Want to Make a Living as a Photographer? Let Your Ego Grow

Summary

Bruce Coulter, a skilled landscape photographer, discusses his journey and struggles with monetizing his photography through various channels, ultimately deciding to close his Etsy shop and look towards galleries for exposure while maintaining humility and letting his ego grow.

Abstract

Bruce Coulter acknowledges his talent in landscape photography, which has been praised by peers as "exquisite," yet he admits to not viewing his own work in such a light. Despite trying different strategies like SEO optimization, free shipping, and instant downloads on Etsy, he has not found financial success. Coulter reflects on the success of friends who have ventured into more lucrative photography fields such as weddings, sports, and fashion, recognizing their exceptional skill and humility. He has come to terms with the fact that wedding photography, while profitable, does not resonate with him. With the closure of his Etsy shop due to a lack of sales, Coulter is now looking forward to the possibility of showcasing his work in galleries. He remains optimistic about the future and is allowing his ego to develop, which could be interpreted as a form of self-empowerment. Additionally, he uses his platform to support "Dining for Hunger," a non-profit organization aiming to combat food insecurity, especially in light of the challenges faced in the past two years.

Opinions

Coulter believes he is a proficient landscape photographer but does not consider his work "exquisite" as others have described it.
He recognizes the financial potential in other photography genres like weddings and portraits, and acknowledges the high skill level of his peers in these areas.
Coulter is not interested in wedding photography despite its profitability, preferring to pursue his passion for landscape photography.
His efforts to sell his work on Etsy have been unsuccessful, leading him to cease operations on the platform.
He is hopeful about the prospect of displaying his photography in galleries, suggesting a new avenue for potential success.
Coulter encourages tips for his work, but directs all proceeds to "Dining for Hunger," indicating his commitment to social responsibility and support for those affected by food insecurity.

Want to Make a Living as a Photographer? Let Your Ego Grow

Most of the photos in this article were shot in January 2022 a few hours after a snowfall. I love the contrast of black and white. © Bruce Coulter Photography

I’m a damn good landscape photographer, but it’s not where the money is. I’ve seen many friends in the field working weddings, shooting portraits for NFL teams, cheerleader calendars, and fashion photos for magazines or senior pictures. And these people are good. Hell, they’re better than good. Moreover, they know they’re good but remain humble.

This moment was captured on Jan. 1, 2020 in western Massachusetts during a brief snow squall. © Bruce Coulter Photography

I’ve shot a few (very few) weddings. It’s not something that resonates with me. Sure, there’s money to be made, and I’d rather photograph a wedding than do headshots for kids, actors, etc. I understand there’s more to it than “turn your head and smile.” And the people I referred to above are absolute masters at their professions. It’s just not my thing.

As I said above, my landscapes are good. Better than good. A friend in the local art scene recently called them “exquisite.” But I’ve never thought of my work in that way.

Beyond the starkness of the coat of white on the ground and trees, I remember most is that it was damn cold the day I took these photos. © Bruce Coulter Photography

I’ve tried selling on Etsy. I’ve researched SEO terms, changed my headlines, etc. I’ve offered free shipping to get a leg up on other sellers because Etsy prioritizes free shipping in its algorithms. I’ve pushed instant downloads at seven bucks a pop — still, nothing but crickets.

I’m just a guy with a camera trying — and not succeeding — to make a buck. So I’ve closed my Etsy shop. I could hardly call it counterproductive when I’m paying monthly fees and selling nothing: Bye-bye, New England Wonders (my former Etsy page).

I’m looking forward to seeing my work in galleries — well, at least a gallery. It may not come to fruition, but I can’t do any worse than Etsy.

I’m letting my ego grow. Here’s to the future.

I’m accepting tips, but please know that all tips go directly to Dining for Hunger, a recognized 501(c)(3) organization that looks to end food insecurity. The last two years have been difficult, and we are trying to regroup to continue our mission this year. If you can spare literally a dollar or two, I’d be grateful.

There’s a sense of peace walking under trees covered in a fresh coat of snow. I lingered for a few minutes enjoying the scenery and quite of the woods. © Bruce Coulter Photography