Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Argo Argel. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Argo, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s jump right into the heart of things. Outsiders often think businesses or industries have much larger profit margins than they actually do – the reason is that outsiders are often unaware of the biggest challenges to profitability in various industries – what’s the biggest challenge to profitability in your industry?
To be a photographer is undoubtedly an attractive field of business with its allure of creativity, personal expression, and of course also the potential for profit. However, beneath the surface, photographers grapple with a myriad of challenges that can impact their profitability. So let’s explore some of the most substantial hurdles that I as a photographer face in my quest to maintain a thriving business.
First and foremost challenge is the rapid development of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Influence of AI in respect of photography cannot be ignored. AI-powered software and applications now offer advanced editing and creating capabilities, enabling for everybody to produce stunning images within minute. You just need to describe the scene and style and can have photo-realistic result and this doesn’t cost much. This presents a challenge for professional photographers who must continually demonstrate their unique value in a world where technology can mimic their work. To remain competitive, photographers must adapt and to enhance their creativity. There are still objects and details where the AI fails but it is just beginning and probably after few years it can produce photos that cannot be separated from original photos.
Another significant challenge in the photography industry is the considerable investment required for professional equipment. Cameras, lenses and editing software all come at a significant cost. Additionally, the ever-evolving technology necessitates frequent upgrades, making it challenging for photographers to balance their equipment expenditures with profitability. To afford it you can become ambassador for some camera brands, but it takes much work to be noticed and have such deals.
There also costs related to transport etc. to keep in mind. Location scouting and travelling to destinations are often essential aspects of a photographer’s work, especially for those specializing in landscape or nature photography like me. While these experiences can result in breathtaking images, they also incur substantial expenses. Those costs, associated with travel, accommodation etc. can quickly erode profits. To address this challenge, we must carefully manage our budgets and explore options like partnership or sponsorship to offset expenses.
Lastly, the competitive nature of the industry itself poses a significant hurdle. With countless individuals aspiring to become professional photographers, the market is over-saturated. Building a distinctive brand and portfolio becomes essential, but it requires time, effort, and marketing. That’s why it important to write articles, to held exhibitions or to participate in photography contests. It is sometimes difficult and costly to stand out in a crowded marketplace.
In conclusion, the photography industry is a captivating, dynamic and potentially profitable business, but it is not without its obstacles. The integration of AI, high equipment costs, expenses related to location work, intense competition – all present significant challenges to profitability. Successful photographers are those who adapt to change, manage their resources wisely, and cultivate a strong brand presence. While the path to profitability may be challenging, the rewards of capturing life’s moments through the lens continue to inspire me to overcome these obstacles and thrive me in my craft.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
My name is Argo Argel and I am nature photographer and I have been focused on art of photography for almost twenty years. My captured work has appeared in magazines and publications, used as advertising or appeared as framed art on walls of my clients. I have had several exhibitions and I have won several awards from international photo contests. I love nature and I consider my craft is more than a profession—it’s a passion and way of life.
In our busy life the beauty of nature often goes unnoticed. In my view nature photographers are those dedicated individuals whose lens serves as a bridge between the extraordinary world outdoors and the rest of the people. For me, photography is the tool through which I capture the timeless moments that nature offers. Through my lens, I transform fleeting instances into eternal memories, crystallizing the very essence, light, and emotions that nature shares with me. Every click of the shutter is like an exploration, an adventure, and an opportunity to convey the untamed beauty of our planet. It’s like the journey that takes to the most remote and exquisite corners of the natural world. I seek out for the serenity of marshlands, the inspiring grandeur of towering mountains, and the mesmerizing dance of colours at sunrise and sunset. Though my favourite subjects are stunning landscapes I have ability to capture also the wildlife and the most delicate details and patterns presented by nature.
My favourite motto is “The Art is Everywhere”. Sharing this art is my mission. I want my photographs to tell stories, evoke emotions, and connect viewers to the pristine beauty of our planet. I want to make photography that inspires others to appreciate the natural world, to embrace the earth’s fragility, and to recognize the importance of preservation of our precious nature.
As I continue my photographic journey, I carry with me the belief that in the sharing of nature’s wonders, I can inspire others. Photography is not just about taking photographs – it’s about capturing the essence of the tranquil beauty of a serene landscape and the emotions that nature has so graciously shared with us. My camera and lens is not just an instrument. It’s a storyteller and a poet that beckons us to rediscover and revere the natural world around us.
I hope you like my photography and you find them inspiring and captivating.
You can visit my homepage or Instagram to see my craft.
https://www.instagram.com/argoargel/
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
The most rewarding aspect of being a nature photographer is the profound connection I share with my clients. It’s a feeling of overwhelming joy and fulfillment that washes over me every time a client not only likes my photograph but also shares the emotions it evokes within them. When a client looks at one of my photos and feels a surge of awe, tranquility, or wonder, it’s an affirmation that my visual storytelling has resonated on a deep, emotional level. When a client connects with these moments and shares the feelings they experience, it’s as if nature itself is speaking through my work, transcending words and boundaries. This connection is an unspoken, yet profoundly powerful, bond that exists between an artist and their audience. It’s a reminder that art is not confined to the canvas or the photograph; it’s a conduit for shared human experiences, a portal to emotions that often remain unexpressed. Each time a client resonates with my work, I am reminded of the immense privilege it is to be an artist, a conduit of emotions, and a bridge to the beauty of the natural world.
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.
Communicating your creative journey to those who may struggle to understand it can be a challenge. Firstly one must understand that like any other profession, creative work is an outlet for emotions and ideas, experiments and dedication. Just the outcome, the product, will be photography art. Art is highly subjective, and different people may interpret art work in various ways. So you really don’t know how creative you are unless you try. Diversity is what makes art beautiful. As in every business there have been challenges and creative blocks, creative process isn’t always smooth and often involves overcoming obstacles. So it is not so different from non-creative business. Being a creative artist is a continuous learning process. Just as any profession evolves, so does art. You can always try the path of creative life. To become artist it is often takes time to develop, and it’s essential to recognize that it needs lot of dedication. You just have to find balance between your creative pursuits and practical aspects of life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://argoargel.com/en/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/argoargel/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/argelphoto/