Yes you should be fine it seems the processing times are taking longer with some consulates. Mine actually took a few days with the London consulate but I have a friend who applied at the washington consultant and that took around 10 days
if photography is your skill, then that's what you should focus on. However, it's important to note that working legally in Thailand as a retail employee may not be possible for you. Since you're skilled in photography, you should channel your energy into that. There are countless opportunities for you to build your portfolio. Consider creating a social media page where you can showcase stunning photos of cars, buildings, people, landscapes, female models—the possibilities are endless. As your following grows and your work improves, people will start paying you for your photography.
At the same time, you can offer your services online for professional shoots—there's always a demand for photographers for weddings, birthday parties, events, and model shoots. You might even consider doing some shoots for free initially to build up your portfolio. It's essential to think creatively and outside the box. Once you've established a solid portfolio and generated some income, you can explore options like getting a long-term visa (such as a DTV), though you'll need to show proof of income and savings, like 500,000 baht, along with your portfolio.
Ultimately, it's up to you. No one else is going to make it happen for you, but there are plenty of opportunities available online if you're willing to put in the work. Life can be tough, but you have to stay strong and take action—no one else will do it for you. Good luck!