@michaelhurley8958
In my life I've reinvented myself many times. The longest "career" I've had was as a paralegal, which I did for 23 years. I became a photographer in my early 50's when I closed up my paralegal business because it was no longer fun. So I can understand where you come from in changing careers late in life. At this point in my life I do have a day job which takes away a number of financial worries. As a photographer I would say I'm semi professional, I've had paid work, but mostly I've shot for me because it's fun. I've started shooting video on the side, which is fun. Now a 66 I've come to understand that there are many roads you can walk down. Each one allows you to develop new skills, new ways of looking at the world, and it's never to late to follow your dreams. It's also never to late to reinvent yourself into something new.
@Drengrphotography
Started at 34 just as a fun thing to do. Started doing street photography and brought my camera everywhere. Couple people took notice and started asking for photos. Started doing a lot of research into my specific camera and the technical side of photography then just ran with it.
@benyantovisuals
I've been a professional photographer part time for several years. I'm in my late 40s and just now starting to do this full time. I just kick myself for not starting sooner. However, but from all the experience I've gained and relationships built, it was finally the right time to do it.
@steve_bourdeau
I’m 36 and I’m starting to take my photography with aspirations to go full time when I retire from the Navy in 5 years. Yes, I will get a pension, but it’s not enough to live off of, and I feel that I have the skills and talent to make it as a pro photographer. Sure, it sucks getting into the industry so late in life, but everything happens how and when it’s supposed to. I too have a (soon to be) 3 year old son and a wife to provide for, so the money aspect is certainly my biggest concern. But I will be honing and sharpening my skills in the mean time while I still have this steady income, and I will be ready to take on the pro phot world.
@calincharles
Love this. So important for people to hear who are hesitant about going professional.
@2DogAle
HAHAHAHA! “Late in Life” isn’t your thirties, I just turned 63 and in 2 years, so 65, I will be starting my photography career then. You have great points in your video. The one I can comment on is that I have had a ton of experience dealing with people and am very comfortable with interacting with them. That’s a big benefit to a person dealing with customers and potential customers. Great video and lots of great tips based on life experience. Keep it up.
@leedeleon2745
Working at a Running Shop for almost a decade allowed me to build my soft skills for my photography to succeed; amateur and professional. Always love hearing your thoughts, Chris! So practical and sensible.
@AndrewCottierMedia
This was a great watch dude. I was pretty young when I realised I wanted to do this professionally but being young I had a lot of things I struggled with at the time and had barely any life experience. Turning 25 this year and can happily call myself a semi professional heading towards full time as I figure out the business side of things more haha. In my earlier years I just thought "ah if I take good photos then that's enough surely?" Nope! how wrong was I. Definitely learning more about business now then I ever have and things are starting to go somewhere. Keen to see where I'll be in another 5-10 years.
@NicoLlerena
Nice content man ! I'm turning 30 and just decide to become pro this year ! Keep focus friends ✌
@Beezzzzy_
I started my photography journey at 28. It became my full time career by the age of 35. If you REALLY want it, you can make it happen.
@bdat
Just went pro last year from doing music for years. Was never super good at being a musician but it was something I truly loved and needed something new to fill the void. Stepped into photography and videography and it sparked a whole new love and passion in my life. And I’m the same age of 33
@tundrusphoto4312
I've changed careers a number of times at least four times. One change necessitated three years more of university. Few will stay with one career their entire working life because the world no longer works that way. Just go with the flow.
@OmgItsAlexOfficial
I started honing my skills outside of my dead-end job in early 20's. Took until 28yrs old for stuff to start really hitting, but by then I had so many skills to pull from. But in the meantime I was flat broke and discouraged until it popped off. In just 3-4 years I more than made up for the decade in my 20's being broke, blazed past some of my friends who have had six figure jobs for years. You just gotta hold on and go brute force until it hits. Don't have a fall back plan.
@Josenapoleonn
Maaaan, what a great video. I’m in my 40’s in SF and I’ve worked in coffee for 15years. I’m super new to this photography stuff and looking to pursuit it more. I’m just looking to make money so I can buy better gear and hopefully ease my way out of coffee service, just like you.
@firstlast2034
I am in my 80’s and have started bird photography. I can no longer go on a 2 week safari but I still am active, background in business and in good health so why not?
@mynameisnotcory
All my gear is from 2012 for the most part, and it still takes great pictures, but the budget lenses are where i get bottlenecked wanting to go pro. Its gonna be real expensive to move up in glass AND catch up with a newer body soon /:
@LaFuenteOnFilm
Love this message! Subbed 🤝
@Edwin--
Personally, I find the idea of starting anything 'late' an old-fashioned way of thinking. Where there average life expectancy in civilized countries has increased to well over 80 and the retirement age in many countries to over 65 years, we will have to cope with the idea that you have a 40 to 50 year work life. If we spend so long as part of the workforce, why not spice things up by changing career every now and then and learn skills and professions? I really love it. Why would we do the same trick for decades on end? The 'too old' is a mindset of conservative people stuck in their ways, and is not an adventurous mindset driven by curiously. As long as you are sensible about it, and not recklessly go all-in without a plan, changing careers is a great and admirable thing to do.
@RonK
"If you're older you have way more contacts". Wait until you're in your mid fifties, then find out "yeah, not really". Most people in your contacts you don't want to talk to anymore , and of the good ones, some are already not amongst us anymore. I used to spend my life, my days, my nights with so many people, and Today, I have like two persons on speed dial. Plus: I used to meet sooo many pretty women, but if I try to find a model nowadays, they consider me kinda "creepy", since I'm way too old for them to be photographed by
@ChrisBoultonPhotography