I have always wondered whether developing a hobby and passion into a successful business is something I really want to do or whether it will destroy the freedom of taking images for pleasure. I once asked a professional photographer this very question and he cautioned me that if I were to take my work to a professional level then it would then be a job. Some of the readings this week have also made it clear that much of being a photographer is about running a business. I am very keen to retain the freedom and passion I currently have for what I do so I need to think carefully about whether I make this jump. However, were I to do this my mission statement, product and market would be as follows:
Mission Statement
My mission is to undertake short and medium-term projects on the Isle of Skye and beyond. The focus of my work will be monochrome landscape images but I will also work in colour and continue with my wildlife work overseas. I intend to capture and convey the essence of Skye in its raw state – often stormy, windy, moody and turbulent, but beautiful – the way I experience it. In my wildlife work I aim to gain a connection with the animal and share some of its being and beauty through my images.
Product
I will produce high-quality fine art prints and accompanying books (often produced with words or poetry) distributed through my own gallery in Broadford and a network of galleries across Skye, other Hebridean Islands and the proximate mainland through to Callander. My photographic images and books will be available through local bookshops and galleries and on-line.
Market
My market will be local people living in Scotland and those visiting the Island who wish to invest in a fine art print to display in their homes either representing their own locality or reminding them of their time on Skye.
Bulrushes at Cill Chriosd
References
Pritchard, L (2017), Running a Successful Photography Business, Bloomsbury Academic, London
