Starting your journey in photography, especially as a wedding photographer, can feel overwhelming. You might have the creative eye and the drive, but figuring out how to make money with photography often feels like a mystery. I’ve been there—and as someone who has navigated this path from the ground up, I want to share my honest advice to help you build a sustainable and fulfilling photography business.
The Hard Truth About Starting Out
One of the most common questions new photographers ask is: “How do I start making money with photography?” The answer might surprise you—it’s not glamorous, and it’s certainly not immediate. You might need to start by working for free.
I know that’s not what you wanted to hear. But let me explain why shooting without charging is one of the best ways to grow when you’re just getting started.
The Value of Shooting for Free
When you’re new, your focus shouldn’t be on profitability—it should be on experience. Free shoots give you the space to experiment, learn, and improve without the pressure of delivering perfection. Think of it as your on-the-job training. Here’s why this strategy works:
- Low Risk
If something goes wrong during a free shoot—a missed shot or a technical hiccup—it’s not the end of the world. Free sessions allow you to build confidence and troubleshoot your skills without risking a client’s investment. - Easy to Book
Let’s face it: convincing someone to book a paid shoot with no prior portfolio is hard. Free shoots are an easier “sell.” They help you build that portfolio and get real-world practice at the same time.
How to Approach Free Shoots
Start with friends and family. Ask if they’ll let you practice with them—whether it’s a staged engagement session, a family portrait, or capturing a special event. These sessions are invaluable because they’ll teach you how to interact with clients, manage timelines, and work under pressure.
When I first started, I photographed events for close friends to explore how to make money with photography while honing my skills. They were kind enough to let me try new techniques and learn the ropes. Those experiences shaped the photographer I am today.
Building a Portfolio That Attracts Clients
Once you’ve done a handful of free shoots, you’ll have the foundation for your portfolio. A strong portfolio is your biggest selling tool as a photographer.
Focus on Variety
Potential clients want to see diversity in your work. Showcase different styles, lighting scenarios, and subjects to prove you can handle any situation. For wedding photographers, this means highlighting both posed and candid moments, detail shots, and different venues.
Quality Over Quantity
It’s better to have 10 exceptional images than 50 average ones. Curate your portfolio carefully to reflect your strongest work.
Investing in Your Skills
While experience is critical, so is education. If you want to stand out in the competitive world of wedding photography, you need to invest in your craft.
Workshops and Online Courses
Workshops give you hands-on experience, often in simulated real-world scenarios. Online courses, like my Pathway to Full-Time Photography, provide in-depth knowledge on everything from client interactions to advanced editing techniques, helping you understand how to make money with photography effectively.
Learn Beyond Photography
A thriving photography business requires more than just taking great pictures. You’ll need to understand marketing, pricing, and client management. Resources like books, podcasts, or mentorship programs can help fill those gaps.
The Importance of Networking
One of the fastest ways to grow your photography business is through networking. Building relationships with vendors, venues, and even other photographers can open doors to referrals and collaborations.
Collaborating with Vendors
Florists, planners, and venues often recommend photographers they’ve worked with before. Reach out to these professionals and offer to collaborate on styled shoots to build both your portfolio and professional relationships.
Leveraging Social Media Connections
Platforms like Instagram and LinkedIn are goldmines for connecting with industry peers. Be active, share your work, and engage with others to grow your reach organically.
Pricing Your Services
Once you have experience and a solid portfolio, it’s time to start charging for your work. Setting your prices can feel daunting, but it’s essential to value your time and skills appropriately.
Research Market Rates
Look at what other photographers in your area are charging. Your initial rates should reflect your experience level but also cover your costs.
Create Clear Packages
Offering tiered packages helps clients understand what they’re getting at different price points. Include details like hours of coverage, the number of edited photos, and extras like albums or engagement sessions.
Delivering an Exceptional Client Experience
Your work doesn’t end after the photos are taken. Exceptional service—both before and after the wedding day—is what will set you apart.
Communication is Key
Be prompt and clear in your communications with clients. Answer their questions, set expectations, and provide timelines for delivering their images.
Underpromise and Overdeliver
It’s better to exceed expectations than to fall short. If you promise to deliver photos in 4 weeks but send them in 3, your clients will rave about your service.
Marketing Yourself Effectively
To learn how to make money with photography, people need to know about you. Marketing plays a huge role in attracting clients.
Use Social Media Wisely
Platforms like Instagram are visual and perfect for showcasing your work. Post consistently, use hashtags strategically, and interact with your audience.
Encourage Word-of-Mouth Referrals
Ask satisfied clients to share their experience and tag you in their posts. Nothing beats the power of a glowing recommendation.
What to Expect as You Grow
The journey to becoming a full-time wedding photographer isn’t linear. You’ll have highs and lows, but every step—free shoots, networking events, and long editing nights—will shape you into a better photographer and business owner.
Remember, this is a marathon, not a sprint. Stay focused, continue learning, and embrace the challenges that come your way.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you’re serious about learning how to make money with photography and building a sustainable wedding photography business, I’d love to help. My Pathway to Full-Time Photography program is designed for photographers like you—eager to grow and thrive in this industry.
Contact me here to learn more about my educational resources and take your first step toward turning your passion into profit.
