Throughout the Photography industry there is talk of how our industry is struggling. But what I see, is an industry that is thriving. I’m excited to kick off a success share blog for our thriving industry to show that if you do the work you too can have a successful thriving business. I reached out to my Facebook Community to ask what I was working for them in their business currently. Whether they’ve discovered a new marketing strategy, honed their photography skills, or found unique ways to connect with clients, I want to share about it. Take a look these success stories and see what is working for thriving photographers right now in 2024

Real Success Stories in the Photography Industry

Success Stories – Melody MacDonald

Just wrapped up my 4th year in volume photography, but my first year with 3 schools and the numbers are shocking (in a good way). I learned a lot this year, especially how much I didn’t make as my COGs (cost of goods) weren’t really set up appropriately. I have fixed it and am ready for fall school season! Note: these are gross numbers. Net: $14K.

Success Stories – Amy Mehlos

Tons of work on SEO a couple of years ago is really paying off now. I established myself as an in-home photographer and as a result, didn’t have a slow season this past year. My winter was just as busy as any other season.

Success Stories – Charis Kauffman

Bring community connection together. For me it has been ways to serve the community support other small businesses and be able to share my name and work.

I’m just about this weekend to host my second annual Nurture Fest – a photo celebration for breastmilk mamas. We have over 50 mamas coming this year…7 other local mama business helping sponsor the event and most all of our treats made by other local mama businesses.

Success Stories – Liz Putnam

SEO! I’ve really stepped up my game the last couple years, and am now ranking in multiple cities, 50+ miles beyond where I live. Roughly 75 visitors/day to my website. I’ve had 40 inquiries who found me on Google in the last 4 months, and at least half of those have booked sessions. Bonus: The posts I’ve written have been a huge time saver for me, and incredibly helpful to my clients!

Success Stories – Eva Hadad

Creating a package with a set number of images and allowing for upgrades instead of just including everything has significantly changed my bottom line!

Success Stories – Evelynne Greenburg

I’ve been having great success with networking. In December I joined a BNI group. I’ve gained great clients from it and now have a community that I can’t rely on to promote my business locally.

Success Stories – Jaime Bugbee-King

Seeing results of SEO, finessing my website copy, and I finally understand it after a lot of years feeling frustrated. I had my best month ever in May. It will always be a work in progress but I’ve come sooo far the last two years.

Success Stories – Stacey Feasel

I have been thriving by working with my return families! Following up with birthday cards and authentic e-mails to reconnect. Automation has also been a focus of mine to make sure that new families hear back from me in a timely manner. I finally figured out a neurodivergent way to set up mini session and had a HUGE success in those. Through my education classes (www.ndphotographyed.com), I have been leading masterclasses and speaking to photography groups and podcasts about working with neurodivergent families and how that impacts a high rate of returning families. So far this year I have worked with 40+ families, which is scaled down for me because I had hand surgery last month. I also partnered with a High School Music program to captured Schooled-style photos of the students at a concert. We set it up as a fundraiser and now I have those family’s information for senior and family photos in the future. This worked great for me last year so I was happy to do it again!

Success Stories – Emily Cannata

This was my best Senior Session Season ever! Over 30 seniors photographed (mostly in March and April, with 10k in 1 single month a few times). I’m finalizing a course on working with tween/teen boys! 

Success Stories – Lindsay Todd-Eickoff

Worked hard at SEO and blogging this winter and seeing steady gains in my ranking/impressions. Also, put myself out there in my local community and am seeing engagement and inquiries improve noticeably. Excited to grow more!

If you are looking for ways to boost your photography business or wanting to find a positive community to push your knowledge and skills I invite you to come to the Elena S Blair Education Group on Facebook!