How To Turn Your Photography Into A Business (Realistic)

A question I get a lot is how to get your first paying customer as a photographer, especially a beginner photographer. In this video I talk about 5 concepts that you might want to learn to start your photography business and scale it.

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[DavidSenteno]

In my journey in photography I've found I prefer the art of photography. Shooting for myself and what I find inspiring, is the best part of photography for me. I do take paid clients sometimes. They provide the funds that keep my passion going. I also sell prints and do social media content. All of which provides the financial backing to keep me in gear and travel. Being honest about what I love about photography made me a happier person and brought back the join of photography for me. I hear all the time I should be shooting weddings and events, but I'm comfortable saying no. Saying no to shoots you're not into shooting also leaves room to do more of what you love. Best Wishes.

[kurtisca]

Advice with some legit examples and direction, this video is a rare gem in a sea of empty promise videos. Thanks for sharing this!

[CamWho]

I’ve been full time for 4 years now, and I absolutely love how real you kept it. Going full time shifted my relationship with photography and my camera in general in ways I wouldn’t have imagined when I first started

Thank you 🙏🏾

[copyrightshouldart]

The way you described how to create a portfolio, like creating a campaign, that really resonated with me. Thank you for sharing these ideas.

[Journeyvialens]

Started doing photography as a business for few months and it started taking fun out of photography for me, I highly recommend pay attention to first point as ask yourself are you ready?

[DVinstapics]

This was the wake up call we all needed, thank you for laying it out so well for us. I myself have been battling with this idea of starting to do photography for paying customers but always felt like my work won't be accepted as professional enough to earn a paycheck. Also I currently have a good job and it pays well so there is also the reluctance of quitting one job to pursue another unpredictable one. I'm going to try to invest in more gear, lighting, editing software, etc. and try to build a portfolio on the side with people from my social group or friends of friends that would like a photoshoot and then see where it goes

[travisjacobsvideos]

I really don't mind shooting photography for clients but when it comes to editing hundreds of photos for others it can be daunting.

[SonicEchoVoid]

Thank you for the blunt honesty and not some B.S. like a lot of these other YouTuber’s vomit on this platform 🔥

[arkaefortt]

Thanks for sharing your experience with the business side of photography. The first two points really hit hard. I should probably maintain photos as a hobby for now to build more experience without the pressure.

Also, your tip of checking photos that are not keepers has helped me immensely. I find myself taking photos more deliberately. Thanks a lot, Pat!

[NicoleSuzannePhotography]

Fantastic tips as always. I realised I needed to hone my skills in the local tourism area by following the socials of my local councils to see what they promote and are looking for 🙌🏻

[NoBodyKnowsWhoIAm]

I've been strugling between dumping My job and starting a photography career and keep doing it as a hobby...Your vídeo Made me get deeper into muy thoughts on it....thank you

[k.rokstudios]

More business 🙏🏻 you’re the man! This was amazing!

[reiinart]

Hey Pat, thanks for the this video. It’s very useful to anyone who’d like to start their career as a creative professional and not exactly working for an agency at the office. I’m in stagnation with my work as an artist, and watching this video reminded me (again) how important basics are. 🙏

[PaidMeToWrite]

Great advice that doesn't just apply to photography. Thanks for the video.

[alliplaybycsi]

After watching this video, I got a lot of strength.. and also understood some knowledge.. Photography is a very important part of me, so I believe that what you told me will change me.. So I've put a lot of energy into trying to make the best of every type of photo... really thanks alot <3 PK

[stranahan]

This first video watching you turned me into a subscriber. I will also check out your course. Thank you. 🙏🏾

[kevinmcgowan]

Some great advice here. One thing I just read about for-profit businesses and free labor.
Photography studios might want to check the Fair Labor Standards Act, state and local employment laws. Working to gain experience, is still working. Privately owned, for-profit companies, may be breaking the law by not paying the photographer, no matter how minimum their contribution is to the company. This was news to me...but something to be aware of. I live in Texas. We have very lax employment laws, but this applies to me as well. The FLSA is a federal statute.

[tev]

thank you so much for this (requested) video - this is an amazing baseline and I hope there is more to come because we love to learn here from you

[VovaKhomenko]

Perfect video! Thanks a lot! Surely would want to hear more on business part, specifically more in depth about pitching! Thanks again!

[thomasriera]

Great video and very nice overview of the process!