Photography in general is a 365 24/7 job, doesn't matter what type it is. Figure just yesterday I traveled 3.5 hours each way to NYC to shoot a corporate event that lasted 3 hours. Missed my daughter going to bed...
You are either out shooting, if not you are traveling, editing or looking for leads, following up with clients, etc. I know my wife isn't always happy when I am out non-stop, which is pretty much middle of August to end of June. All holidays except Christmas I am usually out shooting something, holiday weekends are perfect for tournaments as they have an extra day off from school.
I do have some lulls in shooting, that always seem to coincide with in between seasons, etc, but then I am working on picking up new clients, new marketing material, my website, etc.
I know for me with a 1 year old it has gotten a whole lot tougher for me to go out on a weekend event where I'm not home, all weekend or if I am close enough to sleep at home, out the door before she is up, and home when she's sleeping.
Luckily I make myself at least take a full day or 2 to spend with her during the week. If I can't I take one job in the late afternoon/evening so I can spend the day with her. Figure right now she is taking a nap so I am editing my event from last night so I can get it to my client in the next day or so.
Anyways I know my ideas changed when I had my daughter, I'd have no problem heading out on a 3 day shoot on the weekend before, now I am trying to pick up T&Is where I am home at a reasonable hour, and still make the money I would on a 3 day event. But I also know I need to make the $$ to support my family and things will get better as I keep picking up new clients as it goes.
Good luck, I'd say if anything, cut back, shoot your son's events, and if there is something that comes up that you would like to shoot take it as long as it doesn't interfere with family time.
I have a wife and two daughters (4 and 7) and I'm just starting to explore sports photography so I can see exactly where you're coming from Jeff. I think that the key here is finding balance. You certainly don't want to wake up one day and regret that you didn't spend enough time with your kids, but you also shouldn't ever feel guilty for doing something that contributes to your own personal development.
Even if you occasionally have to be away from the kids, you're setting an example for them by teaching dedication and hard work. Also, one day you might be able to share you interest with your kids and that has a lot of value. My oldest daughter is only 7 but she loves playing with the camera on her Nintendo DS or with a Point and Shoot (I've also let her use a backup DSLR before). She says that one day she wants to be a photographer like her dad and that's the kind of stuff that will really melt your heart as a parent. We've gone out together just to photograph random things and we're also working on a photo project for her school.
Since you described photography as your hobby and not your profession, why not dial it back a bit? Spend time with the little ones, shoot when you can for enjoyment and experience, and when the time is right you'll be ready to devote more energy toward building it as a side business.
P.S. Marty, it is good to know that I am not the only person photographing sports who isn't a sports fan!
Jeff,
FWIW, family 1st , ALWAYS. If you are lucky enough to photograph them, so much the better. I tried to make a living back in the film days late 70s to the late 80s as a 'stringer' for AP, Houston Post, etc. Then i had a son... photo'ing left my life, except for taking fotos of him. My family supported me 100% in all my situations. And, now, the kid that 'killed' my photo life has a post grad degree in IT, is supremely successful and helps me obtain shooting ops and small income from the contacts that he has. You can always take/make images, you will NOT be able to raise your son and daughter forever.
Sorry if this comes off negatively, but me, i would mothball my gear for my family.
again, just my 2 cents worth.
as my late grandfather used to say..."even if you are guilty, son, we are family, you can alway come here."
B
Hey Jeff, welcome to life. What you’re experiencing is part of the process that most everyone goes through at some point. It seems pretty obvious that you have touched many of the FM’ers throughout your time on the forum. The responses from all of them have been well presented and heartfelt. One person in particular (last name rhymes with Isafella) is pretty much an expert in the field of family and parenthood. Might want to give his comments a little extra weight.
Second, you asked if any of the fm members have considered giving up sports photography. Think back to all the names in this forum you no longer see posting. That’s your answer. The ones that are still here may have given it some thought but the others have already moved on.
It appears from your comments that you have made a decision. Time will tell if it’s the correct one for you and your family. Don’t over think it! Don’t stress too much about it! Discuss it with your wife, make the commitment and get on with your life. You have so many things going for you, just enjoy what you have. Good luck!
Photography has actually allowed me to spend more time with my family. With two kids in college and a 15 year old going on 25 our photography business has been a great way for our kids to earn extra cash. This business has taught them how to work under pressure, working with the public and of course the rewards of hard work. Weekends when our kids would probably be sleeping in until noon they are up at 5AM preparing for a long day of taking photos or processing orders with mom and dad. My wife and I are in our mid 30's now, as VERY young parents we had the deck stacked against us. It's not always been perfect (missing my son's state championships last spring) but overall it's been a fun ride.
Do I ever get sick of photography? YES.. I put down the camera for 2 months in the summer to give the calluses on my hands a chance to fade and my eyes a chance to see without the aid of a 200MM lens. Shark fishing with the boys and summer rides with the wife in the convertible, it's all about balance. Man I can't wait for summer!
As a nobody in the sports world (or any other world for that matter), I have been fortunate to have a full time job, sure I wanted to do photography more often, but it wouldn't pay what I make in my real life. Russ is dead on family is first and for me I have been blessed with 3 of them 19-17-16. I took about 10 years off not by choice but because of life. It gets in the way, it moves you in directions that you never considered, but when you catch up, and the kids get older your time will once again free up. So I almost have to agree that like the corporate world, if you want to run with the big dogs, something has to give and I chose personally not to miss out on the family and watch them grow.
Trust me, they are born, crap a few diapers, start back talking and then they graduate HS. It is a blink of the eye, and even if I was good enough and was afforded the chance I would NEVER give up the time I spent with my kids,to shooting a Super Bowl, etc. funny thing is that while your doing it you might not see it that way, it only seems like your missing out. Thank heaven I was given a memory and had my camera to document much of their lives, because looking back on it, I have a created a collage of life and it lives in my children, and you couldn't pay me to exchange it.
You will start to shoot their plays, their sports and everything else. Its photography on a higher level. Good luck.
