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Speakers' Corner - Richard P Walton - part 1 of 1 2

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By Richard P Walton

Why photography?
I get paid to play.

Film or digital? Is there still a place for silver halide?
Digital, because it’s the easiest and most practical from a business point of view.

Which camera?
Fuji XT2

Bit of detail about your own studio set-up/staffing. Why (as a customer) would I choose you?
I’m a one man operation, jack of all trades, master of none. I had a studio for 6 years which I gave up around two years ago, prior to that I worked in a high street studio. These days I freelance from an office in my wife’s tattoo studio.
Customers sometimes choose me because they like my style and attitude and want an artist, other times they’re just looking for a photographer, either way I’m happy.

The problem with professional photographers today is…
Everyone has problems.

What’s the worst commercial error you have made to date?
Signing a big lease on a photography studio which turned photography into a real job with real pressures and sleepless nights.

How did you rectify the mistake?
I managed to find someone to take over the lease.

The lessons learnt?
Don’t start a studio unless you have looked at every single cost and are prepared to work for a living.

Is it getting harder or easier to make a decent living?
It depends what you call a ‘decent living’ you can certainly have a lot of wealth.

How do you stay ahead of the game?
I’m not ahead of the game, I’m just enjoying playing it.

How do organisations such as The Societies of Photographers help?
They help bring people together, most photographers are self employed and lonely, thanks to the Societies you can become part of a community, you make great friends and inspire each other. If you want to get better at photography and the business of photography then it’s vital, but you’ll only get out of it what you put in. Don’t let it just become an expensive magazine subscription. There’s a lot on offer with the Societies, embrace it.

Why is The Societies of Photographers Convention such a big deal for photographers?
It’s Christmas for photographers, once a year, big parties, lectures, competitions, it’s a brilliant time of year for socialising amongst like minded individuals. The print competition in particular is a highlight for me.

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