Austin Job? ATX move...

[janikphoto]

I didn't want to post this in the Austin-specific section of the forum, because it is more of a general question... though, ATX would be the ultimate landing place.

My wife was asked by her company if she would take a promotion, but it's at the ATX location. We have a good house, family and friends in Big D. Plus, I am a known photographer in North TX. Any newspaper or magazine editor in the area knows my name and has hired me for assignments. My work appears in every big publication in town, but none in Austin.

If I move to Austin, I will have to start knocking on doors, making brand new clients. I have zero newspapers, magazines and corporate clients in that area. How is the market down there? I've seen established photogs move from other cities to Dallas in the past, and it seemed like it took them 6 months to a year before they were back on their feet. I guess I'm just wondering/worried about how long it would take me to develop a decent list of clients again...

Now, I know many of you are only weekend pros or hobbyists. Most of you shoot portraits and weddings, not editorial and photojournalism. I'm not expecting for you to have all the answers about my specific problem. I'm just looking for some educated guesses, thoughts, ideas, etc...

We may turn down the promotion, but I need to think ahead, incase we wind up in the state capital.

[David Whatley]

Will her raise off set what you make in photography? If not, or it isnt really close, then I would have to really consider the move. If you move, you will be busy with just that, moving, and finding your way around. It will indeed take 6 to 12 months, at least to get back to where you are now.

[bondarnes]

Originally Posted by David Whatley

Will her raise off set what you make in photography? If not, or it isnt really close, then I would have to really consider the move. If you move, you will be busy with just that, moving, and finding your way around. It will indeed take 6 to 12 months, at least to get back to where you are now.

Agreed, and Dallas is a better market for what you do all the way around. There is more potential here.

[Robb in Austin]

As an Austin local, but not in the business or even serious hobbyist side let me throw my two cents in as well.

As Don mentioned, the overall market may be better for you up there, but it is the state capital after all and political photojournalism may be a tiny bit easier. And there is always some type of environmental issue in the news.

That said, the cost of living down here is higher so you would need to figure that into the equation.

Hope this helps in someway.

[janikphoto]

well, we will see what the wife's company offers before we make any snap decisions.

[ronocnikral]

well, let me cast my 2 cents since you are asking on an online forum.

while it is wise to factor pay, COL, etc...there are other factors. and these factors are hard to put a monetary value on. but, if you want to eventually land in austin, there's a good chance this may be your only chance. what ever your motivating factors are to want to live in austin, a move there will most likely always require some type of sacrifice.

just my two cents. i'm the type that likes to move (9 states). I always take an opportunity to move. as warren miller dribbles, "if you don't do it this year, you probably never will."

it's not impossible to get you business going again...it just takes more work.

whatever you do, good luck.