I have many friends in the photography business who have spent years establishing themselves as “specialists” in a specific field of photography, a niche if you would.  I’ve had photography consultants tell me to do the same, ADs who have been skeptical of my potential (but hired me anyway) because they didn’t know what my speciality was and I have many times tried to focus my energies on a specific segment.  It all makes great sense, be the best at one thing and you’ll get all the work, right?

a shot for a bike racing team

I think what it really comes down to is “why is a photographer a photographer?”  and the answer is different for every photographer.  Consider why you want to be a photog, the passion, the money, the fame.  I chose photography because from a very early age I found cameras and lenses and printing (remember that?) fascinating.  It turns out that my brain and heart were well suited for the art part as well.  I’ve chosen photography as a lifestyle choice, fewer days at work and more time to play.  With this decision made I chose to be as diversified in the subject matter I shoot (and get paid to shoot) as possible.  That’s not to say that I don’t consider myself mildly niched as a adventure lifestyle shooter but rather to say that I love to create great photos for cool clients and the fact that I get paid to do it amazes me everyday.  It’s a great feeling to do what you love and get paid for it too.  So I went with “the passion” and I just shoot and shoot and shoot.  I’m never New York’s flavor of the day but I pay the bills with my camera and I enjoy it.  I shoot corporate, editorial and add work, portraits, action and food and music and….

a shot for a pool hall

Many of my less diversified colleagues have now found themselves left out to dry with the flat economy. Let’s face it if you’re a niche guy it’s like having all of your eggs in one basket.  If “your” segment shuts its doors, even temporarily, your gonna go hungry.  Diversity has kept me busy in these super hard times.

Let’s also consider the creative benefits to being diversified.  In my book, keeping your camera in your hands is more valuable than any other aspects of the creative process.  When you’re used to shooting XGames crazies doing unimaginable tricks on a snowboard or a skateboard, shifting gears to creating

art out of a plate of food presents a formidable challenge throw a portrait of a corporate executive in the mix and you are, at that point using, all the regions of your creative process to get the JOB done.  Practice makes perfect!

a shot for a corporate client