New York has been an interesting combination of happiness, frustration, inspiration, and homesickness. It has been a month since i have moved to New York and i wish that i could say that all of my dreams are coming true, but thats not quite the case. Now thats not to say that amazing things are not happening for me, because they are, its just that its a lot slower than i first anticipated. I am still currently without a steady source of income, but on the same token, i have had a few awesome freelance opportunities. I assisted Jeff Westbrook for a shoot for Golf Digest for Conde Nast and i worked with NYonAir (a helicopter touring company). I am getting to tour all around the city and photograph pretty much every single day. And i am making connections that will be important later on in my career.
I was naive in thinking that things would just fall into my lap. I hate to say it, but i hadn't fully processed that this would be a different environment and it could take much longer to start making my mark. But in a way, i guess thats ok because it gives me time to think and focus on what i really want to get out of this experience and out of this city and what i am willing to fight to make happen. I am a little fish in a very large pond here. I have to hustle to make things workout for me. But they will eventually.
I was naive in thinking that things would just fall into my lap. I hate to say it, but i hadn't fully processed that this would be a different environment and it could take much longer to start making my mark. But in a way, i guess thats ok because it gives me time to think and focus on what i really want to get out of this experience and out of this city and what i am willing to fight to make happen. I am a little fish in a very large pond here. I have to hustle to make things workout for me. But they will eventually.
Joe, I am not surprised that you are still pounding the streets. Just know that it has nothing to do with your abilities as a photographer, its just the nature of the business. When I was in your position some 30 years ago it easily took me a couple of months of showing my book almost daily, before work begin coming in. It can be tough but keep fighting the good fight and things will eventually turn around. Be persistent, especially with those shooters that you really have a strong desire to work with. I think back to when I got my first job with Dave Goetze. I must have contacted him a dozen times before he would even see me. That relationship eventually led to my landing the Born and Kork-Ease accounts. It'll happen for you too, I have faith!
ReplyDeleteTake care my friend,
Jer