Is Photography Really That Hard? Here’s the Truth!

Starting a photography business can feel like an overwhelming journey. There’s so much to learn, from understanding your camera settings to managing clients, building a portfolio, and navigating the unpredictable challenges of each shoot. So, is photography really that hard? The answer is yes—but it’s also incredibly rewarding.

Let’s break down the tough parts of photography, why they’re important, and how to navigate them with confidence.

1. Finding Your Worth: How to Set Your Prices

One of the first hurdles new photographers face is figuring out their pricing. It can be difficult to find that balance between charging enough to make a profit, but not too much to scare potential clients away.

Here’s how to approach it:

• Start small, grow with experience: In the beginning, it’s okay to charge less to build your portfolio, but make sure you’re at least covering your basic expenses (gear, insurance, marketing). As you gain more experience, raise your rates to reflect your expertise.
• Cover your overhead: Keep track of all business expenses, including gear upkeep, software subscriptions, and other essential tools. Factor those costs into your pricing as your business grows.
• Value your time: Don’t forget to consider how much time you’ll spend on each project. A photoshoot takes more than just shooting—it includes editing, communication, and post-production. Charge for all the hours you put in.

Pricing your services is one of the hardest but most important aspects of your business, and it’s something you’ll continue to adjust as your career progresses.

2. The Challenge of Cancellations and Managing Workflow

As you start booking clients, you’ll quickly realize how crucial organization is. Dealing with cancellations, rescheduling, and managing your workflow can sometimes feel overwhelming. But with the right systems in place, it’s manageable.

Here’s what works for me:

• Back up everything: It’s easy to forget, but always back up your images. Use multiple storage options—external hard drives, cloud storage, and project management tools to keep everything safe and organized.
• Develop a streamlined workflow: From photo imports to edits and final deliveries, create a system that works for you. This saves you time and ensures you’re not scrambling to get everything done last minute.
• Have a backup plan: Never put all your eggs in one basket. Use multiple memory cards during a shoot to avoid data loss in case of technical issues.

By staying organized and prepared, you can eliminate a lot of the stress that comes with managing your photography business.

3. When to Go Full-Time: The Big Decision

The decision to go full-time with your photography business is a big one. It’s easy to get excited when you start getting consistent bookings, but it’s essential to be financially prepared for this leap.

Here’s how to approach it:

• Evaluate your finances: Can you support yourself without relying on a full-time job? If your photography income isn’t enough to sustain your lifestyle, consider waiting until you have more bookings and a larger financial cushion.
• Build savings: Set aside several months of living expenses before going full-time. This gives you the security you need to handle any slow months or unexpected challenges.
• Assess demand: Are you consistently booking clients? If your calendar is filling up with weddings, family shoots, or events, it may be the right time to make the switch.

Going full-time isn’t for everyone, but when you’re ready, it’s one of the most exciting milestones in your photography career.

4. Mastering Lighting: The Key to Great Photos

One of the most challenging aspects of photography is learning how to work with lighting. Whether you’re shooting outdoors in natural light or indoors in low-light settings, knowing how to use your lighting sources effectively can make all the difference.

Here’s the truth about lighting:

• Natural light is your friend: But it can be tricky. Learning to shoot during golden hour (the hour after sunrise and before sunset) is one of the easiest ways to ensure beautiful, soft light in your photos.
• Flash is essential: At some point, you’ll be in situations where natural light isn’t enough—whether it’s a dark church, a reception hall, or an evening shoot. Flash can help illuminate your subject, creating sharp, well-exposed photos even in low-light settings.
• Manage your ISO: Modern cameras are great at handling high ISOs, but it’s best to keep it within reasonable limits (I personally stick to under 10,000). Adjusting your aperture and shutter speed, along with flash, can help you get the exposure just right without sacrificing image quality.

Lighting might seem overwhelming at first, but once you get comfortable with both natural and artificial light, you’ll have the tools you need to shoot stunning photos in any situation.

5. The Importance of Education: Keep Learning

One of the hardest but most important things in photography is continuously learning and improving your craft. From mastering your camera’s settings to understanding new editing techniques, there’s always something to learn.

Here’s how to stay ahead:

• Find a mentor: Mentorship is invaluable. Having someone who can offer guidance and feedback on your work helps you improve faster and avoid common mistakes.
• Practice regularly: The more you shoot, the better you’ll become. Don’t wait for the “perfect” shoot—experiment with different techniques and lighting setups to discover what works best for you.
• Keep up with new trends and tech: The photography world is always changing. Stay up-to-date on new cameras, software, and trends to keep your skills fresh and relevant.

The most successful photographers are lifelong learners. Make education a priority, and you’ll continue to grow as both an artist and a business owner.

6. Building a Consistent Workflow

Once you’ve started booking clients and building your portfolio, it’s time to establish a consistent workflow that helps you stay organized and efficient.

Here’s what you’ll need to do:

• Post-production systems: From importing your images to editing and delivering galleries, create a process that makes editing faster and more effective. Using presets for common adjustments can speed up your workflow, but be sure to tweak each photo to maintain consistency.
• Client management: Use project management tools or CRM software to keep track of client communications, contracts, and deadlines. This will save you time and prevent mistakes or missed opportunities.

A streamlined workflow not only makes your job easier, but it also ensures a smoother, more professional experience for your clients.

7. Managing Expectations: Stay Resilient

As with any business, setbacks and challenges are part of the process. Whether it’s a difficult client or an unexpected problem on a shoot, learning to manage expectations and stay positive is key.

Here’s how to handle setbacks:

• Don’t take things personally: Not every client will be thrilled with every shot, and not every shoot will go as planned. Use constructive criticism to improve, but don’t let negative feedback discourage you.
• Adjust your goals: Be realistic about your expectations, especially in the beginning. It takes time to build your reputation and client base. Celebrate small wins and keep working toward your bigger goals.

Staying resilient and positive in the face of setbacks is essential for long-term success. Remember, every challenge is an opportunity to learn and grow.

Conclusion: Keep Going, Keep Learning

Photography is hard, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. As you face challenges and grow in your craft, remember that every hurdle you overcome brings you closer to success. Stay patient, keep learning, and never give up on your dream.

If you ever find yourself stuck or need advice, reach out. Photography is a community, and we’re all here to help each other succeed. I’m rooting for you!

PS: If you want to dive even deeper into some of the struggles I faced and how I navigated them, check out the video below. In it, I share more personal insights and talk about the real, raw challenges that come with building a photography career. Trust me, you’ll find some valuable tips and inspiration that can make all the difference on your journey. You don’t want to miss it!