This PHOTOGRAPHY Advice Changes Everything

In this video, I'm sharing with you the story of how I became wrong about what success was in photography. I was living the dream, making a good living as a commercial photographer... but was I really happy?
After years of working as a commercial photographer, I began to question my career. Was this what I really wanted? I realized that success for me wasn't based on how much money I was making, but on how happy I was in my photography. I wanted to share my story with you to show you that it's possible to escape the fake photographer trap and find true success in photography!
You can find me on;
Instagram / scottchoucino
Facebook Group / 1893064874281393
Tin House Website and WORKSHOPS www.tinhouse-studio.com/
My Commercial Workscottchoucino.com/

[@TinHouseStudioUK]

Recently discovered that most people here have never seen my photography work outside of youtube, so here is a link to me the non youtuber instagram.com/scottchoucino/ where I share my life as a photographer and never mention this naughty side hustle I have.

[@josephsharketti2173]

Discovered you on Yt, but definitely follow your Insta and even check your portfolio website every so often.

[@TinHouseStudioUK]

Thanks @@josephsharketti2173

[@nallontrails]

Always was curious about your work. It's elegantly simple. Now I can learn from video and clicks !

[@alexanderow1268]

Thank you, Scott .......... it's always THE PROCESS .......... 29 years and still ALWAYS the PROCESS !!!

[@utube321piotr]

Your advice Scott applies to any specialty or vocation. Photography brings us to your channel, but your wisdom is helping guide people in non dead end directions outside of photo world. Keep it going Scott, keep saving naive souls.

[@samanthaodonnell4329]

Bugger all % !! I was bullied off of my uni courses by lecturers, yet out of 40-50ish students per year/course, I'm one of a handful still shooting or even working in anything relatively photography related - I can count on one hand!

[@philliphickox4023]

When you talk about the number of graduates who become professional after completing the Course in Photography it is also reflected by the number of students who after graduation never work in the field that they had studied, for example study law and never work as a lawyer. Study economics and never work in that field. Practice, Patience, perseverance, Process, I am finally in a place where I have gone all in, maybe a little late in life, but now there is only me to worry about. I am not a still life photographer, but I am learning that craft. Why? Simply to improve and develop my skill set. It is getting me to think about light differently and how to use it to my advantage. For example photographing events, sometimes there is not much anyone can do, other times it is where will the sun be, what is the best time of day, the best season.

[@317Media_Indy]

Good video! I'm one that didn't go to school for photography. For many years it was a hobby and I had thoughts of doing it professionally 'at some point'. Well, in '21 there was a force in the road and I left my IT career behind and decided to go all in on photography. I'm doing real estate photo/video & headshots to pay the bills, Landscape and cityscape to get into more of a fine art area. It really is enjoyable. I look at channels like yours for the content on growing and focusing on the process. Thanks again for the great content!

[@ohnoflicks]

When I was actively shooting commercial, a friend wanted to come by and visit me working. He thought we were going to play with cameras and lights all day. His expectation was dashed I’m afraid. My tasks for that day included wrangling a forklift and driver to help deliver a crate to my warehouse shooting space, unpacking, inventory of the crate, matching it against the packing list, confirming with the client that everything was received in good condition, making up a notes sheet to shoot in the most expedient fashion taking into account light setups, backgrounds etc. Then at the end of the day I cleaned the office bathroom. So it’s not all giggly fun and playing camera shit all day. For active shooting, a very busy week for me was shooting three days. The rest was all support activity. It was quite an awakening for my friend.

[@mike_s_media]

More process related goals... I love it man! We get so caught up in the subject matter that we destroy the process and hang ourselves in the details rather than focusing on the process and committing to actually completing the steps. Almost an if you build it they will come approach but without the wasted energy of worrying about results that you can't always control.

[@danthienphoto]

We need MORE photography advice like this on the internet!

[@EdwardKilner]

Nicely elucidated, thank you. Reminds me, don’t really know why, that there is no free lunch. As a project manager consultant , it was all about process: did the client’s performers have one? Follow it? Repeat it? Improve it? Continually perfect it? Document it all? Not my invention, all that. But it works.

[@callumrankine2170]

Process goals are the way forward big man. I recently looked at my goals and began to focus on the journey not the journeys end. I feel I have some control back. Cracking video!

[@darrelltheriault5793]

Excellent advice and a great approach to many aspects of your life beyond photography. In my job were told that goals which we set had to meet the MARC of excellence. Measureable, Achievable, Relevant and Controllable.

[@OSMTraining]

Another great video. Your insights always seem applicable to my side photography, as well as my main personal training business

[@arangodan]

This resonates with me. I find I’m happier when I treat success as a side effect rather than a goal

[@markbe2412]

This is a fantastic reminder to focus on those process goals. There's so much success that comes from being consistent and we often forget that. Thanks for another good one!

[@IntelWond]

It's an interesting and, I would say, a pretty healthy approach. My guess is through the years I may have come to something pretty close to it mentally, but I didn't think too much about it. Very natural philosophy, that in the end allows you to make better pictures.

[@RexEllacott]

Good on ya Scott, great that you are bringing realism to the masses. Keep up the great work. Even though I am semi-retired now from the film industry (I retired at 35, but then got back into it, cause I spent 2 much cash), my photography business is rocking along, purely because one has to take risks and keep learning and developing one's craft. Gone are the days of the big campaigns, but keeping a creative mindset is all important in this crazy world!!!.

[@jackcurrie683]

Great advice. This is so obvious but just something I have never thought of. I have always known the real love in anything is in the process/the pursuit, but changing your goals to be process related is something I have never done before. Definitely gonna give it a go!

[@BethBuelow]

Thanks for this very direct and helpful message. You've offered us a great reminder that it's the day-in, day-out, patience, persistence, and consistency that put you in the "right place, right time" situations.

[@samf1574]

Loving this Scott. Probably my favourite videos of yours to date. The “must haves” and “non negotiable” like exercise and booking time for yourself in the calendar to do “you”… Couldn’t agree more. Thanks for sharing with us 🙌🏻

[@adrianhydephotography]

Loved this Scott. ❤❤❤ fantastic advice

[@kenmorrisproducer]

I’ve had more fun in the past 6 months pursuing photography than I have had most of my career in media production. Which is not to say that’s something I don’t enjoy. But it’s not until recently that I have have really owned my process as a visual storyteller.

[@goldenwestdrain]

This was all very well put, I enjoy your take on things. Enjoy the process or the journey applies to really our whole lives.

[@doke01864]

I often forget the process.......And that's my favorite part. Thank you for the video.

[@GJSsongsmith]

Best advice and best video on photography I’ve seen . Many thanks 🙏 Scott

[@geranraath]

Fantastic advice. Thanks Scott.

[@STILLWILLPHOTO]

You changed the title of this video and before I realized it I thought I slipped into a parallel universe

[@TinHouseStudioUK]

haha sorry the first title wasnt working sadly. Joys of playing Youtubing

[@addictofbrian]

I really like this. Thank you. I have to be somewhat successful by April, which is when I have to be accountable. This actually gives me a little to do so I'm not overwhelmed. Thanks again.

[@samdub]

I went to collage and graduated, left and got an amazing job shooting motorsport but this was seasonal. I went on to assist and did post production in studios but money wasn’t great, and other than the odd side job here and there I haven’t worked in photography for nearly 10 years. Skip forward to this year though, I got my arse into gear and have shot weddings on the side all year, with a decent amount of bookings for next year too so hoping to go part time or quit my job to get back into what I really love! Thanks for the videos Scott, they’re great!

[@iantaylor4115]

I appreciate your business mind and your advice. Thank you again.

[@TheGazmondo]

At last you said it, fun and enjoy !!

[@fernanddurler4709]

Encouraging and wise advice for any vocation💫

[@David-qi9mm]

Thanks Scott

[@Popa_Bogdan_Light_Drawing]

thank you, it is very useful, from this year I've started with the test shoots each week. marketing Monday.... done till vacation then it when off :(

[@alexmuccilli]

I always tell people I meet that are in school for photography to go for the first year and then drop out and get to work assisting. You'll learn more in 6 months that you would the full 2-4 years of schooling. Do take business classes though.

[@marleystjohn]

I like this . Good on ya my elitist photographer friend ! Straight forward and honest useful advice that will help me and others actually get better results. Cheers mate 📸

[@TinHouseStudioUK]

Glad it was helpful!

[@braytonlife]

In the drop-down menu of, "I don't know who needed to hear this..." I did. Thank You. Sometimes this industry can make you, (if you let it) feel really bad about yourself.... like a complete failure in fact. But some of that is comparing oneself to others and not realizing that everyone is different in how they achieve their goals... we're all on different journeys apparently... Anyway, Thank You for what you do.

[@darrenridsdale8121]

I’m so glad you explained it like that I’m 50 been taking photos for 9 year now started as a hobby

[@TheVictorianRetreat]

Fantastic video thank you.

[@davidaldenwebb]

Your approach, setting task objectives, works in almost any career. The key, which you have mastered, is setting objectives that are likely to deliver the desired outcomes. Perhaps you have a career opportunity is management consulting? Although I suspect you won't enjoy the outcomes as much as photography!

[@videoyoplait]

Self taught and my goal has always been just to get better maybe because I still think I suck. 3 years now and clients pay me to shoot for them…but I still think I am not good enough. So, new goal…more personal test shoots, more taking chances and just putting myself out there (less fear). I was lucky and got started with the help of friends to grow my network, albeit a small one. So no more “I want Starbucks or McD”…more “you still suck…get better” to keep me going. 🎉

[@photom3]

I appreciate these brief lessons instead of reading someone’s how to book where they drone on for 150 pages and never really make the point. Yep, complained but didn’t enjoy the process.

[@Digg3r]

There was a recent article in the news that outlined the top university degrees that are a waste of money. Photography was at number 1 based on the numbers of those that graduated and went on to do professional work.

[@andrewcroft2570]

Great advice

[@donaldgibson1642]

Thank you ...

[@DynastyUK]

100% Success is the journey not the destination.

[@chesterdays2299]

I did a City & Guilds General Photography 43 years ago. Did anyone ever ask me what school I went to or where I studied? Nope, never. But publishers looked at my portfolio when I was hawking it around London back in the early 80s and onwards. And in a couple of years I was busy. Really busy. But still no-one has ever asked about my college days. I actually wanted to do that most curious of jobs that used to be towards the end of the limited credits on movies - special photographic effects. No degrees back then, in any of this stuff. Certainly no CGI, no web. I did what I did and knocked on doors. Those tutors gave me two years of looking and thinking photography, and they pulled no punches - at the end of the first year, half the group was told not to come back - try that these days. I ended up using special photographic effects, but in stills, and without being pompous, I did well. So I got my wish, but it didn't involve degrees or years at schools. Just 2 years of tech learning then you're on your own. Great video - thank you.

[@airrun88]

My parents always had a Polaroid camera or disposable one. As a teen I had my own Polaroid and was given a used camcorder that I filmed my friends skateboarding. Fast forward to college I took one course for photography but started my degree program for business management/HR. It took a really long time to finish my degree and slowly started building up my camera set up while working in management. My wife has been really encouraging to take the next step of leaving my career to go further into a photography career. I was paid for my first sessions for a maternity photo shoot, first 48, and family photos. That was really exciting but also seeing the family really enjoy their pictures was awesome. I’m looking forward to enjoying the next steps.

[@kiwimike2330]

There is a super low number of graduates in the industry. I know literally none anymore. It’s an industry where the self motivated and self learners survive. The only goals I ever have is regarding learning new skills.

[@ben9412]

Good life advice, not just photography

[@ralphgeronilla]

Your videos are meaningful

[@dangilmore9724]

I have a PhD in History and economics which is why I am a photographer (because I enjoy process).

[@dicky7]

Found this video a helpful one

Wisdom!

[@baderimages6244]

TOP !!! 👍👍👍

[@nallontrails]

Of the 58 students from my electronics class, only 3 ended in electronics industry!

[@NPJensen]

My work goals are a lot more practical. At the moment I'm developing a system for keeping track of data regarding sustainability certification on 170.000+ metric tons of biomass in accordance with new laws fully implemented this year. We have never had to deal with this much data before, so there is no system in place - yet. As far as photography goes, I only have one goal - the same I have had for years - to capture the best possible photos, I can and enjoy immersing myself in photography whenever I can.

[@koltureshack7993]

I think with 'process' goals, it's also more in your/our control. I'm sure in the grand scheme of things not many photography graduates do become full time photographers, but weirdly a lot of pros I did *have*. Probs just a coincidence...

[@kennethjonesphotography]

In my opinion, 10-15% tops go into photography with a university degree.

[@JasonMichaelsPhotography]

I was super close at 16% only 1 off!!! Just starting out been to a little schooling but ready to start out on my own buying used gear but band new camera bags. lol-hahaha;:--))

[@thomasagabaonyango7548]

✊🏾!

[@VirgileLeBigot]

It's all about strategy and tactics

[@PipsClips]

17 out of a hundred photo students out of a 100,"whatUni" says "82 universities offer 204 courses" so imagine being conservative there are 10 people a year on these courses.. thats 2040 (probably closer to double that) but still thats 340 new people getting jobs in the photography industry every year - thats a lot of people in the UK to squeeze in to an industry that already has tons of hobby guys taking peoples freelance opportunities etc - scary competative.

[@AndrewBassonZA]

successful photographer, I think that I am indeed successful, simply due to he fact that I aim to help others and I am well doing just that, which means I am successful according to what I like to do, sure I do not make money with my camera, though I do get to share knowledge , and sharing what you know empowers others :D

[@garethwilson4940]

I think you mentioned this success rate in a previous video, wasnt it something like 16% of students make it in the industry or there abouts if i vaguely remember?

[@johnjewell219]

👏👍😎

[@BrianKilgoreCanada]

If I was 50 ears younger, that would have been genuinely useful. But it was interesting. --BAK--

[@michaellegrange]

10%

[@ScottRandall]

10 -15%

[@simonrhys]

100%

[@josephsharketti2173]

2%

[@Tomignostics]

19%

[@dougpittman9446]

I will have a guess at 5% of graduates. I know from my course at college 5 people out of 30 just completed the course!

[@urbananjar]

Probably so, your goal cannot be what only Coca-Cola can decide. Your goal should be what YOU can do. A number of test shoots with Coca-Cola products, send e-mail to Coca-Cola, try to book a meeting … Your process. Under your control. Your responsibility. Then you have a level over goals. A dream, a direction. You can do your part to fulfill it, but you cannot control it. You are not bad if Coca-Cola prefer some other photographer. They may prefer another style, or some boss there may just have stumbled over someone that fitted just that campaign.

[@quantchannel9922]

10%?

[@adamkencki]

Id say 1%

[@timfuchs1927]

Less than 5%

[@ksansbury]

0.5 percent

[@Twobarpsi]

I run 5k every other day. I need exercise!

[@xeroforhire]

This is exactly what I needed to hear. I was telling my wife that we had gone to many days without taking the camera out. Confirmation that I need to set some weekly goals! Happy shooting

[@mtmccornack]

Wait, I can get a degree in photography? well screw this! (I'll be back when i run out of the money I borrow!)

[@mtmccornack]

But seriously.... Not all motivation is from a place about money. When my photography projects get busy and start making money, i usually don't rush out and quit my day job. (that's right, I said usually!) Experience has taught me that I enjoy keeping my art separate and therefore somewhat personal. I do what I love and the money will follow. If not, I still have kit, and the compulsion to take/stage photos never goes away. (click)

[@JasonMichaelsPhotography]

16% I'm going to make it-101;:--))

[@richparker]

5 % if they haven't had sufficient business/marketing stuff.

[@Davion474]

i think maybe 30% from uni end up in the profession

[@ruimarto]

1%? 🤣I know none.

[@kaczynski2333]

Are you happy? Yes? Then you’re successful.

[@sallieturner8771]

10%

[@aricaiwdjts]

8%