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Choices.
January 25th, 2010
The Son has the snuffles. That is news worthy right? I didn’t think so either. A certain somebody watched The Son for a couple of hours this morning so I could go to MOPS. This certain somebody also said that I needed to post some pictures of my kiddo. I said, “But MOM! You are who told me I needed to concentrate on cleaning my house! I cleaned. See? Clean.” I only have so much non-parenting time. Choices must be made. My house was a hole. I neglected my blog, and facebook, and my IRL friends for a week and now the pope can come over.
This makes me happy. Good choice.
Exactly a year ago my hubby made the choice to buy me a very nice camera because he had faith in me.
That made me ecstatic. A VERY good choice.
I offered to take a zillion and a half pictures of people’s kids. For free. I spent HOURS processing them, and agonizing over tiny details instead of sleeping.
This made me tired. Poor choice.
A few people told me I did not suck, that I needed to be charging, that I could do it. This made me feel encouraged so I chose to throw up a website.
This made me feel intimidated and scared, so I have yet to make it live. Probably not a great choice.
I am not happy with how my pictures turn out when printed if you must know the truth. No matter what I do, they seem dark when professionally printed, and I can’t sell something printed at Wal-Mart. The Husband says I need a professional grade monitor. I hate to spend MORE money on a hobby that has yet to even pay for a lens, much less the rest of my equipment.
That choice has yet to be made.
I enjoy taking pictures. I love seeing people thrilled with what I have done. I know this is a good creative outlet, and that it is good for my soul to be creative.
I choose to have fun doing something I never expected to be good at. Correct choice.
Should I scrap the photography website/business, and just take pictures of people’s kids for free and have fun, and not spend more money, and not feel bad if the pictures are not as good as I know they could be? Should I do what it takes to be better than good, to make a little money, to be more than just a hobbyist?
I need help with this choice.
9 Responses to “Choices.”
I have invested a lot of money in a lot of things that didn’t pan out. Here is my advice, feel free to ignore it! As long as you aren’t sacrificing food, shelter, or basic things (you know, toilet paper, underwear, shoes…) I say go for it. You are a great photographer and I know that you can do just as well, if not better, than some of the local photographers. Plus, I have something that will help you make more money.
No, it isn’t a ponzi scheme or a get rich quick program. I don’t want to post the link because if people knew that they could do this themselves so inexpensively, they would never pay you to do it. i even have a list of what local photographers are charging for the same service.
If you are afraid that you will not be able to afford the extra expense, just be a hobbyist for now and work toward something better.
Whatever you do, just be happy
Don’t think of not making money with your camera as a waste. Think of how much you save not paying someone to take pictures of your kid. Last summer’s “pro” session was because I had the winning bid in a silent auction. A $600 package = 20 minutes and 15 images. When and if (Edit: No real names please Jen!) plays sports you’ll be happy to have a faster camera. Oh, I’m not too happy with the “pro” session either. She couldn’t get a kicking foot in focus while keeping his face in focus.
Take pictures and sell the cd…let the buyer take care of the developing side of things. Most people don’t want print photos anymore anyway. Your work is wonderful…you really should just do what makes you happy. And, really, it is OKAY for you to say no to taking free photos for people. At least charge for your time! As for the printer, well, I don’t know the cost so I can’t give an opinion there.
Thanks for the lovely pics of my favorite boy.
Excuse me, I don’t recall saying you needed to clean your house, however, I did appreciate how clean is was as I cooked breakfast for Mr. Snuffles this a.m. Its a great home regardless its state. Thanks for the new pictures of my smile awhile boy. The decision is yours and thehusband’s to make, I can only say I think you do good work.
I never said I was the pope, but I thank you for thinking so highly of me.
Also, I think you do great work, but if it becomes a chore and is no longer fun, then its original intent (i.e. an outlet for creativity…or beautiful pictures of your precious family), then maybe you shouldn’t worry so much about printing photos.
There are lots of professional photographers who start out doing photo CDs, then when the timing/money is right, they can afford to purchase the needed equipment/technology to offer prints.
For what it’s worth, I say just do what feels right…not that it helps, but it will make you happier.
Hey! You know what? Today I was looking through my blog and found all of your comments. I had no idea anyone was making any. I promise I wasn’t ignoring you
Watch out for the snuffles at our school. RSV is going around pretty bad, from what they said it was just now getting to the younger kids so I guess it started in the older classes.
If my email address doesn’t show up here will you let me know by leaving a comment on my blog and I’ll pass my email along to you. I’m dying for some info. I’m having just a few feeding issues, but overall things are going much better than I expected.
As for your photography…you take amazing pictures, you should follow your heart. You have a great eye and that is truly a talent. You can buy a 5 thousand dollar camera but if you don’t have the eye for it…they are just crisp pictures. Yours show emotion and tell a story. It is worth alot to not have to pay for your kids pictures and we have found a good system to trade services for pictures…babysitting, haircuts, handyman work…etc
Wow–do I love that little boy! No words for how much.
More pics please……of a certain 3-yr-old and snow days maybe?????????????
Hey, You, what’s taking so long over there?