What I Wish I Knew Before Starting My Photography Business

When I started my photography business 15 years ago, I had no idea what I was doing. I just knew I loved photographing families and wanted to create something meaningful. Looking back, there are a few things I wish I’d known that would have saved me time, stress, and a few tears.

If you’re starting a photography business or still finding your footing, these lessons will help you build something real and lasting, without the overwhelm.

1. Success Takes Time

It took me three years to quit my job as a NICU nurse. I used to think I’d be “fully booked” in a few months, but sustainable success takes time. The truth is, it’s normal for reliable bookings and consistent income to take years. What matters most is consistency and showing up even when it feels slow.

2. Don’t Compare Your Journey

It’s easy to look at photographers on Instagram and assume they have it all figured out. But remember you’re only seeing their highlight reel. The behind-the-scenes reality is often messy and uncertain. Keep your eyes on your own progress and trust that your path will look different, and that’s okay.

3. Find a Mentor Early On

I waited two years before hiring my first mentor, and it completely changed my trajectory. Within a year, I was earning six figures. A mentor gives you clarity, accountability, and direction and it collapses your learning curve. If I were starting a photography business again, I’d invest in mentorship from day one.

Learn everything you need to know about starting afamily photography business.

4. Social Media Isn’t Everything

Likes and followers don’t equal clients. Social media is just one piece of a much bigger marketing puzzle. Don’t let the algorithm define your worth or dictate your energy. Use it as a tool, not a measure of success.

5. Focus on Email and SEO Early

If I could start from scratch, I’d put my energy into email marketing and SEO first. These two things are the foundation of long-term, reliable bookings. Social media trends come and go, but your email list and search visibility are assets you own.

6. Schools Change Everything

I waited two years before adding school photography to my business and that was two years of missed income and connection with hundreds of potential family clients. School photography can become a marketing engine for your family sessions. Don’t wait to explore it.

Starting a family photography business can be simple if you have the roadmap.

7. Practice, Practice, Practice

In the beginning, I was so focused on the business side that I neglected my craft. Doing more free sessions early on would have accelerated my growth as an artist. Every shoot paid or unpaid builds confidence, creativity, and skill.

8. Keep Creating

When you invest in your creativity, everything else gets easier. The better you become at your art, the more confident you’ll feel selling it. Creativity isn’t just the heart of your work it’s the foundation of your success.

Final Thoughts

Building a photography business is hard, beautiful work. There’s no shortcut to success but there is a roadmap.

If you’re ready to skip the guesswork and start your photography business the right way, I’ve put together a free downloadable ROADMAP that outlines the exact steps I’d take if I were starting over today.

👉 Click here to download your free Photography Business Roadmap.

Get the business roadmap for family photography.