Caution: Rant ahead!

[AnneWynne]

Warning, this is a rant. If you don't want to read some whining and complaining, stop now. Really, I am really vexed and need to vent, so this is your last warning.

Here I am, at a major turning point in my life, where plans made have literally blown up in my face causing me to give up much that is dear to me, including my 2 beloved dogs. I was supposed to start a new job in England, but because it was taking too long for the security clearance to go through, the position was given to another person. So here I sit, no apartment, no income, and few prospects for work in my "real" profession of clinical psychology. There may be other positions opening up in October, but it is a long time from now to then and I am rapidly running out of money and mooching off my brother and sister-in-law and their friends here on the island.

So, what is the one thing I am good at that has a chance of bringing in some income quickly? Photography. I have landed one gig, paid and everything, worked out really good, senior and his mom are delighted. I did some freebies for my niece and a couple of her friends to get some senior photos to use in my marketing, all of which turned out really well. I have taken some landscapes that have been well received and others who have some knowledge of things that sell here think they could sell fairly well.

BUT, I am not getting much encouragement from family. In fact, I am being told that I won't be able to make it here because there are some well-established photographers here who get all the jobs. My s-in-l was surprised that I got the paying senior gig because the mom uses one of the said well-establlished photographers and gets expensive prints, etc, from him. She also said the women from the high-end art and antique shop who loved 2 of the landscapes they saw and felt they would sell really well as gilcees would expect to get them at wholesale and, after framing, I would make very little if anything at all.

My brother is all about job hunting all over the US, something that is difficult if one is not licensed outside the state one has been working in, plus I don't have the funds to move at this point (the overseas jobs include moving allowances).

I went over to the local art guild to see what the process was for selling there. The guy I spoke with and showed some of my work to was not very encouraging. In fact, he seemed kinda snooty, like photographic art is not art (I manipulate my landscapes for a more painterly look.) I guess I am too used to my old art guild that was very supportive of the arts in any form. I am going to see what happens in the near future before joining and going through the jurying process ($50 in application fees that could be used elsewhere).

I have gone to several artsy/gifty shops on the island and they have had such a bad summer they are not interested in any of my work even on commission. I don't have the $$$ for high end printing or better-than-frames-from-the-hobby-shop framing, so the art galleries probably are not going to be interested.

I am preparing for a small art show on Sunday, framing and matting some of what I think are marketable prints. I don't have a big body of work, and there isn't a lot of display space, but I am hopeful I make some money so I can get more/better prints made. But more importantly, I am going to set up a slide show of my portrait work and try to land some portrait gigs so I can have some income coming in.

I am not trying to set Saint Simons on fire with my photographic skills. I have no intention of seriously competing with the established (and very expensive) photographers. But I have a quality service to offer and, because I can only do location shooting now, little overhead, so I can offer that service at an economical price (no, Jim, I do not want to be known as the cheap photographer, my prices are not -that- economical).

I just want to make some money doing something I really enjoy doing, and I wish my family could be more encouraging of my endeavors. I _know_ I am good, certainly better than a lot of photographers, but not as good as the high-end photographers (yet), but when I run into this type of negativity, it is hard to keep up the optimism. When others don't believe in you, it can be hard to believe in yourself.

If you have taken the time to read this, thank you for letting me rant. If you believe in me, clap your hands, and, like Tinkerbell, perhaps my belief in myself will grow stronger.

Anne

[Jamfke]

You get thunderous applause from me. I have been through this myself, so I do feel your pain. I wish you many sales, and clients, in the days to come.

[slsphotos]

We all need a good vent from time-to-time. Hope things turn around for you!

[ZannieGirl49]

You get major applause from me too. I'm so sorry that you're in this tough position. I'm one of your fans on Facebook and I think that you're doing a great job. You're clearly getting some good feedback from the people who matter the most...your customers and potential customers. Just remember that anytime your family speaks to you in a not so supportive way. I'm rooting for you.

[Woody]

Is this a gee up?

Maybe "Physician heal they self" is an appropriate response. Or maybe lees talk more action.

What ever you do, just do it and good luck.

Cheers,

John W

[gturner]

Have you ever knocked on the door of the big resort next door?

[AnneWynne]

Originally Posted by gturner

Have you ever knocked on the door of the big resort next door?

Can't get on Sea Island...literally, cannot get on it. Sea Island is a _very_ private resort community and you have to have either a reservation or an invitation to get past their guards to get on their island. One of their buyers would have to see my work and invite me to show there. Also, with the exception of their own gifty shops, there is no shopping on Sea Isand...it is all on Saint Simons.

I might have a chance once my name gets known.

[Jim Bryant]

Wow! I see that all those trials and tribulations are getting to ya. hang in there, being a new comer to a resort island and trying to establish yourself is mighty tough. Hang in there, something good is bound to happen.

[AnneWynne]

>>>Is this a gee up?

No gee up, just real life challenges that have been very frustrating.

>>>Maybe "Physician heal they self" is an appropriate response. Or maybe lees talk more action.

One of the strategies for dealing with frustration is asking for feedback/support from others. That is what I am doing here. Venting is also an appropriate tactic (as long as it is not overdone, and this is my first vent about this situation. You were warned

A good vent (like a good cry) can go a long way toward clearing the mind so action can continue toward the goal. When one gets bogged down by others negativity, it helps to hear positives from other...I was getting bogged down, so I reached out to a supportive group.

Also, women tend to talk things out in search of support, not necessarily solutions. I have a plan of action I am working, but just needed to vent in a supportive environment.

>>>What ever you do, just do it and good luck.

Thank you for your support, John. Good wishes are always welcome.

Anne

[candidrachel]

You've come to the right place to vent . I'm rooting for you too. I know it sounds corny but where one door closes another one opens and things always happen for a reason. Something bigger and better will come about when you least expect it.

Hang in there, persevere, keep smiling and don't let other people's negativity grind you down.

Your friends and family probably mean well but what I have found most helpful is to keep alot of my photography plans top secret! That way I keep my own councel and don't fall into the trap of justifying my actions and opening up the floodgates of unwanted "advice".

Keep going