Adios

As the end of the year draws to a close I took some time to reassess my photography business. After starting up in the face of COVID and pursuing the growing business through my spinal surgery a year ago, I have decided to face reality and close up shop. I have cancelled my studio lease as of January 31, 2024.

Truth be told, while I love photography more than ever, I don’t love marketing enough to make this into a viable career at my age. I have no doubt that if I had started the business at a younger age I’d be doing fine. But I am a realist. At 68, I just want to shoot what I want to shoot.

What this means for those of you who still want me to take their photos: Nothing will change. I will still be making photographs and yes, charging for them. (I will still be reporting any income to the IRS. However, I won’t be deducting expenses.) I will convert my photographic activities to a hobby. This way, I won’t have to track my expenses or try to justify my purchases. I won’t need to spend money on signage, professional services and rent. I can cut costs by canceling my expensive business backup plan (though I continue to maintain redundant backups in my home).

I am grateful to all of you for supporting me and Danzante Photography LLC and hope we will continue making photographs — and memories — together in this, my second retirement.

The photos posted with this blog entry were my last professional shoot of the year. Special thanks to Bonnie Burton and Ed Soltis for making it happen.