Does your spouse supportive of your photography endeavors?

[capturedbybrooke]

Seems like a lot of photographers have spouses/SO's that are also photographers or are supportive of their photography. I feel mine doesn't understand how much it means to me and he doesn't take it seriously. I'm trying to go pro, but I don't seem to get very much positive reinforcement from him- only negatives...how much it's costing, the time I put into it, how it could screw up our taxes, how I'm spending more than I'm taking in. I mean, it's good to have another point of view that keeps you grounded and not lose the reality of things, but I know I can do this...I HAVE TO do this. I try to tell him that most business have losses the first couple years. I would rather make less money doing what I love. Wish I knew how to word this to him. I think he just wants me to be happy doing programming full-time for the rest of my life. It's good money, but I'm willing to take the risk and get out of it.

[CheaperKings]

I can tell you this; when I went 'pro', I spent a TON of money on new/upgraded equiptment and my wife was skeptical but, she also knew this is what I love. Are you SHOWING him that this is what you love and WANT to do for the rest of your natural life? It'll show in your pictures but you also need to tell him, make him believe that. Most men are the worry'ers of money - not me. Show him what a pro can make.

[Camdixon]

I don't have the issue of a spouse, but I completely understand how you are feeling. I am under a year left of my Computer Science degree (programming), but it's not always the most interesting type of things like photography can be. It's definitely encouraging to do something you love rather than ONLY make money. If that's what it takes for me to be happy then i'll find a way.

[candidrachel]

It is really frustrating. Luckily for me my husband is supportive financially and buys me new kit now and again like tomorrow I am picking up the new Canon 550D - yay!

You're lucky that you have a good job. I work part-time 2 hours a day for peanuts and its such a chicken and the egg situation. You know, what comes first the client or the photograph.

[OsmosisStudios]

No spouse to speak of, but most of my friends are also photographers, so obviously we support eachother. My mother has grown accustomed to it, but still doesn't "support" it. I get the glare when I come home with something new...

[tasmo2]

my husband is 100% supportive of my wanting to go into photography. He has even gone so far to go on a storm chase with me to get some shots, and in the process found himself a new hobby he enjoys... LOL He has offered to postpone his going to school to be a paramedic so that i can pursue photography instead! BUT that being said, Im a stay at home mom and I am not technically bringing any money into the household right now so its not hurting us financially. I have always been a spender, so I just switched from spending money on toys and knickknacks to photography stuff. If I was talking about quitting a job I am making good money at, I don't know how he would be reacting.

[candidrachel]

Osmosis - I think that's parents for you! My step-dad said to me "It takes more than just taking pretty pictures, you know". How patronising. I only devulge the bare minimum with him but my mother is behind me every step of the way .

[kirbinster]

I don't generally take pictures of things that have thumbs, so I don't see that I am going to go pro and make money at it -- I just love photography. My wife is fine with that, she will even go out with me every once in a while when I take pictures. She has never complained about what I spend on equipment, so I try not to complain about what she spends on clothing. We have a bunch on my shots framed in the house and have several digital frames with my pictures. She also has a bunch of them up in her office at work.

(FYI - things with Thumbs are people, just incase you did not get that)

[shutterprincess]

My husband is extremely supportive and I thank God because if he were not, it would crush me. I never plan to go pro or spend a lot of money on equipment. It's just a very important outlet that I love and I'm so thankful he's supportive.

[candleman]

my wife is more supportive of me doing this than i am of myself
being the sole bread winner i cant drop the day job and run blindly into it unfortunatley.

anyway,
i guess you need to sort this out with him.. let him know you hate programming.. and then PROVE you can actualy make a profit.
i'm willing to bet that if he sees you're making money out of it he will be allot more supportive.

earn your new gear.. then theres an incentive to make some money
"if i havn't earned it i'm not buying it"
then he doesnt stress out about the amount you're spending on gear, and you can show him this business is a viable option.. you're more likely to get his backing like that.