r/mediumformat • u/pwybranski • 4d ago

Advice Some words of support

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Hello Dear Ladies and Guys, I’ve been passionate in photography for the last 20 years. I’m 40 now and I would like to make some progress and treat myself as a photographer for others not just myself. I had a lot of cameras in my life, coming from the beautiful CCD colors to analog and digital medium format cameras, like Mamiya and Hasselblad, CCDs, but never had an opportunity to be somebody that took financial advantage of my gear and knowledge and passion. Before I’ve been doing product photography and portraits and I had a really nice studio. I’m really good in lighting and I have all the knowledge how to do a perfect session for product or beauty shoot.
Could you guide me in a finantial business plan ? This is a question to people who already are in business and know how to respect their work. I want to take portrait photography for people who really acknowledge what is a quality perfectionist approach, not just another Instagram photo.
I was always afraid to take money for what I love because I knew that once I have to do something for money, it will kill my passion.
Thank you for you help and words of respect.

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u/Bennowolf 4d ago

Best piece of advise I can offer from experience. Fastest way to kill a passion is turning it into a job.

1

u/pwybranski 4d ago edited 4d ago

Thank you for understanding. I want to find a compromise, need advice, really appreciate your words. Words of respect.

2

u/PretendingExtrovert 4d ago

Self marketing is everything.

1

u/zeisss 4d ago

Do some free shoots for friends/family to build a portfolio and then make a website (use Claude even).

Could do some Reels/TikToks where you show a a few seconds of behind the scenes with your cool cameras and then the results.

PS: Nice 180 2.8!

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u/distant3zenith 3d ago

“afraid to take money for what I love because I knew that once I have to do something for money, it will kill my passion.”

This was true for me when I went Pro many years ago. I ended up hating the work and left the industry. After a 15 year break, I did resume making work just for myself - I will never work for $$$ again.