Why I was SCARED to pursue photography...
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 3 ต.ค. 2024
- As real as it gets. The full story of how SCARED I was to pursue photography and try to make a living out of it. I kept this raw - no music, no titles, no fancy editing. This isn't just for photographers, but videographers, musicians, and creatives all around. 🎬 THIS VIDEO WAS COLORED USING MY “PUNCHY VIBES” LUT: geni.us/Univer...
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Are you scared about pursuing your passion as a career? I know I sure was. Share your story and let's create a little support community in the comment section. :)
I just registered my company last week! I now need to do my biz plan, make my website and figure out how to get contracts/clients! My issue is living in a small town in-between Ottawa or Montreal. Yes, in a sense, it is perfect but it also makes travelling a lot and putting lots of miles on my rented car!
We both went into music as a major without thinking twice. It was the only thing we could see ourselves doing. Deciding to go off the beaten path ( i.e. TH-cam), now that was petrifying. 😂😂
It's funny, I'm both scared to take the plunge and go all-in, but at the same time there's nothing I want more than just do what I love most for the rest of my days. I registered my company in September last year, and I've just been getting more and more jobs ever since. Today, a friend of mine who's a beast of a photographer straight up told me that I should double my prices because I was delivering content worthy of a pricetag. Things like that are motivating and only push me to work harder! This year is gonna be a good one!
AronBagel, you are lucky! I have friends that are photographers but 2 are just too busy doing unpaid overtime and the other one is in a rut, completely unmotivated to do anything!
Chris Hau I am 17 yrs old(from India).I have an inclination towards photography, but my fear is that if I will be prosperous if I pursue photography as my career.I feel that the competition is very high.What is your take on this chris?
And one more thing,
please make as many videos as possible ,I just love your videos.You, Peter McKinnon and Casey neistat are my most favorite youtubers..i just can't spend my day without watching atleast one video of you guys.
Btw Love from India
I'm a nurse, travelled overseas to get better pay. Turns out having better pay doesn't give me satisfaction. I'm more excited in my days off to go out and take photos than working. I guess your story really hit close to home.
Pursuing art as a business is always scary. We're glad you took the leap!
Duo.Hansen thanks! I’m glad I did too :)
I think this is the best motivational video I've seen when it comes to this amazing industry called "Photography"... I guess the biggest fear is always the unknowing part of whether this will pay the bills or not, instead of focusing on practice, studying, going out and shooting as much as possible... I Absolutely Love this video Dude. Can't find any more words to express myself... Simply amazing.
Cafegrafía de Brian ❤️❤️❤️
i agree.. and between you and me and everyone who reads this comment, I have been trying to do this for 20 years and it wasn't until recently that I really started surrounding myself with people who are as crazy ambitious as I am. The result? A film we made a few months ago for a competition is a finalist and is going to be premiering in Hollywood in March! Fingers crossed that this could be the beginning of a much more exciting story...
That's amazing! Hope the premier goes great!
How did the premiere go?
I'm turning 30 this year. Been an engineer for 9 years. Played in bands and love videography. As soon as I sell my flat I'm taking a year out and pursuing my dreams of videography full time. Loved the story bro x
all the luck! respect!
Moris Zoghby ah thanks man x
Good luck mate! (A little late comment but just saw this vid).
so how has it been so far?
Very relatable! If something makes you scared it just means it means a lot to you!
Madison Beach you know it Madison!
I'm still in high school and am trying to figure out what I want to do but filmmaking has always been something I would love to do. This advice was very helpful and I feel more confident in seriously considering a creative career. Thank you!
Shoutout to all the guidance councilors, teachers, friends and parents that believe in your beliefs and dreams. The ones that make you chase after not only dreams but your fears and help you grow rather than just mindlessly be present.
I just turned 26 6 days ago. I'm going through some stuff in my relationship & things aren't so good. I'm moving to a big city this coming year & I'm scared as hell to pursue photography/cinematography, but it's what I have a huge passion for & what I want as my career. I'm binging your videos & they are really helping me get through these tough times & inspiring me to go after it! So I just want to say thank you, Chris for these videos!
Thanks so much Chris! This video was perfect timing. I'm handing in my resignation today and leaving my day job to pursue work in videography and photography. I'm kinda terrified, but at the same time I know it's the right thing to do. My parents want me to play it safe and take job security etc over doing what I'm passionate about. I know it might be really tough for a while, but if I never try, I will get years down the track and be full of regret. That's the last thing I want to happen!
Brent Cowley first! Congrats. That’s huge. I remember that day too. Keep your head down, work hard, be a nice person and get better everyday. :) good luck man!
Thanks man, I super appreciate it. :) That's the plan! Work hard, see the best in people and treat them well and keep learning and growing as much as I can!
Brent Cowley Best of luck!!
Good luck! Debating on doing the same.
Good luck! Do you have some work we can look at?
GOLD- honest feedback is something I always strive to get, but not many people are willing or brave enough to give it, yet that is probably one of the greatest resources creatives have
love it man! I just quit my creative 9-5 last June, started my own freelance company, and moved to LA to grow. I was bored at my workplace and knew I would enjoy my passion on my own time. It was a little scary to leave everyone back home, but it's been the best thing I could've done. It's crazy to see what you can accomplish with the right mindset and goals!
that fact that you openly talk about overcoming you're anxiety, Is at the point I am with my conquering anxiety and PTSD. As always thanks Chris for helping me grow as a photographer and videographer, and all the help with how to run a successful Instagram page.
I'm currently in high school and really want to pursue a creative career but I've never had a teacher that really pushed me towards it... Luckily we have TH-cam now and people like you who rensure me about creative careers. Thank you!
The one extra tip I would add to this is patience. The perfect compliment to hard work. It's something I've been working on a lot the passed year and now I'm entering the mindset that if I keep learning, practicing, evolving, and doing so over time, it will play out. Just need the patience and hard work to get my content there, whenever that is
You nailed everything I’m struggling with. My channel, my music, my wanting to share my knowledge but being afraid because I don’t have the right tribe. All of it. Thank you for this. Man I’m thankful for you.
Great message!! Any young people listening or even if you are older follow what makes you happy!!
This really hit me. I dropped out of a community college on a fast track to a Computer Science degree because, while I love computers, I didn’t want the desk jobs and the 86 story office buildings. And I hated the math. I got so much backlash from my parents but now I’m looking for art schools with photo and videography courses and it feels right. It feels like I found what I’m supposed to do. It’s scary going into a trade that doesn’t guarantee money, but thank you so much, Chris for this video because I, along with many others, needed to hear it. It’s the first time that I heard something positive about pursuing the creative lifestyle rather than the analytical, corporate one. Thank you.
Dude, I am literally living this right now, at almost 35 years old. Thank you for this.
Chris, you've given me the nudge to go for it and to share my world through vlogging. I'm not the youngest guy any more, but at 52 I have a compelling story to tell about overloading, travel, adrenaline sports, becoming an amputee , overcoming a struggle with an opioid addiction after a paragliding accident, having to deal with a history of childhood abuse and the fall out of growing up in a destructive family , going back to collage and re-skilling myself as an addictions and life counsellor ... and just a ton of other life experiences of all flavors. Now I've set myself up with the basic gear needed to go for it. Thanks for your video - just the right thing at the right time. My hope is that one day you'll be curious enough to sit through one of my vlogs... who knows :)
Very encouraging and motivating. I’m just over 50 and trying to change my career. It’s scary and uncomfortable. I’m trying to embrace that anxiety and fear to move forward to find my next “happy place.”
Big thanks to your teacher!
Started a video production group in Toronto with 2 of my friends. Getting clients right now is hard but i believe in what we can achieve in the future. Thanks Chris for the inspiration!
Don't give up. When you get a job, put everything into it for your portfolio! Your videos and photos are your selling points!
I know this is 4+ months old but I needed this so much. I started study abroad in Germany in March and I'm realizing more and more that traveling and photography are what I want in a career. I was JUST thinking about how anxious it all makes me because of how big the task and how long the process is to get there. But your words helped. Even four months after you posted this video it still means something.
So thanks.
Chris Hau is my Favourite
Deny King hey if you like chris u might like my channel !
Resul Ucar no
Broooo, this is so good. So many of us have this story. I dropped out of Penn State’s petroleum engineering program my senior year with standing job offers making insane money. I dropped out to do what I’m passionate about and it has landed me on living a creative lifestyle of creating photo and video. I love this video!
Doing what you love can be a scary thing, but I think in the end it's worth it. I am an aspiring videographer and content creator and it's really encouraging to see amazing creators like yourself on TH-cam share not only your talent but knowledge with the rest of us. Thank you and keep up the great work!
3:48 and forward is amazing. I agree. Try it out. If you dont like it, move on. If you love it, re-evaluate, adjust, and move forward. Very motivational Chris!
This is the most relatable video I’ve seen. I’m in the position of going to school to make my loved ones happy but really just want to go out and become a creator. It’s hard to tell people who are important to you that you don’t want to go to school. It’s really tough thank you for this video. It made me feel like I’m not the only one
So i got into the craft of videography just this year and i have fallen in love! I Have done a handful of jobs for people just for fun and its been a great experience. Now I’m leaving for the airforce hoping it takes me to new places and new people. I believe if you stay positive and never lose faith in yourself nothing can stop you!!
That WHY NOT?/ WHY CAN'T YOU? is crazy powerful
When my dad died, I had to take over the family business. I was just getting into proper photography when this happened, now I want to follow my heart yet my mind says that the business is good for my family and their future.
Still I find time from my busy schedule for my passion, only that I become serious, my family starts to complain.
Continue to follow your heart. I know (because I am in a complex situation) that family is very important. I believe if you continue to follow your heart, you will figure it out!
FolVis Thanks for a thoughtful comment. I went out in the fog to get some shots (by the way my weekend is at Friday) it was all going well until I was trying to cross a fence and tore my pants 😋
But I m happy I went out and still have time to make to my work.
So relatable. I actually did do engineering and the creative thing on the side. You’ll never be happy until you go ALL IN. Go after what you are passionate about!
I recently decided to make my photography into a business and I had my first engagement shoot this past weekend. As nervous as it was I had a blast and the photos turned out amazing! I can't wait for more clients to come and have me shoot for them!
Chris, I came to know you through Peter's videos and I started following your channel and it has been nothing but great motivation through and through. When the pressure of responsibility and paying bills is crushing, you need to hear it from someone else and keep hearing it again and again to never give up. Keep pushing, keep moving forward. Thank you for the motivation. When I've made somewhat of a name for myself in an year from now, I'll get back to you.
We all fear failure, but failure is the best lessons learnt in life. You don't stop riding your bike after a fall you get bavk and start riding again. Great vlog... thanks 👊👊
Am scared of everything but when you get older you get to see how scary it is not to actualy do what you really love. I wanted to be a photographer and I think I wasted my time because that dream was 5 or 6 years ago, I had a lot going on in my life before but Now am really pushing myself to reach that dream and this video really gave an impact! Thank you!
I just want to say thank you so much this genuinely pushed me to do what I love. Im starting my own business soon and this video pushed me to go out and pursue my lifestyle... Thank you so so much.
YASS WILSON! GO GET IT HOMIE
I am in high school and you guys (mostly the #dopesquad) is what keeps me going. When I was younger I loved photography, art, films etc. but never really believed that I can actually do that, but about 8 months ago I realised that this is my path, and you, Matti, Peter inspire me every day. Thank you for that!
This is super ironic Chris because I was just doing research on photography and looking at colleges.
Thank you for this video.
Screechez where do you want to go?
Yup.after graduate it gets tough.fear and anxiety.like suddenly you dont know what to do with your life.try to put my passion in photography.and still learning it
I just landed my first videography job/project. I’m hoping this is the start of a new career path for me and I can finally quit my job I absolutely hate and work towards my dream!
Good luck! I just finished my FIRST job as well!
Tbh I'm not the "artsy" type... but have recently started doing photography, and I've received really good feedback. I'm pursuing it on the side. Chris I like your videos because they're so real and normal or non TH-camrs can relate. Keep it up!
Chris, this couldn't have come at a better time. I'm at a point where I'm now on severance from a 7 year heavy travel job and have been going back and forth about whether or not to jump back in and watch another 7 years flash by and still feel the same. It's like a fire inside that keeps burning... that and dread and fear and all of the unknowns... I've set up a chance for risk and regardless of how it crazy it feels... giving myself a chance. Established my LLC and going to do it. Messages / videos like this intensify the fire and the desire. A validation of sorts to know that it will be a struggle but so dang worth it. Thanks man! - Going after it!
I am in the very beginning of my journey. Soaking up as much information as possible, taking crappy photos and videos (slowly getting less crappy haha), learning how to edit. it's awesome to hear your story and it turns my fear into fuel to go after it. thanks so much! Also, having a supportive community is a MUST! I have a lot of friends and family...but only small group of extremely supportive friends and every time i talk to them about my passions they get just as fired up. it really makes a difference. Thanks chris!
Thank you so much for this Chris! I am a Dialysis patient and started fighting towards a professional photography career as I started Dialysis about 2 years ago. I'm still working very hard to reach new levels, and now I'm even starting to work on my own Vlog/TH-cam Channel to share my story and hopefully inspire others to conquer their challenges in life! It's creators like yourself Chris who have inspired me to push through my anxieties and reach this next level, and for that I'm very thankful! I always say, "You can't roll o ver and Dialysis!" and I cant wait to share and connect with as many as I can!
Chris, you’re the greatest man. I’ve had a camera in my hand since I was like 5 years old. It’s a passion of mine. I went to school for production but took some sales jobs to “be safe” and hated it after I graduated. I recently decided to take the risk and leap after my passion of building my own production company. I have so much anxiety every day about wondering where on earth the money is going to come from but I’m slowly getting contracts here and there and hope to grow from those. That being said I hated my “safe” jobs but anxiety aside I love what I’m doing now. Thank you for this video. Means a lot to know that there are others going through it as well
I made little videos when I was younger, never thought I’d be back into it! Not sure if it’s a career but it’s a passion, scary but I’m sticking to it!
Very inspiring Chris. I am 47 y/o and I have spent over 20 years in sales. I was actually doing a job that I hated all along. But I am now starting to pursue my dream of doing something with photography. Great advice!
This has helped me with the exact roadblock I am facing!! I cannot wait to pursue my dreams as a photographer/videographer! Let's love life!
This is one of my favorite videos. I don't think enough people address these real life issues as well as you did.
I love hearing these kinds of stories. Thanks for sharing, Chris!
In an effort to try to further encourage people here, I'll share the birds eye view of my story:
1. I fell in love with traditional art at 4 years old...You couldn't get a pen & pad out of my hands. If creativity was involved in something, so was I.
1 (part 2): All growing up I said I would be an artist when I grew up. Coming from a very small town, with limited opportunities, I was constantly told that I couldn't do that and to find a real career (by everyone except my high-school art teacher).
2. I turned 17 and graduated high school with my passion for the arts at an all-time high. My parents stayed on me all summer about what I was going to do with my life post-high-school...
3. In July of that Summer, my girlfriend (who is now my wife) bought me a copy of Photoshop Elements and a Wacom Tablet. I immediately fell in love with digital art (graphic design) and started a clothing brand (which was successful for the following 4-5 years).
4. The clothing brand quickly turned into me starting a design studio and designing for brands around the globe.
5 (the payoff of hard work). I'm almost 29 years old and I've had a "day job" for 9 months since I graduated high school...The other time has been fully self-employed. I have hustled my butt off, went without things, spent countlessssss hours investing into my business and craft as a Creator. I now run my web & design studio full time and I'm a part-time photographer and creator for outdoor brands on the side. My wife and I have 4 kids...And get this....The same town that consistently told me "no" growing up, I still live here and I've made something out of nothing in it.
The Key: Find what comes natural for you and what moves your heart as an individual. Work your fingers to the bone and never take someones "NO" as the answer...Because someone will eventually say "YES". We get one shot at life and it's up to us to make it count, and do something we can be proud of in the end.
Hope this helps someone!
I’m crying watching this video because I’m in that place right now. I have such a “stable” path ahead of me. I can see where I’m going, I see the goal. It’s a great goal and it will give me a great life but it’s not the goal that I feel the passion for. I’m just so far into my path now and I know nothing of photography past TH-cam videos and how it makes me feel inside so how could I ever start from scratch and build a life on it. Just the way my life has shaped me, I need stability so it is so hard for me to face the fear and take the risk. I feel the fire and I know what I should do but that need for stability is like an anchor wrapped around my ankles holding me down. Thank you for believing in all of us and leading by example. Maybe one day I will find that courage too.
I think that this lesson can be applied even more broadly to people who don't yet know what they want to do. Just get out there and don't be afraid to make mistakes! Approach everything as an opportunity to grow!
What an amazing teacher that was to see where your passion was and tell you to run with it. We need more of those kinds of teachers, parents and friends. Making great money isn't always what it's cracked up to be. Much love.
I started photography a year ago when I was a junior in high school and I’ve improved ALOT and now all I wanna do is pursue photography as my career.
I just recently got contacted to shoot for a company for the first time to!
I'm so glad I found this video. I've had a hard time recently trying to decide what I want to do. I LOVE music and photography, sane as you. Started piano at 6 and love going around taking photos. I'm a great student who likes math and science so I decided I wanted to do something in architecture or engineering to take the "safe route," knowing that my actual dream job is being a travel photographer/ being a photographer for different companies. This video helped me out a lot. I'm going to pursue my dreams.
"Actually just put the work in and go after it." SO MUCH TRUTH CHRIS 😊
Lucy Martin I was JUST watching one of your videos. Lol 👍 Thanks for creating and putting out awesome content!
Thanks for making me smile Dan :)
It's scary how similar your experience growing up was to me. A world apart, yet very similar minds. Keep making awesome content Chris!
I will share this. I am 50 yo working a physical job that is taking its wear on the joints etc etc. The getting old stuff ya know. I got my first DSLR this last March and I am feeling that creative desire to capture those moments we see in our minds and around us in every day life. I am working on the outline of a series now and have listed 5 places around me in town to do photo and video sets on. It is exciting, daunting and even intimidating to reach for this.
I've been working for the same corporate company for almost 6 years, 2 years as a contractor and 4 years full-time. It was the only job I had when I got out of college. Just like you, I felt my purpose in life was to be a creative human being. Work has been stressful and personally unfulfilling, though I have learned important skills while working there. I bought a T6i about a year ago to get my feet wet into photography. I also made it a goal for 2018 to create an Instagram account just for my photography and maybe video postings. I've already fulfilled that goal and I'm enjoying the process of just exploring my city (San Diego BABY!) and just taking photos. I know it's not the best photos I've taken but I realized that it's a matter of enjoying the process, having fun, and continue to learn along the way AND be as good as you and other great photographers around the world. I really appreciate this video you posted and this motivates me even more to go out tonight and shoot some more photos. Who knows, maybe I'll take the risk and leave my job and pursue this as a career and as a STRETCH goal maybe collaborate with you in the near future. Stay hungry Chris and I look forward to more of your work :)
It's actually very reassuring to hear about the fears of people who succeeded, so thank you for sharing your feelings, I feel less alone! I've been pursuing photography and videography for a while now, but getting exclusively focused on it pretty recently. It's pretty scary cause I do it while traveling the world, sharing what I do on TH-cam and Instagram, but I have no safety net, and seeing my growth going slowly is terrifying sometimes. But I believe that if I keep working hard, my efforts will take me where I want to be.
I don’t know if you’ll see this but I just wanted to say that I’m going for it. Because of you and peter I am going to make photography my goal in life. Thank you for being so inspirational. Love your videos. You guys are awesome. 🤙🏼
Just watching this, and I just want to grow, at 27, I feel really lost. But I know photography is where my heart is.
I have always been creative but also wanted to be an engineer so I decided to do both. After 15 years of busting my ass I have my EE job and I just announced my side business which is in photography. I’m currently recording my own album and the EE background has helped tremendously with mixing and mastering etc. This year I will also be doing more tutorials and growing my TH-cam presence. Definitely excited!
Great video, Chris. Bravery. Like one of my favorite quotes, ‘’Courage is not the absence of fear but the triumph over it...”
Ugh, the word "client" scares me. I'm so scared of taking a job, delivering a bad product and disappointing someone. But I hope that I can push through like you did Chris and start building myself to be a full time filmmaker
This video kicked a lot on my head man!..i'm working in the architectural field but my heart was always been attached to music, visual arts, photography and videography.. Sometimes,it gets confusing what to pursue as a career when you got a lot of interests, but at the end of the day what matters most is the one that fills your heart rather than the one that keeps your pockets filled.. So inspiring Chris!.. Hands down!..
Thankyou for this. I just graduated from filmschool in 2017, and quit my job to start this TH-cam channel of mine. I really would love this to be my only source of livelihood, as I have complete creative freedom here, but at the same time I am realizing that having a steady job is also essential if you are just starting out in life. You learn a lot from practical work, as you said Chris, more than filmschool could ever teach.
Wow I love these kinds of videos. Alot of people sit at their house and talk but u actually went out and gave your story in multiple settings. Looked really cool
Thanks a ton for this Chris!!! Since your video (Risked it all), I have quit my full time job and stepped out on my own to start my own videography business. Needless to say, I have had faith in all of this and I have landed multiple contracts that are going to pay me more than I made in a full month of work at my full time!! Thank you so much for this content because it's a reminder that I'm doing the right thing by following my purpose and telling stories through video!
I am a medical doctor, turning 50 this year. Since a few years been playing with photography and dreaming of cinematography. I have decided to stop playing and get serious about it. The dream part I will keep since dreaming is so important in the creative world. Part of my story is been with the people that don't support this lifestyle. Now that I am mature and thinking after 50 I am going to enjoy every minute of my life until the end, I working on going for it. Stop listening to the baffle and follow my heart!
Hey Chris,
I'm in my fourth year at Ryerson, RTA Media Production and I'm working with Danielle Finestone for TOFoodies. She recently dropped a knowledge nugget into my brain that you graduated from RTA as well! I'd love to pick your brain about your journey from post-secondary to being the successful creative that you are today!
Keep on keepin on my friend! Love your work
Preach! I waited four years after highschool until I was "sure" (who really is ever sure though) which school I knew I should be at in regards to pursuing a creative passion. Working alongside like-minded people is not only a hoot, but also super uplifting. Thanks for this encouragement Chris! I don't know... "hau"... you do it man (probably never heard that one before)... but keep these motivating videos coming :) Definitely been a huge inspiration for me to keep pursuing!!
Straight from the heart, great stuff!. As one who pushed his dreams aside and spent 8 years in school taking the "safe road", I probably appreciate this advice more than most.
I kicked my photography side hustle off today in some very real ways and I’m definitely terrified but in the best way possible. This was a great video to nail home the feeling that I’m doing my future self a huge favor by doing this now.
Love that you kept it raw in this one. The honesty is so real and it's truly needed. I'm actually an Engineer. I graduated from college four years ago with the best of intentions to go into the racing industry, legitimately that was the only driving factor for me choosing Engineering as my degree. My life's dream had been to be a Race Engineer but the opportunities kept slipping right through my fingers, and my happiness was suffering immensely. I had been on a travel race team during college so I evaluated myself a bit and chatted with my other half and decided to move in another direction.
I've floundered around with hobbies of all kinds for a few years and within the last year I realized that I have always had a passion for photography. I don't even know what made me realize it, but when I thought about it I was always the kid that had seven different disposable cameras back in the day. I was always taking the photos at the outings. I have also realized in the last year that my happiness had been when I was at concerts and I started writing those experiences and have been working on growing that. I'm working on getting better at my skills with videography and hoping to combine the two sides with a vlog style perhaps, but centered around the actual experience of the show (the getting into the venues, etc.). It's all in my head and I'm loving playing with the Adobe Suite and learning something new all the time.
This is just what I needed to watch, I recently bought my first camera, finally. I always stood away from creative work because I convinced myself that I wasn't creative enough and that that kind of stuff won't pay the bills. But after all I've gone through the last year, I decided to finally start going something that I really feel attracted too, so no I'm going out and shooting and trying so hard to learn and I finally feel inspired and that I'm in the right direction. Although I know it's going to be freaking hard, especially starting so late in life but I should push through all of it!
Thank you Chris! I listened to others and did the "conventional" thing. Now I'm 41 years old and just over the past few years, and in the past few months specifically, have I started realizing that there is another way. I'm behind the curve, as things are so different than they were 20 (or more lol) years ago - but I'm learning, and I love it. I may not end up doing this for a living, but at least I've started doing what I love - bad photos, crappy videos, basic gear and all. :) Life is good :)
That was an awesome video, Chris. I am the example of the scenario you explained. I study engineering and photography is my most favorite hobby ever. Daytime I go to college and in the weekends I try to shoot. I love doing both. But, I struggle a lot to find time for photography, all this makes it very difficult to handle everything at once. But yes, as you mentioned "Enjoy what you do", this is what I do. I know it might be easy for few people to handle photography and day jobs/college at once, but I am glad that I have the opportunity and family to support whatever I do. Maybe someday I might actually be able to handle both my photography hobby and job at once. Anyways That's my story.
This is so relatable! I graduatedl college and wanted to pursue videography on the side. It's hard. I shoot in the morning, work in the evening and edit late nights. But its my passion and I never noticed time passing by. I'm getting paid for some of my projects and I want to dive head first to this creative field full time Thanks to you!
Really good video. As a teenager I was into creative things, e.g. playing instruments, photography and fashion. For a number of reasons I went the safe route and studied engineering at university. It's interesting (in theory) but the jobs available are nothing like what I expected. I've attended 3 universities and have a number of degrees trying to chase that "amazing job" that I recently realised doesn't exist for me within the engineering industry. For the past 7 years I've been tutoring alongside my 9-5 and that made me realise that a) running a business is time consuming but enjoyable and b) I don't want to work for someone else. So after 10+ years in engineering I officially started my own business and have got back into my creative outlet. My dream is to have my business fully support my lifestyle. I found your story inspiring enough to share my own. Thanks!
Scared is exactly how I feel about photography. I love it and want my camera in my hand 24/7 and could stay up all night editing photos. I want to learn how to control light and get what I want out of a photo. If I'm not working on my photos I'm watching tutorials and reading critiques on other people's work so I can apply it to mine. I know I'm not at the level that I want to be at and I have to push through the okay photos to get to good or great photos. Feeling like I'm too new at it is one of the things that holds me back, I feel like I'm not at the level I should be at to put myself out there compared to people already in the industry. I also have three little ones (the oldest is 4), so I can't drop everything to put all my time and resources into it. Even planning to go out for golden hour is a real challenge because I have to multitask being mom while trying to get the shots I want. Always working to find a balance. Videos like this and the one Peter put out recently looking back at old photos do help though. In my head I know everyone started off taking bad photos, but there really isn't a clear line that you cross to know when you've moved from bad photos to good ones. I don't know when I'm going to feel "good enough" at it.
I'm and an actor and photographer based in San Diego, CA. I've been here my whole life, my motto used to be, "San Diego BORN and RAISED, will DIE here!" HOWEVER, a few months ago I made the decision to move to Chicago this summer. I realized I am too comfortable here and it's holding me back to get to the level I want to be in with my photography and theatre. So this video resonated w/ me, THANKS for making it BUD!
Loved this video. I'm enrolling way too late on a photography course in August after trying to explain to my brother what I do for a living and failing with that explanation. Then listening to my sister in law telling me how surprised she was I didn't become a professional photographer. Spent time reflecting on this and got back into my photography.
Great video Chris. After 16 years working for the same company, with a good salary and safe career i decided last autumn to quit my job and start my own business as a photographer. I was scared that I made the biggest mistake of my life, but after doing this for a couple of months, I am sure that it was the right call. The first jobs I did for free, but quickly I started getting payed and I can definitively see myself doing this for the rest of my life! My advise is to get a homepage, facebookpage and make sure all your clients are 100% satisfied with the work you have done.
I'm so happy you got over your fear and did it! It obviously worked out perfectly.
Thanks for sharing. Just used in my Photography 12 class in Shanghai China.
Questions for comprehension:
1. What did he say about applying for school?
2. How did his teacher or advisor help him make his decision for his future?
3. Why was he scared to follow his passion of being creative?
4. What do your parents want you to go to school for?
5. What do you want to go to school for?
6. Will you family support your decision?
7. What is the purpose of the video?
8. What does he do after university?
9. After University what do you want to do?
10. Why do you have to make mistakes?
Man I’m crushed with anxiety about moving forward with photography and videography, but not because I have a fear of taking the leap, I’m just not in a financial position to be able to yet. So I put a ton of pressure on myself to practice and practice and practice when I’m not at work and then I get upset with myself for not being better or more accomplished more quickly. I view this as an avenue to get out of the desk job, but every day I don’t work on the craft I feel like I’m one more day behind. Not to mention that the field is so much more accessible in this day and age and so many people want to do it (which in the grand scheme of things is good). So I feel like if I’m not working to get better, then there are 50 other people within 20 miles of me that are. That’s what creates the anxiety.
One of the best things I ever did, changed my life! Thanks for speaking on this for others to make better decisions!
The creative side of me have stuck with me throughout my life and its not my work today, but its funny. Its you and Peter with your videos that have started tempting me to pursue a more creative job. If ever my creative passion brings in more money than my 8 to 4 job then i will definetely pursue it harder :)
I'm feeling all of these right now, and this helps so much. Thank you for this, I know it's been a while since this came out but it is really nice to know other people have been through this and still go through this
man I was almost in a trance this whole video. That spoke to me 100% Chris.
Thank you, I needed that.
Hey Chris, I truly appreciate your story about how everything started for you. I admire your work and style. Funny, I felt as if you were talking about me! The difference is, I picked Engineering. I am a Biomedical Engineer for 15+ years but I feel that my creative side of my brain is screaming to be taken seriously. Thank you for the push...I am working slowly to make the leap of change so I can express my views through photography & videography without so much of the bloody scientific environment :P I am a big fan of yours and congrats on the work you have done. :)
Isabella Knight thank you for sharing your story! Maybe there is a way to combine both fields and use your creativity in your engineering field!? :) thanks so much for watch 😊
This video is exactly what I needed to hear. I'm in this EXACT same situation and you have filled me with confidence to pursue this in the face what others define as a "safe and successful" job. Thank you Chris!
Great video Chris. I know so many people that are just convinced the "safe" route is the only way to go. It really makes me sad. Especially since so many of those jobs they are pursuing will be replaced in 10-20 years by automation. Really heartfelt, thank you.
In undergrad I studied film and television, but it wasn't until recently (2016) that I started a love for photography. Before, during, and after college I've had the same fears you've had, and I think that's why I lacked the motivation to keep moving forward. I always felt that my work was mediocre compared to everyone else's and I was pretty discouraged. But after graduating I started to realize that great photographers and filmmakers were in my boat as well at some point, and that you actually have to start practicing and doing the work consistently to become better.
Thank you for being so open with us, this is pushing me forward even more.
Wish me luck for 2018 I'm starting my photography/videography business back up, and going to graduate school to continue filmmaking!
I’m in high school and I have to choose what to do with my life. Recently I understood that I like photography and I’d want to do it the rest of my life but I’m afraid that I won’t be successful in this sphere or I won’t like it anymore
Chris with the truth bombs! Man, I picked up a camera about a year ago and self taught a lot of my skills and watched tons of tutorials. Wasn’t until 7-8 months in did I get my first paying gig. I made a 5 min fashion video for $300 and was like whaaat? Ended up doing a few more projects with that client and slowly getting my name out there. Pretty much learn as I go and watching you and Peter McKinnons content helped me a lot as well as Gary Vee to understand the mindset and so far, I love it. Also shooting videos for restaurants for free food for life? Can’t get any better than that. Everyone I’ve asked said it’s hard to pursue it full time and they’re much better than me so thank you for silencing that notion and continuing to inspire people to push on. I’m going to Banff in March and am connecting with their media department to see if something can be worked but I eventually would love to work for you! And I don’t mind doing it for free