This expensive passion

[LauraBean]

I broke a lens. A couple days ago I was packing up my camera to go out, and the camera strap caught my 50mm f/1.8 that was sitting on a counter and it went to the floor. The plastic is broken so the front part pops partway out.

This silly accident has thrown me into a tailspin! It's my only fast prime lens. It's also the cheapest lens I own, so if I had to break one, I guess it was the one, but I'm in a money dilemma, and it has me rethinking all the expenses related to this expensive hobby. The photographer in me says to replace it with a better lens, but I have no income of my own, the camera brings in no money, and it feels so indulgent to be spending $400 on a hobby.

I'm trying to figure out how I could build a little portrait business on the side (which would justify spending on an even better portrait lens), but it's daunting, and how do I justify the expense in the meantime?

I could simply replace the lens I broke, for about $100, but if I really do want to take pictures for money, that approach at this point seems penny wise and pound foolish, because I'll want either the 50mm f/1.4 or the 85 f/1.8 for portrait work.

Any encouragement? It's just so discouraging to have such an expensive passion and at the same time terrifying to think of doing it for pay, even here and there.

[esther_a]

Oh Laura! I have had many of those same thoughts - except the bit about setting up a portrait business! I work part time so I wouldn't have time, but I agree that it is hard to justify a good lens if it's just for fun. You don't have a birthday coming up, do you? I'm hoping for a f/1.8 lens as a combined birthday/Christmas present. Been dropping lots of hints! (oops, perhaps "dropping" is not a good word use here!!) Yesterday my point-and-shoot camera got caught up in clothing and was flung out of the car. I twisted the case and broke the latch on the battery door so now it wont stay closed and is stuck down with tape! I *think* it still works. But thank heavens it wasn't my DSLR!
You do take lovely portraits, though. That one of your mother was fabulous, and you take great shots of your kids. I guess you need to decide whether you'd like to do that for other people.
Even if you don't, photography is so much more than a hobby! Just think of it as spending $300 extra on a good lens for a lifetime of memories!!

[jazzmatazz]

Laura, I'm so sorry to hear about your losing your lens! And I hear you on the expenses associated with photography as a hobby. My dh is much more willing to allow me to buy expensive hobby "trinkets" than I am doing so. (My mother's penny-pinching ways have been genetically transferred, I think.)

Is there a way to "dip your toe" into the business of photography without taking the plunge? For example, are there a few friends or family members you could "experiment" with who would be willing to pay you for doing a family portrait or two? Your skills are excellent, and I know you would be able to provide them with a portrait they would love. Once you have several "friendly" sessions under your belt, their "word of mouth" recommendations and your exposure to working with clients might help solidify your decision to do such photography for pay.

Godspeed in your decision.

[dugarner]

I know at least two girls who have been able to build a good side business by taking outside-only portraits of friends' kids. People will pay, and if you're reasonable, especially, I think people tend to gravitate toward modern portraiture over the posed formality of the studio look.

Anyway, I second Tracy's advice. Interject to friends about your interest, or "willingness" to try photographing their kids. I've accidentally taken shots of friends' kids at different events and they've tried to hire me, but I don't want to do it. But my guess is if people start to see what you do, you'll get referrals. The one time I took money for a shoot, I told the customer that I wouldn't take a penny unless they were genuinely satisfied with my work. So I think you would be successful at the least subsidizing your hobby. It only takes two or three shoots at $75/hr. to replace a lens!

[katrinak]

I would set up a day to do "mini sessions" for friends/family at a reasonable rate. Only offer enough sessions to pay for your lens

Then buy the lens and if you want to keep on moving in the photography direction you've had a nice taste of it

[maureenreynolds]

Laura...It's this phrase that hit a nerve ..."but I have no income of my own". I see that your are a wife, a mother, and I will presume ;-) a housekeeper. Yes, a lens is expensive, but somehow I don't see you as someone who is frivolous with money. A 'hobby' that records a family's memories is a valuable work. Take your time, speak to your spouse if he is the income producer, and let him understand how important this is to you. If he is not understanding or if it seems that the money really isn't available right now, then pray. (I see your posts, so I know this is a concept you understand.) Then check craigslist, freecycle, a camera club, etc etc and if it's meant to be, your lens will appear. Hugs..Maureen

[kmartorina]

I agree with Maureen, you do work and have equal say in the income even if you don't work outside the home, you work inside the home. This is your passion and you don't seem to be a frivolous person. I wouldn't feel guilty. Maybe just count it as your early xmas / bday gift. Talk with your spouse, I'm sure he knows this is important to you.
Hugs... sorry about your broken lens. Kathryn

[LisaD]

oh, Katrina, that's an excellent idea - will have to store that.

Laura, this lense is sooo NOT just for you. To mirror Esther, your photographs and scrapbooking brings back and preserves memories for you and your family. As far as I'm concerned, your family deserves the lense.

[KerryMac]

Katrina's advice is perfect!
Starting up a photog biz is a lot of hard work! Dipping your toe in would be a good way to see if you like it.
And I'm sorry about your lens. Ouch!

[echogirl]

Love your photos Laura....if photography is your passion..I say follow your dreams.

I love Katrina's advice as well!

[LauraBean]

Thank you all! I knew you'd understand. :-)

Dipping my toe into photography for money is EXACTLY what I want to do. Now to figure out how...

And to figure out whether I need to spend cash on a prime lens before getting that toe wet or if I can get a start and some money first. My dh is a peach and will go whichever way I say. We are both torn: we are both believers in buying quality, the best that makes sense, rather than going cheap, but we also just paid the bill for one semester of college for our girl and another semester is coming fast, just had to order a new dishwasher, are about to take a vacation (first in ages, but still...) which entails hotel fees and also lost income for my self-employed husband... So it's just tough to pull the trigger on a $400 lens. We shall see.

[MIDA78466]

go for it Laura! Don't look back! You'll be glad you did.

[katrinak]

With the two lenses you have Laura I think you can get shots that your new clients will be happy with as long as you are working with good light. Of course, after you get the new lens your photos will be stunning

The 1.4 is such a nice lens!

[Myra]

Katrina gave you good advice. I'm so sorry about your lens, but you can still take beautiful portraits to test the photo business. At least you didn't have an accident with the body!

[bluelemur01]

I'm sorry you broke your lens! That bites! I really like Katrina's suggestion about setting up a "mini session" day. You could get a backdrop ready, some props (if needed), and invite over a few families to do portraits. Even if you only charge $50 or $75, you will get started and get used to charging, and then next time you can charge more.

Once you do it a few times, your confidence really grows and it gets fun. I encourage you to try it!

I love taking portraits and I enjoy the challenge of improving my work each time. I also learn more and improve my on-my-feet skills at each shoot. I think you should do it!

About paying for the lens...what about renting the 50mm f/1.4 or another one you love to actually DO the for-money-sessions....then you can BUY it later once you make the money? Just a thought!

[SarahDanyelle]

A friend of mine has a mother in law who charges a flat fee per hour (hers is $65, I think) and she only shoots on "location." Be it a park, their house, you name it she's shot it there. Then she gives them a CD of their photos and let's them print them. (I think she also has the option to print them, she just slightly marks those up). She only does it a few ours a week and says it's a great side job!

[susiecw]

Good luck whatever you decide. I think some "mini-sessions" are a great idea. It's all word of mouth and you'll be quite successful, I think.

[iUma]

Dear Laura,
I admire your balance and careful thought about financing your work. I agree with the sentiment here. This is not just your hobby. This is a true commitment and shaping of your family. How you record and tell the story of your family's life together in these relatively short years will effect them and their children in ways we cannot imagine. This is sacred work, too. I am remembering that page in the favorites this week of your dear friend you lost. How precious is that photo of her true spirit in the flesh?

I'm sorry your lens was broken but maybe LIFE is speaking to you LOUDER and wants a better lens!! Best of luck with the photo shots. Please let us know how it works for you.

[HeidiKnight]

I love Katrina's idea! I am doing the "part time pro" thing and it is fun, but a lot of work so get ready! But it's nice to justify my hobby expenditures, at least to myself. Good luck on your new venture and be sure to share some of your results from your sessions! I have the 50 1.4 on my wishlist, but I just use the 1.8 for now - and it's a great little lens for the cost. I do have the 85 mm but rarely use it because I have to back up too far.

[ValerieP]

Here is how I justify camera and lens-albeit I havent spent over 300 for a lens, but I have plenty invested in this hobby-When I travel with dh or my sons, I take a ton of pictures and those pictures are such a treasure, so much so that I am not even tempted to spend much on mementos- If I really want something, more often than not I just take a picture of it and I am satisfied-I know that I have saved hundreds on mementos-which of course off sets the cost of the camera and equipment!

[sawdust]

First, really sorry about your lens. I think you need to go for it. Pray about it and if at all possible make the move. It will be a little costly for you at first but I know you are talented and it wouldn't take long for you to make up the money. Dropping the lens? You know, God does work in ways we don't understand at times!!