2010

Well here we are at the end of another event-filled year. Whoever thought we would be cleaning up the biggest oil spill in history, and that some of the rescued Chilean miners, almost given up for dead, are getting the opportunity of a lifetime to train with Manchester United!

2010 has also has had it's fair share of ups and downs in the Photographic industry. Unlimited brilliant images and blogs out there, and yet so many Professionals are struggling to make ends meet. The proliferation of cameras in all forms and sizes, and wonderful work from Enthusiasts has even made Image Stock houses like Getty and others re-think their payment structures with contributors. There is just so much good advice out there for Pro's and yet work is perceived to be becoming harder and harder to come by. Not if you stick to your plans and get out and look for new work. Photographers are sharing studios, and the Photographic rental industry is doing well...why lay out a fortune on equipment when you can rent for a day, or even a week or two. I know of  Pro's selling off their equipment to put capital in the bank, and renting when required. Existing clients are like gold right now. Nurture your relationships with them, reward their loyalty, and try just that little bit harder to go the extra mile for them. There will always be work for those who stick to their marketing plans, adapt when necessary, and never say die. Whoever said the Photographic industry was boring and without challenges? Not one dedicated Photographer as far as I know. There is nothing else in the world I would rather be doing right now than being behind that lens! Enjoy what is left of the year, and here's to an optimistic and cheerful outlook on 2011!