I Almost Quit After 30 Years. Heres What Keeps Me Going

After 30 years as a professional commercial photographer, I've thought about walking away more than once. The creative industry has completely shifted—from film to digital, stock photography, smartphone cameras, corporate buyouts, and now AI. In this video, I share the honest truth about why creative work slows down, what pulled me back when I almost quit, and four practical mindsets that keep me going. Whether you do this as a full-time career or simply create because you love it, here is what you need to hear when you feel like giving up. Timestamps: 00:00 - Thinking About Quitting After 30 Years 00:50 - Starting Out: Large-Format Film & Studio Life 02:16 - The Copy Stand That Saved My Career 03:25 - How the Photography Industry Really Changed (Digital, Stock & AI) 04:22 - Corporate Buyouts & Shrinking Creative Pay 05:52 - The 4 Things That Keep Me Going 07:31 - 4 Tips If You Want to Walk Away Today 09:00 - Separating the Job from Your Art 10:04 - What to Ask Yourself Next WATCH NEXT: Fear You Started Too Late: • The Fear You Started Too Late Join My Tribe on Substack: https://thecreativepush.substack.com #shouldIquitphotography #isphotographystillagoodcareer #makingalivingasanartist _________________________________________________ My Gear at my Amazon Store: https://amazon.com/shop/creativepus0f/list/11KDCRSXVG0LJ Subscribe for more: https://thecreativepush.substack.com/ Check out "The Ultimate Photography Gear Guide" : https://sherioneal.com/the-ultimate-photography-gift-guide-for-2026/ The pro gear, tools, and software I use to create my work: https://sherioneal.com/best-photography-gear-software-tools-as-creative/ _________________________________________________ This channel is for anyone who wants to slow down and see the world a little differently. If you're a photographer, an artist, or just someone who feels things deeply when they look at the right image, you're in the right place. WHAT YOU'LL FIND ON THIS CHANNEL: Visual storytelling and photography from my travels through Spain, Portugal, and beyond The honest artist life — creative process, studio work, mixed media Tips for photographers who want to go deeper than technique The stories behind the images If any of this sounds like something you want to follow along with, I would love for you to subscribe and come with me. CONNECT + EXPLORE: Website: https://sherioneal.com Learn and Create: http://learnandcreate.com The Creative Push Newsletter: https://thecreativepush.substack.com Fine Art Prints: https://sherioneal.pixieset.com Shop (apparel, gifts): https://sheri-oneal-shop.fourthwall.com Travel Resources: https://www.viator.com/partner-shop/wanderlust-adventure The Creative Push podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/6j8050O... Follow along: Instagram | Pinterest | Facebook: @sherionealphotography _________________________________________________ Disclaimer: This video is for entertainment and historical purposes only. The historical images featured are sourced from public domain resources. The use of these materials is intended solely to share the rich history of these incredible cities and towns, and I make no claim to ownership. I have made every effort to ensure no copyright is infringed. If you have any questions, please contact me. Some of the links included in this post are affiliate links. If you click on the link and purchase an item, I will receive an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. All opinions in these stories are my own. Shout-out to YouTube Music: Instant Crush-Corbyn Kites for the music at the end of my video.