I must leave my photography hobby behind ...

Hi all -


About an hour ago, I lost my job and I will need to put photography behind me and figure out what I am going to do.


First off, I would like to thank each and every one of you for all the advice, guidance, support and friendship you have shown me over the past year and a half. I never would have been able to learn so much anywhere else. Nor have I ever seen an online community so generous with their time, knowledge & support as this one! Every day I am in awe by your superior knowledge and skills!


Secondly, I would like to give everyone a heads up that ALL of my photography gear will be up for sale soon! My mind is in complete turmoil right now so I have not begun to go thru everything and set any prices but if you are looking for something that I may have, please feel free to shoot me a message so we can talk! I will be honest, I

Holy crap, this sounds serious. I hope you take some time to assess what really is important Denise. You are an itelligent, caring, passionate woman and employers spot that quickly, so take heart and I hope something works out quickly in your favour.


All the best, my thoughts are with you.


Steve

Thank you to both of you! I wish I could make a living at this (that would be a dream) but my skills haven

Denise I wish you to find a job immediately. I hope to read your message tomorrow with a good news.


Good luck

Denise,


I am very sorry to hear that you have lost your job. That is an absolutely horrible thing to have to go through. And, unfortunately, there is far too much of it happening in the last few years. I hope that you will be able to find another job as soon as possible.


Right now, I truly hope that you take some time and don

Your photo contributions will be missed! Really sorry to hear about you job situation. Hopefully you can replace that old job with a better job.

Hi Denise


Read the news. I understand that you are very upset and I sincerely hope that you will find something very soon.


Brant is correct in saying that you shouldn

I hate when bad things happen to good people:[

Denise


Excellent advise from Brant (Kayaker72).


You must be confident and keep positive, no employer wants a wimp.


Good Luck

Denise, I'll echo some sentiments above - I'm very sorry to hear about your employment situation, and wish you the best for a speedy re-hire.


We've all seen your growth as a photographer, in pictures that inspire many members of this forum - myself included.


I agree with Brant about not doing anything rash. In addition to the skill displayed in your images, your passion shines through, as does the joy you obviously experience through photography.


These are hard decisions to face, and you certainly need to prioritize. Consider reducing before eliminating. Look over your photos - consider the ones you like best, or give you the most pleasure. Pick one lens to keep. From a practical standpoint, having been unemployed myself in the past, I know that despite what the EDD/DWD/other state acronym seems to think, you cannot spend 100% of your time looking for work. Having something to give you pleasure while you search is important - keeping your spirits up will keep your motivation up, and that will show through in interviews (as will the opposite, not in a good way). One of the great things about digital photography compared to other hobbies is that aside from the equipment investment, it can be done with no ongoing costs.


One other thing to bear in mind, in the worst case, is something often mentioned on this forum - you don't need expensive gear to take great pictures. The skills you've developed will translate to cameras that cost less than you paid for a lens or your tripod.


Here are a few images from my S95, from nature to portrait to action:


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I wish you all the best, and I have every confidence that your situation will improve soon!


--John

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Originally Posted by ddt0725

I wish I could make a living at this (that would be a dream) but my skills haven't quite made it that far!

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I think you are underestimating your skills but I understand your sentiment. It is easy to get boxed in to what you do for a living and not be able to pursue what you would really want to do. All the hobbies I have had, they never had the ability to be turned in to a profession that would pay me as much as I make doing what I do. It would be real sweet if that opportunity would ever present it self.


When your Passion is your Profession...you will be successful.


Denise, I feel for you. Been in the same situation. I will just echo a few other peoples sediments, don't do anything rash. Let the shock and grief wear off then decide what to do. John (neuro's) advice about not being able to look for a job 100% of the time and having something to keep your spirits up, it is very good advice.


Best of Luck

Denise,


I will echo those who have already responded.....you have an obvious love and passion for photography and you should consider using it as a way to carry on through adversity. Maybe not as a money maker, although you could probably make some income, but as a way to find some peace of mind and enjoyment in life. When a major life event like this happens you should take some time before making any major decisions. Take a little time to consider all your options, you possibly could make as much money using your gear as you could by selling it. At least wait a little while before you decide to totally dump everything. Your love, passion and talent for photography shouldn

Denise - how about using your photography passion to your advantage? For starters, maybe contact some local photogs, maybe they need help... You have the knowledge, you (still)have the kit...


Best of luck


Pete

Thank you so much guys! All of this is very, very good advice! I am just really overwhelmed right now since in 32 years of a working career, I have only been unemployed for one month and that was to my own choosing. I knew things were slow in land development but I still thought I held a position with the company that was secure from being let go. In fact, one of my (their) depts. is booming and they are hiring left and right. But one year ago to date, one of my bosses told me they wanted someone young for an adm. assistant and hired someone, had me teach her everything I knew and well ...now here I sit, unemployed! All of my years of construction & engineering office mgt./HR experience means nothing and her 2 years clerical experience means everything ....especially since she is a part time model (never paid) with photos on the web that probably wouldn

Sorry to hear your news. The advice already given is sound. Patience and catch your breath before making big decisions right now.

Denise, sorry to hear about the job situation. Experience is something most employers covet and I hope things turn around for you quickly. I can understand your thinking on selling all your gear, but take a couple days and assess your situation, then go from there. The advice that everyone has given, especially John, is good, sound advice. Photography is a good way to take your mind off things and your passion for it is evident in the photos you take. Wishing you all the best and I look forward to seeing you around these forums keeping us posted.


Jayson

Denise,


My heart aches for you. My prayer is that you find something soon.


I agree with others that you could go pro but would need a backup. I think you are too hard on yourself. You have a great eye and talent, however, relying on photography to put food on the table my diminish some of the love you have for it. Keeping you in our pryers.


Mark

So sorry to read your news Denise. I sincerely hope you find another job soon. As you can see, you definitely have a ton of support to back you on this new path. And certainly DON

Gees that

Thank you! This is bad ...really bad, what with the economy and job market ...plus I

Well who knows, it might be a good opportunity for you to pursue a different career or head in a new direction. A change can sometimes be a great thing.


My Dad was made redundant from his job of 18 years in May and really didn

I wish you all the best, that you

Denise, Sorry to hear about your troubles. Like the others, I really enjoy your contributions to this site and I sincerely hope you find away to keep your equipment. I once had an old employment specialist tell me this: "Find a job now, look for a career later". These were valuable words to me perhaps they can work for you. By the way, I

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Originally Posted by ddt0725

@ John - i absolutely love that photo of your daughter!! May I ask what you used for the background and that she is kneeling on?

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Thanks, Denise. It's just a pink paper backround (the 10' wide paper rolls that mount on the wall). It was at a local photo studio before the shoot, which wasbefore I had a home studio setup. Might go back even now that I have a setup at home, just for the live bunnies at Easter. FWIW, the studio cameras were Nikon D90s and the 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6 VR kit lenses.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by ddt0725

I am seriously considering the advice of just downgrading my gear and see if I can at all keep something for my own sanity sake.

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I think that's a wise choice, Denise. Good luck with your decisions!


--John

Denise-


I

Thank you so much for the overwhelming support! I have truly found some great friends here!!


I did find out today that they are going to give me one month of severance pay. So, that will at least give me some time to figure all of this out!

Denise,


First, I am so sorry to hear that you lost your job. One of my cousins has been out of work largely for about three years, on and off. He's a certified Paramedic and Fireman. but just now has a job making $13/hr as a driver for a gravel truck. He lost his wife and home because of it. It is very, very sad, but keep your head up, it will get better. I do think you should keep as much of your essential camera gear as possible, because I believe you will find employment again soon, and your photography obviously gives you, and us, great pleasure.


I want to say one thing about being replaced, and that is I don't think they see it as your experience meaning nothing and her 2 years meaning everything. I am sure there was sarcasm involved in that comment and I know you are rightfully bitter about the situation, but I will say that I am confident that at least part of the decision was a reduction of compensation. I bet she makes a lot less than you did, and though she sounds far less qualified, bean counters sometimes look solely at the bottom line. As a business owner myself, I never saw it that way, but there are some really short-sighted people all over corporate America that don't see anything but the bottom line, and only from one perspective. They will miss your competency soon enough, and maybe even financially, but they'll probably be too stupid or proud (same thing) to call you and beg you to come back.


In the meantime, we are here for you. :)

Hi Denise,


Sorry, to hear about your situation. I hope that you will find new work as quickly as possible. I understand that you lost your job, but remember that no one can ever take away your passion.


How about looking for some work as an assistant to a wedding photographer and then working your way up quickly to a second shooter. It sounds like a great way to break into the field. Also, keep in mind that many companies usually need to hire more people for the holidays.


If it does come to a point in time that you have to let go of some of your gear to cover expenses, then perhaps you can at least hold onto your camera and a lens or two.


However, if all else fails then I will lend you some of my gear and I'm sure that there are others here that would do the same. As you mentioned we have all become friends here, and friends need to be there in good times and in bad.


After-all, passion is something that we can all share!


Rich

Thank you so much, Rich! The friends I have made here mean the world to me!


I do not know where this new road in life is going to lead me but I do know that life as I knew it will never be the same. I have a tough road ahead but I truly believe a person isn't given more than they can handle ...I just need to figure out how to handle it. I've walked more than my share of tough roads, it is just a shock to me that at this stage of my life ...I'm faced with yet another! It's amazing how something that takes years to build can be taken away so easily and so quickly.


I finally got my daughter to start college after taking a few years off after high school (this is her first semester) and this has already put more stress on her than I care to see! I do not need this affecting her education in any way either!

I do want to stress to you Rich and to everyone how much I truly appreciate everyone's concern and well wishes! The support I have received from everyone here is so amazing! Thank you so very, very much!

Denise

Hi Denise,


Have you ever considered doing the photography as your business? You say that your photography hasn

Denise - I am saddened by your news and hope for a quick turnaround. As many have said, please hold onto some of your equipment if at all possible. Not only do you love photography....you are very talented and could find a way to supplement your income with it.


Brian

Similar happened to me just as I was preparing to buy my own camera, I really feel for you Denise. but as many others have said, try to avoid selling all your kit unless it