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Ask HN: Is being a career photographer viable in 2022?

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Ask HN: Is being a career photographer viable in 2022?

#1
Photography is a side-hobby for me right now (I am a programmer during the day). I'm not making any money off of it but wondering how/if anyone does anymore. It seems like the only big profit niche anymore is weddings.

Interested to hear the experiences of working photographers and those that have tried and moved on.

Re: Ask HN: Is being a career photographer viable in 2022?

#2
While I can't directly answer your question, as I am in a very similar position. I have my SW Engineering job for my 9-5, but have been exploring posting my photography publicly and exploring the world of social media and photography lately. I do think that social media has enabled a new kind of paid photographer, that builds a solid following, get's paid to post via sponsorships and brand deals. I guess it's a borderline influencer type thing at this point.

I've also seen around my local scene, a lot of people who get paid to shoot all sorts of events from the Renaissance Fair, to Pride, or smaller cultural events around the city. I think there's a lot of opportunity outside of shooting weddings but it requires some hustling and networking to make it work.

Re: Ask HN: Is being a career photographer viable in 2022?

#3
post #2

While I can't directly answer your question, as I am in a very similar position. I have my SW Engineering job for my 9-5, but have been exploring posting my photography publicly and exploring the world of social media and photography lately. I do think that social media has enabled a new kind of paid photographer, that builds a solid following, get's paid to post via sponsorships and brand deals. I guess it's a borde…

Done a couple of shoots for weddings as a side hustle, pretty long days work and far more draining than SW Engineering work ...

Re: Ask HN: Is being a career photographer viable in 2022?

#4
post #3
post #2

While I can't directly answer your question, as I am in a very similar position. I have my SW Engineering job for my 9-5, but have been exploring posting my photography publicly and exploring the world of social media and photography lately. I do think that social media has enabled a new kind of paid photographer, that builds a solid following, get's paid to post via sponsorships and brand deals. I guess it's a borde…

Done a couple of shoots for weddings as a side hustle, pretty long days work and far more draining than SW Engineering work ...

Same, I've done some weddings for family and I don't think I could actually do it as a main job either.