Five years ago, I was homeless by choice hoping to "become a photographer" I was grinding, doing spec work to build a portfolio, living on a few hundred bucks a month, with most of it going to my student loans.
Read MoreStarting and Failing Is Better Than Never Starting

Maybe it is surviver bias convincing me this, but ever since my first "big" investment into my photography career I've been hooked.
Read More"Lionhearted Souls" a Poem by Dalton Johnson

"Lionhearted Souls" is a poem by Dalton Johnson published in his first book 51 Poems For Humankind To Think About. This article also has a video of Dalton reading aloud his poem. You can purchase this book on Dalton Johnson's website or on Amazon.
Read MoreWhat The Heck Is The Difference Between Freelance Photographer VS Solo-Agency

When you’re building a career in photography, one of the first things you need to understand is whether you are operating as a freelance photographer or as a solo-agency. This distinction affects how you price projects, manage clients, and structure your business.
Read MoreHere's What Goes Into A Production Fee For Adventure Photographers

When clients receive a photography estimate, one line item that often raises questions is the production fee. Unlike the creative fee, which compensates the photographer for their vision, skill, and licensing of images, the production fee accounts for the tangible costs of bringing a project to life. It’s the backbone of any shoot — the logistical and financial structure that ensures everything runs smoothly.
Read MoreWhat Goes Into a Creative Fee as an Adventure Photographer

When you’re building a quote for a client, one of the most important pieces to define is your creative fee. This number represents far more than just the time you spend taking photos—it’s the heart of your value as a professional. Understanding what goes into a creative fee not only helps you communicate with clients but also ensures you’re compensated fairly for the work you bring to the table.
Read More"Diverse Similarities" a Poem by Dalton Johnson

"Diverse Similarities" is a poem by Dalton Johnson published in his first book 51 Poems For Humankind To Think About. This article also has a video of Dalton reading aloud his poem. You can purchase this book on Dalton Johnson's website or on Amazon.
Read MoreThe Difference Between Creative Fees and Production Fees in Photography

When you’re starting out as a professional photographer, one of the biggest challenges is figuring out how to price your work. You know you should be paid for your time, talent, and vision — but there are also hard costs that make a project happen. To simplify this, I’ve found one tool that makes pricing far more straightforward: breaking a quote into two clear parts.
Read MoreAs a Photographer, You Need To Know The Client's Budget

When you start the conversation with a potential client, your first goal is to get a feel for their budget. This helps you understand how big of a production you can realistically create. Just as important, you need to know whether you are acting as a photographer or as a solo-agency. That distinction has a major impact on pricing.
Read More"When All You Crave Is Success" a Poem by Dalton Johnson

"When All You Crave Is Success" is a poem by Dalton Johnson published in his first book 51 Poems For Humankind To Think About. This article also has a video of Dalton reading aloud his poem. You can purchase this book on Dalton Johnson's website or on Amazon.
Read More"Emptiness" a Poem by Dalton Johnson

"Emptiness" is a poem by Dalton Johnson published in his first book 51 Poems For Humankind To Think About. This article also has a video of Dalton reading aloud his poem. You can purchase this book on Dalton Johnson's website or on Amazon.
Read More"Sermons of Peace" a Poem by Dalton Johnson

"Sermons of Peace" is a poem by Dalton Johnson published in his first book 51 Poems For Humankind To Think About. This article also has a video of Dalton reading aloud his poem. You can purchase this book on Dalton Johnson's website or on Amazon.
Read More"Lost" a Poem by Dalton Johnson

"Lost" is a poem by Dalton Johnson published in his first book 51 Poems For Humankind To Think About. This article also has a video of Dalton reading aloud his poem. You can purchase this book on Dalton Johnson's website or on Amazon.
Read More"Unlearning To Instruct Myself" a Poem by Dalton Johnson

"Unlearning To Instruct Myself" is a poem by Dalton Johnson published in his first book 51 Poems For Humankind To Think About. This article also has a video of Dalton reading aloud his poem. You can purchase this book on Dalton Johnson's website or on Amazon.
Read More"All I Ask In Return" a Poem by Dalton Johnson

"All I Ask In Return" is a poem by Dalton Johnson published in his first book 51 Poems For Humankind To Think About. This article also has a video of Dalton reading aloud his poem. You can purchase this book on Dalton Johnson's website or on Amazon.
Read More"Try Not To Conform" a Poem by Dalton Johnson

"Try Not To Conform" is a poem by Dalton Johnson published in his first book 51 Poems For Humankind To Think About. This article also has a video of Dalton reading aloud his poem. You can purchase this book on Dalton Johnson's website or on Amazon.
Read MoreWhen To Start Pitching Sponsored Projects As A Photographer

If you’re waiting for someone to give you permission to pitch sponsored projects, here it is: you can start today. You don’t need to be a world-famous photographer or have a massive following. What you do need is a strong idea, the ability to communicate that idea, and the willingness to do the work of putting yourself out there.
Read More"The Lack of Greatness" a Poem by Dalton Johnson

"The Lack of Greatness" is a poem by Dalton Johnson published in his first book 51 Poems For Humankind To Think About. This article also has a video of Dalton reading aloud his poem. You can purchase this book on Dalton Johnson's website or on Amazon.
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