01/27/2025
Being a small business owner, especially a photographer, is tough in today’s economy. The cost of equipment, software, and other business needs keeps rising, which makes it hard to stay profitable. At the same time, many people are cutting back on spending, so photographers often have to lower their prices just to get clients. This puts even more pressure on earnings. To make things harder, smartphones and cheap cameras mean more people are offering photography services, creating lots of competition.
Photographers also have to keep up with new trends and learn how to market themselves online through social media and websites, which can be time-consuming and expensive. And for a non-tech-savvy millennial like me who dreads posting on social media, it’s extra challenging! Finding regular, loyal clients is difficult in a market full of one-time jobs and many other photographers. On top of that, managing both the creative and business sides of photography can be overwhelming, especially when cash flow isn’t steady. Balancing passion and making a living is a constant challenge.
I do struggle whether I should be sharing this or not to clients right away but photography is not my full-time gig. I made a small business out of a hobby that turned into passion but I’m not fully sold on letting go of a stable paycheck, health insurance and other benefits that come with being employed full-time through a company. Still, that doesn’t discount my desire to make this a more lucrative endeavor whilst fulfilling my creative hunger and serving beautiful couples in love.
If I have a business resolution this year, it is definitely to take more intentional steps towards business growth. What that is, I have yet to put into writing but upping my social media game is definitely up there! Who knew I’d have to take classes and read up on “social media marketing”? Wish me luck!
Chicago Wedding and Portrait Photographer Michelle Zapanta Photography is a beautiful blend of posed and photojournalistic take on wedding photography.
