This is the most realistic take I've seen on this topic. I've seen COUNTLESS tweets lately from professional photographers saying "just quit your job!" and implying in the replies that if you love photography, the money will come. Your first point is one that I've never seen anyone say. BEFORE you quit your job, GIT GUD SCRUB.
Pat I am a 55 year old father of three girls, married for 30 years and a director in my company. If I knew what I know today about photography, I would in a heartbeat give it all up and follow my heart. What you say is exactly what I preach to my girls, and any young adult who is interested in a travel photography. Get your SHIT together and aim for the stars. Good luck with your future, you going to be a world class photographer and a very successful man. Keep running...
What's stopping you from doing that now, Tony? I say that with the utmost care, of course I don't know you life nor it's demands and constraints but I'd hope you find some way of creative expression beyond what your job may demand. A photographer at any capacity has the potential to find and change, add, or take some aspect of our world some may never see and deliver it to us; look what you've help create in 55 years on this Earth, now imagine what you can do with the next 10 or 20 years. With the application of your given experience I'd imagine you have a lot to say. Best wishes.
I'm a young father (34) with 2 little kids (5 and 1). Would you really give it all up to pursue a dream with zero guarantee that you could provide for your family? I'm a guitarist and I love music and creating my own music, but I would never think of quitting my day job. Maybe photography is different, I'm literally just getting into it.
It seems so sad to me that you would give up your wife and children even if it's for following your passion. Besides, I'm sure there must be a way in between, where you can have the best of both.
I"m 32. I've been an Emergency Trauma RN for 10 years now. I'm burnt out. I'm over it and really wanna make a life by my own means. This is one of the few things that excites me because I'm so sick of being a pawn in the system. I wanna be my own man. I don't want to practice medicine anymore. Wish me luck fam.
Same here except med surg nurse turned insurance company goon. I’m over it. I’m ready to do what God made me to do, not be a pawn in the broken system.
Real simple, MARKETING MARKETING MARKETING. No secret behind it mate, it’s what all major corporations to small business do. But like the video says, have to have a marketable product
@@patkay it would be nice to hear from you how you evaluate your work in "price points" for products /services... Seeing that you are able to work for various countries that have different price range. So, I think it would be useful to know how to organize a price range and stick with it regardless of various clients all over the world. How do you earn money at the level you want ( knowing how much you worth) and how you evaluate yourself, putting a fair price based on your level. Also, how do you think is the best way to promote yourself in a worldwide industry. Thank you for all your precious videos. You answered so many questions that I had in my head and didn't know how to start with.
Pat I started a company at 52, its 5 years now and the last two reflected my best decision. You have thoroughly explained what I have went thru. Thank you for the great inspiration and assurance!
I've been working call center customer service industry for 10 years. Agent, Subject matter expert, Workforce Management analyst, and all over again. This advice is my excalibur!
Yep, I got the same ideas, getting expert at photography in every way, and setting up the other bits, giving myself 4 years more with my job, while I save, learn, and create to be free as I get older. 56 years old now. I'm loving the photography and think I also can do something like this. Thanks for your videos and advice.
I can relate to most of what you said in this video. I was a gown and fashion designer but wasn’t happy with that job, then I quit and learned much from books and youtube about self help, then I know what value that I want in job which is time and location freedom. Then I started building my youtube channel and growing my digital business teaching sewing, now I feel more fulfilled and happy at work everyday... Yes, it’s important to find the direction you want to go without looking at what society think about what successful should be 😊
Your explanations and philosophy are unvaluable. You’re a model for me, a teacher and a motivator. I’m in the first stages of the process you unfold, but I hope I’ll reach the goals we all share here down the road in a few years. Please keep teaching and sharing your knowledge, you’re a gem. - Ivan, 19
Great information. I went through all of those steps over the course of 21 years (including going back to college), all to jump into my dream as a B&B owner, which came crashing down within 3 years time during the 2008 recession. During the pandemic (after being laid off from my job) I took up watercolor painting. So here I am. Again. But now I’m 65. It’s hard to know WHAT I want. I have sold many paintings, but it’s not repeatable. This video was a fantastic reminder of what I must hold myself accountable to IF I want to make a self-sustaining living as an artist. Time will tell.
Pat, you deserve every success because you obviously thought through the process required to leave your job and to follow your passion in great detail. You have proven it works too. Your presentation was exceptional and delivered in such an inspirational manner. Thank you so much.
The fact that your video popped up at the top of my recommended videos RIGHT after I was asking myself if a creative’s lifestyle was something I could make possible. Thanks 🙏
Pat, I would love to see your training program that brought you to a professional level. Recommendations for classes books etc. Thanks for sharing your story!
The best way to train is to shoot every single day for at least an hour. Then critique your photos and find your style through trial and error. But to supplement that, “mastering composition” by Richard Garvey Williams was the most helpful book for me. If you’re using controlled lighting in studio sessions then get “light science and magic” Editing was tough to learn the software and workflow tips and tricks so an online course where you can follow an instructor along and edit might be best. But all of this is useless if you’re not getting out there and shooting constantly. And when you get a good picture really study the composition techniques you can apply to get those results again.
Agreeing with almost everything you say. I still have my day job, I'm in a niche market of knitwear. But... I do think that your runway started way earlier than you say. ALL the jobs you have had, before you jumped, have taught you little things. Mindset, focus, opportunity, patience. A one hit wonder is nice, but destructive. It is always hard work and for some jobs, freedom of time is not an option. Thanks for telling about the Octopus, I will look that up and apply.
As someone who just lost all interest in my UX/UI courses and recently sparked a passion for photography this video could not have been more relevant and realistic to my situation. I would love to know what were those first “repeatable incomes” that helped you build traction. And which income streams did you experiment with in your “octopus method” until you found the ones that work for you. Again much thanks this video really helped me set goals and find my sense of direction.
I was kind of in a downward spiral today, until I saw this. Thank you for the tips and for fueling my motivation to keep on ramping up and working towards a 'lift-off' at some point in the future 🙂
Dude, you're becoming my favorite youtuber to watch right now. I've been creating my runnaway this last 2 years and I'm almost ready to quit and go traveling and get back to photography/videography and your style is super cool that it's inspires me to continue on the journey. Keep up the awesome work Pat o/
I am in the same boat you were in a couple years ago. I'm a full-time software engineer with a great paying job that I've fostered in the last decade of my life, but photography is my passion and looking for concrete strategies to plan the leap. Your video is one resource, and your sharing your story was helpful, thank you.
My name is Galileo, I just separated from the US ARMY, and I am barely coming across this gem of a video on June 20th, 2022, I wish I would have seen it sooner, I've been talking about essentially traveling and Vlogging and becoming my own boss, and your video provided a great insight on that, thank you so much! I hope within a year from now I can come back to this and update with positive news on this journey I am about to embark on.
Biggest thing I struggle with is planning the runway... But you've given some great ideas and framework to help. Thanks man, valuable info as usual, will put together my next 2 year plan, 2023 will be the blast off ;)
I have been contemplating going selfimployed for a couple of years now, but been struggleling with figuring out a gameplan. This was super inspirational. Thanks 🙏🏻❤️ And yes please, more of this 😊
I'm also a UX/Product designer and have been doing it for 12 years. Like you, I've decided I want to do something different in the second half of my professional career, so I have created a curriculum to follow in order the build the necessary skills.
Greetings from the future. Stumble across your video and guess what? I completed the fist phase of my plan. Everything you just said affirmed I’m doing the right things. Thank you.
The opening is hilarious - (paraphrasing) to become a travel photographer when travel is prohibited! Glad it worked out! and hope everyone can do what they want with & via passion and their true purposes etc.
Just the video I need. A good wake up call for me. Gotta hustle a whole lot more in order to leave the job I hate, and live a life that I love. Insightful as always Pat, thank you!
Thank you for the practical advice! I am 28, spent the last 10 years in retail, hospitality, finance, real estate and now I'm in tech. I worked hard to get this promotion that I thouggght I wanted. But now I am here. And it is not fulfilling at all. And the thought of being here for another 5 years just terrifies me. I feel fulfillment from making art. I have been doing art as a hobby my whole life, but have just started in the past few years to make an income off it. I am finally making some income, but don't have enough time to put more into it since I work at my day job. I have been planning my escape from the rat race for half a year now. Setting up my retire accounts to leave, saving money, setting up some passive income, making sure I have a part time job lined up if needed. Right now I am offering services, but trying to make products. Always improving my craft. I think a lot of people are waking up thanks to seeing all kinds of people making money from doing what they love. I'm scared of the uncertainty, but trying my best to provide myself with the best start I can. Thanks for sharing your story! Subscribing to see more advice!
This video is what I needed, and I have been playing this video over and over :) It has given me more confident and motivation to switch to new career in Photography. Long story short, I bought a camera last August 2020 during as a hobby. I started feeling more, and more loving Photography, enough to decide to quit my IT professional job. I started doing research on how to make money in photography in all the photography genre. I have taken photography courses in every genre. I will be leaving my 30-year IT profession to go full time in Photography beginning Oct. 1st :)
Ive been having trouble securing a job in the past few months. Been forced to get creative and try to get photo/video gigs with my camera. Im super broke and in debt but Im trusting it will all work out and its stretching me more than I expected to. Still working on "getting good" but thats okay, Im just in this experimental phase right now!
In my 25 year old lady, my journey has stared last year where I got finally what I wanted witch was my first job now am starting to become more self concious of what I need to do toperuse my dreams as a career that I been investigating about since I knew it was a thing wich is character desing tho I still need to lear a lot I would give an arm and a leg to be there. So here I am giving myself a chance to investigate how to keep running
So glad I found this. I've been painting for almost 20 years. I'm good. It's the jumping part that really gets me tripped up. This is such a great video.
Excellent video! Your comment about saving money before you quit to have the headspace to create is great! I haven't heard that in many videos about the same subject. But that is real talk!
First rate business acumen, mate. You follow your heart and you build your dream world just like a business, brick by brick. I’m currently reading Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Be Useful, which could easily be a companion piece to this mindset. All the best in life for giving back to the world so that others may follow your lead. ✌️
I admire your tenacity, organizational skills perseverance on achieving your goals. I started black & white film ( what ?) photography, with my own dark room. I know. I am (ancient) old, but I understand photography very well. Thank you for eloquent presentation of conceptual and dry info of photography.
So helpful! Can’t believe the similarities we have, also in product design, looking to make the jump into content creation…a career in tech is enticing with their salary but soon you realize how mine-numbing it is. I got let go recently from a recent job and now at a crossroads of either going back or starting something new. To your #2 point I don’t have enough of a saving to have a runway…so maybe I need to go back and prepare myself properly. Thanks for such a realistic breakdown of what ot actually takes. Congratulations on all that you’ve accomplished!
Thank you pat just found your channel im 61 and started to work for myself ,I needed some motivation and I found you thanks for the tips gonna apply it ,bless you ❤
thanks for the practical advice ... its made me realize I need to get my shit together and start making this future for myself. I'm 40 in a year ... I'm gonna be out on my own by then. that's my goal :)
Amazing video. I'm a starter at photography for about a year now, but my plan is to make it a full time job in a few years. This is a very nice guide. ❤️ from Brazil!
Thank you so much man.. I'm right in the middle of these choices in my life, full of fears and dubts. My biggest enemy is myself. I've a work that I really don't like and I'm trying to figure out how to escape from this world to pursue the life that I want. Your words are a true inspiration, the three Freedom thing most of all. Cheers from Italy
I was going to say that I wish I saw this video before and realise its probably because today was the best day to see it, to decide what is the life I want and build that runway. Thank you for sharing your insight and enjoy your trip in Japan! 🔥
This video is so inspirational because I am in the beginning of setting up my music career and it's daunting. Thank you for all the tips and sharing of your experience
This video did serve me well. I am 29 years old and I am still trying to figure out what to really do with my life but I do believe after watching this video, that I know now. I have been an artist ever since 7th grade and art has been my passion ever since then. I want to finally have enough confidence to start my art YT channel as well as finish my invention that I have been putting off for a year. Something has been telling me to follow what I love doing and push that invention into the public and I am going to follow that little voice! It's funny because I have tried Full stack development, UX/UI Design, Graphic Design, Visual Design, Medical Billing and Coding, and Film. I am thankful that I have all of the skills under my belt but it's not fulfilling. Thank you again for this video. I now know what I want to do with this life of mines.
I relate to what you’ve said. I am a digital designer myself and something is telling me to move closer to art as it’s been my constant interest for a long long time. It’s a scary step to take and I hope to find the courage to make that lead one of these days. All the best!
@@jassvir8503 trust me. It will be all worth it in the end because some of us aren’t meant to work from somebody else all of our lives. As artist we have something to contribute to the world and we shouldn’t waste anymore of our talents. ❤️
This is one of the most balanced video essays about how to actually make the jump. I especially I appreciate the honest conversation about skillsets/adding value and saving. My only frustration is with the intrusive ads. Otherwise great vid!
Thank you so much for the inspiration. I'm a Lead UX Designer, having my little channel making lifestyle vlogs and hopefully as I progress I'll add more artistic stuff and get my Patreon set up with value propositions 😊 but it does take time and endless dedication of 'keep trying' - the biggest challenge is saving money when you're already an adult with a mortgage, pets, responsibilities and wanting to start a family.
Thank you for sharing this, Pat. I myself am a Digital Designer focussing on UI/UX design but struggling to find a job in Switzerland since I relocated from South Africa. Photography has always been a hobby of mine, and lately I have purchased a new camera and started to build my style and social presence. Thanks for the inspiration and knowledge you dropped!
Wow this is one of the best videos that I've watched in a long time. I've been working in IT for 15 years now and I'm feeling more and more tired. I'm thinking of jumping into something new. All the things you say resonate with me and made me realized that I want to have such life. Thank you.
I'm so glad I found your channel and your videos. You're an inspiration and you give off this brilliant energy in all your videos! Thank you so much! I've been working aimlessly towards the freedom life but thanks to your guide, I sort of have a path to follow :) Thank you so much, Pat!
I’ve been wanting to become a travel photographer for a while now, and after being only a couple steps in to the idea and the planning of making it happen, this is certainly helpful for me as inspiration and a guide to help me figure this out! Thank you, and I love your works 🙏🏻
Great and sensible advice, an emergency fund is so important. Ive been on my path to designing my life for a couple of years now, this was very helpful. Thanks
I have the means and you are giving me the motivation to get out there and start building my runway this year so that I can one day make the leap. You have built a strong community and hope to one day thank you for the help you've given me
Would definitely like to see more vids on this topic from you Pat, only because your approach is actually realistic! The typical "Quit your job and follow your passion" line should be "quit the thing you hate once you've built a foundation to support you and pursue the thing you love that can eventually be monetised" ... but that ain't a catch-phrase marketers can market haha!
Thank you so much for this Pat! This video was really what I needed to kinda push myself to commit to this goal, even if it's 3-5 years down the line, being your own boss and managing your own time seems like pure FREEDOM
Awesome video! I paused your video on making it as an artist without social media to watch this one (as you suggested) and I'm so glad I did... Any more videos about this stuff would be awesome. I have left two businesses I owned that over COVID decided were not for me and just another type of rat race. I'm selling everything and want the freedom. Would love to hear ideas you may have for creatives and income streams. Thanks so much for all your videos, they are super inspiring 😊
This is so transparent, realistic and relatable. Thank you for sharing Pat. Great perspectives and very inspiring. I’m still gathering the courage to take a leap and do those 3 things. I’m looking forward to watching your other videos. Have a wonderful day.
Thanks for the perspective Pat. I just left the military and will be working toward a very similar goal. I'd love to hear more about your progress as this small amount has helped a bunch already. Many thanks!
Great video dude! You really put out great content in general, but I really appreciate your honesty in this space. There are so many snake oil salesmen trying to sell their recipes for the dream life, but you're actually telling the truth. Keep going dude!
Thank you for putting this out! This is exactly what I’ve been thinking in the past few months. I wanted to quit my job to become a full time photographer, but I’m still figuring out how do I get clients or make money out of it. Your video is really helpful.
Thanks Pat for this inspiring video. I do print-on-demand and illustration but it was still valuable info for me. You’re so brave! Wish you all the best!
Lots of really good, down-to-earth, encouraging advice, so thanks very much for this. I’m still buying the lottery tickets as well (why not?!) as that would give me even more freedom and headspace to live s an artist, but your tips are so encouraging.
Deep thoughts, been there, done that. I'm on the phase after "run like hell" building the new life post pandemic after moving out of Japan. Best on your next adventures and projects 👍
Incredible video, I'm on my way too. This is a much needed video and it's very inspiring. Definitely gotta save this and watch it again as a reminder. Thank you Pat
Thank you so much for sharing your experience and your “blue print” - not only was it incredibly inspiring to watch but all of your advice is based on solid, workable realIstic goals that are achievable with planning and hard work. Now to plan getting my skills where they need to be. Love your videos but this is my favourite so far! Perfect timing to see this for me as I feel at a cross roads with what I want to do but being creative is my passion.
This has been a beneficial article for me. I can't quite decide what phase I'm at whether it's runway or breakaway speed but I definitely like the message here and plan to apply its principles
I rarely comment but I just have to say, what an Inspiring, thoughtful and honest video. It's admirable how you designed and worked on the life you now have and it's kind of you to share some of that knowledge with us. Looking forward to watching more videos from you.
Thanks for sharing your experience, I am also planning to become a travel photographer myself. I ran into different jobs after high school. I started a few businesses in my late 20, but it didn't go well. And I get into UI five years ago and working as a UI designer now. Yes, Planning is so important, I am saving money, Horning my photography skills. Go out and photoshoot every weekend. The part about making the work outstanding needs a lot of try and error, and many times for practice. I start my photography journey in Dec 2019 and after a year of learning, I start to get more ideas about colors, my preference, and so call my style. most important I am starting to create a system for my work. After I watched this video, I know I need to pull in more effort into photography, you are one of the professionals I am looking up to. Let's hope someday I am skillful enough to do some photography or video with you. lol Once again, Thanks man~
Really related to your story Pat. Coming from the medical profession but not finding the joy or fulfillment originally thought after 5 years. You give realistic expectations and advice from transitioning from a typical rat race job to a self employed full time photographer are both relatable and realistic for professionals looking for a change.
I stumbled across your most recent video and paused to watch this one like directed lol and I couldn’t say thank you enough! This Friday is the last day at my corporate position to pursue photo/video fullTime after mindlessly working for 4 years to get here! You’ve given some amazing points and I can’t wait to implement them on this new journey! Thank you for your time and knowledge
Such a great elegantly but strongly delivered step by step, I have watch multiple videos like this in recent months but this one feels so much more real! Time to set my plans in motion...and get the calculator out! Cheers from Scotland :D!
I am happy I stumbled upon your channel! I actually followed your Instagram since 2018, but somehow I only discovered your TH-cam channel recently. What I want to say is… I am a product designer in Sydney, and everything you said at the start of the video really relates to me. I actually quit my job in Sep 2019, hoping to find what I would like to do besides product design, but I didn’t get anywhere, and I ended up back to product design in 2020 again. This video really inspires me to keep thinking about my escape again. Thank you so much! Wish me luck 😊
Wow! I'm speechless to your video, I have a chance to watched this at the right time. I'm actually seeing myself in most of the tips you mentioned and I am more motivated and encouraged. Honestly, I belong to that one percent of people you mentioned with the same desire and plans. Thanks Pat!!! This is a great help to anyone!
This is a fantastic video Pat. You've obviously got the right chemistry to plan and sensibly so moving lifestyles like this. I'm quite new to your channel and I'm really enjoying it. Great work man and massive thumbs up to this video!
This is the most realistic take I've seen on this topic. I've seen COUNTLESS tweets lately from professional photographers saying "just quit your job!" and implying in the replies that if you love photography, the money will come. Your first point is one that I've never seen anyone say. BEFORE you quit your job, GIT GUD SCRUB.
for sure. it’s so damn hard to stand out in anything these days. things don’t come for free! gitting gud is just SO damn important
dang, I already failed on rule #1 :(
@@HejirahYou did not fail, you're just not there yet 😊
I dont understand why more people dont mention getting good is very important, Is it because most people don't want to hear that harsh fact?
Pat I am a 55 year old father of three girls, married for 30 years and a director in my company. If I knew what I know today about photography, I would in a heartbeat give it all up and follow my heart. What you say is exactly what I preach to my girls, and any young adult who is interested in a travel photography. Get your SHIT together and aim for the stars. Good luck with your future, you going to be a world class photographer and a very successful man. Keep running...
What's stopping you from doing that now, Tony? I say that with the utmost care, of course I don't know you life nor it's demands and constraints but I'd hope you find some way of creative expression beyond what your job may demand. A photographer at any capacity has the potential to find and change, add, or take some aspect of our world some may never see and deliver it to us; look what you've help create in 55 years on this Earth, now imagine what you can do with the next 10 or 20 years. With the application of your given experience I'd imagine you have a lot to say. Best wishes.
I was an accountant for 8 years before I followed my heart to being a fashion photographer
I'm a young father (34) with 2 little kids (5 and 1). Would you really give it all up to pursue a dream with zero guarantee that you could provide for your family? I'm a guitarist and I love music and creating my own music, but I would never think of quitting my day job. Maybe photography is different, I'm literally just getting into it.
It seems so sad to me that you would give up your wife and children even if it's for following your passion.
Besides, I'm sure there must be a way in between, where you can have the best of both.
I"m 32.
I've been an Emergency Trauma RN for 10 years now.
I'm burnt out.
I'm over it and really wanna make a life by my own means.
This is one of the few things that excites me because I'm so sick of being a pawn in the system. I wanna be my own man. I don't want to practice medicine anymore.
Wish me luck fam.
Same here except med surg nurse turned insurance company goon. I’m over it. I’m ready to do what God made me to do, not be a pawn in the broken system.
You both have my well wishes, because you clearly have morals left.
Good luck!
how you doin? :D
@@Joshpltn working my man....working on the dream lol
Could you do a full video expanding on the "Earning Money" section? I feel like this is a huge topic that you could explore with great depth.
i could definitely spend more than an entire video on that, so i'll have to think about how best to approach that. but yeah, noted!
@@patkay it would be contradictory of you if you don't make it a course we have to pay for 😂
Real simple, MARKETING MARKETING MARKETING. No secret behind it mate, it’s what all major corporations to small business do. But like the video says, have to have a marketable product
@@patkay it would be nice to hear from you how you evaluate your work in "price points" for products /services... Seeing that you are able to work for various countries that have different price range. So, I think it would be useful to know how to organize a price range and stick with it regardless of various clients all over the world. How do you earn money at the level you want ( knowing how much you worth) and how you evaluate yourself, putting a fair price based on your level. Also, how do you think is the best way to promote yourself in a worldwide industry. Thank you for all your precious videos. You answered so many questions that I had in my head and didn't know how to start with.
@@patkay did you drop it already? Sorry I’m a late registration student on your channel 🙈
Pat I started a company at 52, its 5 years now and the last two reflected my best decision. You have thoroughly explained what I have went thru. Thank you for the great inspiration and assurance!
I've been working call center customer service industry for 10 years. Agent, Subject matter expert, Workforce Management analyst, and all over again. This advice is my excalibur!
Yep, I got the same ideas, getting expert at photography in every way, and setting up the other bits, giving myself 4 years more with my job, while I save, learn, and create to be free as I get older. 56 years old now. I'm loving the photography and think I also can do something like this. Thanks for your videos and advice.
I can relate to most of what you said in this video. I was a gown and fashion designer but wasn’t happy with that job, then I quit and learned much from books and youtube about self help, then I know what value that I want in job which is time and location freedom. Then I started building my youtube channel and growing my digital business teaching sewing, now I feel more fulfilled and happy at work everyday... Yes, it’s important to find the direction you want to go without looking at what society think about what successful should be 😊
Your explanations and philosophy are unvaluable. You’re a model for me, a teacher and a motivator. I’m in the first stages of the process you unfold, but I hope I’ll reach the goals we all share here down the road in a few years. Please keep teaching and sharing your knowledge, you’re a gem. - Ivan, 19
This is a jewel. *chef’s kiss*
haha thanks tim! 🤌
Great information. I went through all of those steps over the course of 21 years (including going back to college), all to jump into my dream as a B&B owner, which came crashing down within 3 years time during the 2008 recession. During the pandemic (after being laid off from my job) I took up watercolor painting. So here I am. Again. But now I’m 65. It’s hard to know WHAT I want. I have sold many paintings, but it’s not repeatable. This video was a fantastic reminder of what I must hold myself accountable to IF I want to make a self-sustaining living as an artist. Time will tell.
Pat, you deserve every success because you obviously thought through the process required to leave your job and to follow your passion in great detail. You have proven it works too. Your presentation was exceptional and delivered in such an inspirational manner. Thank you so much.
I could honestly binge watch all your videos! This one didn't feel like 27 mins until you pointed out it was long. Thanks Pat!
The fact that your video popped up at the top of my recommended videos RIGHT after I was asking myself if a creative’s lifestyle was something I could make possible. Thanks 🙏
it's fate ;)
Pat, I would love to see your training program that brought you to a professional level. Recommendations for classes books etc. Thanks for sharing your story!
Fully agree !!
The best way to train is to shoot every single day for at least an hour. Then critique your photos and find your style through trial and error.
But to supplement that, “mastering composition” by Richard Garvey Williams was the most helpful book for me.
If you’re using controlled lighting in studio sessions then get “light science and magic”
Editing was tough to learn the software and workflow tips and tricks so an online course where you can follow an instructor along and edit might be best.
But all of this is useless if you’re not getting out there and shooting constantly. And when you get a good picture really study the composition techniques you can apply to get those results again.
Agreeing with almost everything you say.
I still have my day job, I'm in a niche market of knitwear.
But... I do think that your runway started way earlier than you say. ALL the jobs you have had, before you jumped, have taught you little things. Mindset, focus, opportunity, patience.
A one hit wonder is nice, but destructive. It is always hard work and for some jobs, freedom of time is not an option.
Thanks for telling about the Octopus, I will look that up and apply.
As someone who just lost all interest in my UX/UI courses and recently sparked a passion for photography this video could not have been more relevant and realistic to my situation.
I would love to know what were those first “repeatable incomes” that helped you build traction. And which income streams did you experiment with in your “octopus method” until you found the ones that work for you.
Again much thanks this video really helped me set goals and find my sense of direction.
I was kind of in a downward spiral today, until I saw this. Thank you for the tips and for fueling my motivation to keep on ramping up and working towards a 'lift-off' at some point in the future 🙂
good luck on your lift off! :)
Dude, you're becoming my favorite youtuber to watch right now. I've been creating my runnaway this last 2 years and I'm almost ready to quit and go traveling and get back to photography/videography and your style is super cool that it's inspires me to continue on the journey.
Keep up the awesome work Pat o/
I am in the same boat you were in a couple years ago. I'm a full-time software engineer with a great paying job that I've fostered in the last decade of my life, but photography is my passion and looking for concrete strategies to plan the leap. Your video is one resource, and your sharing your story was helpful, thank you.
I'm gonna graduate soon with my Bachelors in Software Engineering, I have the same sentiment D:
Keep the software job and use it to fund your photography and associated travel. Leave only when your photography gains financial traction.
My name is Galileo,
I just separated from the US ARMY,
and I am barely coming across this gem of a video on June 20th, 2022, I wish I would have seen it sooner,
I've been talking about essentially traveling and Vlogging and becoming my own boss, and your video provided a great insight on that, thank you so much! I hope within a year from now I can come back to this and update with positive news on this journey I am about to embark on.
Biggest thing I struggle with is planning the runway... But you've given some great ideas and framework to help. Thanks man, valuable info as usual, will put together my next 2 year plan, 2023 will be the blast off ;)
the runway is always the hardest, but all the best and good luck to you!
I have been contemplating going selfimployed for a couple of years now, but been struggleling with figuring out a gameplan. This was super inspirational. Thanks 🙏🏻❤️
And yes please, more of this 😊
I'm also a UX/Product designer and have been doing it for 12 years. Like you, I've decided I want to do something different in the second half of my professional career, so I have created a curriculum to follow in order the build the necessary skills.
Greetings from the future. Stumble across your video and guess what? I completed the fist phase of my plan. Everything you just said affirmed I’m doing the right things. Thank you.
The opening is hilarious - (paraphrasing) to become a travel photographer when travel is prohibited! Glad it worked out! and hope everyone can do what they want with & via passion and their true purposes etc.
How good is it working for yourself and not someone else !!!! You can't put a price on freedom imo 🙌
seriously you can’t. best decision ever!
People all over the world SHOULD see this video. This is a life lesson, for photographers aspirant or not. Thank u. Hugs from Brazil.
Just the video I need. A good wake up call for me. Gotta hustle a whole lot more in order to leave the job I hate, and live a life that I love. Insightful as always Pat, thank you!
i’m here for you man! and i’m sure you’ve got this 💪
@@patkay 🙏😭
Thank you for the practical advice! I am 28, spent the last 10 years in retail, hospitality, finance, real estate and now I'm in tech. I worked hard to get this promotion that I thouggght I wanted. But now I am here. And it is not fulfilling at all. And the thought of being here for another 5 years just terrifies me. I feel fulfillment from making art. I have been doing art as a hobby my whole life, but have just started in the past few years to make an income off it.
I am finally making some income, but don't have enough time to put more into it since I work at my day job. I have been planning my escape from the rat race for half a year now. Setting up my retire accounts to leave, saving money, setting up some passive income, making sure I have a part time job lined up if needed. Right now I am offering services, but trying to make products. Always improving my craft.
I think a lot of people are waking up thanks to seeing all kinds of people making money from doing what they love.
I'm scared of the uncertainty, but trying my best to provide myself with the best start I can.
Thanks for sharing your story! Subscribing to see more advice!
"The look of possessional, so you can get up there, and stand out in the Market." Love that line, thanks for sharing.
This video is what I needed, and I have been playing this video over and over :) It has given me more confident and motivation to switch to new career in Photography. Long story short, I bought a camera last August 2020 during as a hobby. I started feeling more, and more loving Photography, enough to decide to quit my IT professional job. I started doing research on how to make money in photography in all the photography genre. I have taken photography courses in every genre. I will be leaving my 30-year IT profession to go full time in Photography beginning Oct. 1st :)
Ive been having trouble securing a job in the past few months. Been forced to get creative and try to get photo/video gigs with my camera. Im super broke and in debt but Im trusting it will all work out and its stretching me more than I expected to. Still working on "getting good" but thats okay, Im just in this experimental phase right now!
I really enjoyed this. I feel like my issue is not knowing what my passions are. I feel like once I nail that then the sky's the limit...
I wish I saw this a year ago. I've never felt so inspired and validated by my views on "marching to society's drumbs" thank you so so much
In my 25 year old lady, my journey has stared last year where I got finally what I wanted witch was my first job now am starting to become more self concious of what I need to do toperuse my dreams as a career that I been investigating about since I knew it was a thing wich is character desing tho I still need to lear a lot I would give an arm and a leg to be there. So here I am giving myself a chance to investigate how to keep running
So glad I found this. I've been painting for almost 20 years. I'm good. It's the jumping part that really gets me tripped up. This is such a great video.
Excellent video! Your comment about saving money before you quit to have the headspace to create is great! I haven't heard that in many videos about the same subject. But that is real talk!
often skipped, isn't it! so important though. thanks for watching!
First rate business acumen, mate. You follow your heart and you build your dream world just like a business, brick by brick. I’m currently reading Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Be Useful, which could easily be a companion piece to this mindset. All the best in life for giving back to the world so that others may follow your lead. ✌️
Man this is very motivating. You actually explain it in a way that seems realistic. It’s something that takes time. Thank you!
I admire your tenacity, organizational skills perseverance on achieving your goals. I started black & white film ( what ?) photography, with my own dark room. I know. I am (ancient) old, but I understand photography very well. Thank you for eloquent presentation of conceptual and dry info of photography.
So helpful! Can’t believe the similarities we have, also in product design, looking to make the jump into content creation…a career in tech is enticing with their salary but soon you realize how mine-numbing it is. I got let go recently from a recent job and now at a crossroads of either going back or starting something new. To your #2 point I don’t have enough of a saving to have a runway…so maybe I need to go back and prepare myself properly. Thanks for such a realistic breakdown of what ot actually takes. Congratulations on all that you’ve accomplished!
Thank you pat just found your channel im 61 and started to work for myself ,I needed some motivation and I found you thanks for the tips gonna apply it ,bless you ❤
Thanks Pat. You're making a difference in my life and I'm sure a lot of others.
aw thanks for that man! so kind of you 😊
thanks for the practical advice ... its made me realize I need to get my shit together and start making this future for myself. I'm 40 in a year ... I'm gonna be out on my own by then. that's my goal :)
Just in time! i kinda need this right now.
i hope you reach your goals!
Amazing video. I'm a starter at photography for about a year now, but my plan is to make it a full time job in a few years. This is a very nice guide. ❤️ from Brazil!
Thank you so much man.. I'm right in the middle of these choices in my life, full of fears and dubts. My biggest enemy is myself. I've a work that I really don't like and I'm trying to figure out how to escape from this world to pursue the life that I want. Your words are a true inspiration, the three Freedom thing most of all. Cheers from Italy
I was going to say that I wish I saw this video before and realise its probably because today was the best day to see it, to decide what is the life I want and build that runway. Thank you for sharing your insight and enjoy your trip in Japan! 🔥
Time freedom is number one for me because I hve to escape reality often as an artist and that’s just my nature. Great video new subbie💕.
Hats off man🤯the most useful and valuable video I have watched in months BY FAR!!
haha glad you got so much value out of it. thanks for watching :)
This video is so inspirational because I am in the beginning of setting up my music career and it's daunting. Thank you for all the tips and sharing of your experience
This video did serve me well. I am 29 years old and I am still trying to figure out what to really do with my life but I do believe after watching this video, that I know now. I have been an artist ever since 7th grade and art has been my passion ever since then. I want to finally have enough confidence to start my art YT channel as well as finish my invention that I have been putting off for a year. Something has been telling me to follow what I love doing and push that invention into the public and I am going to follow that little voice! It's funny because I have tried Full stack development, UX/UI Design, Graphic Design, Visual Design, Medical Billing and Coding, and Film. I am thankful that I have all of the skills under my belt but it's not fulfilling. Thank you again for this video. I now know what I want to do with this life of mines.
I relate to what you’ve said. I am a digital designer myself and something is telling me to move closer to art as it’s been my constant interest for a long long time. It’s a scary step to take and I hope to find the courage to make that lead one of these days. All the best!
@@jassvir8503 trust me. It will be all worth it in the end because some of us aren’t meant to work from somebody else all of our lives. As artist we have something to contribute to the world and we shouldn’t waste anymore of our talents. ❤️
@@nuubuns Beautifully said. Thank you ☺️
Been bing watching this guy coz its the first photography channel with no bs. Thank you for the quality material 🙌🙌
Extraordinary video. What an extraordinary place the world would be if this video was shown to Every student in every school around the world.
This is one of the most balanced video essays about how to actually make the jump. I especially I appreciate the honest conversation about skillsets/adding value and saving. My only frustration is with the intrusive ads. Otherwise great vid!
Thank you so much for the inspiration. I'm a Lead UX Designer, having my little channel making lifestyle vlogs and hopefully as I progress I'll add more artistic stuff and get my Patreon set up with value propositions 😊 but it does take time and endless dedication of 'keep trying' - the biggest challenge is saving money when you're already an adult with a mortgage, pets, responsibilities and wanting to start a family.
Thank you for sharing this, Pat. I myself am a Digital Designer focussing on UI/UX design but struggling to find a job in Switzerland since I relocated from South Africa. Photography has always been a hobby of mine, and lately I have purchased a new camera and started to build my style and social presence. Thanks for the inspiration and knowledge you dropped!
all the best in your endeavours! the UX skillset lends itself nicely to doing stuff like this!
@@patkay Appreciate it man. Yeah, I agree :) I noticed your effort in the small details of text usage and style, clean and just love it!
Wow this is one of the best videos that I've watched in a long time. I've been working in IT for 15 years now and I'm feeling more and more tired. I'm thinking of jumping into something new. All the things you say resonate with me and made me realized that I want to have such life. Thank you.
I'm so glad I found your channel and your videos. You're an inspiration and you give off this brilliant energy in all your videos! Thank you so much! I've been working aimlessly towards the freedom life but thanks to your guide, I sort of have a path to follow :) Thank you so much, Pat!
aw you're so kind! all the best with your journey and i hope you reach your goals!
I’ve been wanting to become a travel photographer for a while now, and after being only a couple steps in to the idea and the planning of making it happen, this is certainly helpful for me as inspiration and a guide to help me figure this out! Thank you, and I love your works 🙏🏻
thank you so much for watching! :)
Great and sensible advice, an emergency fund is so important. Ive been on my path to designing my life for a couple of years now, this was very helpful. Thanks
I have the means and you are giving me the motivation to get out there and start building my runway this year so that I can one day make the leap. You have built a strong community and hope to one day thank you for the help you've given me
Would definitely like to see more vids on this topic from you Pat, only because your approach is actually realistic! The typical "Quit your job and follow your passion" line should be "quit the thing you hate once you've built a foundation to support you and pursue the thing you love that can eventually be monetised" ... but that ain't a catch-phrase marketers can market haha!
hahah can we turn that headline into a bit.ly link or something? 😂. thank you for watching! i'll try make more related videos in the future :)
You are one of the best photographer channels on TH-cam, by far. Amazing content.
The best thing happened to me in 2021 is that I came across your channel! ✨❤️
Thank you so much for this Pat! This video was really what I needed to kinda push myself to commit to this goal, even if it's 3-5 years down the line, being your own boss and managing your own time seems like pure FREEDOM
Awesome video! I paused your video on making it as an artist without social media to watch this one (as you suggested) and I'm so glad I did... Any more videos about this stuff would be awesome. I have left two businesses I owned that over COVID decided were not for me and just another type of rat race. I'm selling everything and want the freedom. Would love to hear ideas you may have for creatives and income streams. Thanks so much for all your videos, they are super inspiring 😊
This is so transparent, realistic and relatable. Thank you for sharing Pat. Great perspectives and very inspiring. I’m still gathering the courage to take a leap and do those 3 things. I’m looking forward to watching your other videos. Have a wonderful day.
Thanks for the perspective Pat. I just left the military and will be working toward a very similar goal. I'd love to hear more about your progress as this small amount has helped a bunch already. Many thanks!
glad to know it helped! perhaps i'll make a video about more in the future :)
Great video dude! You really put out great content in general, but I really appreciate your honesty in this space. There are so many snake oil salesmen trying to sell their recipes for the dream life, but you're actually telling the truth. Keep going dude!
Dear Pat, I’m sending you a HUGE thanks for this video. It was very helpful and motivational ❤🙏🏻
Thank you for putting this out! This is exactly what I’ve been thinking in the past few months. I wanted to quit my job to become a full time photographer, but I’m still figuring out how do I get clients or make money out of it. Your video is really helpful.
im glad i could be of help! thanks for watching :)
Thanks Pat for this inspiring video. I do print-on-demand and illustration but it was still valuable info for me. You’re so brave! Wish you all the best!
Swell timing and attention to detail
Thanks you pat, i really need to reconsider my life for the next ten years right now..
Lots of really good, down-to-earth, encouraging advice, so thanks very much for this. I’m still buying the lottery tickets as well (why not?!) as that would give me even more freedom and headspace to live s an artist, but your tips are so encouraging.
Deep thoughts, been there, done that. I'm on the phase after "run like hell" building the new life post pandemic after moving out of Japan.
Best on your next adventures and projects 👍
Incredible video, I'm on my way too. This is a much needed video and it's very inspiring. Definitely gotta save this and watch it again as a reminder. Thank you Pat
Thank you so much for sharing your experience and your “blue print” - not only was it incredibly inspiring to watch but all of your advice is based on solid, workable realIstic goals that are achievable with planning and hard work. Now to plan getting my skills where they need to be.
Love your videos but this is my favourite so far! Perfect timing to see this for me as I feel at a cross roads with what I want to do but being creative is my passion.
Yes please definitely make more videos along these lines. I am appreciating them, and you. Blessings to you
This has been a beneficial article for me. I can't quite decide what phase I'm at whether it's runway or breakaway speed but I definitely like the message here and plan to apply its principles
I rarely comment but I just have to say, what an Inspiring, thoughtful and honest video. It's admirable how you designed and worked on the life you now have and it's kind of you to share some of that knowledge with us.
Looking forward to watching more videos from you.
This video is going to launch my photography career!
Thank you Pat for making the idea more realistic than it was before. Time to build my runway!
This has a lot of really sensible advice! I hope I am sensible enough to take some of it. 😀
Thanks for sharing your experience,
I am also planning to become a travel photographer myself.
I ran into different jobs after high school.
I started a few businesses in my late 20, but it didn't go well.
And I get into UI five years ago and working as a UI designer now.
Yes, Planning is so important,
I am saving money, Horning my photography skills.
Go out and photoshoot every weekend.
The part about making the work outstanding
needs a lot of try and error, and many times for practice.
I start my photography journey in Dec 2019
and after a year of learning,
I start to get more ideas about colors, my preference, and so call my style.
most important I am starting to create a system for my work.
After I watched this video,
I know I need to pull in more effort into photography,
you are one of the professionals I am looking up to.
Let's hope someday I am skillful enough to do some photography or video with you. lol
Once again, Thanks man~
Really related to your story Pat. Coming from the medical profession but not finding the joy or fulfillment originally thought after 5 years. You give realistic expectations and advice from transitioning from a typical rat race job to a self employed full time photographer are both relatable and realistic for professionals looking for a change.
I stumbled across your most recent video and paused to watch this one like directed lol and I couldn’t say thank you enough! This Friday is the last day at my corporate position to pursue photo/video fullTime after mindlessly working for 4 years to get here! You’ve given some amazing points and I can’t wait to implement them on this new journey! Thank you for your time and knowledge
Thank you for sharing and I love your channel.
Such a great elegantly but strongly delivered step by step, I have watch multiple videos like this in recent months but this one feels so much more real!
Time to set my plans in motion...and get the calculator out!
Cheers from Scotland :D!
haha the good old calculator. all the best with your journey!
I am happy I stumbled upon your channel! I actually followed your Instagram since 2018, but somehow I only discovered your TH-cam channel recently.
What I want to say is… I am a product designer in Sydney, and everything you said at the start of the video really relates to me. I actually quit my job in Sep 2019, hoping to find what I would like to do besides product design, but I didn’t get anywhere, and I ended up back to product design in 2020 again. This video really inspires me to keep thinking about my escape again. Thank you so much! Wish me luck 😊
Wow! I'm speechless to your video, I have a chance to watched this at the right time. I'm actually seeing myself in most of the tips you mentioned and I am more motivated and encouraged. Honestly, I belong to that one percent of people you mentioned with the same desire and plans. Thanks Pat!!! This is a great help to anyone!
Man you be kicking Gems 🙏🏾💪🏾
I have just started this.... needed this video!!
good luck!
Love your journey, idol
Im start and learning your technique...
thank you for sharing this plan/knowledge with the world.
Can't wait to see myself 10 years later!! Such a great video.. just filled me with so much possibilities. Cheers!
it'll definitely be a great feeling looking back!
This is a fantastic video Pat. You've obviously got the right chemistry to plan and sensibly so moving lifestyles like this. I'm quite new to your channel and I'm really enjoying it. Great work man and massive thumbs up to this video!
definitely learned a few things along the ol life journey. thanks for watching!
You arr such an inspiration sir✨🤌