Should I go for it??

[jannereed]

Soooo...will be getting hitched in a few months and my sweet fiance is telling me that after we get married he will support me as I pursue a new career. I started doing photography 6 months ago and I had about 30 photoshoots in a six month time frame. I have enrolled in NYIP and am enjoying that. BUT I am torn between nursing and photography. I enjoy photography but haven't had a single shoot in a month and I am starting to get discouraged. Here is a sampling of my work on facebook...I was hoping a few helpful people could critique it for me and give me their opinion if it's a good place to start.

Grace Photography by Jessica Reed - Professional Services - Gulfport, MS | Facebook

Thanks so much!!

[sarahle]

I think..and take it with a grain of salt...that you are on the right track with your photography..you do have some good ideas, good experience..and you live in a great location to keep moving forward..your shots have that bounce but they need some more polish for you to make a living just yet. If you are a nurse and can make a living as a nurse, then yes, be a nurse, however..Nursing will open other doors..it will give you money for one to fund your photography(you have to have money for good lenses, advertising etc). It can open opportunities for newborn portraits, maternity, family portraits in rest homes..etc..being a nurse, you have an open door that most photographers do not. Take classes as you are now, look at the local community college scene(many have excellent photography professors) and the camaraderie found in a classroom will be not only be supportive, but will push you to do better. Your work is good..it can be better..all our work can always improve..good luck with your decision and happy engagement!

[OsmosisStudios]

Who says you cant do both?

[R lake]

Originally Posted by OsmosisStudios

Who says you cant do both?

What he said(Typed)

[dakwegmo]

Fortunately, based on the work on your facebook page, you have a fairly good understanding of how to work with people and setup a shot so they probably evoke an emotional response. As sarahle said, they still need a little technical polish, but it's a lot easier to teach the technical side of photography than it is the creative, so you've already got a leg up on others just starting out.

Also, the lull you're experiencing right now is a fairly common occurrence when running any business. If the ups and downs of running a business are going to create unbearable stress in your life, then you definitely want to try doing both for a while. Nursing will give you a stable income that you can count on, while you develop your craft and business skills in photography. Once you get to a point where you can at least predict when the lulls in business occur you can make a decision about whether you can live with that as a full-time photographer.

[Tito87]

Originally Posted by OsmosisStudios

Who says you cant do both?

+1........

[OsmosisStudios]

Originally Posted by R lake

What he said(Typed)

This comment wasnt up when I made mine.

[jannereed]

thanks for the input! From what I gather, I need a little more technical "polishing" on my work. Maybe I can get help with that on another forum on here.
As far as pursuing nursing and photography at the same time...I am not sure that is something I want to do. If I was in nursing school I am not sure I would have the time/energy to go all out and try to go all out as a professional photographer. BUT I guess I could still do it as a side job like I am now! I am considering that.
Thanks again for your responses!!

[Jenna2205]

Originally Posted by jannereed

thanks for the input! From what I gather, I need a little more technical "polishing" on my work. Maybe I can get help with that on another forum on here.
As far as pursuing nursing and photography at the same time...I am not sure that is something I want to do. If I was in nursing school I am not sure I would have the time/energy to go all out and try to go all out as a professional photographer. BUT I guess I could still do it as a side job like I am now! I am considering that.
Thanks again for your responses!!

I think they thought you were already a nurse and looking for a "new career". If you are just starting out in both than you probably do need to choose just one. What you choose is completely up to you. Go with your heart.

[leefields]

It's a really hard decision - nursing is a more solid choice - You know when you'll get your degree and what to expect to earn. Photography is more iffy, but you'll always be happy with it (unless you're staving) - I'm no help - it's hard to turn a hobby into a career but if you can it's so worth it