Age translates to trust.

Hi, I'm a 33 year old with no reason why you should trust me with your most treasured moments of your life.


Do you trust me? Why not? I have a website with an amazing portfolio, great references, and very competitive pricing. What if I told you I was actually 20 years old? Now you want someone more "experienced", right?

I'm going to be honest with you. I'm right there with you. If I was going into surgery I wouldn't want the young 20's doctor vs. the older, wiser doctor. It's human nature. Here's the linear progression of how we arrive at this. Age gives us experience. Experience leads to wisdom and knowledge. Wisdom and knowledge promotes trust. In essence, age translates to trust. I could give you two identical resumes and simply change the ages and the majority will always pick the older person (except in some more physical things). Fair? Most people would say so, but lets look at how this affects the younger population.

Being a 20 year old 


I'm a 20 year old "Photographer". I might not be a real photographer to you, but I can tell you I'm dedicated to learning light and pushing the limits of photography more than most "photographers". That being said, I'm going to throw out this disclaimer; I have only my own experiences to draw from. I've never been a 30,40,or 50 year old photographer so please excuse my being naive.

Now, I've had enough meetings with people and done enough promoting to see how being young affects me. When I tell people I'm a photographer they usually smile and say "Okay, cool." It's only when I tell them I do weddings that I get the funny looks and questions. When people ask about pricing I usually give a vague number well below the current price a "professional" photographer might charge. I might say, $1000-1500-ish and like clockwork the next question is always the same. "That much?" Now lets look at my standpoint. Is it fair that I can produce the same quality of work as other older members of the field, yet I should get paid significantly less? Maybe not, but thats what it takes. I can have an amazing portfolio with a great level of professionalism and I'm doing twice the work for half the pay. Of course, I understand why.

How do you battle with this? It's tough and I've got only theories. Personally, I just do what I can. You're not going to get every client you meet with and you're going to get underpaid. Thats the reality of being young in 2011, BUT you can help yourself by breaking the mold. Create a style and become the only one who can pull it off. For example, Pablo Picaso could create amazingly realistic works of art but most people remember him for his abstract view of the world. He was the best at it and he used that to his advantage. It's basic supply and demand. Beyond that, always be humble. Remember that you are at the bottom of the ladder. Getting onto that first rung is everything and sets the stage for the future. Be gracious with your relationships and build strong ones. Make people be grateful they chose you over the more experienced. Only after that will you be able to get what you feel you deserve. Most of all, don't get discouraged.

You're going to get rejected. Every one has to deal with it and it's how you react to it that defines you. If you get knocked down 10 times, get up 11. Eventually you'll get it right. I'm currently on a journey chasing a photography dream and the beginning is the hardest, but it's also the most exciting. I can't wait to see where it takes me. Just remember to be you're own Picaso.