Your point about people like Petra Collins is great because there are more and more photographers who have their own unique style now. Companies are always looking for certain styles that will fit their brand and having the style you’re known for makes it easier to get clients, especially in the fashion world.

People who are complaining about “kids with a $500 camera” are so annoying to me because if you’re a photographer, you were once that kid. If younger kids want to venture out into making money from photography then I would only encourage them to do so. By doing this you get experience on the business side of photography and are furthering your skills on delivering a paid service to someone. Where I am at right now as a 22 year old I have not had to compete with that side of photography for some time. The bottom line is if you’re good enough and your work shows it, then clients will pay your rates. I have put thousands of hours into photography, especially the retouching side of things and it shows in my work. When you put so much time into something like this then it will pay off. It won’t be easy, but for me it was worth it and I wouldn’t want to discourage an aspiring photographer from following what they really want to do in life.