When Did Photography Stop Being Enough
There was a time when being a photographer meant exactly that — capturing moments, telling stories through light, shadow, and soul. But somewhere along the way, the goalposts moved. Now, if you want to get hired — really hired — in the creative industry, you better be ready to wear every hat on the rack. And unless you run your own business, the doors to actual employment seem bolted shut.
Open any job listing today for a “photographer,” and you’ll find a wishlist that sounds more like a casting call for an entire media agency. Sure, photography, editing, and customer service are the expected pillars. But then it continues…
Videographer. Social media manager. Salesperson. Marketing strategist. Blog writer. Podcast host. YouTube creator. Newsletter producer. Ad campaign expert.
Oh, and you’ll need to be fluent in SEO, able to run analytics, update a website, and track engagement across every platform. But don’t forget to stay on brand and on trend — while being wildly creative. Also, can you design? Write copy like a pro? Run successful marketing funnels? Bonus points if you have a following of 10,000+.
All for a casual role — at minimum wage.
Let’s call it what it is: exploitation disguised as opportunity.
I’m a big believer that you get what you pay for. If a company isn’t willing to invest in its creatives, it shows — not just in what they produce, but in how they treat people. And that tells you everything you need to know about where they cut corners and what (or who) they really value.
The cherry on top? Many of these roles are advertised as “contractor” positions. Translation: bring your own gear, cover your own tax, super, insurance, software, and ongoing expenses — all for a “competitive” $30/hour. Do the math, and you’re walking away with closer to $13/hour. Not exactly a sustainable rate if you have a family or even a basic cost of living.
And while they demand full availability, they offer no stability. Flexibility? Not unless it’s one-sided.
Here’s the irony: if you do have all those amazing skills — if you really are the unicorn they’re looking for — you’re probably out there running your own successful business, not applying for a job that barely covers your rent.
So, to all the creatives out there juggling it all: I see you. I hear you. And I’m right there with you. Photography should be enough. Your skill should be respected. And if you’re choosing to go out on your own, not because you’re fearless, but because you’re tired of being undervalued — you’re not alone.
We deserve better. And we’re allowed to demand it.
Why This Matters for Clients Too
If you’re a client looking to hire a photographer, posts like this aren’t a complaint — they’re a window into the reality of the creative industry. When you hire a professional photographer, you’re not just paying for an image. You’re investing in someone’s time, equipment, editing, creative direction, communication, and business running costs — often built over years of experience.
Supporting fair pricing and valuing our craft means we can keep doing what we love — creating beautiful, meaningful work for you.
