Planning For Long Term Photography Business Success

I notice a trend amongst a lot of creative friends. They dip their toes in different business ventures - calligraphy, wedding planning, photography, makeup development - but nothing seems to stick for longer than a few months.

Or rather, the person doesn't stick to their thing for longer than a few months.

The harsh reality is that it can take 3-5 years ( and a stuff-load of money) to get a business off the ground. Some say that it's all about resilience, but that doesn't describe what a successful entrepreneur needs. Resilience only means surviving the trenches, but that's not enough to succeed – you have to be active and bring it (almost) every.single.day.

PURSUING LONG LASTING SUCCESS

What I see as success may not be what someone else sees as success. Whether it is to be able to contribute to the household, to be seen as a fireball of force within the documentary photography community, or to have an exhibit at a gallery – I decide what makes me feel like a success.

Sometimes I have bad days, but for the most part I'm tackling this business with a lot of determination and passion - so I can keep serving these awesome families that have crossed paths with me.

STICKING TO A VISION

Trying to be like everyone else may make marketing easier in the short run, but I would end up stifling my own creativity as well as not offering my best work to clients – and that's not fair to either party.

So – to offer something different is truly important – even if it takes a bit longer to reach a big enough client base. The response from the families I've already served has been amazing, and helps me push forwards in my long-term plan.

DEVELOPING SKILLS

Continuing to learn more about photography and business is crucial to improve my services. Soaking up information from classes, fellow photographers, business coaches and mentors just never ends!

PRICING FOR LONGEVITY

"Don't explain what goes into the business – photography is a luxury and is priced accordingly" – said by tons of photographers out there

Yes, photography is a luxury in the sense that you don't need it to live. But that's not why boutique photography is expensive. Running a professional business is expensive – the gear, the materials, the websites, the professionals who things up and/or keep things going year-round, insurances, taxes, permits – these are things that cheap photographers either skimp out on – or don't research at all.

Turns out, the reason many people quit their businesses is that they charged way too little to be able to cover the costs of the very session they were doing - no wonder they burnt out or lost interest! Back when I started, I realized very quickly that I needed to charge at least 5 times more than my price (that I just pulled out of thin air) at the time to be able to contribute something at home.

Basically – if I don't charge enough to pay for everything a professional business needs as well as plan for a salary for myself, I'd just have a hobby.

FINAL THOUGHTS

I'm starting my third year in documentary family and newborn photography - with some "extra" money from 2016 in the business account. I could either use the money to pay myself my first salary, or spend it on improving the business so it can keep growing. 

I'm choosing the latter, because I want to be invest in things that will bring a bigger return from this year. Until then, I'm going to keep investing in things that will make the experience better for my clients, as well as make running the business a less grueling experience for me.

Cheers for this new and exciting year!