The Business of Photography
Turning Passion into Profit
Taking great photos is one thing. Making a living from it is another. Many talented photographers fail because they treat photography as an art but ignore the business.
If you want to go pro, you have to wear two hats: The Creator and The CEO.
The Portfolio Trap
Your portfolio is not a dumping ground for every photo you've ever taken. It is a curated menu.
Golden Rule: Only show the work you want to get hired to do.
If you show weddings, landscapes, and pet portraits, you look like a generalist. High-paying clients hire specialists. If you want to shoot sports, your website should only show sports.
Pricing Your Work
The biggest mistake beginners make is undercharging. "Exposure" doesn't pay rent.
Cost of Doing Business (CODB): Calculate your equipment, insurance, software, website, and taxes. Know your minimum baseline before you quote a price.
The Value of Usage: If a brand wants your photo for a billboard, that is worth more than a photo for an Instagram post. License your images based on value, not just time.
Client Experience
You can be a mediocre photographer but a successful businessperson if your client experience is elite.
Reply to emails fast.
Under-promise and over-deliver (deliver photos 2 days early).
Be a problem solver, not a diva.
Conclusion
The business side is unglamorous. It's contracts, invoices, and taxes. But mastering it gives you the freedom to keep holding a camera for the rest of your life.