Financing My Hobby

[moosicman]

Just curious....what has been your experience in using underwater photography as a way to make a bit of money to pay for the hobby? Is this a real possibility if you get the gear and some expertice in taking good photos or is it mostly a pipedream?

[Flatliner]

While there are people who make a living with underwater photography, I would guess that it's mostly a "pipe dream"

[ccarter]

Originally Posted by Flatliner

While there are people who make a living with underwater photography, I would guess that it's mostly a "pipe dream"

Have to agree..

Probably on the level with being a professional <sport> and etc..

[zane2392]

Maybe you should contact some of the dive publications, or perhaps a close by college or marine life facility. Find out the market and how to get involved.

Some "pipe dreams" have become very profitable for those who dared to follow them.

I have a friend of a friend who makes quite a nice living as a wildlife photographer in the Colorado/Wyoming area. We all thought he was crazy too, but it has worked out well

So go for it, I Say..........

[Vercingetorix]

One married couple in the ScubaDillo Dive Club is living that "pipe dream". If you read Dive Training magazine, you see their articles and photography in 6 to 8 feature articles per year (most recent article was August issue). They also shoot for another diver mag (name escapes me) and they travel the world to dive, shoot photos, and exhibit their art. Their names are Dave Prichard (PrichDave) and Lily Mak (SeaLily). They are also PADI instructors and offer classes to the 'Dillos.

[torrey]

I would say you have to be really serious and dedicated to make it work. Real professional equipment is not going to be cheap and you may have to sell quite a bit just to break even over your equipment costs...not to mention paying for the dive trips themselves. Photographers will often wait motionless in one spot for most of a dive waiting for the perfect opportunity. You have to really know your equipment and be on top of your technique as well. Many of the most successful photographers also end up supplementing their incomes writing books and teaching classes as well. Personally, I'll keep it at a hobby level only.

[somewhereinla]

You can't really make any money in underwater photography for the simple reason that there isn't much demand for it.

[dallasdivergirl]

One of the best ways to make $$ in underwater photography is to be the DM or instructor taking photos all week of the divers & all of the cool stuff during the week & selling the cd's to the divers.

I have a friend who is a great u/w photographer www.beautybelow.com and has taken a job on a live aboard teaching u/w photography and videography. He had a show while he was living in Roatan with some other photographers (u/w & topside). I know sales were good at the open house but pretty much died after that.

[torrey]

I think that's the ticket right there. Rather than the occassional photo to a magazine, you provide more of a service by giving divers the memories of their own trip...and the photos wouldn't have to be magazine quality. A videographer with a little editing software knowledge could easily sell mass-produced DVD's to a group for $20, $30 or more a pop.

[bversteegh]

The rapid advancement of uw digital cameras/housings has tremendously increased the number of available stock photos - it is really difficult to make money just selling pictures (now if you are also a good writer and can deliver a complete story, your chances are better).

Digital has allowed novice photographers to climb the learning curve much faster, and you immediately know if you captured a good shot. I have several friends that are very good uw photographers, and they don't really make enough to break even (but they have some really nice toys) - but a nice shot can win a competition and get you free scuba/camera gear or often dive trips for prizes.