Comments on: Plan Things Backwards

By: Orn Thang

Orn Thang — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 07:31:37 +0000

It’s 11:27 at night and I’m sitting at my desk googleing for some inspiration. And here I am enjoying everyone’s comments. I love how everyone is able to agree and disagree while adding there two cents into the bucket.

Time for an exit plan.

By: Kenny Nakai

Kenny Nakai — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 20:32:55 +0000

Great post Lawrence! It is definitely something to keep in mind! I have no doubt that you will find success in whatever venture comes next for you!

By: Carl Reid

Carl Reid — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 11:33:48 +0000

Great insight…thanks for the post.

Regards,
Carl from T.O.

By: Catherine Hall

Catherine Hall — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 18:45:23 +0000

Thanks for the very useful career advice for your fellow pro photographers! Also, looks like your off to a good start with your HDR photography.

By: Ryan Parent (Ottawa, ON)

Ryan Parent (Ottawa, ON) — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 18:40:00 +0000

Amazing landscape photo. I love the vivid colors!

By: Peter G.

Peter G. — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 08:33:46 +0000

As always, great insight Lawrence. I got into the photography industry, and more specifically the wedding photography industry, at what I thought was a late age. I was 32 when I second shot my first pro wedding and 33 when I shot my first solo wedding. I knew being a wedding was the perfect “exit strategy” for my IT career which I knew was no longer my passion nor part of my future. I got into photography knowing two things from day one — first, that photography was my exit strategy from a career I needed to leave into a career (and lifestyle) that I love and want. And second, I got into the photography business with an exit strategy from day one, knowing full well my body, my eyes, or my spirit may no longer be up for shooting 20 or 30 weddings per year when I’m in my late 40s or 50s.

I struggled (and I still do at times) being in my mid 30s when so many others photographers are in their 20s. Then at WPPI in 2008, Joe Buissink talked about how he shot his first wedding when he was 40 years old. When I heard that, I knew I would be just fine. Hearing Joe’s story, and also learning about how Dane Sanders got into the business, really inspired me and made me realize 33 was still “young enough”. Nowadays I meet all sorts of wonderful photographers in their 40s, 50s, 60s, and beyond!

Lawrence is onto something big here. The cool thing is that what Lawrence is proposing is unique to each person. It’s not about the number 45, it about proper planning and foresight. It’s about making your dreams come true, which is different for each of us. But while doing so, we need to honestly ask ourselves how long do we really think we’ll be chasing around brides and grooms on hot summer afternoons or staying inspired. In this industry, there are endless opportunities for transitioning from, or simply just supplementing, our careers behind the camera.

““Aging is not ‘lost youth’ but a new stage of opportunity and strength” – Betty Friedan

By: Cameta Camera

Cameta Camera — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 15:48:23 +0000

To stop being a career photographer is one thing but if you still love it, you should never quit. You can still making money here and there doing small jobs or selling your work.

By: Lawrence Chan

Lawrence Chan — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 14:06:42 +0000

Oh nice! I will very much like to do that! Thanks Victor

By: Victor Ramos

Victor Ramos — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 13:11:21 +0000

Hey Lisa, you have a gift for words, that is very eloquent. Experience is priceless.

By: Victor Ramos

Victor Ramos — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 12:56:22 +0000

Hey Lawrence, If you are ever in Florida, I’ll take you up on the coffee and I’ll treat you to some of the best oysters and shrimp you ever tasted!. I’m in Port St. Joe, If you ever want to travel back in time, and I mean that literally, come to Port St. Joe and see what Florida used to look like.

By: Becky

Becky — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 06:21:41 +0000

I just had the opportunity to preview a great book that won’t actually be out on shelves until Feb. 1, titled, “Built To Sell” by John Warrillow, that is about building a sellable business. Like your article, the book points out that it is important at the start of your business to plan for the day that you might have to sell it. Everyone and every business owner should plan this way.