to share the business side of things after seeing a Tom Heaton talk and more recently watching some of Mark Denney's videos. Both of them are an inspiration to me about how to build a business around landscape photography.

[@JohnDrummondPhoto]

@@ChrisSalePhoto yeah, Tom's one of the few.

[@dwarren1586]

Absolutely love the honesty and information....in my mind I would have thought the selling of prints would be your main objective but hearing this honest testimony really sheds light on the path you are taking thank you so much ! Keep creating great videos my friend!

[@ChrisSalePhoto]

Thanks mate - eventually I would like to work up to being able to sell a few prints but in the short term the workshops and 1-2-1s pay the bills and allow me to get out at other times to build my portfolio.

[@merllin359]

Brilliant black and white image Chris and what great weather you had for the shoot too

[@ChrisSalePhoto]

It certainly was a lovely morning Mike.

[@CharlesMercer]

I feel your pain. Remember to allow yourself to evolve. It's okay. Creatives have the joy, and they are always wondering if they have gone mad and let their families down. Guess what, you are a far better person for your courage.

[@ChrisSalePhoto]

Thanks Charles - evolution is hugely important to any fledgling business. It is why we are starting small. That way we will learn what the industry demands and be able to adapt accordingly. Weirdly I don't see myself as a creative, I am starting to think of myself as a business man that takes photographs! :)

[@CharlesMercer]

@@ChrisSalePhoto All the best Chris

[@mbsearle]

Love your honesty and commitment Chris! Your vlogs stand out for these qualities! Thanks.

[@ChrisSalePhoto]

I am nothing if not honest Mark, I don't have anything to hide! I have been told by other local pros not to be so honest but I think that says more about them than it does about me. :)

[@mbsearle]

@@ChrisSalePhoto Love it!

[@steverich_photography]

Thank you Chris, another great video, thank you for sharing the details.

[@hannahmorrisbouldering]

Golden hour light in the Lake District is so beautiful. Lovely images. :)

[@ChrisSalePhoto]

Thank you Hannah, it certainly is! One of my favourite things to do is to watch the sunrise from the top of a (low) fell.

[@GarethDanks]

Ah no way. You know my mate Chris haha. You two should collab! 😊👍🏻

[@TheNonsenseAdventures]

Another great view into the world of turning into a pro. Yes you'll still have admin, yes there no paid annual leave, but you are doing it for you, your moves make the impact, when in your old job, you probably could properly c#ck up and it in reality wouldn't make a dent in the company. You do it for you and you reap the rewards. If you enjoy it, keep doing it, if you don't, don't. Don't over think it. Don't over worry. Take time and enjoy each step you take as you won't be taking it again!

[@TheNonsenseAdventures]

If it all came easy, it wouldn't feel worth it!

[@_gatsby]

I love that your camera looks to be in 'like new' condition still.. says a lot about you mate :) ..keep up the journey! We are all rooting for you

[@ChrisSalePhoto]

Don't look too closely mate, it has a few dents! Have you changed your username recently?

[@_gatsby]

@@ChrisSalePhoto haha I Did, (it was Jack Deagon). I have been day dreaming lately about vlogging, and I guess this would be my 'persona'. I started making some little videos, and I really enjoy it.

[@desgardner7169]

Working for yourself is a 24/7 job it is not easy and I think that you know that, teaching other people how to take good picture's is equally just as hard but you have an advantage you know that you can take good picture's yourself, its no good teaching other people if you cant do it its very unfair on other people! so far your system is working and that's great, your picture's are your trade mark you do need to show them to other people at regular intervals, if poss put them on show somewhere! Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us and you got off to a great start by capturing a few nice picture's at the start of the talk!

[@ChrisSalePhoto]

Thanks Des, I will start looking for opportunities to exhibit my work soon now that the spring workshops are sorted. Hopefully then I will start to sell a few prints! :)

[@ian99943]

Well explained, and it's not an easy life being a landscape photographer with all the competition out there.

[@rvbsoundfactory]

Do more B&W for the British landscape. People love black-and-white images of landscapes. Maybe introduce some Cityscapes, Old mill's, industrial scenes. Thanks for sharing.

[@ChrisSalePhoto]

Thanks Richard - industrial scenes you say? Keep an eye out over the coming weeks... :)

[@richardwood6121]

Thanks Chris, another really interesting and thought provoking video. I hope to join one of your workshops in the later part of this year, having just got myself a decent photo editing monitor which also entailed replacing my aging pc a workshop will have to wait. I enjoy your relaxed style and as others have said, your honesty. Would love to the visit the Lake District. As I live in the far north of Scotland I've got lots of distractions on the way south but I do intend to make it one day

[@christopherglew7494]

Glad you posted this video Chris, as I am going up that area in February staying in Hartsop and I’ll definitely be trying out those locations.

[@barrymcalle7377]

Life is about challenges and this is a big one Chris

[@WhosPhotoTube]

I liked the ripples on the water best, great image, aka Michael

[@SteveHedgesPhotography]

Hi Chris, nice vlog. You're bang on about spending more time in the office than taking photographs. I've been a professional photographer for 25 years running courses for the last 10 years and my own picture taking does take a back seat sometimes. Great way to earn a living though isn't it.

[@stilapsievideos6892]

Hi Chris, loved the video and the honesty. You must have thought about going self publishing right? If not, have a think about it. You have more than enough quality images to put into a book with the relevant information about the locations and settings. It would probably be a "print on demand" and you could do it from your own website, or some such, at very little cost to you, except time and effort to put it all together of course. I'm sure there would be many of your followers and others who would buy it. I wish you the very best in this 2020, remember, a clear vision needs clear action.

[@ChrisSalePhoto]

I have definitely thought about it, there is certainly a lot of potential there. I have a figure in my head that I would like to earn in the long term. Ultimately around 50% of that needs to come from workshops and 1-2-1s and that is what I am focusing on at the moment.

[@clansman66]

Heading down your way this week for a couple of days, been years since I have been to the lakes so looking forward to familiarising myself with the area once more, your videos continue to inspire and educate. 👍

[@ChrisSalePhoto]

That's good to hear Stuart, don't forget to check out my location guide if you need some ideas for places to visit.

[@clansman66]

Your guide is excellent, tells it like it is without over complicating it, just what’s needed.

[@clansman66]

Actually just drove past you at Rydal!

[@tompetersphotography]

Love seeing the insights into your day to day matey......lovely shots and you know me my fav is the last lol sucker for a B&W long exposure

[@DarrenJSpoonley]

I love your honest approach Chris ... I hope you fill up soon ..

[@1spitfirepilot]

Well done - another very well made video.

[@rogerwalton8160]

A friend of mine went pro as a landscape photographer quite a few years ago. He did some books, runs workshops and sell the odd print but the bulk of his income is from greetings cards. Not what he had in mind at the start I think but the income from the cards keeps the rest of the business ticking along.

[@andychattaway5620]

Hi Chris, Great video - interesting and insightful. Loved the last image 👌

[@RobOutenPhotography]

Great honestly and true reflection on what lifestyle like as a self employed person.... us some decent images as well. What more can we ask for!! Thanks for sharing Chris, 👍📸

[@nickyfoulkes8476]

Well on a funny note to improve your day. You said in the video you were shooting with the tripod quite high at chest height. Well I am at least a foot shorter than you, so for me I would need a set of steps to reach the camera. Oh it must be nice to be tall sometimes.Glad to hear your still enjoying the new life.

[@ChrisSalePhoto]

I hear you Nicky. Mrs Sale is a full 13 inches shorter than me. I come in handy for reaching things that are on the top shelf in the kitchen. :)

[@markwalkerphotography]

Great Video Chris, big difference between full time and professional, though we can all dream 😍

[@ChrisSalePhoto]

I will start calling myself a pro once I start making more that 50% of my income directly from my business (as opposed to my savings as is the case at the moment). Whether or not I will be a pro photographer, that is another question. After all, most of the time I am either a teacher or a tour guide. I think that is reality for a lot of us in this space these days.

[@mikeysteam]

Hey Chris, no need to label yourself a pro, it will make no difference to your great service and photography. Just be Chris.

[@ChrisSalePhoto]

@@mikeysteam - that is a really excellent way of looking at things, thanks Mike!

[@markwalkerphotography]

And you're in one of the best places in the country to make it happen (excluding the chilterns of course) 😁

[@ChrisSalePhoto]

@@markwalkerphotography - I left the Chilterns to come here. What does that say about me?

[@oddbjrnaustevikfoto]

Great video once again mate! I think the main difference between this job and other jobs, is that this job starts and ends with passion. For me, that is more important than a lot of the benefits in more "steady" jobs. PS: I don't however think you should give up on print sales just yet. You talked about setting up an exhibition and that is a good idea. I had success with my exhibition 🙂

[@ChrisSalePhoto]

Certainly loving the lifestyle at the moment. Haven't given up on print sales - hoping to have my first exhibition in the summer when the photography is poor and the Lake District is busy! :)

[@ColinDerbyshire]

Very nice mate. It becomes a grind at times but thats the same with anything. Eventually consider deligating your admin duties out so you have more time to do what you enjoy.

[@ChrisSalePhoto]

Now that would be fantastic! I am some way off of that but it is certainly something to aspire to.

[@ColinDerbyshire]

@@ChrisSalePhoto You will get there :) keep going.

[@MiguelACoronaDM]

Interesting video Chris. I'm sure you'll be having to manage more of the admin side as your business grows, I agree, it is the reality with any business venture. I've said it before but you're SO LUCKY to have this beautiful scenery to capture on a daily basis. Very jealous. Now about that massive head..... j/k. Cheers!

[@ChrisSalePhoto]

To be honest with you mate it is the challenge of establishing a business that I am enjoying the most at the moment. I love my photography but it is difficult to measure success. With my business it is much easier gauge if I am on target or not.

[@johndowie8916]

Ah, an intruder from your previous life. Beware of targets, aspirations good targets full of stress. Another thought.

[@terrynewmanphotography]

Loved this video Chris. Planning a trip later this year and I’ll book you. Pint and lunch on me too. 👍🏻

[@G0FUW]

More interesting reflections on reality Chris. You haven't mentioned doing your tax return yet. A joy that came to me when I started doing more self employed work than PAYE. Every year I promise myself I will do it early, but it has yet to happen. Have you tried shooting from above Glencoyne Farm? Nice twist on same location from up there.

[@acmdv]

Have you thought about using Blurb (www.blurb.co.uk/) to make your own photo book? You can sell as print-on-demand through your website.

[@ChrisSalePhoto]

I have used Blurb. The books are excellent but too expensive to make any real money unfortunately.

[@acmdv]

@@ChrisSalePhoto I mean use it as a stepping stone - make a few books with them, get a copy(ies) of each and send them off to a few photography book publishers as your portfolio.

[@Mark-qn9xl]

I really appreciate these "behind the scenes" videos as without them it could easily portray a carefree idyllic lifestyle. Please keep them up. As for the images today for me it was the monochrome at the end.

[@ChrisSalePhoto]

I have to be honest I should think that my life at the moment is as close it as idyllic as it is possible to get. That will all change once the savings run out! :)

[@GarethDanks]

Great vid mate. Tough locations to shoot! Especially into the light. I’d love to commission you for a few location guide mate. Could do that next month? 😊👍🏻

[@TheRileyShot]

My massive head!! 😂😂😂 Cracked me up mate. Nice vlog

[@MarkMcNeill22]

Excellent vlog well spoken keep going keep smiling keep working hard and believe in your self thats all that matters 😊📷

[@AlexMcDougallPhotography]

Interesting video thanks.

[@onthemove301]

One of the difficulties of your chosen career is the low barrier to entry. Quite ordinary photographers can set up in competition. With a drone etc. And then trips to Iceland. But at least you're getting some advertising revenue from KZbin, and my guess is a workshop participant from this video. And your workshop size is much more helpful than the photographer in Wales who took 12 people to the Lonely Tree on Llyn Padarn where, if you don't know it, no more than two people can shoot the best angle (to get the tree silhouetted) at any one time.

[@masterthelens]

Been following you on here and Instagram since your 'I quit my job' video. Question for you, when did you feel you were at a standard to become full time? I'm no where near your level but I hope in the next 3-4 years to quit my IT job (like your self) and do what I enjoy part or full time.

[@_gatsby]

gut instinct .. you either have it, or you don't..

[@ChrisSalePhoto]

Hi Lawrence - I have to be honest I don't think I thought I was ready when I took the plunge. I think in life if you wait until you think you are ready you have probably left it too late. For me it was other factors that lead to me making the decision to go full-time. Sometimes you just have to go for it and see how you get on.

[@photographyforenjoyment]

Another informative video Chris but ending on a sour note from me as I really don't think the final mono image works well. As you quite rightly stated, it is right-hand heavy but that's made even more obvious because there's not enough detail in that section. It's quite possibly the compression here on YT, but all the shadow areas look blocked-up? Don't mean to sound too critical here, but simply giving my opinion.

[@ChrisSalePhoto]

It is absolutely fine Alan - to be honest I don't like the shot myself. It feels unbalanced as you say. As far as the shadow areas are concerned, I was experimenting giving my black and white images a 'vintage' look; I'm not sure it worked! :)

[@shashankdhariwal]

I guess providing the multiple exposure images and the final image from your last location in this video will help in understanding the photography complexity in a better manner

[@rosssayer6524]

Love the long exposure B&W did you have to blend 2 different shots to achieve the final result?? Hope your business continues to grow in 2020.

[@ChrisSalePhoto]

In the end RossI decided not to. I did have to do a fair bit of post processing on it though; I tried to give it a bit of a retro feel. Ultimately I am not sure how successful it was.

[@JohnHPettigrewFujishooter67]

Great video Chris, Dont think you will have any trouble selling that space on the workshop.

[@ChrisSalePhoto]

Fortunately not John, I sold it within an hour of getting back to the office after I finished filming this. Dead chuffed!

[@JohnHPettigrewFujishooter67]

@@ChrisSalePhoto I am sure you would sell 20 places easily, although I know you like to keep the numbers low to spend time with the participants.

[@chilecayenne]

Another interesting video....thanks!! I'm curious, do you use any sort of hand held light meter? If not, why not and would you consider one?

[@ChrisSalePhoto]

No, I don't use a hand held light meter. I find the TTL meter in my camera is absolutely perfect for my needs particularly when I use the liveview histogram.

[@snapkutter]

I’d love to join you in the Lake District. However, it would be an expensive trip for me as I live in Canada. My heart wants to visit but my bank account just laughs at the suggestion.

[@ChrisSalePhoto]

It is the same for me Chris. I'd love to visit Canada, I am told that it is just like the Lake District only on a much, much bigger scale! :)

[@Webpromotions]

Welcome to the world of small business, you'll find a routine that works for you. You may need to look at your charging if a single cancellation causes you to lose money. Unfortunately the general public is fickle and you should budget on a 50% cancellation rate in your business planning . If you assume this then that will change how much you charge. (You need to charge more anyway as you're supplying a premium service) Also consider a non refundable deposit. Maybe also have a next in line system with people who you can call if you get a last minute cancellation (Maybe offer a discount for this type of client). You'd be surprised how many people would be open to this if it was offered.

[@ChrisSalePhoto]

If it is a last minute cancellation, say within 7 days then there will be no refund unless I can sell the place. That reminds me... I must update my T&Cs!

[@Webpromotions]

@@ChrisSalePhoto as a matter of interest, in your opinion would a discounted rate for a 'pool' of waiting customers work?

[@GrantBennett]

For me, 4 hours is just a little too short for a workshop - it’s not worth the drive time for anyone (me) who isn’t local. I’ll keep an eye on them though.

[@ChrisSalePhoto]

I understand that Grant - we have 2 full day workshops lined up for the spring 1 here in the Lakes and 1 down in Cornwall. In the autumn I will be hosting my first workshops which will run over the weekend but I want to make sure I can walk before I try running! :)

[@antonoat]

I wonder do you take deposits for your guiding days, perhaps have a certain percentage amount which is not refundable, otherwise you may find yourself twiddling your thumbs on many occasions. It's a tricky one, I daresay most people fully intend to attend when they book but as you say life happens and cancellations are a fact of life. For any business time is money and for most people an income needs to be fairly consistent to be viable, tricky getting that balance to work in your favour!

[@ChrisSalePhoto]

For workshops I take full payment up front. Fortunately in this occasion the chap has asked to move to a workshop later in the year so no refund necessary at this stage. For 1-2-1s it is different because we are not talking about a 'place' that could be sold to another person so I take payment once we are finished. You are right about time being money - I now work all of the time but because I love what I do it doesn't really feel like work.

[@iastorgaphotos]

👍🏼🤗🙏🏼

[@searam1]

I hear you about switching one desk job for another. At least now, you get to shave the boss instead of kiss his bottom! Eh? Sean

[@ChrisSalePhoto]

I hear you Sean, though fortunately for me I did have (and still do) an excellent relationship with my old boss. No bottom kissing required! :)

[@searam1]

@@ChrisSalePhoto I meant no disrespect, it is more a joke here in the States...

[@ChrisSalePhoto]

@@searam1 - I know Sean, I get it. Sorry if my reply sounded a bit off. Sometimes these things don't come across as intended.

[@actionimagesphotography]

England has the strangest names for locations. IMO Book deals. Years spent shooting, gathering and planning. And these days a financial mess. Target the 50 plus who have the time and money to spend.

[@evertking1]

Don't you think the correct title should be "REALITY OF BEING A FULL TIME KZbinR"?? I mean, that's what it is, correct?? Wouldn't you say that is where the LARGE MAJORITY of money made from this venture come from? Good video

[@SimonBurnCreative]

I think that 20 / 80 rule applies to being a full-time photographer. I doesn't change 🙂

[@ChrisSalePhoto]

80% out shooting, 20% in the office? Brilliant! :)

[@michaelmano7261]

Replace your office with a van.