The Truth About Building a Photography Business

I’ve been doing photography long enough now that I’ve been through lots of different seasons. Each season has taught me something different about my business and about myself. I’ve been blown away in many aspects and also a bit disappointed in others. With all that said, I want to tell you the truth about building a photography business.

The Truth About Building a Photography Business

If you’re reading this, chances are you’ve consumed a lot of content as you’ve started the journey to growing your business. I remember being exactly where you are and feeling so confused by all of the contradicting information. There are infinite amount of ways for you to structure your business, and I’m not here to tell you what to do. I am here to give you some unfiltered honesty. I want you to jump into this completely informed so that you can prepare for the hurdles and also for the amazing parts.

It’s Not Glamorous

This one was hard for me to learn. Being a photographer–even a luxury photographer–is not glamorous. Regardless of how much you’re getting paid, you’re still in the service industry. You’ll likely find yourself sweating with a camera bag on your back, sneaking snacks between shots even when you’re several years into this. That’s the reality of being a photographer.

However, do you want to know what is glamorous? Choosing your own schedule. Charging what you’re worth. Being able to afford healthy groceries. Paying off debt. These are all things that weren’t possible for me before I chose this path. The truth about building a photography business is that the hard work doesn’t stop when you become “successful”. Suddenly, though, you’ll find yourself in a place that you have been dreaming of for years.

The Imposter Syndrome Never Goes Away

I assumed that if I hit certain milestones in my business that I would finally feel like I’ve made it. However, I’m 9 years into this and still have days where I wonder who the heck would want to hire me. It’s how we’re wired as humans. Our baseline may change as we grow and learn, but the insecurities we had at the beginning will still make an appearance as we progress. I’ve learned how to turn those limiting beliefs into goalposts. The voice in your head telling you to give up should only fuel you to fight even harder.

It’s a Slow Process

I’ve come to the realization (as many do) that I grew my business slower than I needed to. However, it was the perfect pace for me. It taught me patience, consistency, longevity, and stubbornness. Most importantly, it’s given me the chance to teach others how to speed up the process for themselves. As I aim to do so, I want to emphasize the fact that nothing amazing ever happens overnight. I’ve learned to think about it this way: if the barrier to entry was small, then it wouldn’t weed anyone out. In other words: if it was easy, everyone would do it. If there’s one thing you get from this post, it’s that you’ve got to stick with it if you truly want it.

Statistically, 6o% of photographers quit in the first year, and upwards of 85% have failed by year three. They don’t quit because it’s challenging, they quit because success is boring. It’s not going viral on Instagram or booking a $10k wedding. The truth about building a photography business is that it’s consistent, quiet work that most people don’t see. It’s a marathon. I’m not telling you this to deter you, but to encourage you. Most successful people will tell you that they didn’t reinvent the wheel, they just kept going when no one else had the patience to.

It Can Completely Change Your Life

Once you’ve mentally prepared for the fact that building your business will take patience and hard work, you’ve also got to prepare for the fact that it will likely change your life for the better. The slow, repetitive processes in your business are what will move the needle for you long-term. You’ll get into a routine, and it’ll often feel boring. However, one day you’ll look up and see that your life looks completely different than it did when you started. You’ll have hundreds of loyal clients, work that you’re insanely proud of, and freedom that you’ve never experienced.

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