Venturing into photography at an age of 29

[MindRaider]

Hi,

I am a new media designer with over 10 years experience. Recently, I am getting passionate and excited about photography.

Do you think venturing into professional photography at this age is not a good idea or should I follow my heart. The good point is that I have a graphic and artistic background and studied some photography before.

I am more interested in portrait / family photography

Appreciate your advice?


Houssam

[sunithshyam]

It is never late to get into photography.. heck! I am 28 years now an I have just scratched the surface. How are you planning to get into this field? I mean, are you quiting your job and going full time into photography? I personally would choose a cautious approach. Do some market research on the market you are targeting(what is the market saturation, the competition, profitability analysis etc),wisely invest in proper equipment,get a lot of exposure for your work,get feeback from other photographers, build up your portfolio.

You could choose to apprentice under another photographer,get in the payroll of an organization, or freelance. Each has its own merits and demerits. You could also continue in your current field and freelance as a photographer. In the end, I believe it comes down to the conviction you have in yourself. I know about many late-bloomer photographers who made seemingly horrendeous business decisions and still emerge successful.

[Geodar]

Mmmm, I was 44 when I got into it and my daughter was 5, photography has no age boundries.
Have fun.
Geoff

[MindRaider]

Thanks for the reply.

I am not going full time into photography at the moment as I cannot afford to loose my work.

I will start by practicing and working on my photography skills and see how I mature.
A small studio at home for experimentation.As for the D-SLR i am opting for either canon d50 or Nikon 90D + lens/ gear.

5 years down the road, I might be shifting full time opening a small studio in my home country. The current market situation is still not saturated and new talents can penetrate easily; though a careful study is needed.

thank
Houssam

Do whatever you want. Who the hell sets an age limit on doing stuff?

[digirebelva]

I was older than that when I bought my first DSLR (mid-30's)...follow your heart...and your passion..if you can

[mad editor]

You can learn to do ANYTHING you want at ANY AGE that you want. At 29 you have a lifetime ahead of you - and possibly several career paths. Go for it!

[SusanH1970]

Agreed with all said here. I'm 39 now, been "taking pictures" all my life, but only seriously started learning the art, technicalities, and business and legal aspects of it within the last year. I found myself a couple of mentors (and I strongly advise you to do the same!!!), learned to take (sometimes harsh, but well-deserved) critique on my work, am continuously educating myself about anything and everything to do with every aspect of photography, and very slowly starting to build my infantile business. It does NOT happen overnight. It takes more work and more time that you can imagine. But, if you are passionate about it, you will love all the work and time you put into it.

Keep faith in yourself. You'll have days where you say "I rock!" and other days when you'll say "I suck." Find those mentors (a couple of mine are right here on DPS, you know who you are, and thank you SO much!), shoot as often as possible, read as much as you can. With a lot of work, and a little luck, you'll get there.

[Jim Bryant]

You're never too young or old to venture into the world of photography.

[Quo Fan]

I bought my first DSLR at the ripe young age of 46. I started studying the martial arts at age 32. Age is but a number. You get "old" when you stop doing things. Do what you want, when you want to do it (as long as it is not against the law).