This is the second post in a two part series. If you missed the first part, you can check that out here! These posts are focusing on a macro level and over time I will dive deeper into specific topics. For now, here are the final tips I have on creating a successful long-term photography business.

Image by Bayu in Bali for Flytographer

6. Have multiple outlets of income.

In photography, I received income from weddings, portraits, headshots, album sales, portrait sales, freelance magazine work, and second shooting for other photographers. I also coached for fun at my CrossFit gym, which led to client referrals. All of these things combined created continued momentum in my business. They allowed me the freedom to live life on my terms and, more importantly, fully support myself financially.

7. It takes TIME.

2010, I started dabbling in photography, taking classes and learning everything I could, not only about photography itself but about running a business. I knew I didn’t want to do this as a hobby; I eventually wanted a thriving business supporting me. In May of 2014, I went full-time, and I had my first six-figure year in 2017. I know it’s hard to be patient when you read about others having perceived overnight success, but if this is your desired path, stay with it.

8. Be consistent and disciplined.

If you have a dream but do not put in any work towards that dream, a dream is all you have. If you want to succeed in anything, you must show up day after day. You will notice that the more you show up, the more obstacles will appear on your path; this is normal. Disciplining yourself and setting time to create work even when you don’t have paid work or feel no inspiration will propel you forward. The reps you put in while making that work keep your creativity flowing and, as mentioned before, help continually refine your style.

9. Create for you.

This one is tough, and I have found myself falling victim to this trap, especially in the day when social media is controlling our lives. If you are trying to create work to gain popularity for the masses or the likes online, you are destined to fail. Seek out work that appeals to you and shamelessly share that work, even when you only get a handful of “likes” online. If the work makes you happy and you are proud of it, that is what matters. Your likes online DO NOT DEFINE YOU.

10. Backup on backups.

Talk about lessons learned the hard way. If you are new to photography, this may touch a nerve, but it is supposed to. If you arrive at a paid client session with one camera and no backup, you have no business taking money from that client. If you are touting yourself as a professional, you must show up as one, which means ensuring you are showing up to every shoot with back-ups. Backup batteries, cameras, hard drives, lenses, and memory cards. What if you accidentally drop a camera during your paid session, and the family has gathered from out of state for this session? What if you thought you had charged your battery beforehand and realized it didn't charge when you arrived? What if your memory card fails while you are shooting, and you don't have a second card in the camera backing up the images or a replacement card to swap the failed card? What if the only hard drive you use to store pictures fails (this has happened to me several times!). These real-life scenarios can and will happen to you at one time during your career, and you need to be prepared. I have had flashes break during weddings, dropped cameras, and had malfunctions. Still, because I had backups for everything, I simply swapped out the malfunctioning gear and kept shooting, so the clients were no wiser. Rent gear until you can afford to purchase backups. Again, if you want to be a professional, show up as a professional, even if it's a $50 session.

11. Know your numbers.

To run a successful business, you need to understand your cash flow. What money is coming in and going out? Suppose you want to support yourself or your family with this venture. In that case, you need to truly understand every penny it takes to pay your bills personally and within your business. How much are you spending on your:

Mortgage or rent
Car payment
Credit card debt if any
Grocery bill
Dining out
Travel
Gas
Clothing and other personal neccesities
Health insurance
Business insurance
Business licenses
Business taxes
Business software
Cost of goods you are selling
Equipment
Education costs
What are you spending on your business versus what is coming in? If this all seems like too much, I strongly urge you to find an accountant in your area with experience with small businesses in your niche. When you start tracking your numbers, you may be shocked at what your perceived amount going out is versus your actual. Knowing your numbers is imperative to your long-term success in business. How can you set your pricing if you don’t know what you need to survive?

12. Don’t give up.

Running a business can become overwhelming at times. For now, I am wrapping this with some encouragement. Entrepreneurship is tricky; don't give up if you are in a difficult place right now. The rewards (at least for me) of running my own business far outweigh the cons. I have dealt with self-doubt, a difficult client that I thought would break me, and times of uncertainty in my business through natural disasters and, of course, COVID-19. The tough times made me stronger; they will do the same for you.

Creating a Successful Photography Business Part 2