Today it’s been a year since I decided to make a change in my life and pursue my dream of making a living as a mountain photographer.
Wait a minute! Making a living out of your passion? Let me explain!
Before this decision I had been making my main income from leading photo tours, which I enjoyed very much, but there was something lacking.
While it was a great feeling helping other people fulfilling their dreams I had this gut feeling that grew stronger and stronger. I had my own dream to follow.
For 15 years I had been working on my mountain photography on my spare-time. Each year logging around 100 nights in the tent out there seeking the light. I was working hard in the field but I didn’t share much of what I was doing with the rest of the world.
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While this was all good for many years I reached a point when I felt that I was holding myself back. I came to the conclusion that the way forward as an artist was to do my mountain photography full-time. To make it my job.
That would not only give me the opportunity to keep doing the work out there, portraying the Swedish mountains through my camera. I would also have the time and energy needed to share my work with you.
Here are some of the successes I’ve had during my first year:
- I’ve sold more Art Prints this year than I’ve done in the last 15 years combined.
- I’ve grown a solid community of 56 Supporters. You’re awesome folks!
- I’ve got a number of requests for image licensing.
- I’ve produced new films including In Search of The Light which I’m very proud of.
- I’ve had the opportunity to learn new skills and push myself out of my comfort zone.
But of course there’s been some challenges along the way as well.
Once I began to share work that was important to me I felt vulnerable. I don’t think this will go away over time it’s simply what its like to be an artist. However, I’m handling it better now than before.
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Another challenge is of course the economics. I do have a long way to go until I have a sustainable business but no one said it would be easy taking this path. I’m doing what I love and try to focus on creating great things. With hard work, passion and perseverance I think the income will follow.
It’s a new mountain to climb. One step at a time, I’m going to get there.
For other photographers / artists looking to follow the same path I have some advice to share:
- Learn from the people that are already doing what you want to do. If your dream is to sell prints – learn from people selling prints.
- Think long-term. Be careful with people offering quick fixes. They are a great way to make money – for them, not for you.
- Listen to your inner-voice – create things that you want to create.
- Don’t listen to the nay-sayers (that includes yourself).
- Don’t rely completely on social media – build a website to show your work.
- Believe it!
I hope you found this post inspiring. I’ll be back with an update next year!
If you want to help me keep going you can join as a Supporter or purchase one of my Art Prints. Thanks!
/ Magnus
