Sustainability. How do we build a wedding photography business that survives more than a few years? Can we grow profits, avoid burnout, and create long-term value for ourselves and our company?
When you’re just starting out you might offer ridiculously generous pricing because you’re asking someone to take a risk on you and your lack of experience. But even then, you’re going to work hard and give someone something of value. For some reason, it’s hard to stop the cycle of feeling like someone is doing you a favor by hiring you.
Do you want to know the difference between the days that I love what I do and the days when I literally daydream of having a boring day job? It’s when my clients appreciate my hard work and show me both with their thanks and their payment. In contrast, the clients who try to get more from me for less, those clients take it out of me.
I remind myself constantly that serving my clients well will serve me well. It sounds selfish when I put it like that but it’s not really something you can fake. Genuinely caring about your clients or other vendors will help you build a strong business over time. It’s important to note that relationships with other photographers, wedding planners, and just people in general can help you in your business. You never know when a relationship or a connection will be something you can lean on.Ok, we have to circle back to the money stuff. I mean that’s what we’re really talking about here. Unless you don’t actually need money?