Selling Photography and Life as I Know It

It's rare for me to write all that much on this blog - which is honestly how I prefer it for many reasons... BUT every now and then a rant comes echoing through the hallways of my brain desperately needing to be released.
For the past few years I have worn a couple different artist hats. I am a photographer first and always will be, and a jewelry designer second, and consequently a 'craft artist.' Having said that I would just like to state for the record that there is nothing wrong with being a craft artist - I am enjoying being one myself. Many people have asked me why I don't sell my photographs at the craft fairs I attend, or on my etsy shop, or at all. I just want to say that I do sell my photos, and if you or someone else sees a shot that you would love to have please let me know and I will sell you a print. And now for the drumroll please.....
The reason why I don't sell my photos in the same venue as my jewelry is because of my principles. That's right principles.
Each photograph that I take has for me personally a large importance. I would rather have my photographs framed and hung on a gallery wall then scaled down into greeting cards, magnets, and any other creative crafty ideas. Does this mean I don't appreciate what other artists do with there own photography? Absolutely not. I admire their willingness to show photos in non-traditional formats and applaud there determination to sell and make money. It's hard for me to really pinpoint the feeling I have about selling my photographs but I guess that is why I use my camera as a muse to show those feelings I can't quite put down in writing. It's either that or I'm just a snobby artist.

But here is the challenge for me right now and probably for the rest of my life. I work as a caregiver full time. This job is how I am able to buy the things I buy, feed my cat organic food, and live comfortably. When this job is over what will I do next? I have flirted with the idea of going back to school to get my MFA for quite some time now. I will most likely apply to a few different places that I have looked at through the years - but I can't do anything until this phase of my life is over. I imagine myself in some way or another teaching - hopefully at a college but who knows I'm no fortune teller. All I know is that life is changing around me faster then I ever imagined. My BFF is about to get married followed by having a baby. I too want to have a baby some day - heck I'd like to have more than one! But how do I still try to do what I want to do as an artist, and make enough money to sustain myself and future little ones. I'm lucky to have a husband who is brilliant and I know he can sustain our family when the time comes but I too want to be a breadwinner, and I know he understands that. It's the uncertainty that's killing me.
But I guess that is just what life is for me right now.