In a remarkable turn of events, Sean Audet, a trained fine-dining chef, stumbled upon a new career path that transformed his life and finances. It all began in 2016 while he was working at Red River College in Winnipeg, Canada, developing recipes for clients. As an idea to help local businesses, he ventured into food photography, never realizing it would become his full-time job.
Initially, Audet ran a pop-up restaurant two nights per week and worked in culinary research while exploring his newfound passion for photography. He devised a unique way to use his culinary expertise to stage and photograph food, aiding clients in advertising their businesses. Recognizing his innate talent for the craft, he officially started his food photography side hustle two years later, borrowing cameras, lights, and backdrops from a friend to keep costs minimal.
With determination and dedication, Audet’s side hustle began to flourish, and by 2020, he had accumulated enough business to invest approximately $20,000 CAD (about $15,200 USD) in new equipment. Taking a leap of faith, he left his stable 9-to-5 job to become a full-time photographer. The risk paid off, as he earned an impressive $133,900 USD last year, surpassing his income as a sous chef and in higher education.
A significant portion of Audet’s success came from clients he acquired through the freelance platform Fiverr, where his exceptional food photography skills garnered him recognition and demand. Despite the uncertainties that come with freelancing, Audet believes in prioritizing passion over fear and seizing opportunities that excite him. Whenever a new project sparks his enthusiasm, he immerses himself in it, dedicating long hours to ensure outstanding results.
Audet’s journey has been marked by an unwavering pursuit of his interests, which led him to the world of food photography. However, he isn’t stopping there. The ambitious photographer has his sights set on leveraging artificial intelligence (A.I.) to further enhance his craft and generate additional income.
Having studied biochemistry at The University of Winnipeg, Audet’s initial plan was to attend medical school, but his love for the kitchen changed his course. After graduating in 2013, he pursued culinary school and became a sous chef, eventually starting a pop-up restaurant with a friend. The duo offered a seven-course tasting menu that garnered success in Winnipeg.
In 2016, an opportunity arose when a friend turned business partner introduced Audet to a teaching position in “Pastry Arts” at Red River College. Alongside his pop-up venture, he earned an annual income of approximately $56,500 USD. Little did he know that embracing this teaching opportunity would open doors to a newfound passion that has transformed his life.
Sean Audet’s story serves as an inspiring example of how following one’s passions can lead to unexpected and prosperous outcomes. His journey from the kitchen to the world of food photography showcases the importance of seizing opportunities, even if they deviate from conventional paths. With his continued dedication and interest in exploring the potential of A.I. in his photography, Audet’s future holds promising prospects for further success in his flourishing career.
