The Wall Street Journal released their “Best and Worst Jobs 2010″ list.
Photographers take note – your job sucks.
As Photo District News notes, out of 200 jobs “Where did “photographer” rank? 126, right between “waiter/waitress” and “ad salesperson.” “Photojournalist” ranked at 189, just out of the bottom ten, between “firefighter” and “butcher.”"
I think any Photographer who has been in Bend, Oregon longer than five minutes has found out much to their dismay (or delight if you’re a real masochist), these rankings are probably far too optimistic. If that is a national ranking, Bend hits the bottom of the old toilet bowl at breakneak speed through a sheer glut of photogs. Don’t believe it? Take this proven test: step out your door wherever you are and throw a stone in any direction. When you hear the surprised yelp that follows you will have hit a photographer. Now if you smacked the camera out of their hands, don’t blame ME – I didn’t tell you to throw it HARD after all.
But as a photographer I count myself fortunate for the following reasons:
I have never even remotely been interested in the very respectable job of photojournalist – Rank 189.
I have never been interested in hanging a shingle above the door that says “I am photographer – hear me roar” – Rank 126.
I am absolutely fascinated, moved and eternally motivated by Photography as my art and expression – Rank 104.
“104″ is still a ways out though. Good thing I get to rely on good old Number 15 (web developer) to keep the lights on and the gear coming.
It’s not always about doing JUST what you love – it’s sometimes about being smart enough to do the necessary things that allow you to do what you love.
=)