Let’s talk about something no one tells you when you’re growing your photography business:
Success isn’t one-size-fits-all.
But it’s so easy to fall into the trap of chasing someone else’s version of success.
You see photographers booking 40 weddings a year and think, I should want that.
You hear that IPS (In-Person Sales) is the only way to run a portrait business and think, I should do that.
You watch someone scale a six-figure business and think, That’s the only way to be successful.
But what if that’s not what YOU actually want?
What if success, for you, looks completely different?
What Does Success Look Like to YOU?
- Maybe you’re a stay-at-home mom who wants to shoot 5 weddings a year—just enough to fuel your creativity without sacrificing family time.
- Maybe you don’t want to do IPS and would rather deliver all-inclusive digital galleries—because that model fits your lifestyle better.
- Maybe you don’t want to scale to six figures—you just want a fulfilling creative outlet that brings in extra income.
And guess what?
That’s completely valid.
The worst mistake you can make in your photography journey? Building a business that doesn’t align with your actual life and values.
Learn to Filter the Noise
There’s no shortage of photography business advice out there.
- “You have to niche down or you’ll never book clients.”
- “You have to do IPS—digital files are a waste of money.”
- “If you’re not making six figures, you’re doing it wrong.”
STOP.
Not every piece of advice is meant for you. Not every strategy aligns with your goals.
The key is knowing how to pick and choose what actually serves YOU.
How to Know What Advice to Ignore
Ask Yourself: Does This Align With My Lifestyle?
If a business model requires more time, energy, or commitment than you’re willing (or able) to give—it’s not for you.
Does This Actually Get Me Closer to My Goal?
Not someone else’s goal—yours. If your dream is to book five high-end sessions a month, you don’t need strategies designed for photographers trying to book 40.
Do I Even Want That Version of Success?
Before you follow a trend, ask yourself: Would I actually be happy doing this?
You Get to Define What Success Looks Like
Maybe success is quitting your 9-to-5 and going full-time with photography.
Maybe success is booking just enough sessions to fuel your creativity.
Maybe success is shooting once a month because you love it, not because you need to.
No one gets to decide that for you.
So before you take another business course, change your pricing, or restructure your packages—make sure it actually fits the life you want.
The Bottom Line? Success Should Feel GOOD to You.
You don’t have to book 40 weddings a year.
You don’t have to sell prints if you don’t want to.
You don’t have to build a six-figure empire if that’s not your dream.
Success is about creating a business that works for YOUR life.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day:
You get to decide what success looks like.
You don’t have to follow every piece of advice you hear.
The right path is the one that feels GOOD to you.
What does success look like for YOU? Drop a comment—I’d love to hear your version!
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