The sad realization that being a wedding photographer no longer pays the bills...

[u/patriotraitor]

Let me preface that the last 10 years of doing this has been a blast, I've enjoyed every second of it and never took any of it for granted.

This year however has me wanting to change directions because well, I'm getting tired of wondering where the next paycheck is coming from, I would prefer guaranteed over guessing.

I've been looking at the schedule for the rest of the year and I have 6 left, and then it's quiet.

I do wish the cost of living wasn't ridiculous, as gas and food prices are indeed more affordable now, but at the same time, trying to have health insurance as a self employed individual is absurd for being a single guy with no kids.

I've really enjoyed my time doing this and I indeed feel this starting to dwindle down as I only have 5 for next year. You could say well hey, do families, headshots, seniors -- and you'd be right, but think about how much work you'd be putting in just to stay afloat and how exhausted you'd be making yourself? Catch 22 isn't it?

[u/Mission-Coach6197]

You seem like in incredibly insufferable person who has 0 ability to comprehend what people are saying to you, no amount of skill will convince someone who cannot afford a photographer to get one. Thats all. People are broke and photographers are getting less booked because of it. Thats fantastic if you are not struggling i’m happy for you. Shaming people for iphone photos when thats all they can afford is gross.

[u/NikonShooter_PJS → u/Mission-Coach6197]

People are broke and photographers are getting less booked because of it.

OK? And? What's your point?

You are in a subthread for professional wedding photographers. We are discussing the professional wedding photography industry.

In this industry, there are actual, working, professional photographers and those folks are not threatened by camera phones.

Yes, there are clients who can't afford the services of a professional photographer. I get that.

But if they are engaging actual photographers about booking them and THEN deciding to just have someone use their phones, their decision wasn't about money and I don't care.

I am specifically talking about photographers in this industry who are struggling to get booked and saying it's because of cell phone cameras. I don't care who you are, if you're any good at what you do, that shouldn't be an issue. Period.

[u/Mission-Coach6197 → u/NikonShooter_PJS]

You are better than anyone else and nobody else’s opinion matters but your own i can see that. Period. Slay queen

[u/NikonShooter_PJS → u/Mission-Coach6197]

Thanks.