I don't do this very often, bugging you guys of my ranting and shyte. I'm in the middle of rethinking my life right now. Well, as of the moment (as was more than a year ago) I work freelance as a designer (graphics, production, web) and illustrator. I also manage an all-female garage band on the side. Most of my work I do at home, and I'm happy with being in control of my own time and with the fact that not working for somebody else. I have an active social life, this forum, the illustrators guild (InK), and my cat. Extra time allows me to pursue this photography thing, as well as other creative endeavors, and I don't have to wake up early in the morning. I have my ups and downs as well, but generally I can say that lately, I have been doing okay. (But donations are still welcome LOL...) Here's the snag. I received a call from a friend last night, telling me to call this woman from a studio. I talked to her today and she offered me fashion photography apprenticeship (digital) for a studio FULL TIME. I don't have to worry about equipment, they will provide studio, lighting, and a Kodak/Nikon 760 at my disposal. She says it might take a year to work the ropes. This idea sounds very promising and interesting, to say the least. She will look at my portfolio first; then we'll probably talk details later. Now, what is MY problem??? I know it's not settled yet, but I can't help thinking-- Can I do it? Honestly, I never thought of myself as a photgrapher. I mean, a real PRO. I don't know if I can fit in, find myself into it, and become one. Am I ready for this? It means I have to wake up at 6am, and probably get home around 9pm, not to mention the fact that I'll be stressed out from the long haul to work and back EVERYDAY. What about my other projects? This full time apprenticeship will eat up all my time. I can't just drop them (InK and the garage band for instance), as I have major responsibilities to carry out. Will they pay me more than what I'm getting now? (Operative term: apprenticeship) I guess it's good in a way because that means regular and stable source of income. But will it be worth giving up these things I like doing? It's not just the love for the art you know... I love photography, but I also love the comfort zone I'm in right now. Am I making a big deal out of this? It's hard to weigh all of these with me smack in the middle of it all. I want to be prepared when the moment for decision arrives (I think it's the control freak in me). Help.

Question: Which of the things that you have/do now, can you loose by trying this ? Reading your message I get the idea that nobody is going to mind, you don't have any bosses that might fire you if they hear about this, you don't have to bring your own equipment so no risk of loosing it or damaging it during travels or work, you don't have to invest any money into it other than perhaps printing out some photos and most of all, will you be able to go back to your old work if you don't like it afterall ? So what is it exactly that you can loose ? Just take a piece of paper and put those things on one side and on the opposite put the things that you can win by trying it. Just the trying on itself. It'll give you a way to look at the pro's and con's for yourself and just make it a business kind of decission. More cons than pros ? The answer is 'no'....more pros than cons ? The answer is 'yes'. The risk of not knowing what lies ahead isn't a good enough reason not to do it, if you'd ask me. Everybody has that feeling...often :) Like I said, it's only an excuse not to do something...not a valid reason - it makes life more interesting too :) Well, hope that helps a bit....good luck :) Hope it all works out for you!

This is a difficult one to advise anyone about and I think Rork has given a lot of sensible advice. I know what those comfort zones feel like, so don't let that be the main reason for any decision you make, particularly if you have a route back to it later if things don't work out. I would certainly go to the next stage and find out more from this woman and then write down the pros and cons, as Rork suggests. You obviously find the option attractive, or you wouldn't be thinking about it. In that situation I would ask myself whether it is my heart or my ego that is making it attractive. You must obviously be flattered by the fact that someone recognises your talent. If I was sure it was my heart that was taking me down that route and I was still tempted to say 'no', then I would think very seriously if that would be a decision I would regret later in life... not easy I know :) but sometimes it is easier to go back than to regain a lost opportunity. I don't know if any of this helps... I hope it does, but, whichever way you go, you have my best wishes.

hmmm....Well, I'm a materialistic SOB, so for me the question would be; would I earn more doing that than I am now? and If I put in the same hours doing my present job as I would be doing that, would I be able to earn more money? Then there's the pleasure side of it - do you ENJOY what you do now? If you enjoy it and your financially comfortable, and you can see it lasting, you've got your answer. At the end of the day writing down the pro's and cons simply lets you see what you know in black & white - love of something (pro) can outweigh a LOT of con's, IMO. Whatever you decide, good luck!!! (",)

Well, what about the experience and technique you can gain, and be paid for steadily? If you go for it, and you don't like it, and it doesn't work out, can you still do what you do? Sometimes change is what makes us into something better, and change can morph itself into something very different than what you even originally thought it would. whatever you decide, good thoughts abide. Syyd

well, if you give it a shot for say, two weeks, what harm can come of it? Can the band survive without you for a brief little while?Will inK understand? If these groups are full of the good friends you say there are, then it should already be understood that someone should be allowed to pursue something that might lead to more than they have already. Band leave indie companies all the time when the big contract knocks on their door, and indie companies are more than used to it. People constantly leave jobs for better ones. Give it a try, if it ain't too hot, you can always return to what once was, if these people know what it means to be a friend. ry

I think most of the advice that can be given has been already, sounds like you really want to go for it & you could find your way back to the comfort zone if you ever need to. All I can say is good luck, which ever way you go give it all you've got & enjoy : )

An apretinchip can be good even if it's for future use. Experience is always good. Sometime you may have to make a little less in order to make more at a later date. I agree with many others you can always quit if you hate it. if the pay is the same why not. You can still practice with the band ect and take care of INK you will just have to adjust things a little. I could be very wrong but I think the bigest part of what bothers you is that you can be your own boss. Don't worry it will only last for one year and then it's up to you. A year can go incrediably quick when you are busy and learning. Personally I'd take it. Unless the drop in pay is soo huge you cant make ends meet. Bsteph

TAKE IT, TAKE IT,TAKE IT. This is a VERY hard time in the economy...not only in the US, but elsewhere.... The tech industries and the VISUAL MEDIA industries have taken a HUGE hit. If I were you, I would snatch that offer up in a Heartbeat....could be your only opportunitiy for a while.....seriously...... but then again, life is not worth living if you can not be happy and enjoy what you are doing.

I think everyone else has given good advice, Star. Personally, I know nada about jobs in the Photography field...I know I love nursing, but if someone offered me a job in Graphics or Photography, I would very seriously consider it, as I love doing these things too! And I could always go back if I found it wasn't all I thought...It sounds like you've been given a good opportunity here. Whatever your decision- Good luck and positive thoughts!