Will Shoot For Food
On Friday, one hundred people left The Baltimore Sun -- 60 from the newsroom alone.
One of them was yours truly, having returned early from my one-year leave to take a buyout. There was a hard staff reduction quota in effect, and given the way the blog has gone I thought it would be best if I counted toward it when they started lopping off heads...
Over the next few months I will be working hard to shape my second career as a photographer. I have shot as a staffer for newspapers for twenty years, which gives me a wonderful breadth of experience. But in many ways, I am dating again after having been married for two decades.
I know that many people who read this site are amateurs who are at least toying with the idea of going pro in one way or another. I also know that there are PJ readers who either are -- or will be -- facing hard cuts in the newsroom. In that sense, we now have much in common.
So I will be going through the growth process fishbowl-style, in the hopes that the shared experience might be helpful to those of you who are toying with the idea of going pro and wondering how to approach it.
Fortunately, the headline is, for me, somewhat tongue-in-cheek. I am not worried about whether or not I'll have a job. The website -- many thanks to all of you -- offers some breathing room on the financial side of things. But I have always been a photographer, and that is what I want to continue to be.
The question is, what now? Who I will be shooting for? What will I be shooting?
Who knows. I'll be curious to see where the combination of shooting and writing about it takes me.
Newspapers are facing hard times these days. Printing news on dead trees is tough row to hoe in 2008. From here, survival wll be determined by how fast -- and how well -- papers can migrate their readership to the web.
And as for the people who left The Sun this week, rest assured that that they did not go quietly into the night:
Best of luck to all of my friends and colleagues who are entering the next phase of their lives. Please write when you find work.
-30-
One of them was yours truly, having returned early from my one-year leave to take a buyout. There was a hard staff reduction quota in effect, and given the way the blog has gone I thought it would be best if I counted toward it when they started lopping off heads...
Over the next few months I will be working hard to shape my second career as a photographer. I have shot as a staffer for newspapers for twenty years, which gives me a wonderful breadth of experience. But in many ways, I am dating again after having been married for two decades.
I know that many people who read this site are amateurs who are at least toying with the idea of going pro in one way or another. I also know that there are PJ readers who either are -- or will be -- facing hard cuts in the newsroom. In that sense, we now have much in common.
So I will be going through the growth process fishbowl-style, in the hopes that the shared experience might be helpful to those of you who are toying with the idea of going pro and wondering how to approach it.
Fortunately, the headline is, for me, somewhat tongue-in-cheek. I am not worried about whether or not I'll have a job. The website -- many thanks to all of you -- offers some breathing room on the financial side of things. But I have always been a photographer, and that is what I want to continue to be.
The question is, what now? Who I will be shooting for? What will I be shooting?
Who knows. I'll be curious to see where the combination of shooting and writing about it takes me.
Newspapers are facing hard times these days. Printing news on dead trees is tough row to hoe in 2008. From here, survival wll be determined by how fast -- and how well -- papers can migrate their readership to the web.
And as for the people who left The Sun this week, rest assured that that they did not go quietly into the night:
Best of luck to all of my friends and colleagues who are entering the next phase of their lives. Please write when you find work.
-30-
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by David, at 9:24 PM.
133 Comments:
Best wishes to you and your family. We all know what a success you already are, only good things are in your future.
In my best Rob Schneider voice, "You can do it!"
That sucks, but you got game....
We are all pulling for you.
Good luck. Love your blog and wish you the best of everything.
Best of luck to you in the dating game. I'm sure you'll pull through just fine. Talent and experience are good things to have under your belt.
Good luck :) They always say when one door closes another one opens, and that all great art comes from suffering. Best wishes for the future.
Good luck: I hope the second run of DVDs can help fill some of the gap: it is really shocking when forces beyond your control turn your world upside down: there's no justice in the world when the good guys get kicked down: but I'm sure we'll be witnessing a tale over the coming months of how you've triumphed: good luck in getting to where probably seems impossible right now.
Chin up.
Jonathn Histed
Well, Mr. Hobby, I have no doubt that you will land on your feet.
I've recently purchased your DVD Seminar set and have watched about two-thirds of it so far. I've learned a great deal and have had confirmed many older resident notions I've held as well. I want to congratulate you on a job well done - not fancy/schmantzy (I can spell it any way I want) - but down-to-earth interesting and informative. It was well worth the $139 (I've paid that much for one textbook at university!) and I heartily recommend it to anyone interested in "strobing" well.
Remember, re your day job, that whenever one door closes another usually opens. At least that's been my experience and I've been at this living-on-earth trip for almost 70 years.
Thank you for being there for us learners and good luck through this rough period.
good luck and best wishes--many thanks for all the great tips and advice you provide here...
Best of luck! You're an amazing photographer and I have already learnt so much from you in the short time I have discovered Strobist. Go get 'em!
Good luck. I sense you will look back on this as a great opportunity that could not have come at a better time.
The cream always rises to the top.
I have learned so much from this blog that I can't begin to recount it all. The reason I have been able to glean as much as I have about using small strobes is because you are such a giving, sharing person. This kind of kindness is always repaid -- in spades. What has gone around will certainly come back around.
Don
I truly wish you all the best. You have been, and continue to be, a source of knowledge and insparation to us all. Remember that all the good you have done for us will definately come back to you one way or another. :)
It's a tough economy and with so many amateurs willing to work for peanuts (or less) in every sector of the photo business, this is a sad reality many pro shooters will be facing soon. Newspapers seem particularly adept at getting people to work for free.
It's times like this that, in any business, you have to reinvent yourself. As the market changes, some doors close but others will open. The blacksmith didn't just go away when people started driving cars, he just moved on to the next market. The same will begin to happen in journalism as the internet, digital imaging, and instant communication create a new dynamic for how news information is collected, processed, and distributed.
For example, you have done very well with this site in the last year. I know you have made specific refrences in the past how you have manage to at least survive from it. Perhaps this is a sign that it is time to take this full time. You have many loyal readers and a wonderful knowledge base of pro shooters to pick from, as well as a large potential customer base. Seminars, DVD's, instructional books, paid magazine coloumist, the list goes on. You have done the photo community a great service through this website and we are all greatful for it.
Anyway best of luck in whichever road you choose!
Sincerely,
A loyal, and very thankful, Strobist reader.
Good luck and I hope you're able to take some time to enjoy your new opportunity. Also, check out #2 in Milton Glaser's "10 Things I have Learned" list:
http://www.miltonglaser.com/pages/milton/essays/es3.html
I think you'll find (as I have) that you're lucky not to have a job, in many ways.
David,
You are a true inspiration and I know that good things come to folks who do good, so things will come.
I think I will be buying your DVD now that it is back in stock; keep making those!!
TB
With a sudden illness in my wife and a small daughter to raise I found myself basically unemployed for the past 4 years. My daughter now in elementary school has given me more time to start thinking about how to start work again. Photography is always on my mind but it starts now.
After reading your entry here all I could think of was it must have been intented. Times of change are inevitable and towards the end of your leave to concentrate on Strobist I couldn't imagine a better time for you to make a change. The experience and the momentum you have right now can only bring you what you really deserve! I wish you the best knowing it will happen for you.
Wayne
David, from what I seen on this blog and the DVD I bought but have not watched yet, I am confident you are moving on to bigger things. Have you thought about writing a book based on your blog and all your teachings? I'd buy it.
Hey,
My cooking is much better than my photog skills. I throw a mean BBQ if you're ever in the area. . .. You're family is more than welcome to come on over.
-Jason
David,
You've been an inspiration to many folks and I wish you the best of luck. You deserve the best of what's out there.
David, I am SO sorry to hear this news, for you personally, for others at The Sun and for the present and future of newspaper journalism. News photography seems to be such a scramble, with all eggs going in the video basket. Boy, that pun wasn't intended...unless it makes you laugh. The only constant is change and you have a whole lot of people rooting for you.
You're a talented guy and I wish you the best of luck.
Unfortunately nowadays in the creative industry in particular it's about creating your market niche as much as it is finding it.
Focus on what you can do and others can't and then network like crazy - you'll end up meeting people who are convinced they need you for a job and no-one else.
Sell more DVD's!
Of course there is always wedding photography...
:-P
As someone who has had multiple friends and co-workers go through with this in the financial industry, I hope you can look at this as closing one chapter and becoming completely dedicated to the one you've already been living.
Your site is one of the most respected blogs. You will continue to be a strong success.
David,
You've selflessly helped so many of us in our passion for photography, you've gotta have some serious karma going on for ya there!
I trust this will be the push for something better for you.
Best.
.luki.
David,
hope you'll once again spend some time with your family.
I wish you the vest of luck with what ever endeavor you'll under take (although for some reason I think you have better inventory then luck going for you).
David,
You've selflessly helped so many of us in our passion for photography, you've gotta have some serious karma going on for ya there!
I trust this will be the push for something better for you.
Best.
.luki.
I've been a fan of this blog for a year or so now and you have taught me so much..... I think you are just getting started on something much bigger and better.
Best wishes
I really wish you the best of luck. This is such a hard time for our industry, and I wonder what form the newspaper business will take in the next ten years. As a staff photographer, I feel like I'm part of a dying breed...it's tragic that somebody of your skill and caliber is on the same chopping block as so many other extremely talented photojournalists.
I'm very sorry to hear of any staff reductions anywhere. The fact that you where "half way out the door" doesn't diminish one bit your decision to offer yourself up for sacrifice. Yet more proof that you are "a stand up guy". I applaud your courage. I am sure it wasn't an easy decision but I am also quite sure it will prove to be VERY rewarding. Both monetarily and in satisfaction. Once the "butterflies" have passed, it will end up being one of the best moves you have ever made.
Hi david,
While im not happy for your situation, im looking forward to learning more about this little discussed (imo) part of photography, actually finding work...
Spencer H
Classy move, Mr. Hobby (to go back to be laid off.) I wish you great luck in your future careers, and great happiness to your family. And your co-workers, too.
Best wishes to you. In the same way that you shape light to create images, I am confident that you will successfully be able to use your talent to shape your future career. Having just gone through something similar as an in-house commercial photographer in Florida for Black & Decker, be encouraged that you're not alone and there is definitely life after...live it to the full.
Marcus King
MK Photography
Fort Lauderdale
I'm a recent college photojournalism grad also going through the job hunt.
The NPPA had an article about the increase in recent grads quitting the field. Really makes you think about whether these cuts are in the best interest of the reading public.
Geez, you too. Good luck, at least you have an income source here. The hardest part in my opinion of being a self employed photographer is the business part of that and I'm pretty sure you have a pretty good idea of what your cost of doing business is. :)
Best of luck. I've been through many different lives (and careers) as a working photographer myself. There are days when I feel like my passion for photography is better left as a "side gig" and that I should focus my efforts on a career path that offers more reliable/consistent employment.
That said, I still keep fighting to make a living as a photographer. There are all kinds of things I can do to make money ... but only photography leaves me feeling creative and artistically satisfied.
Wanted to toss my $0.02 in as well to wish you the best as you sort through the career changes. The forced transitions can be awkward and painful but I've found that it usually works out to being a good kick start into something much better. Something about "character building"...
Thanks for all the great stuff on the blog and good luck to you.
(Coming from someone who's 8 weeks into the aftermath of being "reduced".)
Best of luck DH, but something tells me a man of your substantial talents and savvy will land on his feet.
Ouch. That hurts. I hope that this will turn out to be a great opportunity in your life.
I think that with the constant increase in the number of us amateur photographers, teaching - which you already have been doing - will be a wonderful career with lots of financial potential. I think you can also work for Nikon!
After all, you're the pioneer of strobism and the man who made it big. Don't you forget that. :-)
Sorry to hear the news! I'm sure your going to ruin the market for the rest of us now! lol
David,
Thank you for your generosity and leadership. An old wise man once told me, it's not about changes in life. You cannot control when changes will come, but you can certainly control how you will deal with them.
You have the midas touch. So press on forward and take us along too. I am sure the path ahead will be more exciting, rewarding, and prosperous for you.
Good luck to you! I know the newspaper industry is brutal right now -- I'd been an occasional freelance PJ/writer for my local newspaper for several years, but their freelance budget's been at near zero for the last two years.
If Strobist tells us anything, it's that you'll land on both feet.
And I'll be following your "fishbowl" journey with great interest. The day job I've been doing for the last seven years hasn't ended yet, but I think the writing is on the wall and I'd rather make the leap -- an analogous one to yours -- before I get pushed off the edge of the cliff, rather than trying to do it when I'm already in freefall.
That sucks dude......well actually, maybe it doesn't. With your skills and personality there is only a killer career ahead of you in freelance.
My whole daily newpaper photography department was chopped one year ago last May. "I feel your pain"
You have some great ideas and I know you will do well.
I've also been in the business for twenty years and have also worked through the changes. My business is better then ever and I live in the worst economy in the nation (Detroit Michigan).
If you are interested in some ideas to help move you forward. I'm always happy to share. I'm just starting a series on this topic. check it out. http://www.newmediaphotographer.com/2008/08/future-of-new-media-photographer/
All the best to you
Rosh
http://www.newmediaphotographer.com
Dave,
This type of change is a huge downer for you and your family. However, you can take solace in the fact that you are already way ahead of many others with your adoption of this blog. Honestly, the reason the paper is suffering is the world had gone electronic for news - including images. We really don't like to get our hands dirty with ink anymore...just don't have time for it. Add in that you've made such a huge donation to the photographic world though your good will and never ending generosity by so freely giving your knowledge that you've really got nothing to worry about. I hope (and expect) that you will find whatever type of work you want as a photographer and that it allows you to continue to run the Strobist blog.
Best of Luck,
Sportrait
I look forward to the stories you will tell in a few months, David.
Looks like I am going to be going on a advertiser visiting binge and buying a few thigns to help up your ad revenue. In a few months, I am sure you will look back at this as the moment as a very positive one.
Im sorry to hear of your troubles!
But by looking at this website anyone can see the passion that you have for your craft.
With your experience and this website as your resume I am confident you will be snatched up by another company in the blink of an eye.
But don't sell yourself short. You have the makings of a GREAT photographer!
I wish you all the best!
Im sorry to hear of your troubles!
But by looking at this website anyone can see the passion that you have for your craft.
With your experience and this website as your resume I am confident you will be snatched up by another company in the blink of an eye.
But don't sell yourself short. You have the makings of a GREAT photographer!
I wish you all the best!
Many of us would love make a donation to Strobist. This could help you in the meantime, until you get married again ;-)
I think that many of us around the world will be happy to help you. You have already gave us a lot.
Please open a paypal account or something similar.
They did you a favour. Your life will be richer because of it. Cheers and congratulations.
It's tough, best wishes
Dave,
As Hunter S Thompson once said, "when the going gets weird, the weird turn pro".
Now's probably the best time ever to turn pro and make a great living freelancing. With your talent, you'll be beating them off with a stick.
Best of Luck
Dan
You will do fine. This will most likely be one of those pivotal life moments that puts you in a better place when all is said and done.
Been there done that. The hardest part is getting beyond what you need to do to make a living, and get to what you need to do to feed your soul. I'm still working on the latter.
I know this can be a scary time, there are so many excellent people who's day's were numbered the moment Sam Zell and all his radio executives got their paws on the Trib retirement fund to buy the company. (Many are thinking that this is all about Sam buying his home in Malibu. Despite becoming rich in real estate, he's shunned by the Malibu famous as being a wanna be. It's not enough to be rich and buy a house there. Buying a "media company" is Zellt trying to buy acceptance. Nice, huh?)
You however are brilliant. Look how many of us are addicted to this site. It's 100% because of you. Imagine what all you attention and time will do to expand this even more. Have faith. Many of us have been Zelled by the radio guys.
David - Sorry to hear that the Sun can't afford you .. just kidding. You have 26,000 friends and surely, with a network like that, somebody will find something that will keep you as busy as you'd like.
Sorry to see that the Sun is following the same dinosaur tactics that are plunging the newspaper industry into a self-inflicted death spiral.
This is an age of information overload. Way too many facts and far too little time for any one person to make sense of it all. The need for reporting, analysis and even opinion has never been greater. And yet newspapers are cutting the very people capable of meeting this need. For what? To save the pulp mills and presses?
The need for people - reporters, researchers, analysts, illustrators, photographers - is there. The person or persons who figure out how to profitably market their output in the new wired world will make a fortune and bury the paper-bound dinosaurs who lobotomized their companies in the mistaken belief that would killing the brain would save the body.
Luck follows the prepared. You have already taken steps to ensure your eggs aren't all in one basket, much the way you urge us to go multimedia. This buyout is probably the best thing to happen to you as a perpetually growing soul-stealer. I myself went pro, partly due to what I've learned on this site. Best thing I ever did was lose my job and be "forced" to turn myself pro with my own studio. Just wanted to say thank you for all the inspiration, and I know you'll have tons of fun this year. Best of luck.
Luck follows the prepared. You have already taken steps to ensure your eggs aren't all in one basket, much the way you urge us to go multimedia. This buyout is probably the best thing to happen to you as a perpetually growing soul-stealer. I myself went pro, partly due to what I've learned on this site. Best thing I ever did was lose my job and be "forced" to turn myself pro with my own studio. Just wanted to say thank you for all the inspiration, and I know you'll have tons of fun this year. Best of luck.
David - you have 26,000 friends. With a network like that, you'll be as busy as you want to be for the next uh... 200 years.
As one who works for a large vertically (or should that be splintering) integrated wood products company. I feel your pain. With the economy firing on less than all cylinders, it is hard to make it. Especially as our primary products are used to build houses that nobody can get money for right now.
I spent the weekend watching the DVD set. There is no doubt in my mind that you will do well. Keep the great work coming!
Your dating analogy sounds about right. Maybe if you make sure to enjoy the excitement of the unknown, the butterflies in the stomach and such, it will make it all worth it. Add me to the list of people confident that things will work out quite well for you.
come tuesday i'm in your same shoes... 18 year in house commercial shooter. company sold. i'll be keeping one eye on your fishbowl. thx for the great blog. wish you the best!
I'm sorry to hear that this company decided to let so many talented people go. Whether it's on the web or in print(what I personally still prefer), there will always be a need to get the latest news from writers and photographers. How good is an important story without photos? And how good are pictures without the story to go behind them?
And just like one of the comments made in the video, I am tired of hearing about Miley Cyrus and Paris Hilton. I hope that the fate of news media does not eventually lead to that in the future.
Mr. Hobby,
I have been visiting your website for more than a year now. I come here for inspiration and growth. Your contributions and hard work on this website are greatly appreciated. You've made me realize how much of a beast photography really is.
It hurts to see such a distinguished professional; master of his craft(master of light), being disposed just like that.
Photography is not what it used to be. It sucks when I see jokers post online-classifieds to shoot weddings for $80 bucks! True Story. Ok now im just venting.
Anyways, best of luck! Best wishes! Keep up the great work! And thank you for Strobist.
From a New Zealand pro photog best wishes and good luck.. as someone else said you have got game. I have been greatly influenced by your site and a better shooter for it. Keep going ... we are right there with you. Chris
You, sir, are legendary. I have a hard time imagining that your success won't grow tremendously, now that you're free to do pretty much whatever you'd like. Who knows? You could use this 'free time' to come up with more amazing ways to keep our flashes off our cameras.
Best of luck to you!
Best wishes on your new quest, you have shared so much here so I believe something good will return to you when you need it.
I left my job as a newspaper photographer 5 years ago, and have [b]never[/b] been sorry. I now earn 1.5x as much in 1/2-1/3 of the hours.
My wife worked for the first 12m to help launch me, but I'd fall over laughing is someone offered me a newspaper job again now. :-)
Ditto what the others are saying!
You've got mad skeelz and I am sure you will come out from this situation even better off than you were before . . . both in finances and job satisfaction!
-Philippians 4:19, Ephesians 3:20-21
What a shame. I noticed the Philadelphia Inquirer has made some cuts in content over the last two weeks. Best of luck to you - we know you'll land on your feet.
Good luck.
This happened to my work as well (LA Times). I wasn't affected as I'm not a PJ, but they were told its Tribune-wide.
Good luck. I really like Your blog, and learnt tons of usefull stuff from here. THANKS!
Wishing you all the best because you deserve it and so his your family. I'm pretty sure with your expertise, a lot of studios will want to have you. A little hint, if you are willing to travel, start touring for your Lighting Workshop. If you come to Calgary, I'm in :)
Keep blogging, oh please keep blogging because a lot of people are looking forward to new post from you and learn from you. Just this one, was a OMG for me. But please keep us updated and who knows, maybe we could help.
Cheers,
Gilles
All the best and something wonderful is around the corner for you :)
Hey DH, best of luck to you. I'll try to remember to click on a few sponsor links -- heck, I've bought from your sponsors in the past!
You're writing about two things, both of which are interesting: One, how does a former PJ make a living partly as an online photo teacher? Two, how does a former PJ make a living as a photographer? I really hope you cover both. Personally, as an aspiring pro, I'm more interested in the photography biz than the photo-instruction biz.
Thanks & good luck!
You'll look back at this as an event that pushed you into your future successes. In the meantime, we're all here for you.
David -
My best wishes to you. I know you'll be just fine doing whatever you decide to do next because you approach it with passion.
Come and visit us again in the Bay area when you get some time. I know it'll again sell out in a heart bit.
Ivan Makarov
(from Santa Clara seminar)
Good Luck with whatever you do in the future.
I was made redundant last year and there is a better brighter place out there, once you find it.
I'm a lot happier now.
Good luck with the change, the fishbowl concept will hopefully give several of us some ideas! I've found recently that I enjoy shooting at music gigs, so I'm hoping I can get at least a small business going based on that (I've found that I can at least barter with musicians - CDs for photos).
Just want to lend my voice in support, David. Having had three career swings in my fifties I can assure you that a)it keeps you young b)it keeps you learning.
You have everything it takes to be a success.
God bless.
David, I'm a longtime scaredy-cat of using flash at all. I didn't like my results with on-camera, and I thought I'd never be able to figure out the stuff found here in your beautiful, selfless instruction. Thus, I found HDR. Adding light afterwards has its place, and HDR still has a place, but you've opened a door to creativity that I never thought possible. The short version: I'm not afraid to shoot anything anymore.
I first learned of your site from reading fellow-Austinite Kirk Tuck's book.
I'm sure you know this by now, but you alone are responsible for the spike in thousands of photographers' revenue charts. Sure, it ain't all about money, but then again, yes it is.
I thank you for allowing me to sit in front of you and listen, learn and expand my creativity to widths I only dreamed were possible.
the comments are already overwhelming, im just another supporter of you DH . . . all i can say is good things come to good people and you are one of those good people . . .buying your DVD is a small way for me to help you out then so be it . . .
Godspeed and keep that shutter clicking and the strobe afiring!!!
My thoughts and prayers are with you! You are a true inspiration to millions and especially a profound influence on this humble photographer from Hawaii.
I have no doubt the future holds a brighter future for you.
Mahalo,
Cheyne
Good Luck David and certainly good luck to your co-workers who find themselves jobless due to the greed of the corporate monster.
David, I think you have created something great with Strobist and I think many of us would be happy to support you and Strobist as it continues into the future.
Also with the reputation you have created for yourself, I really don’t see you battling to find photographic jobs...
David - right there with you, I've been with the Chicago Tribune for over thirty years and am on the way out as well. Somewhat bittersweet, but all is well, just another chapter to write,,,
Glenn Kaupert
David, good luck to you and family. You are well equipped to be successful in a world that is changing faster and faster.
Greetings from Germany,
Carsten
Hi David,
Life works in mysterious ways...you can only pretend that you know what's happening to you...for what it's worth, this might actually turn into a boon for you. All the best!
I been here at Kodak for 20 years now and have been through 10+ layoff cycles so I know how you feel! Best of luck to you and your family. Scott and I will hopefully see you in DC when we visit Mr. Usher! And who knows, maybe by then the two of us will be in the same situation...
come tuesday i'm in your same shoes... 18 year in house commercial shooter. company sold. i'll be keeping one eye on your fishbowl. thx for the great blog. wish you the best!
The world is always changing and the trick of staying on top is to be the innovator. I have no doubt you will continue, quite successfully in that regard.
Best wishes.
Rikk
David,
Like everybody else here, I would like to say good luck to you for your future. I believe that things chages for good reasons. You have inspired all of us with your work . I have learned and lot from what you have shared generously with us, not many people have guts to do that. Looking at the bright side, so many good things are happening to you already regarding your website you DVDs, seminars etc. I am 100% sure you will be just fine.
DH, I wish you the best for the future!
As global market forces extend and reache our very own lives, it seams to be even more important to think about our local economy. Where will the next bit of local news come from after all the papers are gone, where will we get the next piece of bread after all the backers have left and the big box store has decided that your community is not big enough to support their spending habits? We have two papers left in Maine, one just cut about 30% of their stuff and the other, the Portland Herald, is about to close.
Let's all think a little bit more local as we expand our reach in to a global market, support your local vendors and companies!
It is frightening to make the jump from a steady paycheck to supporting yourself. When my wife was laid off a few years ago she decided to become her own boss and open up a business. It has worked out wondrously, and losing her cushy day job was ultimately the kick in the pants that she needed to fulfill her dream. I am confident that you will have a similar experience, given your deep experience and knowledge in the field. Now is the time to reach for the stars!
Best of luck to you and your colleagues
You'll do fine David. 20 years of experience using your awesome talents will land you plenty of work.
I know your pain in a way. My wife is a journalist for a local paper in the NYC area and is basically waiting to be cut while she watches the integrity of the paper disintegrate around her.
All the best to you and your family. Your work and words are a real encouragement in these lousy economic times.
C'mon in. The water's fine.
Sorry for the loss, both yours personally, David, and The Sun's.
I'm sure you'll do well, regardless of where you wind up, because you're one helluva shooter, and a great teacher to boot.
It will be interesting to see how things go with you. I'm one of the many readers that is working on going pro, and while I love PJ, I've known for a while now that it might not be the "safe bet" in the world of photography...actions like the one The Sun is taking are why.
I really feel for your colleagues, and the greater good. People seem to have forgotten that a free and diverse press is one of the underpinnings of a functioning democracy.
Mr. Hobby, I've no doubts you'll continue to prosper. I only hope the rest of the group can do as well.
David, do not look back. Just remember to specialize in generalization. May the force be with you.
David, I'm sorry to hear that.
My best wishes to you and your family.
I'm sure you'll find a better place to do what you like best!
I am very excited for you. A grand adventure awaits and further success is on the horizon. As a 96 Gator, I would be giddy to see a Tebow shoot pop up in Strobist this fall.
Good luck to you! I bought your DVD set from MidWest and really appreciate your style of teaching and humor. I know you will bounce back and persevere in whatever you decide to do next.
David, best of luck on this new journey! Only recently have I discovered your site, as I've been diving head first back into my photography hobby after a 8+ year absence, and I've been learning so much already!
I've seen nothing but fantastic reviews for your DVD set, which I hope to purchase in the month or two ahead since I missed out on your seminar here in Orlando. (If only I got my butt in gear months ago and found this site!) So from everything I've read and seen so far, I think it is safe to say you have nothing to worry about. In one way or another you'll reinvent yourself into the photographer you've always wanted to be.
Keep up the great work!
Truly wish the best to you and your family. I too was laid off earlier this year and am currently seeking new employment.
I am a scientist in the field of drug discovery research, but find creative satisfaction in photography. As the original Strobist, David you are a large part of that satisfaction. I enjoy visiting your blog and re-reviewing your DVD set for inspiration. 26k photographers have been influenced by your talent; no doubt that figure will continue to rise.
Thank you and warm regards,
Shanti
As a victim this year of layoffs, I sympathize deeply with you and your co-workers.
Like you, I have decided to take on my 3rd career as a photographer. I am sure posts like yours will help in my transition greatly.
Still out of work.....
simplyRik
You and me both buddy...... Got dumped a month ago. At least you had the prescience to get something in the pipe ahead of time. I'm not that bright.....
I have to echo the comment about going back just to take a bullet for one of your colleagues. One person who would have been in that 100 will surely thank you.
And you've got to take some comfort in this comment: "But don't sell yourself short. You have the makings of a GREAT photographer!" Gotta love that.....
Wow! The comments here should give you a really good idea how much support you have and much your hard work is appreciated by everyone.
I wish you the best of luck but I also know that you will just tackle that setback with the same ingenuity as one of your difficult photo assignments.
Maybe I should hold off on those Pocket Wizards and purchase your DVD to help easy your transition. After all, what I have learned so far is already worth thousands.
Thank you for your inspiration!
I wish you and your colleagues the best in your next adventure!
Linda Matlow
David,
although my field is computer engineering I do feel for your situation. This is not the end of the road, just another start.
BTW, now that you have much time in your hands, why not start your own book on lighting? I'm sure it will sell like hot cakes.
Good luck man! We're all cheering for you.
Hey Dave,
i used to read your blog for several months now and can say without thinking that it is the most inspiring, informational and helpful one for me.
I'm really sad to hear that you were affected by those cuttings and wish you the best - keep up your great work, do your own business and show them how they will miss you and your works!
Best regards from Germany,
Viktor
Hi Dave from the UK. I have just launched myself as a pro photographer and your website has been a huge inspiration to me and the basis of all I know about flash. I was is resi property for a long long time but the market is so bad I finally get to do what I was put on this planet for! Thanks for your blog and good luck - this has happened for a reason, just put one foot in front of the other, and the reason will be revealed!
Good luck from all of us - (we just took delivery of the DVD so now the whole family know who you are!)
Best wishes, and good luck. As a former designer and copy editor, I feel like I got out at the right time. It's sad, since I see how newspapers could still be a valid medium, but the powers that be are too blind to recognize it.
Anyway, I hope this is a more fulfilling venture for you, and I hope your success continues. And since I've never commented before, thanks for all the incredible info! I look forward to much more.
-Jamie
David,
You have demonstrated that one doesn't need a "job" in the current economy. You have seen opportunity and made the most of it.
The shame is that The Sun fails to make the most of it's opportunities.
The current climate is away from liberal bias in reporting. This is something that is infecting nearly all newspapers. People are tired of liberal negativity and, as such, are voting with their dollars. They are not buying newspapers anymore.
The same phenomenon is occurring in Television. CNN, MSNBC, et al. are all sinking while FNC is on the rise.
Failure to innovate and failure to follow your audience will kill any business.
Newspapers are no exception.
All my best to you and your family.
I'm very excited to see how this plays out and what I can learn from this. I'm excited for you, and have all the faith in the world that you will find and do awesome things.
Good luck David!
David,
I discovered & subscribed to Strobist exactly one day before your last day at The Sun.
Already I'm hooked and excited to have discovered such an able teacher, and I have already suggested your blog to a fellow enthusiast who's learning flash like me.
So keep the faith! There's an eager and hungry audience out there and your opportunities are just beginning.
Somebody just doesn't get it. Don't know if it's me or the newspapers. There is nothing like reading a newspaper printed on 'dead trees'. It gives one time to kick back and relax or you know the morning routine! Kinda hard to read the news on the PC or MAC while in the bathroom! Any way I'll keep spending my $.50 a day for the hard copy version.
Good luck! While this is probably the worst time (economically) to try to hustle business, it looks like you at least have a leg up on finding work. In the meantime, the newspaper business hasn't done any better than the record companies in trying to reinvent itself for the 21st century, so it may have been a good time to get out.
Did they just decide they were gonna nuke 100 bodies and it didn't matter from which sections? Or did they say "we have to lose two photogs, two copy editors, three writers...?"
Mike K
Good luck, life goes on and I am sure it will turn out for the right in the end.
Hi Dave,
Welcome! Hop into the boat and we'll see how much fun and freeing it can be. I left the OC Register almost 2 years ago under similar circumstances. I wanted to leave under my conditions, in my timing. It's been tough, but it has also been the most rewarding time of my life. I shot for 17 years and I still get a rush when I see a fire or a car crash. Still I don't have to listen to people who sit behind desks and haven't a clue about photography. You'll miss the brotherhood, but you have strobist.com. Which has been a breathe of fresh air for me. Your site has revitalized and made me re-evaluate how I shoot. For that I thank you. Godspeed on this part of the journey. Drop me a line anytime. www.michaelkitada.com
Good luck, mate.
I dont think you really will have any problems with finding freelance orders and this site will provide you always with tons of people who would gladly pay to go to your seminars.
Again - good luck. You never know - may be this job cut is one of best things for you right now.
If Ken Rockwell can do it, so can you!
Seriously, a donation button would not hurt. Everyone here is benefiting great knowledge. 26,000 readers, even at an 1/8 power at f/1 dollars (strobistly speaking) that’s $3250, and if 3250 people would give even a buck or two every mouth or so.
I know I’d pay for what I’ve learned from you thus far, a lot us would.
And, about the $80 dollar wedding photographer ad, damn the digital camera.
The Light Whisperer
David,
While never a staffer, I did find myself half owner of an Advertising Agency that grew so fast it seemed to have a life of its own. When it dissolved (crooked partner) I found myself in similar circumstances.
Pressing forward is your style. It is what we do... seek new things and new ways of doing them. I found some new challenges and brought the experience forward. Didn't think about shooting again, but was pulled back into it by circumstance, desire and people who believed in me.
I am sure you will find yourself in new challenges and meet them head-on. Good luck, and we will all be pulling for you.
(Can't wait till you do an ad job with a 23 yr old AD standing over you asking if you are going to make the model smile, and can you move the plant over a 'skosh' and where are the polaroids and have you got time to do one more teeny revision and no one move till the client gets here and... well... even though you are only doing a light check.... heh.)
My advice comes from the little tuxedo wearing guys in some movie my kids watch...
"Smile and wave, boys. Smile and wave."
Having been a freelance pro for 9 years, all I can say is:
NEVER STOP MOVING
When it seems like nothing is going anywhere:
NEVER STOP MOVING
If you have so much work you feel like a mine-digger equipped with a teaspoon:
DON'T STOP MOVING
And when it all falls flat... you get the picture, the angle on the issue and what I'm trying to illuminate.
All the best and God bless from Cape Town, South Africa.
David,
I almost want to say congratulations instead of how sorry I am. I'm sure you loved your job and would have loved to stay there longer if given the opportunity, but I have no doubt in my mind you'll will find continued success. Your blog has already proved extremely popular as well as successful in generating money. We've seen your occasional "On Assignment" posts, showing you're still being hired to shoot. And last but not least, I'm sure teaching the lighting seminars and selling those DVDs will be another great way for you to keep afloat.
I too lost my job back in February, so I know what you're going through to some extent. I have to say, I didn't feel that bad when I was let go. I knew there were other things out there for me. I was right. I recently started a new job! I'm excited about all the opportunities that lay ahead, some that wouldn't exist if I were still at my former employment.
Anyway, even though I doubt you need it, best of luck to you!
Sincerely,
Shawn Lynch
David, I haven't read all of the comments, maybe I'm repeating, but sometimes in life such tragic events are or can be the start of a new professional turn in your life! Good luck!
Now that's a big opportunity. Some people spend their lifetimes doing something because is financially safe. Is a shame the Sun can't keep the smartest PJ on earth, but I can't wait to see what David "Strobist" Hobby will bring to us. Make the most of this opportunity, you already have the good luck. BTW, when are you coming to Houston TX? I move to the USA last month, I've been following your site nearly since the beginning and your advice made a difference in my career. Keep on kicking butts Dave
David is an enormously talented and extraordinarily bright guy, but if this really is a dating situation, he is in a heap of trouble.
I mean, have you ever actually seen him in person?
:)
(Good luck pal, not that you will need it.)
Sorry to hear about the job cuts. The whole paper/newsprint industry is in turmoil. I worked for a paper company producing newsprint for 15 years, and recently the company was bought. In matter of days, over 100 employees were terminated, with several more over the last few weeks. It is said to see, just as the Kaolin industry has gone through the ups and down, now the paper industry with no loyal owners involved anymore has to come to the fore front.
Good luck to you and your family/friends. Thanks for what you have done with this blog, and thanks again for your contributions to the newsprint industry.
You're gunna be find David! let this be a blessing to you. there are so many doors for you to go in.
I'm not worried
Joey L
Simply do more with less.
Sorry, I couldn't resist that little gem from the last season of "The Wire". Sounds like you are living it.
Good luck on your new pursuit. I would recommend teaching as a second career. You are great at it, as I have learned a tremendous amount from your blog!
Hobby, we at The Sun will miss you. We've been missing you, even as we enjoy watching your great success.
Good luck; I'm sure things will work out for you. I grew up with the Evening Sun; the paper that gave us HLM is dying and it's sad.
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