And I definitely understand the idea of not needing professional sports to make great photos. I shoot a lot of concerts, and I think some of my best images were from unknown artists at Kilby Court.

And while the idea is true that you can make great images no matter what scene your in, (correct me if I’m wrong) the fact of the matter is that no matter what, even a great photo at a high school isn’t going to do more resales than a good image at a professional event. There’s no draw from outside sources for something that small unless it’s like POY worthy and it just HAS to be shown on the local 10 o’clock sports show somewhere.

Kidding aside, spec shooting is a bad idea. I tell kids in college it’s not. Why? It’s a means of shooting and portfolio building. Is it smart? No. But when you’re in college you have a miniature world at your disposal. No real life pressures or expenses. Basically you can do whatever you want. It’s a great time to explore your vision and shoot whatever you want, how you want. When you have mortgage/rent, car/gear/health/dental insurance, daily expensive, and more, not only is it a silly idea in general, it’s a poor choice that effects the business and your peers.

As for royalty, you’re kidding yourself. I see people talk it up. They also make on average about .30 cents per baseball game, and that’s before mileage and your time and gear. You do the math.

That good thing is that there are a lot of people in this industry with absolutely zero clue what they are doing and surprisingly making a good living out of it. Since it seems like people like to get choked up easily on here nowadays, know I’m not saying that’s you. Just know that it may seem intimidating, but with the right mindset you can do anything. You don’t need to shoot a Utah Jazz game to make good pictures. I had zero professional sports pictures in my POYi portfolio last year. Does that award mean anything. No. But the big time is where you make it.

Also know, there will be a lot of people who also have no clue what this industry is like and will tell you how bad it is. There has never been a greater time to be a photographer than now.

For those that advise against the spec shooting. I can understand where you’re coming from, but the question I pose is this: If I don’t do the spec shooting, what else am I going to do other than self-assigning, which is in itself spec shooting without an avenue to distribute the work, isn’t it? While it may not be the most desirable gig, per se, wouldn’t it be more advantageous to take advantage of it and build a portfolio and POSSIBLY make a little royalty along the way, rather than shoot with a slim-to-none chance of getting photos distributed?

Stay away from spec shooting as advised in other posts.

I see Utah as having to many good photographers for the area. To me it is hard to get work as a freelancer here. I see the future for PJ as continuing to decline. The big expense in equipment is nearly prohibiting to me. For a top digital camera of Nikon or Canon it is $6000, for one, $4000 for a 300/f2.8, $2000 for a70-200/f2.8, etc., then a set of lights another $2-3000. Aaaaah!
When I started out a Nikon F2a was about $800, then down to $500 when the Nikon F3 came out costing $700. What a difference. Nice not to have film costs & processing, etc., but now it’s computers, external hard drives, etc. Bigger cost up front.

But. . .being single is the time to do this! I say stay with JetBlue until you have what is needed to do freelance, including having some money saved for the lean times. Be absorbed with P & PJ. Talk and get advice from all the photogs you meet. Again go for it while single! But personally I’d say keep photo as a hobby. It might be fun job, but unless you can get a permanent job it just isn’t the life for a family man anymore.

But if you feel timid or scared, you shouldn’t do this sort of work. It will show. This industry is far too competitive for “what ifs” and those that aren’t motivated. I learned a long time ago you cannot do to many things well in your life at once. So if you want to be a photographer, you have to commit to doing it. You can’t quit when it’s tough. You can’t be envious because your friends make more money than you. You have to be happy and live it day in and day out.

Also remember, someone is always watching. Work hard, share you stuff, meet new people, and make a good digital footprint. It will all benefit you, unless you have a horrible reputation. I’m a firm believer that your personality will long be remembered before your work.

In closing, good conversation, glad to see people commenting, but remember if you listen to everybody else’s concerns, you’re living for them, and not yourself. Do what you want. Follow your dreams. Don’t give up.

As for insurance, pony up. It’s not cheap. Health insurance and gear insurance (with liability) can be a pretty penny on top of other monthly expenses. Feel free to email me if you have any questions.

If you really want it, you’ll do it. If you’re not sure, there’s nothing wrong with taking up a career path that offers you a more guaranteed future than photography does. You can always be a great photographer whether it’s your full time gig or a passion you pursue in your off time in another field.

Whatever you decide, best of luck, and thanks for posing this question. The responses have been very informative.