being a photographer has challenges
Being a photographer, while incredibly rewarding, comes with its own set of challenges. Whether you're a portrait photographer, a wedding photographer, or a specialized photographer like labor and delivery or even a general event photographer, these struggles can arise at various stages of your career. And the industry often glamorizes the art instead of discussing the things we photographers "avoid" talking about, ultimate the uglies of our passion. If you know me, I can be blunt but I often find pride in this advocacy to speak truths so it would only be fitting that I discuss these uglies here.
Fluctuating Income
Especially freelance or independent work, can lead to fluctuating income. There are periods of busy seasons and dry spells, making it difficult to budget and plan financially. Not to mention the growing number of cancellations and reschedules photographers face each year. We face this challenge with a variety of services and always striving to learn more and do more for our clients to increase our chances for income streams. We find success in flexibility and the idea that worrying about the next dollar isn't going to always be the best option sometimes you just have to be okay with what's in front of you.
Expectations
Managing client expectations can be difficult. Sometimes clients have unrealistic ideas about the final product or how long it takes to get the perfect shot.
Setting clear expectations upfront through contracts, consultations, and mood boards can help. Proper communication is key to ensuring both parties are on the same page. We see a lot of expectations occur in the editing style or the want to have something they have seen someone else do. Each photographer is different, so it is import to communicate what makes you different with your client so they are not left disappointed thinking they will get something else.
The Hours
Photography often involves working nights, weekends, or during holidays to accommodate clients’ schedules. This can lead to burnout, especially if the photographer has to juggle multiple events or shoots.
Time management and setting boundaries are essential and honestly something I am still working on. Scheduling regular breaks, setting work hours, and ensuring you have personal time can prevent burnout. I can't tell you how many family/friend events I have missed following the path of my passion.
The Gear/apps
Whether you are a photographer and understand this pain or a client discover some of our struggles, our gear is a huge challenge in the industry especially when you are trying to get started. From Camera Bodies to Lenses that create the perfect styled look - it all costs $. Monetary value that you now have to take into an account for your session investment packages. Not to mention most of us pay for a monthly subscription to Adobe and are consistently upgrading and adding to our collection of glass and props.
My favorite camera setup (Camera body and lenses) for a session costs around $8,000! I like to upgrade equipment every 2-3 years to ensure that my clients are getting the best quality for their dollar.
My Style
Photography is an art form, I have talked about this in previous blogs, and not everyone will like your work, as I mentioned above in expectations. Handling negative feedback, especially when it’s personal or harsh, can be tough. Especially since we spend hours and heart-filled tears perfecting each image to be perfect. What I have learned is that you have to separate yourself from your work, taking constructive criticism to heart, and continuously refining your craft can help build resilience. I used to (I mean I still do, what am I kidding) take a lot of the negative feedback I get to heart. I know I shouldn't, but I really pour my heart into my work. I really am still working on this one.... and probably always will be.
Stress of working on the fly
Technical challenges like equipment malfunctions, unexpected lighting issues, or tricky shooting conditions are always possible. These can be particularly stressful during events like weddings or births. Not all wedding locations are going to be predictable for light and sometimes you are going to have to go with the best you have in front of you. You often will have to "settle" for that more sunny spot then the perfect shaded one you can't find.
Thoroughly understanding your equipment, having backup gear, and being able to troubleshoot on the fly are essential skills. Preparing for various situations by experimenting and learning in different environments at session can help build these skills. With experience comes better results for things like this.
A Saturated Market
Photography is a highly competitive field, especially with the rise of smartphones and amateur photographers. Standing out from the crowd and differentiating your work can be a constant challenge. When you ask for a photographer recommendation on Facebook, expect about a few hundred of tags ranging from experienced to amateur, inexpensive to luxurious.
Developing a unique style, and investing in building a personal brand, and focusing on niche markets where you can provide a specialized service is a way to stand a part. Networking and word-of-mouth referrals have been my saving grace of success. (shout-out to my BNI group and the many many families that have been with me as I have grown, sharing their testimonials to friends).
Really though...
I could do on and on about the different struggles we face in the industry, but in reality they can't hold us back and I will face them all with my goofy and bubbly personality. These are some parts of the creative process and the realities of being a photographer, many of which is why we are people pleasers and adrenaline junkies. With the right strategies, support, and mindset, they can be overcome and they will be. Embracing the challenges and learning from them can help you grow both professionally and personally, ensuring long-term success and fulfillment in the field. I always have said, if you love what your doing the hardships will only be bumps in the road but the success will feel like you climbed a mountain. No challenge in this industry will ever hold me back for striving to be great and following my passion of capturing moments.
