"Making it" just as a photographer doesn't really happen in today's landscape, but it's still possible with some creativity. Take a second and think about the biggest photographer's you know, I bet none of them are "just a photographer":
Chris Burkard: influencer, author, & photographer
Jimmy Chin: athlete, filmmaker, & photographer
Alex Strohl: creative director, consultant, & photographer
If you have one who is just a photographer, drop their name in the comments!
The idea of being a photographer has gone out the window with the staffed roles because it isn't a good business model as licensing fees are dying out, jobs become more sporadic, and, of course, AI. Now, this doesn't need to be a doom and gloom post, this post is actually supposed to encourage you to find your special sauce so you can live a creative life you really love and enjoy. So, keep reading and I'll help you out.
Take myself, for example. I am a "success" photographer as I have landed big jobs with clients like Ford, Patagonia, Four Seasons, etc. but I've found more success in putting projects together and finding sponsors for those projects. To define myself. I am a photographer, writer, and filmmaker because that is how I make my money, however walk a line closer to the athlete & photographer model.
A prime example, I have a project going to Northern Colorado coming up and have raised enough money to pay all of my bills for three months. Quick plug, I have room from two more clients on this, so if you are a brand and are interested here's the deck:
https://dalton-johnson.com/northern-colorado-road-trip
The goal is to climb some mountains, go for trail runs, and highlight the gear used along the way via reviews, images, and social media.
Let's pause for a quick second. Understand that I am seeking photo and video clients, but upselling them with who I am and what the crew is capable of doing with their product. That is how I am landing this work. For those of you who want a term, this is called participatory adventure photographer.
That is how I make it as a photographer. I maintain my level of fitness so I can add to a shoot with my fitness level. I climb, run, swim, and surf at a very high level. This allows me to be trusted by brands to do this kind of work.
Now, let's flip the script. After photography, what is your secret sauce and how can you use that to level up your work? Are you a model? Can you sail? Are you a runner? Are you great at producing things? Did you grow up in a family of chefs? Do you have deep knowledge of something? Are you a great writer?
That's how you make it as a photographer today.
If you like this honesty around the photography industry, I wrote an ebook will help you nail this kind of marketing and take you from average to booked in 18 months.
