READ THIS if you want to START your Photography BUSINESS in 2025

In 2023, I took the leap and went full-time with photography. Over my first year in business, I managed to reach six figures and completely replace my engineering income. It’s been an incredible journey, and today, I want to share how you can do the same in 2025. Let’s dive into the steps that made this possible for me and could help you too!

Step 0: Prepare to Do More of the Rest and Less Photography

Here’s a reality check: going full-time means you’ll spend a lot of time on business tasks. Photography becomes just one part of the job. You’ll need to manage clients, market yourself, and handle the financial side of things. If you’re not ready for this, you might as well keep photography as a hobby. It’s all part of building a successful and sustainable business.

A lot of people sell the dream of photography—traveling the world, spending your time only shooting beautiful images—but this is not the reality. In truth, photography and videography may make up only 20% of your work. The remaining 80% will involve client calls, emails, accounting, marketing, sales, and mastering many other skills to make your business successful. It’s vital to recognize this before you start.

Step 1: Define Your Services and Focus

Before diving into the other steps, take the time to define what services you want to offer and what kinds of things you want to shoot. Do you want to focus on weddings, portraits, commercial work, or something else? This decision will impact your language, marketing strategy, target audience, and all the steps that follow. Clarity here will save you time and help you stand out.

The first step in taking your photography hobby full-time is to get good enough to charge for your services. Clients won’t pay for results they don’t value, so practice mastering your camera, shaping light, and producing high-quality images that attract your target audience. Remember, this step is about being "good enough" to start—not perfect. You’ll continue learning and refining your skills as you grow.

Step 2: Improve Your Skills

Don’t expect people to pay you money if you do not have a decent body of work. Build your portfolio through free shoots, working with family and friends, or even experimenting with objects around you. First things first, you need to hone your craft. Practice consistently, study the work of photographers you admire, and invest in courses or mentorships. Remember, your work is your brand, so always aim to create stunning, impactful images.

If your photography only takes up 20% of your time, you need to make that time count. Master your camera, shape light, and create work that reflects the type of clients you want to attract. If you cannot produce high-quality work, you won’t gain paying clients. Excellence in photography is a prerequisite for success.

Step 3: Learn About Marketing and Sales

Based on what you shoot, the platform you’ll want to advertise on will differ. For example, as a portrait photographer, I’ve found success with Google Ads and Meta. Additionally, focus on building an email list, which will help you stay connected with potential clients. Social media, email marketing, and networking are your best friends here. It’s also important to understand how to price your services and close deals confidently.

Understanding your target audience is essential for crafting effective marketing messages. For instance, I tailor my language and visuals to appeal to couples seeking memorable moments. Marketing and sales aren’t just about showcasing your work—they’re about connecting with your audience in a meaningful way and addressing their needs.

Step 4: Build a Website

I use Squarespace (not sponsored), but platforms like this make it easy to get something going that you can optimize over time. Having a website is essential. It’s your online storefront—a place where potential clients can see your portfolio, learn about your services, and contact you. Make sure it’s easy to navigate and optimized for SEO so people can find you.

Your website should reflect your niche and communicate clearly to your target audience. Use language, visuals, and design elements that resonate with them. Your site isn’t just a portfolio; it’s a sales tool designed to convert visitors into paying clients. Make it professional, functional, and client-focused.

Step 5: Learn About Payment Systems

Learn about payment systems like Stripe, PayPal, or bank accounts so that you can receive payments easily. Make it simple for clients to pay you, which ensures a smooth business transaction process.

Payment systems are a critical component of running a professional photography business. Depending on your audience, you might need to offer online payment options or traditional methods like bank transfers. Make sure payment processes are seamless to enhance your clients’ experience.

Step 6: Use a CRM

A Customer Relationship Management (CRM) tool is a game-changer. It helps you stay organized, manage inquiries, send contracts, and keep track of payments. I use Studio Ninja (use the code CRNV96PLAH3HGC for 20% OFF ) to make my business more efficient, giving me more time to focus on what I love—taking photos.

Acquiring clients requires consistent marketing efforts, delivering excellent service, and seeking constructive feedback. Adjust your pricing and services as you learn what resonates with your audience. Continuous improvement is essential for long-term success.

Step 7: Get Clients, Keep at It, and Adjust Course

Once you’ve set up your business, the next step is to get clients. Keep at it and adjust your course as you go. Refine your offers and prices based on feedback and market demand. Persistence is key to building a thriving photography business.

Conclusion

I’m still on my journey, but I wanted to share what’s worked for me so far. If you’re dreaming of taking photography full-time, I hope these steps inspire and guide you. Remember, it’s not just about passion; it’s about putting in the work to make your dream a reality.

If you have any questions or want to share your journey, drop a comment below. And if you’re ready to take the leap, make sure to subscribe to the channel and my newsletter for more business content coming in 2025. Thanks for watching, and I’ll see you in the next video!