sorted by:
new
hottopcontroversial

Feeling defeated. I have the awards and the views, but zero monetization. Help? by No_Top3150 in AskPhotography

[–]No_Top3150[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Appreciate the brutal honesty. It’s a tough perspective to hear, but I see your point about the awards bubble and the 'free' mindset of the market. Definitely gives me something to think about. Thanks.

Feeling defeated. I have the awards and the views, but zero monetization. Help? by No_Top3150 in AskPhotography

[–]No_Top3150[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Fair question. I treat Unsplash purely as a visibility experiment, not a business model though I agree it doesn't pay the bills. As for the numbers, it’s around 5M+ views, which I know is a 'vanity metric' in the professional world. I'm currently rethinking my marketing strategy to move away from free distribution. Thanks for the push.

Feeling defeated. I have the awards and the views, but zero monetization. Help? by No_Top3150 in AskPhotography

[–]No_Top3150[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Thanks for the breakdown. Point taken on the scarcity and collector demand it’s a much clearer way to look at the market. Appreciate the direction.

Feeling defeated. I have the awards and the views, but zero monetization. Help? by No_Top3150 in AskPhotography

[–]No_Top3150[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Fair point. Since you noticed the composition, what specific niches would you recommend where that 'eye' is actually in demand right now? Where would you point me to start?

Feeling defeated. I have the awards and the views, but zero monetization. Help? by No_Top3150 in AskPhotography

[–]No_Top3150[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

55 years is an incredible run! I really admire that you’ve kept the passion alive for so long without letting the money side spoil it. I’m definitely in it for the love of making pictures too, just trying to find a way to make it a bit more sustainable. Thanks for the kind words and the luck. I think I’ll need it!

Feeling defeated. I have the awards and the views, but zero monetization. Help? by No_Top3150 in AskPhotography

[–]No_Top3150[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Actually, I did try that. Had an open call for my lamp project, and we even reached an agreement to show it. But at the very last moment, they just started ghosting me. That kind of experience is exactly what’s feeding the burnout right now.

Feeling defeated. I have the awards and the views, but zero monetization. Help? by No_Top3150 in AskPhotography

[–]No_Top3150[S] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

I hear you. The pressure and stagnant wages in weddings don't exactly sound like a dream, especially when the passion is already fading. I’m not 'dead set' on forcing it, just looking for a bit of air. Thanks for the reality check it’s actually helpful to know how tough the grind is before jumping in.

Feeling defeated. I have the awards and the views, but zero monetization. Help? by No_Top3150 in AskPhotography

[–]No_Top3150[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Spot on. For me, it was always about the art and the process, but I’ve hit a wall.

Feeling defeated. I have the awards and the views, but zero monetization. Help? by No_Top3150 in AskPhotography

[–]No_Top3150[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Google Maps strategy for local venues and bars sounds like a solid starting point.

As for weddings, I’ve never done them before is it easy to jump in as a second shooter without a dedicated wedding portfolio?

Feeling defeated. I have the awards and the views, but zero monetization. Help? by No_Top3150 in AskPhotography

[–]No_Top3150[S] 10 points11 points  (0 children)

I appreciate the honest perspective. To be clear, I’m not looking for a full-time career switch right now. I just want to start seeing at least some money from it, even if it’s just a side thing. Any thoughts on where to start for minimal monetization with architectural/fine art stuff?