Disclosure:  There are many ways to become a successful photographer.  The purpose of this article is to open your mind.

As a photographer you may find yourself comparing yourself to other photographers.  “Oh I want to shoot like that person.”  “She seems so successful, how do I become that successful?”  This is the easiest way to set yourself up for failure!  Everyone has different goals and ways of  measuring success.  Comparing yourself to other photographers is so much easier due to the evolution of technology.  Facebook and Twitter have given photographers a new medium for showcasing their work and updating the world of all their success.  Yeah…we all know how annoying it is when photographers feel obligated to broadcast every inquiry and booking they get.  That’s their job thought right?  I would hate to follow the local waste treatment plant worker on Twitter!  Ha!

Life is like preparing for a sailing trip.  You first have to decide where you want to go.  Do you want to head out on the lake for small trip with the family?  Do you want to sail for a 3 year journey around the world with a full crew?  Once you decide a destination, you have to plan and prepare before you set sail.  Do keep in mind that both of these journeys are very different and it’s hard to compare them to each other.

As the Captain of a small sail boat you take on many duties yourself.  Although the duties are usually manageable if you come up with a system. You won’t have to worry to much since the lake is small.  On the other hand if you have a large ship you will need many crew members.  There is no way you will be able to sail the world with out a navigator, cook and other crew members.

NOTE:  These are just examples of the two extremes to help illustrate a point.

Ben the Photog:  Ben is a photographer that shoots 25 local weddings a year and about 40 portrait sessions.  He has a great work-flow.  He edits all his own photos and designs his own albums in the comfort of his living room.  Two times a day he walks his dog to the park and picks up his kids from school.  His small operation allows him to just spend 40 hours a week on his business.  With his free time he hangs out with his family and takes two vacations a year.  Every Thursday he hangs out with “the guys” for some poker and beers.  Then the 3rd Friday of every month Ben takes his wonderful wife out for dinner and a movie.

Lacy the Photog:  She is a photographer that shoots about 15 international weddings per year.  She has 4 assistants/staff members that help her shoot, edit, design and manage her studio.  She teaches about 20 workshops a year for other photographers.  Lacy is also in the speaking circuit.  Every year she attends WPPI, DWF, PPE and PartnerCon.  She also has a side business that sells various resources to photographers.  Over 60% of the year she is staying in hotels, eating fast food and away from home.

Are they both successful?  Think about it.  Let’s say Ben’s goal is to have a business that allowed him to spend time with his family and friends.  His business revolves around his life.   By the sounds of it he is VERY successful right!  Lacy is VERY successful too if her goal was to dominate the industry and travel a lot.   Her life revolve around her business.  Donald Trump was VERY successful too…except with his marriages. 

So as a photographer do you want a small boat or large ship?  First you have to ask yourself what your goal is and where you want to go.  Do you want your photography business to help create a lifestyle for you and your family?  Do you want to be able to make your own hours and spend more time doing other things?  Do you wanna make a lot of money?  Do you want to have several assistants and a studio?  Do you want to shoot destination weddings and travel often?  So many questions I know.  Although it is so important to define your goals before you start your journey to success!

If you define yourself then you own your own success.  ~ Ben Harper

~Rob