4 Rookie Moves That Almost Ruined My Photography Career

The signs are always flashing if you pay attention

Image by author

Like many, I started from the bottom.

Then I got a little push from friends. I climbed, dipped, rose, dipped again, and now I’m somewhere between crest and trough. When I look back, most of the dips were down to my own (in)actions.

In many ways, I almost destroyed my photography career before it took off. And it took me a long time to find my way out of trouble. While looking for this way, I missed some opportunities, cash, and fulfillment.

But I’m glad I lived through it all, saw the mistakes, learned from some, and became a better shooter. These are the most obvious ways I almost ruined my photography career.

Failing to identify myself as a pro or hobbyist

You’ve got a camera, so you’re a photographer, right? That’s what I thought. That’s what I believed. Everyone called me that.

But deep down, I didn’t know if I was just a hobbyist snapping for fun or a professional photographer looking to take things to the next level. And it’s safe to say I messed everything up.

One time, I saw myself as an ambitious photographer. Next time, I’m just another passionate…