Just got laid off from work (Prepress position). No notice, just pack up and go. Doing the wedding photography on the side. Got a family to support and now no job. If anyone has any leads please let me know. Feeling pretty desperate.
Seattle huh? I saw your website. Sorry I have no contacts up there.
This wont be the last time you hear it: "Chin Up Head Up and something will come together"
radioblurs wrote:
that's awful-sorry to hear that, martin
are you considering photography full time now?
daniel
I would love to do it full time, but honestly I don't know if I have what it takes. it is one thing to take good photos, it is another to develop a thriving business to support your family. I have had 5 weddings this year at an average of $1000. That doesn't go very far. I think right now I just need to get back into a prepress job asap and continue to potter along with the photography and see where it goes. Right now selling the photography equipment could be more the reality.
Manuel Guerrer wrote:
Seattle huh? I saw your website. Sorry I have no contacts up there.
This wont be the last time you hear it: "Chin Up Head Up and something will come together"
I know, things look very bleak right now but thanks for the encouragement.
Man that sucks Martin.
i just viewed your work once more and liked what I saw. I agree with Nick that jumping full on into photography may be your blessing in disguise. Best of luck, wish I had more option then just well wishing.
mpaul73 wrote:
I would love to do it full time, but honestly I don't know if I have what it takes. it is one thing to take good photos, it is another to develop a thriving business to support your family.
You have what it takes when you just go out and do it. Photography business's are very similar to any other business in regards that marketing is a good 80% of it, being able to take great photos is just icing on the cake. Great customer service and focus is always above great photos on the list. Look at Gary Fong, he had a great marketing strategy when he first started, even though he didn't take "great" photos, he focused on customer service and marketing. So if you're going to do it (photo business), just go out and do it (with a strategy of course!) And helps if you brush up on legalities to protect yourself.
Good luck to you.
Great things come from really bad things happening, the only thing that holds you back is your own confidence. While you have the time get out there and do some portrait, go to shops and ask for window space print and display your images, second shoot at other weddings on a pay as you go basis. Ask friends family to ask their friends and family.
When you get laid off, it makes you feel crap, and pretty worthless, but you about to sell the tools that can create a business where you only get laid off when you go blind.
Don't do it, make the most of now!!!
good luck, I'm in the UK and not a photog yet, however I am in a really crappy job i'm doing everything to get out of and make it in photography!
You have the talent, your web site proves that, pick up that chin and go for it.
You are going to hear this a lot I am sure but it is worth saying. "Things happen for a reason". I usually believe this. It is so very hard at the time to see it though when it goes against the plans you have made. I am sure you will land on your feet and better for it.
archangel wrote:
You are going to hear this a lot I am sure but it is worth saying. "Things happen for a reason". I usually believe this. It is so very hard at the time to see it though when it goes against the plans you have made. I am sure you will land on your feet and better for it.
Dude, dont sell your gear until it comes down to it vs the house.
I just quit my job and as soon as I told friends/family/networking contacts everyone is tripping over themselves to send me buisness.
Put it out there man!!! One of my past clients turned out to be best buds with the lady that books the local country club for 'events'. Never knew until I told her I was taking photography seriously and now I have a face to face with an potentially important person who I would have had trouble meeting it I hadn't chatted up a client from my electrical biz.
Hey Martin,
I kind of know what you're going through. I'm in a somewhat similar position. It's an old saying but a good one... "for every door that closes, another one opens". Stay positive and think out of the box and something AWESOME will come along. And take a little bit of your free time to enjoy your family...
I think I'll also look up the book Evan recommended.
Good luck to you! Kris
I lost my job two years ago - they used the excuse of my having my own photography business on the side to fire me and said I was running my business from work, but they knew for two years that I had my own business and I even photographed workplace events. Like I said, it was just an excuse.
I was desperate and bitter at the time but I took my anger and really put a lot of effort into my business. I got a part time job to make sure I helped pay the mortgage and the rest of the time I worked my as* off.
Now I have the pleasure of telling my old bosses at the company (as my husband still works there and we attend work events) that my business is going well and I'm the happiest I've been. I even thanked the big boss and told him I was just in the job as a safety net, which I was, and they gave me the push to do what I dreamed.
It was a grim time at first and I had to sell my horse and downgrade my car, but it was worth it! If it hadn't have happened I wouldn't have my studio and would still be in a job I couldn't stand.
Clear your head, and think of your strengths. Focus on them and fail forward with your new opportunity. Things happen for a reason so don't let depression set in. Make up adds on in your local area for weddings. Call on your past weddings photos for any leads. Get on CraigsList.com promote again in your local area. Best of luck
