Photography: Hobby, Side Hustle or Full-Time Career?

[jnantz]

I admit that I know nothing about marketing; I really should start from scratch. I still believe that in Germany there is room for positioning myself as a professional photographer. Whether I can do it full-time is not certain, I guess I need to learn a lot about business first and see if there is enough demand in my area.

in Germany if memory serves correct you may have to pass a licensing exam .. and get vocational training.
friends in Germany who worked there as a commercial shooter for magazines, AFP &c recently told me
worldwide economic circumstances have made it a tight market these days
good luck!
jon

[Michael E]

in Germany if memory serves correct you may have to pass a licensing exam .. and get vocational training.

There are two ways of photographic education in Germany, that are completely separated: Three years of vocational training (to be employed) plus additional training and licencing (to employ and train). Or college/academy, typically five years for a diploma. But the laws have been relaxed in recent years for many trades. Electricians, for example still have to have formal training, but photographers can offer their services without. And I don't get a fine for taking passport photos with a five year degree instead of three years vocational training... Of course, now a lot of self-taught photographers enter the market. But then, companies are paying a lot of money for "authentic" photos for their social media that don't show the effort that goes into them. Craft is not as important as it used to be.

[neil poulsen]

I've made some money at photography, but never a living. No doubt, it's a hobby that I've thoroughly enjoyed.