For the last few years, I’ve been fortunate to have a day job that, not only gave me some flexibility in terms of pursuing my passion, but also paid me well enough that I could finance many of my own projects. Unfortunately, (or fortunately, depending on how you look at it) those days are coming to an end. At the end of this month, I will be joining the ranks of full-time professional photographers.
This is, of course, something I’ve been pursuing for quite some time. I’m not sure there is ever an “ideal” time for taking a leap like this but, if there is, I’m not too far from it. Sure, I’d like to have a few more dollars in the bank, I wish I had paid off a few more bills and, I wish I had a few more paying shoots and gigs lined up but, overall, I think I’m ready to hit the ground running.
I have between 3 and 6 months worth of money that I can rely on as I make this transition. Luckily, over the last few months I’ve been working really hard to slash my monthly costs and I’m almost at the “can’t cut anymore” level. I’ve never been particularly frugal but having an event like this stare me in the face has really changed my perspective.
But, if you’re interested in helping, here are a few things you can do:
I apologize in advance for the blatant self-promotion…
Donate! – If you want to make a direct impact on funding my work and travels, you can certainly just make a donation or even sign up for a monthly subscription. If you do make a donation or subscribe financially, I would be more than happy to acknowledge your support on this site if you would like that. In the future, I may look at providing exclusive content to my benefactors. This is one of those things that will be worked out as I begin to forge my path, so stay tuned!
Buy Prints! – Instead of simply donating money, you can also purchase any number of prints I have available in my photo archive. There is a large variety of work for sale there so feel free to browse around and pick something that appeals to you. I’ll also be uploading new work there over time so stay tuned for news on that as well!
Join Me on Facebook! – Facebook has become the single best way for me to interact with others. I try and update my Facebook page often and I even post exclusive content there occasionally. It’s likely that, due to the nature of the site, my Facebook page will be updated more frequently than this site. You can “become a fan” by clicking here or by clicking on the Facebook badge on the right-hand side of the page.
Follow Me on Twitter! – When I am traveling, Twitter is often the best, and most lightweight, way for me to stay in touch with friends, family, and other photographers. To follow me on Twitter, click here or click on the Twitter button on the right-hand side of the page.
Spread the Word! – If you know people who might be interested in my work, show them my site or suggest they become “fans” on Facebook.
That’s it. It’s time to begin the next chapter. I’m excited, nervous, happy, and terrified. One day I feel unstoppable and the next I feel that trying to do this is insane. I guess we’ll see which it is.
In case I don’t post again before Christmas, have a very merry Christmas and I’ll talk to you again from Cairo!
Shawn Duffy is a freelance commercial photographer and photojournalist based in the Washington, DC Metro area. Originally from Pittsburgh, PA, he is a self-taught photographer who has decided to merge his passion for photography with his intense interest in the world around him. From the bustling streets of Bangalore, India, to the refugee camps of occupied Palestine, Shawn strives to create images and tell stories that compel others to act.
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