How to Grow Your Photography Business: 3 Essential Truths

As a photographer, you pour your heart into your work. But building a sustainable business takes more than just great images. It requires strategy, a strong personal brand, and a deep understanding of your value. I have been in the photography business for 16 years and before that I was in the business world as a small insurance broker, voice teacher, and customer service rep for a nationally known insurance company.  (Mayhem, is their spokesperson.)  To say I have learned a few things about How to grow your photography business, is an understatement.  This blog is going to shed light on some of those things but here are the three things that I know for sure.

1. Your Brand is More Than Just Your Photos—It's You

Think about the last time you bought something or hired a service. Chances are, you chose someone you felt a connection with. The same principle applies when you are looking up things on how to grow your photography business. While high-quality work and competitive pricing are important, they aren't the top reasons clients choose you. (they really aren’t) They choose you because they like you, they trust you, and they feel a connection with your brand.

In today's market, your personal brand is a powerful asset. Showing your face and personality is key.  Whether you choose to show up through behind-the-scenes videos, authentic social media posts, or your website's 'About Me' page”, all of thes ethings allow potential clients to get to know the person behind the camera. This builds trust and rapport, making them more likely to book you over a competitor.

Ask yourself: Are you truly putting yourself out there? If not, consider how much of a difference it could make in attracting and retaining clients who are the perfect fit for you.

2. Choose Your Mentors Wisely

The coaching industry is full of people offering "guaranteed" success. It's tempting to want a shortcut, especially when you're feeling stuck. But before you invest your hard-earned money, do your research. A quick look at a coach’s experience can tell you a lot. Are they currently working in the industry? Do they have a proven track record of success?

Be wary of those who promise instant results without having done the work themselves. A truly valuable mentor is someone who has navigated the challenges you're facing and can offer genuine, real-world advice, not just a one-size-fits-all solution.

Your business is a significant investment of time and resources. Don't hand it over to someone who hasn't been in the trenches themselves.

I once was doom scrolling through my social media accounts and came across an ad of someone promising some pretty great results on how to grow your photography business.  As I often do, I dig deeper into what they are selling and how much experience they have in the photography business world.  This “so-called” mentor had been in business a total of 11 months. Really, 11 months! And they had the audacity to say they were experienced in running a photography business.  I’m sorry but unless a mentor has seen at least four seasons (really more like 40 seasons) in the business world, they don’t have anything to teach you past a free pdf or $27 mini-course.  I’m not trying to be mean but let’s not reward the habit of taking a course on how to sell a course and say that at the end you are qualified to teach photographers how to run sustainable businesses.  It doesn't work that way.

On the other hand if you are fortunate to be reading this blog post, your girl here has you covered.  I have seen it all and lived.  I can help you!

3. The Work You Do Matters

Pause for a moment and think about the last time you had a professional family portrait taken. For many of us, the answer is "not recently enough."

This hit home for me recently as I was putting together a gallery wall of family photos. I realized how few images I have of my entire family together. The truth is, we photographers are often so busy creating memories for others that we neglect our own. The feeling of missing a moment that you can never get back is a powerful reminder of what we do.

You aren't just taking photos; you are creating timeless, tangible memories that will be cherished for generations. This isn't just a business, it’s a legacy. The work you do is profoundly important.

Ready to Elevate Your Photography Business?

Are you feeling stuck or overwhelmed by the business side of things? Do you want to build a brand that truly reflects you and attracts your ideal clients, without falling for the empty promises of others?

My one-on-one coaching program is designed to help photographers like you build a thriving business. We'll work together to identify your unique strengths, create a clear marketing strategy, and set actionable goals that lead to real, sustainable growth.

Don't wait to build the business you've always dreamed of. Let’s create a plan that works for you.

Click that button and let's get started toward a business that you love and serves you well.