Following on, slightly delayed, from my Facebook post is a bit more about why I taken the step I have and the change of direction, This is a slightly sad post for me to write but here goes. After a tough few weeks and mental mess in my head I’ve decided to close my books for new clients next year.

A Change of Direction: Overwhelmed

Quite frankly I’m overwhelmed and exhausted by the constant battle to justify my prices and have people quibble over the cost. Everyone wants high quality images but everyone has a different idea about how much these are worth. I fully understand that it’s hard to see the value of the images. I also get that you can just take one on your phone. Hence why I don’t have the energy to have the battle in my head anymore. Prices have to be a certain level. There are lots of costs involved. Briefly these include:

 

  • Website domain
  • Computer
  • Hard drive for back ups
  • Software for editing
  • Camera
  • Lens(es)
  • Petrol
  • Electricity
  • USBs
  • Memory cards
  • Public liability insurance
  • Equipment insurance
  • Gallery Provider
  • My time……

A Change of Direction: No pity please

I’m not asking you to feel sorry for me nor am I going to tell you exactly how much all of this cost but just consider these expenses when you quibble over the price of your photo. Some people do and some people don’t. Many people simply don’t know how much this equipment costs-again that’s fine- but don’t make me feel bad when I let you know how much the prints will be.

Now admittedly a lot of this is my own problem. For me to deal with and be comfortable with what I am charging. This is proving challenging for me and is sucking the joy out of it. So rather than be grumpy I’ve decided to focus on a different angle. The stock image website I created. This allows me to take photographs and enjoy it.

A Change of Direction: Books are closed

This will mean that I will not be taking on any new clients in 2018. I am taking photographs but a little less pressured way allowing me time to focus on Pferd Images. I have my short list to work through for stock images but will be looking for more in the new year. If you are able to give up some time and provide some set images then I would love to work with you. Images may include plaiting, lunging, side reins, fat ponies, grazing, head collars, hi-vis and so on.

My business clients will remain unchanged and I enjoy the relationships I have established over the year. This is by no means me closing Frog and Field or ending the photography career. It’s more taking some time out to focus on other areas of the business. I am keen to get Pferd Images of the ground and I’m not quite ready to hang up my greens. Some of you will know that I am a Qualified Veterinary Nurse as well as a photographer. Rest assured I remain insured and will be keeping hold of my equipment etc. so my stock images will remain high quality.

A Change of Direction: Positive side

A positive side to this is that I’ll be tidying up the website and so I’ll be offering all my clients who still have active galleries a 10% discount code. This is against a minimum spend of £20 but should make it a little easier in the run up to Christmas. It also means I’ll have more time to focus on the blog and becoming an Entrepreneur/Influencer. I also like to refer to myself as a specialist equestrian stock image provider (catchy isn’t it…)

Anyways I hope you all understand where I am coming from. Fellow photographers if you can make peace with the perception that photographs cost nothing than continue following your dreams! There are 100 brilliant clients for everyone that makes you feel like you are ripping them off. Plus, the experiences are amazing! If like me you’re battling with your own head then talk it through and weigh up all the options.

If you are someone that values photographs then from the bottom of my heart thank you!

For those that would rather take them on their phone I wish you good luck…..