During this time, she kept delaying taking the MCAT and applying for medical school. Eventually, she declared that she no longer wanted to pursue medicine and instead wanted to make a living as a freelance photographer.
A few years passed without enough progress in her photography career to encourage her to continue. Approaching her 30s, she started law school in the fall of 2022.
I thought going to medical school might not have been something she would enjoy, which is why she kept delaying the process. When she decided to follow the photography path, I applauded her courage. However, I felt a tinge of sadness when she turned to law school because I knew it wasn't her first choice—perhaps it was her last resort.
I think there's something she missed before embarking on the uncharted path of becoming a photographer: preparation.
There is a Chinese saying "不打无准备之仗" (bù dǎ wú zhǔnbèi zhī zhàng), meaning "Do not fight a battle without preparation." It emphasizes the importance of thorough preparation before engaging in any significant endeavor or challenge.
Though I've never been in her position, I know making a living as a photographer involves much more than just taking pictures. It is a business of making money out of your own work.
- Make a Business Plan: No plan means planning to fail.
- Continuous Learning: Keep honing skills as a photographer.
- Manage Everything: In the beginning, it's a one-person show, from marketing to networking.
- Seek Mentorship: Proactively reach out to famous photographers you admire and ask for guidance.
- Network: Join local and online communities of photographers.
- Active Marketing: Be active on all social media platforms.
In a word, she needs to think it through and thoroughly prepare for the challenges on the path to making photography profitable. I have no doubt she wouldn't have quit had she been better prepared.
While it's admirable to follow one's passion and take the path less traveled, the story of my friend's daughter underscores the importance of preparation in turning dreams into reality. With proper planning and dedication, the path to success, no matter how unconventional, can be managed more effectively and with greater confidence and better results.