Becoming a full-time astrophotographer

In an era where job security is highly valued, the decision to leave a stable career to pursue a passion is daunting. Trevor aka AstroBackYard and Antoine aka Galactic Hunter on YouTube discussed Trevor and his partners' transition from traditional employment to full-time astrophotography, shedding light on the challenges and rewards of this bold move.

Trevor Jones outlines the steps to becoming a full-time astrophotographer

In the following Q&A, Trevor answers questions posed by Antoine, detailing his journey, the emotional rollercoaster, and the support system that made it possible. His reflections provide valuable insights for anyone considering a similar path. Dive into the conversation highlights below to learn more about the highs and lows of making a career out of astrophotography.

Antoine: Can you describe what you felt like when you decided to quit a regular job to do Astro full-time? How was that?

Jones: Oh boy, it was so scary. Leading up to that point were the sleepless nights, trying to make the responsible move. At that point in our lives, we both had really good jobs, a mortgage, and bills to pay. It was like, can we actually do this? How am I going to tell our friends and family? They’re going to think we’re nuts. It was such a stressful move. I wish I could say to people thinking about it that you just get to a certain spot and then it’s easy, but that stress stays and goes up and down. You’re completely in charge of your own life and business. There's no steady paycheck from an employer. As scary as it was, it also felt like the natural next step for both of us. It took a lot of stress off knowing I wasn’t alone.

Antoine: How did it feel once you made the decision?

Jones: It was very stressful because you never have a regular paycheck. You never know what the next month will bring. Sometimes, you almost want to go back to a regular job just for the safety of a paycheck. But, staying with it, you have the freedom you want. You can almost forget the good parts when you’re right in the middle of it.

Antoine: Did you ever consider going back to a regular job?

Jones: Three years ago, I thought maybe I should just walk away, but I knew it was inevitable. By the end of 2022, it felt like the right time. Even though I went to school for marketing and enjoyed my job, I felt like I was outgrowing the environment and missed spending time with my partner. I'm glad I made the switch because I had the opportunity to go back to my old job and realized immediately I missed doing astro.

Antoine: Do you consider yourself a pro now?

Jones: I still don’t consider myself a pro, and neither does my partner. Being a partner to someone in astro is a job in itself with the crazy hours and weird schedule. It’s not a normal lifestyle by any means.

Antoine: How did the transition impact your confidence?

Jones: It was hard to leave a job I loved in the environmental field and education, which I went to school for, to pursue astrophotography, a totally new field for me. That made it extra scary because I wasn’t a seasoned pro in this area. The comfort level wasn’t there, and my confidence was shaky.

Watch the full Q&A video below to hear more about the Jone's journey, experiences, and advice for transitioning to a full-time career in astrophotography.