tariffs & other things

We’re rapidly approaching the midpoint of this year, and it has undeniably been an exceedingly slow period for many of us in the industry. There was a brief time when it seemed like things were beginning to move forward, but ultimately, much of that progress fell away again. You see, for the vast majority of restaurants and bars, the financial burden of between $575 and $2000 can weigh heavily. This is especially true when the costs associated with keeping their business operational seem to fluctuate from day to day. It could be as trivial as the expense of napkins for the guests, the wages for a dishwasher over a week, or even the salary for a host. You get the point, and it’s certainly not the fault of these hardworking establishments. In fact, this is already the third time in five years that I have personally encountered a catastrophic event that has shaken my entire career to its very core. That said, I’ve begun to explore various strategies to help myself navigate through this tough time. I’m considering downsizing elements of my life a bit. While I cherish my apartment and the comfort it provides, paying $1600 for a place to live is quite a bit for a single individual relying on an uncertain income. Consequently, I am making the decision to leave my part-time job in favor of a full-time position at a friend’s shop. Even though I will continue to handle my retainer work, I cannot assume that it will sustain me indefinitely; hopefully, it will. For now, though, my plan is to take a step back. Last year proved to be the longest, hardest, and most heartbreaking chapter in my entire 41 years of life. I genuinely love what I do as a photographer, and I want to continue pursuing it with passion. However, in a competitive landscape where I find myself up against influencers and individuals willing to undercut my prices, it raises questions about the viability of my efforts. For the time being, what I truly need as both a human being and a creative individual is the chance to regain some balance. I want to clear the debt that I have accumulated over the past year and, ultimately, find my true north once more.