Anyone who knows me, knows that I have been pursuing photography since I was a sophomore in high school – that’s the better part of a decade. They also know that I have had a job for close to exactly the same amount of time, in addition to pursuing not one but two degrees. And let me tell you, it has been one of the most difficult things I have ever done – and I’ve been through some tough shit in my lifetime. Despite how difficult it has been, I wouldn’t change a thing. Not then, not now, and not in five years. I’ve never thought that photography would be my full-time job. I’ve never wanted it to be, if I’m being honest with you.

And that is OKAY.

It doesn’t make me less than other photographers – I know my talent, and I know that I could go full time very easily if I wanted to. What it does do, though, is proves that I know myself well enough to not try to force something that I know isn’t meant for me.

Maybe you’re in the same boat as I am. Maybe you’re questioning if you should take photography full time because that’s what the other photographers are telling you to do. Maybe you’re debating quitting entirely because you just can’t convince yourself to jump all in. Whatever it is, I’m here to tell you this:

YOU ARE NOT FAILING JUST BECAUSE YOU ARE NOT FULL TIME.

YOU ARE NOT ANY LESS OF A PHOTOGRAPHER BECAUSE YOU HAVE ANOTHER JOB.

YOU ARE DOING WHAT IS EXACTLY RIGHT FOR YOU.

And here’s why I believe that to be true not only for myself, but maybe for you too.

1. Loving photography, and being good at it, does not necessarily mean you have to make it your full time gig. I’m the type of person who needs a safety net at all times – in terms of a job, insurance, retirement, etc. In my experience, you never know when photography will quit being a luxury people are willing to pay for, like during a global pandemic (hey, Covid, talking about you). There are other jobs that you can have that will ensure a consistent and steady income source, insurance, retirement, and all that jazz, all while you can still continue to run your business as a hobby. Turning photography into your full time gig adds so much pressure onto what was at one point your passion, and it’s so easy to get burnt out on once you’re relying solely on it.
2. The freedom of keeping photography as a hobby rather than your sole source of income has so many positives attached to it. There’s less pressure, your time is yours to dedicate to photography as you see fit, and you’ll be able to only take the projects you want instead of every possible one. You won’t have to give up every sunset for sessions and every summer/fall weekend for weddings – you’ll be able to pick and choose which ones you’re willing to shoot photography and which you’d like to keep for yourself.
3. I already mentioned it, but it deserves its own bullet point – you’ll avoid burnout. I can’t emphasize how important this one alone is. Instead, photography can be your escape from regular life, and it can be a refreshing thing for you to go do. That is actually what I love most about not being a full-time photographer.
4. You’ll be able to explore other interests alongside photography without photography taking over. Photography is something that brings me so much joy, don’t get me wrong, but I also have deep loves for writing, reading, painting, cooking, and hiking.

It’s okay to keep photography as a hobby. Maybe your reason is listed along with mine, or maybe you have a few unique to you and your situation. All I know is this – don’t let not being full time discourage you. I’ve never been a full time photographer, and I’ve still booked out entire wedding seasons and had extremely busy seasons with photography. All while still maintaining my healthcare job and, currently, school. Photography can still be something that brings you fulfillment and joy without being your full time gig, and there’s nothing wrong with that!