Welcome to the Photo Blog! I am so excited you are here and hope to use this to help educate and share things to help make your photo experience all the better.
Since starting photography and after speaking with so many other photographers, I wanted to really dive in to what goes into running a true business and not just a side hustle. I hope to help educate everyone who reads this in what goes into running a full-time, tax paying business. As it is similar to your everyday job, we are here to do something we love to provide for our families. I promise, we are not here to take advantage of you with our photos.
From the photographer's perspective.
Immediately following a session, I have to put money away for taxes, think about the cost of doing business, and all other things that go into running my business. At the start of my business, I knew it would come with costs, but I underestimated how much that would be. Yes, you have to start somewhere. As I have built my reputation, time, talent, and skill - I have worked up to my price point based on all of these things. My goal is not to ever make you feel that I am out to get you with my pricing. Sessions are more than just taking photos. They come with a high-end experience from beginning to end and more features throughout your time working with me.
The true cost of doing business.
When payment comes in for a session, the first thing I have to account for is taxes. After meeting with a tax professional and assessing my personal situation, I immediately put away 30% of my session income for taxes. This has to be paid at the end of every year. There is no question.
Following taxes, I have to account for other costs. This includes software costs, vehicle maintenance, equipment maintenance/cost, etc. I also have time spent in customer service, marketing, research to make my product that much better, accounting, and so much more! The cost of these is very high. I have averaged around $5000 alone this year in business licenses, insurance, fuel, software costs, and the basic things it costs to keep my business going. This does not account for taxes.
While this year, I worked hard to grow the foundation of my business. I worked at a very low rate to build what I needed to get my business up and going. I was happy to do so because we all have to start somewhere. Thankfully, I have spent the last several years acquiring high-end equipment, so I didn't have that cost on top of everything else. I have about a $20,000 invest alone in my equipment.
Realities behind the lens.
All this being said, the financial side of running a business can be quite stressful. For me, being a people pleaser, what is even hard are the judgements that come with being a photographer around pricing.
I can reassure you, I am not out to get at people with cost. Almost half my session fee goes to paying for taxes and basic businesses cost. It is similar to your every day job, just that I do it for myself and have to deal with the tax side of it.
Things that are not seen during a session.
Prior to and following a session, I average between ten and twenty hours of work. This does not count my session time. During this time, I am communicating with clients to make sure session expectations are met, driving, editing, etc. Beach lighting is very tricky and comes with more editing than a typical session where I have a little more light control. A lot of time and effort is put into editing the perfect photo. I do not rush my sessions. Most photographers don't, so this is why you thinking it is just clicking a button is not reality.
So much time and effort goes into each session, client experience, and even developing skills so I can give the absolute best everytime. Another thing is equipement investment. One thing people don't and will never know is when a camera malfunction happens. I always bring backup equipment for this very reason.
Other thoughts.
I am very passionate about my work and while criticism comes in a variety of forms. I am always working to better improve my photo quality and experience. My goal for this post is to share some of the hardship that comes with running a business and to share that I hope to create an amazing session experience for all of my clients - whether you are a bride of mine, a mama-to-be, or a family.
Running this business comes with long hours that are not typical 9-5 hours. I navigate raising children and working to take care of my family. Most of the time that means late nights and navigating my family's schedule because that is a priority to me.
In the end, I would not change anything I have worked through. I have learned a lot of hard lessons. But, I use this to continue to promote and grow my goals and dreams for my family. As a true professional photographer, I am never out to get anyone with pricing. I hope this post helps to share a little bit more about what goes on other then session times.
If you every have questions or concerns, most photographers are willing to work with you! Speak to them, share your fears, and know we do take payment plans! If you are dreaming of a high-end photo shoot, my best advice is to plan ahead. Just as you are looking to find ways to increase income or better your livelihood, so are we as photographers. Do some research, pick your photographer, and try to save if you are worried about funds.
If you have other thoughts or questions, don't be afraid to reach out! I, personally, and other photographers are always willing to help!
