10 things I wish I knew when I started my photography business

Starting a photography business is an exciting journey, but it’s also filled with challenges and lessons. Looking back, there are things I wish I had known that could have made the process smoother. Here are ten insights I’ve gained over the years that I hope can help you on your own photography business journey.

1. You Don’t Need the Best Gear to Start

It’s tempting to think that you need the most expensive camera or lenses to succeed, but that’s not true. Great photography comes from understanding the basics—composition, lighting, and storytelling—not the price tag of your equipment. Early on, I spent too much time wishing for better gear rather than mastering what I already owned.

Focus on building skills before upgrading equipment. Start with a reliable entry-level camera and gradually upgrade as your business grows.

2. Photography Is Only Half the Job

Running a photography business isn’t just about capturing stunning images. There’s a whole side of the business that involves client communication, marketing, editing, bookkeeping, and managing schedules. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when these tasks start piling up.

Be prepared to wear many hats and invest in learning business management skills. Tools like CRMs, accounting software, and workflow apps can help you stay organized.

3. Your Time Is Valuable

In the beginning, I undervalued my time, often taking on too many low-paying jobs just to build my portfolio. Over time, I realized that this approach led to burnout and financial strain.

Calculate your pricing to account for your time, equipment, and expertise. Set clear boundaries to avoid overcommitting yourself, and don’t hesitate to say no to projects that don’t align with your goals.

4. Networking Is Key

Building relationships with other professionals in the industry can lead to valuable opportunities. Collaborating with wedding planners, makeup artists, florists, and venues has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my business.

Attend local events, join photography groups, and engage with other professionals to grow your network. Referrals from trusted connections can be a game-changer.

5. Not Every Client Is Your Ideal Client

When I first started, I tried to cater to everyone, which often led to mismatched expectations and unnecessary stress. Over time, I learned the importance of working with clients who align with my style and values.

Define your ideal client and focus on attracting them through your portfolio, branding, and communication. Saying no to the wrong clients opens the door to working with the right ones.

6. Invest in Your Education

I underestimated the value of continuous learning in the early days. Workshops, online courses, and mentorships have dramatically improved my skills, confidence, and understanding of the industry.

Treat learning as an ongoing process. Allocate a portion of your budget for education to stay competitive and inspired.

7. Consistency Builds Trust

Consistency in your editing style, branding, and client interactions helps build a recognizable and trustworthy brand. Early on, I struggled with maintaining consistency, which confused potential clients.

Develop a workflow and style that you can replicate. Create presets, templates, and systems to streamline your process.

8. Social Media Is a Powerful Tool

Social media platforms, especially Instagram, are invaluable for showcasing your work and connecting with potential clients. At first, I didn’t prioritize social media, and I missed out on opportunities to grow my audience.

Post consistently, engage with your audience, and use hashtags strategically. Share behind-the-scenes content to show your personality and build a connection with followers.

9. Back Up Your Work

Losing client photos due to poor storage practices is every photographer’s nightmare. Early in my career, I learned this lesson the hard way, which led to unnecessary stress.

Use external hard drives, cloud storage, and redundancy to ensure data safety. Create a backup system that includes at least three copies of your work in different locations.

10. It’s a Marathon, Not a Sprint

When I first started, I expected success to come quickly. The reality is that building a sustainable photography business takes time, persistence, and a willingness to learn from mistakes.

Stay patient and celebrate small wins along the way. Focus on steady growth rather than instant success.

Final Thoughts

Starting a photography business is a rewarding but challenging endeavor. By keeping these ten lessons in mind, you can navigate the journey with greater confidence and less stress. Remember, every step—even the missteps—is an opportunity to grow.

Don’t hesitate to reach out if you want to hear more or if you have any questions!

Cheers, Hibs