A No BS Guide to Starting Your Photography Business

Congratulations on taking this step and welcome to the wild world of entrepreneurship as a creative! Starting your photography business is a no-BS adventure—full of creativity, passion, and yes, some tough lessons. But I’ve got your back. In this blog series, I’m sharing both the wins and the epic fails from my two decades behind the camera so you can skip some of the headaches.

If there’s something specific you’d like me to chat about, drop a comment below or shoot me an email at hello@amandakraftcreativegroup.com. I know exactly what it feels like to face those growing pains when starting your photography business, and if I can save you from a few missteps with a quick email or a 20-minute call, I’m more than happy to help.

Before we dive into the upcoming topics, let’s cut through the fluff and get real about what you need to know before launching into this wild ride of starting your photography business.

Business is Hard, But Your Mindset is Everything

Starting your photography business doesn’t mean you’re going to announce it on social media and instantly have clients blowing up your phone. Most of the time, you’re going to get crickets. Friends and family? They’re probably not going to be your dream clients, and that’s okay. It takes time to find the right people.

Here’s what you need to know: starting your photography business is all about mindset. I learned (the hard way) that facts matter more than feelings. Emotion-fueled decisions will lead you down the wrong path. Instead, rely on facts to guide your choices. It’ll save you time, energy, and a lot of stress.

One tip? Keep a journal. Write down your challenges, ideas, and business decisions. Getting it all on paper helps you see things more clearly instead of making knee-jerk, emotional choices.

And here’s some advice you might not want to hear: Don’t take business advice from people who’ve never built a business. Sometimes, the best business advice I’ve received wasn’t from photographers. The insights from those outside the industry can offer a clearer perspective. Seek mentors who excel in the specific areas you need help with—whether they’re in the industry or not. Trust yourself—you’ve got this.

Let Go of the 6-Figure Fantasy

There’s a lot of hype around making six figures, but let’s get real: hitting that number doesn’t automatically equate to success or happiness. I’ve seen photographers stress over reaching that “magic” figure, thinking it’s the key to their dreams.

Here’s the deal: Does hitting six figures really make you happy? Does it fit with the life you want? I once heard a business coach boast about her $500K revenue, only to reveal that after spending on outsourcing, marketing, and overhead, there wasn’t much left.

Don’t buy into the idea that you’re not successful unless you hit six figures. If making an extra $500, $1,000, or $2,000 a month is changing your life and you love what you’re doing, your photography business is already a win. Focus on what success looks like to you, not someone else’s definition. Maybe it’s building a part-time business that lets you eventually leave your day job. Stay true to your own goals and vision.

Grow Slow, Grow Smart

Here’s one of my golden rules: grow slow. New photographers often want to go from 0 to 100 overnight, but the truth is, starting your photography business is a marathon, not a sprint. Growing too fast can leave you overwhelmed and burned out.

When you’re starting your photography business, take your time to lay the foundation before you scale up. Build your business structure with your ideal workload in mind. Work backwards from where you want to be, instead of diving headfirst and adding systems when you’re already drowning in work.

I’ve seen too many photographers burn out because they try to do everything at once—don’t be one of them. Slow growth allows you to build systems that work and avoid a lot of stress. I’ll be sharing more about this in future posts, but trust me, it’s worth it.

Don’t Quit Your Day Job (Yet)

Let me be real with you, in our current economy: Don’t quit your day job just because you’ve decided to start your photography business. I know that’s not what you want to hear, but in this economy, jumping ship without a safety net isn’t the move.

This might be controversial, but it’s a truth bomb: If you have a stable paycheck coming in, use it to fuel your side hustle while you build your business. I worked full-time when I started out, edited my sessions in the evenings, and shot weddings on weekends. It wasn’t glamorous, but it gave me the financial security to grow my business.

Unless you’ve got a hefty savings account or solid financial backing, keep your job for now. It’s not giving up; it’s being smart. Starting your photography business part-time will allow you to build a solid foundation without the stress of financial instability. You’ll thank yourself later.

Make Your Health a Priority

Here’s something not a lot of people talk about when starting your photography business: It can take a toll on your health if you’re not careful. I’ve been there—late-night editing, constant hustling, and before you know it, your well-being has taken a backseat. I gained weight and pushed myself to the brink when I was growing my business. It took hitting rock bottom for me to realize that you can’t hustle 24/7 without consequences.

More money, more bookings, more hustle… none of that means anything if you’re not well enough to enjoy it. Build self-care into your business plan from day one. Trust me, you can’t pour from an empty cup. Make time for your health so you can sustain your business for the long haul.

Upcoming Posts in the Starting Your Photography Business Series

Building Strong Relationships with Your First Clients

Your first clients are more than just people who pay you to snap some pics—they’re the foundation of your business. Treat them right, and they’ll sing your praises (hello, referrals!). In this post, we’re breaking down the secrets to building strong, lasting relationships from the get-go. Think of it as your crash course in client love: nailing those first consultations, setting boundaries like a boss, and delivering work that makes jaws drop. Plus, I’ll show you how to keep those connections warm long after the shutter clicks. Trust me, this is where your photography journey really begins.

Studio Policies: The Rules You Didn’t Know You Needed

Policies might not sound sexy, but they’re the backbone of your business. Without them, things can get messy—fast. Don’t worry, though; I’m here to help you set up studio policies that scream professionalism and keep everything running smoothly. We’ll cover everything: how to make booking a breeze, the payment terms that keep your cash flow healthy, and how to handle cancellations like a pro. Plus, we’ll dig into usage rights and confidentiality—because protecting your work (and your clients) is non-negotiable. Get ready to streamline your process and set yourself up for success.

The Real Deal on Trading Exposure for Work

Ah, the age-old question: “Should I work for exposure?” It’s tempting, especially when you’re new and eager to get your name out there. But is it worth it? In this post, we’re going deep into the pros and cons of trading your talent for exposure. We’ll talk about how to sniff out legit opportunities versus time-wasters, how to protect your work (and sanity), and when it’s better to walk away. Plus, I’ll throw in some alternative strategies for getting your name out there without giving away your services for free. Spoiler alert: Exposure can be awesome, but only if you play it smart.

Collaborations: How to Pick Your Dream Team

Collaborations can be a total game-changer for your photography business—but only if you choose the right partners. In this post, I’ll show you how to spot potential collaborators who can help you reach your goals, whether it’s another photographer, a local business, or a creative in a different field. We’ll talk about setting clear terms, making sure everyone benefits, and using social media to shout about your collabs from the rooftops. Ready to expand your network and your portfolio? Let’s do this!

Your Website: First Impressions Matter

Your website is like your online handshake—make it count. This post is all about creating a photography website that wows from the moment people land on it. We’ll cover the essentials: a portfolio that shows off your best work, an About page that makes people feel like they know you, and service details that are clear and compelling. Don’t forget the testimonials that build trust and the blog that keeps your site fresh and SEO-friendly. By the end, you’ll have a website that’s more than just a digital business card—it’s your best salesperson.

Launching a Newsletter That People Actually Want to Read

Newsletters aren’t just for big businesses—they’re a powerful tool for photographers too. In this post, we’ll talk about why you need a newsletter and how to create one that your subscribers actually look forward to. We’ll cover how to build your list, what kind of content keeps people clicking, and design tips to make it all look fabulous. Plus, I’ll share some strategies for turning your newsletter readers into loyal clients. Get ready to transform your email game and keep your audience engaged!

The Power of In-Person Networking

Networking isn’t just about schmoozing at events—it’s about building genuine connections. In this post, we’ll dive into effective networking strategies that help you make meaningful connections in the industry and beyond. We’ll talk about how to find and attend the right events, how to follow up like a pro, and how to leverage your network for referrals and opportunities. Plus, I’ll share some tips for overcoming shyness and making a lasting impression. Ready to expand your circle and grow your business? Let’s get networking!

This isn’t just another blog series—it’s your roadmap to launching a photography business that doesn’t just survive but thrives. Whether you’re still figuring out your first steps or you’re ready to take things to the next level, these posts are packed with real-world advice, practical tips, and a little bit of tough love to help you along the way. So, grab your camera, fire up your laptop, and let’s build the photography business of your dreams—one step at a time.

And like I said before, if you want more support, click here to request a 1:1 strategy session with me.