In Canada, is it worth to study photography and become a photographer?

Question

People say to follow where your heart takes you and you will end up being successful. I have heard people often say that but from my own observation, I knew of some people who did exactly that but ended up financially broke in life. Some studied music but couldn't find a job in their field and ended up doing minimum pay odd jobs which could hardly sustain their basic life. Then they have the student loans to pay back with interest to the Government. I have a strong interest in photography as well but I am not sure if I can survive or find a career in the photography field. What if after all these years of study photography and taking student loans and in the end, I can't find a job or wind up doing some minimum pay jobs?

Answer 1

If you absolutely love photography, you can start your own business. You can start part time on the side while you still do a full time job elsewhere. Once your business picks up and you are earning as much as your full time job, then you can completely focus on your photography business. Instead of working in a photography job, doing business has higher potential to earn money and provides you with more satisfaction. You can take pictures for people during their wedding photo shoots. You can charge for $1000 or $1500 per session of photo shoots in your studio or at the wedding venue. If you are good at video shooting as well, there you can earn further $2000 per night for wedding reception night. Word of mouth is very important. If a client likes your work, they will likely recommend you to other people and this way your popularity will spread quickly.