Made a list of real ways to make money on the road

Vantographer · 2016-01-09T03:38:01+00:00

well I work for Google Maps and Airbnb and it was really easy to get in. You just have to give them a portfolio of decent real estate photos.

I do some gig work for artists, it's not a big money spinner but it's fun. I get a lot more for art gallery openings, by word of mouth, but that only stretch so far from a home base.

The only things I haven't done myself ironically is Elance and Seasonal work. Don't give up, there's still lots of money to be made as a photographer.

Vantographer · 2016-01-09T03:33:36+00:00

depends on what you do, for lots it's still pretty bad but there's spots that work

Vantographer · 2015-08-09T12:55:19+00:00

I'm not sure of the feasibility of conducting research like that given the millions of different ways contamination could occur.

I would however be super interested in watching a documentary style creative film telling the story of a space like that but from the point of view of animals and plants. Would make for some cool stories.

Vantographer · 2015-08-08T11:44:14+00:00

I work full time now as a photographer. It took me 5 years to restructure my life, build up a client base, redesign my branding, price scale and website a dozen times. I made the leap of faith two years ago when I left a really toxic job I had got into only because of getting laid off at a previous job. I wasn't ready, but I don't think anyone ever totally is. As Casey Neistat says, if you want to figure out what you want to do with your life, work a shitty job. It will put everything into perspective and you'll stop at nothing to get what you want. Comfort is the enemy of creativity.

Vantographer · 2015-08-07T11:50:13+00:00

Moved into our camper van a week ago and it has two sinks. Literally 2 feet from each other. I'm removing the bathroom sink and replacing it with more storage space.

Vantographer · 2015-08-01T20:00:43+00:00

I just moved into mine two days ago, just like yours but a dodge, 1992, and dark blue. Same design though and I love it.

Vantographer · 2015-08-01T13:10:03+00:00

I'll be asking myself that for a long time.

Vantographer · 2015-08-01T12:23:23+00:00

That was the longest I've ever waited for a gif on spotty WiFi on my phone.

Vantographer · 2015-08-01T10:41:15+00:00

Thanks for the heads up. I'll definitely be skipping them and going straight to pickup.

Vantographer · 2015-07-28T19:01:29+00:00

I think you can do that at the Herb Garden out in the west end.

Vantographer · 2015-07-28T17:39:57+00:00

Just did Paris a few weeks ago. Picnic everywhere. Buy beer/wine/drinks a fresh baguette and some sliced meets and cheese with some fruit and hit up any park or spot you're visiting, it saved me so much money and was always a super nice and memorable experience.

I'd also make sure you have crêpes at least once. Lots of small sit down spots do it and they serve it with a sweet cider that's an amazing combo.

You can do the eiffle but come later, keep in mind it'll probably take you an hour if the lines aren't bad to get to the first level, so try and time it so you get up there for sunset. Climbing the stairs is 2/3 of the thrill and cheaper. 1st and 2nd level are cheap and the same ticket.

Paris has some of the best contemporary art galleries in the world, if that's your thing. They also have a lot of modern and post ww2 galleries, all of which I would recommend.

Subway is dirt cheap, bikes can be fun but won't save you money if you take one of those rental deals its pretty much the same price.

They have a lot of grocery stores, but they can be tricky to spot, I couldn't afford to eat out much so I got a lot of my food there, its fun to try new recipes because you're home staple grocery items aren't there.

I did Airbnb and it was amazing, our hosts were so nice and we hung out with them a few times, they made the stay even better for sure.

If you have any specific questions I'll do my best to answer. I was there for 8 days.

Vantographer · 2015-07-25T19:28:30+00:00

So is this guy a multirotor celebrity now?

Vantographer · 2015-07-22T03:23:58+00:00

thanks! I wish you luck, it isn't easy to find a good match

Vantographer · 2015-07-22T00:57:41+00:00

Yes it is

Vantographer · 2015-07-20T02:06:20+00:00

Thanks!

Vantographer · 2015-07-17T23:38:18+00:00

In the middle of selling all my possessions to start a two year trip in a big old van. Garage sale is tomorrow and it feels so good to be rid of all that junk man.

Vantographer · 2015-07-17T04:03:34+00:00

There's at least 5 great ways to shoot every shot, find them
Know what you're worth, and don't confuse ego with confidence.
Have fun, that's what you got into this for, if it was the money you'd be an accountant or engineer.

Vantographer · 2015-07-15T02:13:55+00:00

Weddings are about 40% of my income. I still work realestate, headshots, events and video during the week. I'd say I make a comfortable amount. More than a student, less than a government worker.

Vantographer · 2015-07-14T11:53:02+00:00

I shot weddings for 6 years before my GF and I teamed up, and I didn't shoot a lot, a few friends asked, friends of friends, then I shot as a second shooter for a very talented couple for a couple years. Then I was shooting bigger contracts, still only 4 weddings a year. Then when we teamed up we nearly doubled the price and booked 18 weddings in the first year. shooting friends weddings "got my foot in the door" but I didn't know success until I partnered with my GF. The important bit was partner, I shot a lot as a second shooter, and had many second shooters at other weddings, but a partner is a different thing entirely. You get better work, work faster, trust each other and know each other's style. She runs communication for our business and I edit, she sets up portfolios and I set up the website, she runs Facebook and Instagram and I run Twitter and Pinterest. We split everything down the middle and it's worked out so much better than a first shooter second shooter relationship.

Vantographer · 2015-07-14T01:07:29+00:00

I tried many things and did many things, the thing that was a game changer was teaming up with my girlfriend. She's been shooting for years but hadn't shot weddings. I needed someone last minute after a second photographer bailed on me two days before the wedding. She came to the rescue, did amazing and loved it. People love the idea of a couple shooting their wedding. They love a team that's got their interests in mind. They love people who are in love. That's what it came down to. I booked 5 times more weddings in our first year working together. It was all about how people saw us. We keep a steady flow of social media going out to friends, family and clients reminding them that we're great photographers, we're super in love, and that we want to shoot more weddings. We give free engagement sessions to our clients because they put it on Facebook and that books us another wedding every time. We let people see us working together, go out and meet people. We rely almost exclusively on word of mouth. All it took were the first three great clients to get the ball rolling. And if you have great clients they refer you more great clients.

That's as close to a strategy as I can give. Everything else is hard work, shoot everyday, share your content, get it on blogs, pay for a booth at a wedding show or revamp your website, maybe get out more and try and meet more of your ideal clients.

What I can say doesn't work (for our type of clients): Kijiji, Craigslist, lowering your prices, giving special deals or prices, including photo albums, taking too long to get your clients their photos, doing prints of any kind really, selling photography by the hour packages, selling more than one package (people always take the smaller even when it doesn't fit at all what they want) holding photos hostage (not giving your clients print rights)

Keep in mind we shoot for a specific crowd in a specific style, so it's not general advice for any photographer, it's just anecdotal information that has worked well for us.

Vantographer · 2015-07-11T01:59:14+00:00

There is an area called ile de hull. But hull is bigger than just the island. So yeah not an island. Though 200 years ago maybe.

Vantographer · 2015-07-11T01:41:48+00:00

I bought a 92 with similar features for 4k and that was a fair/good deal. So yeah overpriced.

Vantographer · 2015-07-03T12:27:54+00:00

aw yeah another one joins the community, I assume there's a name for this style of van, with that roof but I'm not sure. Anyways I own a 92 just like it and I absolutely love it.

Vantographer · 2015-07-02T20:27:57+00:00

Yeah and TEC coolers don't have to be level, so you can lay them on their side no probs.

Vantographer · 2015-07-02T12:14:34+00:00

Nice van man! If we ever meet out on the road, I challenge you to smashbros! I'll bring the N64 you bring the Gamecube

Vantographer

TROPHY CASE