This is great. I've spent a lot of time thinking about generalism vs. specialism in my own career, and asking my fellow photographers how they deal with it. I don't recall who first shared this idea with me, but I've always liked it: shoot a wide variety of things, but only show (i.e. market) your specialty. This has definitely helped with pricing power, but one downside is you do start to narrow the variety of assignments you get—an unintended consequence of "specialism" that can make things less interesting.
I have seen photographers move through iterations of their work by keeping creatively active and shooting a ton of images that were NOT bound for the outfacing portfolio, but generating interest from a more focused group. So much depends on location as well. You can't be a fashion photographer in Omaha, or a high end food photographer in Flagstaff. But you can focus down on what you love, but be damned good in stuff you like. Great luck to you, sir.
This is great. I've spent a lot of time thinking about generalism vs. specialism in my own career, and asking my fellow photographers how they deal with it. I don't recall who first shared this idea with me, but I've always liked it: shoot a wide variety of things, but only show (i.e. market) your specialty. This has definitely helped with pricing power, but one downside is you do start to narrow the variety of assignments you get—an unintended consequence of "specialism" that can make things less interesting.
Yep.
I have seen photographers move through iterations of their work by keeping creatively active and shooting a ton of images that were NOT bound for the outfacing portfolio, but generating interest from a more focused group. So much depends on location as well. You can't be a fashion photographer in Omaha, or a high end food photographer in Flagstaff. But you can focus down on what you love, but be damned good in stuff you like. Great luck to you, sir.
Good stuff! I will check out that book. Love the red pears.