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The struggle with balance is real – let’s talk about it.
Taking photos of awesome things equals… well, awesome! The raw emotion captured in a single frame is like nothing else – it’s the premium fuel for a photographer’s soul. It’s the reason we spend hours hunched over our cameras, lugging around heavy gear, and doing things to our low backs that no spinal structure should ever have to endure. We see the world differently, forever chasing something different – a moment in time like no other.
But then reality hits (incoming buzzkill sry). Rent comes due, that new lens you’ve been wanting forever whispers devilish thoughts into your ear. Landlords have yet to develop a taste for “banger shots” as a form of payment. Nor have they come to accept monopoly money (childhood jake snuck that in there). Suddenly, the dream job of a famous Travel-Instagram-mega-famous-influencer-superstar-photographer chasing sunsets across the globe starts to look a lot like chasing clients into a headache, early mornings you wouldn’t wish on your worst enemy, and the soul-crushing politics of the 9-to-5 grind.
So, here we are, stuck in this photographer’s paradox. The passion that fuels our creativity and the need to, well, literally not perish (money) because we need groceries that cost way too much, locked in a never-ending tug-of-war it seems. Photography isn’t just a hobby; it’s a constant conversation with literally everything life has to offer, a language spoken into visual form. We pour our hearts into this, every image, an explanation to the way we see the world.
So, as passionate photographers, what are we to do? How do we bridge the gap between artistic expression and financial security? Well, fret not, fellow photogs because I don’t have the answer! (lol kidding, sort of)
After a massive amount of thought, borderline overthinking, I believe that we unfortunately just have to make sacrifices and figure out what we want and love most in this world. Do I really need the latest car, phone, clothes, etc.? Do these things bring me joy? If the answer is no or you have to think hard about it, which means no. Then we should cut these things out of our lives or avoid them to make room for what we really, actually enjoy. I know a guy who works as a salesman (he hates his job) but he doesn’t buy crap or stuff to impress his friends. He loves to travel so he regularly plans trips and spends all of his money doing so. I think it’s a great thing to understand because we probably won’t be rich (statistically speaking) meaning we can’t have it all which is fine because all we truly need is what we love… (applaud and cry now lol thank you thank you)
That’s all I have to say for this week’s newsletter – I have photos to take so I’m out! Peace!
P.S. Share the goods – What are your experiences in trying to balance your love for photography with the realities of making a living?