There’s so much noise in this industry—hot takes on what you “have to” do to be successful.
Spoiler: most of it’s outdated, unrealistic, or doesn’t work for the life you actually live.
Here’s the photography advice I’ve fully unsubscribed from:
You Need to Offer Everything to Get Booked
Nope.
The idea that you’ll be more successful if you photograph families, weddings, seniors, real estate, pets, food, and product photography is a trap.
You can’t be known for everything.
Specializing doesn’t limit you—it positions you as the expert. When people know exactly what you’re great at, they trust you more and book faster.
You don’t have to niche down to one session type, but everything you offer should fall under the same umbrella.
Mine? Families. That includes maternity, newborn, motherhood, and full family sessions. It’s all connected.
But trying to market yourself as a newborn photographer and a real estate photographer? That’s a whole different audience. You’re talking to two completely different types of clients—and both will be confused.
You Have to Do In-Person Sales
This gets thrown around like it’s the only way to be profitable.
I’m sure it works for some people. But it doesn’t work for me.
I don’t have the capacity to drive across town, book a second appointment, and sit with every client while they choose photos. That’s not what my life looks like right now—and that’s okay.
You can be profitable without in-person sales.
You can have a streamlined system that fits your schedule, supports your lifestyle, and still gives your clients a beautiful experience.
What matters most? That your business works for you, not the other way around.
Busy = Successful
This one makes me crazy.
Being booked out every weekend, working late every night, never having a moment to breathe—none of that means you’ve “made it.”
If anything, it usually means your pricing is too low or your boundaries are missing.
You don’t need to be drowning in sessions to be successful.
You just need to:
- Price your work for profit
- Work the amount that feels right for your life
- Define success on your own terms
That might mean 5 sessions a month. Or only shooting in certain seasons. Or building in time to rest.
Busy isn’t the goal. Freedom is.
Other Photographers Are Your Competition
There are enough clients for everyone. Full stop.
Other photographers aren’t your competition—they’re just on their own path. And if you’re focused on what everyone else is doing, you’re not focused on your own growth.
The truth is: the more community you have in this industry, the better.
Share, connect, refer out when you’re full.
There’s space for all of us.
If You’re Not Booking, It’s Because There Are Too Many Photographers in Your Area
Every time I hear someone say “it’s just oversaturated,” I roll my eyes.
There are a lot of photographers, sure. But most aren’t connecting, showing up, or building trust.
If you’re not booking, it’s not because there are too many photographers. It’s usually because:
- Your work isn’t standing out enough
- Your messaging is unclear
- You’re not marketing consistently
- You’re not talking to the right people
Saturation isn’t the issue. Visibility and clarity are.
A “Good” Session Is Calm and Easy
Let me tell you something: some of my favorite galleries came from chaotic, unpredictable, borderline wild sessions.
It’s not about whether the kids “cooperate.” It’s about whether you know what to do when they don’t.
A good photographer isn’t someone who only gets beautiful photos when everything goes perfectly.
It’s someone who can adapt, redirect, and still create magic in the mess.
Final Thought
Your business doesn’t have to follow someone else’s rules.
You get to choose what aligns with your life, your goals, and your version of success.
Just because it’s being shouted in a Facebook group or pushed in a course doesn’t mean it’s truth.
You can be booked, profitable, and totally aligned—without falling for the noise.
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