Travel out of Norfolk - What ever next.?
We may all have to realise that as Photographers we are going to have to travel further..
We probably all love where we live and may be even where we work but here in Norfolk whilst it’s a very Touristic area especially in the Summer months but also at other times of the year, it’s also a nice place to be and to live. However whilst there are new houses & property being built just about everywhere it is still primarily a Rural economy.
What does that mean - well traditionally here in Norfolk it’s farming and within that traditional world there is an adage that says ‘ Never spend a Penny when a Halfpenny will do ‘ - Basically never spend more than you have to. That very often means these days, especially during 2024, that for photography people just use their Phones for their family photography and a reasonable price for a family photo-shoot is seen as a ‘ Luxury experience ‘ that people may not spend money on.
I can understand that…
Yes times are hard BUT they may be missing out - A good photographer will know how to guide and direct people, who may be nervous in front of camera but also for people that like looking their best, as well as to manage, provide and control lighting for the best effect, as well as making sure the image is straight & level, properley exposed and cropped for best effect & usage. If you think your phone can do all of that then you may not be correct. It’s true that phones have lots of capability and have improved over the years BUT to have that human input is increasingly recognised as important rather than a robotic app created image that once the moment has gone means very little and in 10 years time may not exist.
So what can we do as Photographers
It may be beneficial to travel to where the local adage may not be the same - to where the ‘ Luxury ‘ element may be more affordable and where the mind set for photography stems more towards having professional photography for best results.
For me that depends on the type of work being offered or the opportunity and whether time allows. BUT for me travelling more than 50 miles is not a problem and indeed I fairly regularly travel 200 + miles for some of the work I do.
But I realise it’s a personal decision and based on personal capability in terms of travel arrangements and how much equipment you may need to take with you based on shoot type and I understand regular distance travel is not for everyone. However I think to me this is becoming more of a requirement, not just to cherry pick the best customers but to help ensure cash flow is optimised and I as a working photographer can continue the work that I love.
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