Pigeon Hole...Finding a Niche?

[diana_bolen]

<p>I noticed that many of the Photgraphers here and about the internet have a Niche they focus on.<br>

Do you feel it is advisable for someone to find a Niche and focus on that subject matter in order to have a successful business in Photography?<br>

Call me ADD, but I cannot seem to find my Pigeon Hole, nor am I inclined, <em>really,</em> to do so. I take pictures of all the things around me that evoke emotion, look beautiful to me and hopefully to others.<br>

Should I try and see if I am better at one type of subject over another, or just continue to be a scatter brain shutterbug?<br>

Any suggestions or advice is appreciated.</p>

<p>Thanks<br>

Diana</p>

 

[diana_bolen]

<p>Ooops sorry perhaps this belongs in the Business Forum???</p>

<p>Not sure. If it can be moved, please do so or tell me to repost.</p>

<p>Thanks<br>

D</p>

[accystan]

<p>I would think there's a place in the world for all degrees of artist; those that strive make original creations and those that copy (and sometimes improve). Do your own thing, dance to the drummer you hear.<br>

Good luck,<br>

Dave D</p>

[KyleE]

<p>This is just speaking from my experience, but it seems that certain niches that people work themselves into are made easier by having specialized equipment that can be very expensive. If someone is a landscape photographer they might have a different set of lenses and a different camera than a wedding photographer, as will the macro photographer, the bird or animal photog and other genres all have their own sets of gear. There may be some overlapping but for people who spend a lot of time taking photos and accumulating expensive gear to take the types of photos they like they might not want to invest in expensive gear to take other types of photos or "diversify".</p>

<p>This isn't the only reason but it might be one of many many factors that cause people to gravitate towards one genre of photos.</p>

<p>Also I don't think that gear will necessarily limit you to one genre of photos but for example having a 600mm lens sure does make bird photos easier.</p>

<p>Of course I highly recommend following what Dave said. Sound advice and what I personally adhere to or at least try.</p>

<p>I also find myself in your shoes too. I carry my camera everywhere and take photos of everything no matter what.</p>

[dbcooper]

<p>A specialist becomes that because they love that style or that kind of subject, and have interest in little else. A specialist will do that thing particularly well because it's their passion, and they'll get gear to support that passion.</p>

<p>No rule says you can only have just one muse. Good generalists are valuable. Just ask Joe McNally. </p>

[bobcossar]

<p>I think, Diana, that as you continue to shoot and, hopefully, hang some images in your home you will discover preferences that are not yet visible to you.</p>

<p>As a teen, I shot everything....anything.....for quite some time. Now, I am semi retired but my range if interests is <strong>much</strong> more narrow. But also much more deep. Just let it happen. It's not a thing you can force anyway although, hanging some big prints in your home....where you see them daily....can sharpen your tastes more quickly.....Regards, Robert</p>

[kevin_price3]

<p>Hi Diana</p>

<p>Long ago I would shoot everything with no particular end "vision" of what I wanted. It was great. Years later I am still unsure of what Niche I fall into, if any. People see me taking photos and ask me what I specialize in. When I tell them that I shoot pretty much anything, they look at me as if I don't measure up to what they believe a photographer should say. I like shooting closeups of reptiles, landscapes, abstract images, strictly work related shots that have no aesthetic value, night time shots...etc. The only thing I really don't do is portraits; it just hasn't happened yet. And that is the key, let it come to you in whatever form it does, and don't rush it. </p>

<p>It sounds like you are on the right road already. Don't feel pressured to adhere to one technique or another. </p>

[diana_bolen]

<p>Thanks Dave, thats good advice. I do usually dance to my own drummer, but sometimes when I look around I feel a bit of pressure to <em>be</em> like the others.</p>

<p>Kyle, thanks, you actually gave me something to think about and that is a very reasonable explanation. I never thought of that as I am a bit of an impluse buyer and have invested a lot of wallet leather on gadgets. You may have just saved me a lot of money :)</p>

<p>D.B, yes passion plays a big role. I am a passionate person and perhaps I should rein that in or not. I love everything and find beauty in almost everything. I say almost because some things no matter how you try to make it beautiful, it just ain't.</p>

<p>Robert you flatter me. I took your post as you seeing me a young. Thank you! A lady never tells her age, but I will give you a hint. I am pushing 50. I do have a few prints on my wall. I peer at them now and then, but again they are of many things, not just one type of subject. Do I have a preference to one more than another? Not really. You are right, that I should just let it happen. Maybe I am too gungho about making this My semi retired business and I need to go with the flow.</p>

<p>Kevin, I hear ya on the strange looks when you say you don't have a specialty and that, along with the information I have gathered, made me ask the question and seek the advice.<br>

I too have not gotten into the Portait end of things, except of Dogs and Animals. People Portraits don't really appeal to me, so I think I can pretty much say I won't be going there. I do however like the images using humans as a secondary subject.</p>

<p>Thanks Gentleman! You have helped and given me something to think about.</p>

<p>Have a great weekend.</p>

<p>Diana</p><div></div>

[nathangardner]

<p>I've thought about this same thing, but I don't think you find a niche and then try to photograph things that fit into your niche. With me, I take photos of all the things I see and like, like yourself, but there are certain things that just draw you to them. You don't choose a niche, it chooses you. Your personality will draw you to certain things, and its amazing how you will be drawn to the same or similar things no matter where you go, and then you develop a niche without even trying or even realizing it.</p>

[diana_bolen]

<p>True Nathan, perhaps <em>it</em> will find me with time. I do gravitate towards Animals as they are a passion of mine.</p>