If I Were to Start My Photography Business Over Today

Starting a photography business is a journey filled with lessons, growth, and a lot of trial and error. Looking back, if I had to start over today, there are a few key things I would prioritize from the very beginning to build a strong foundation and set myself up for success.

What I Would Do Differently:

1. Build and Nurture My Email List
   Social media is great, but an email list is essential. If I could do it over, I would start collecting emails from day one and focus on providing valuable content to my subscribers. Unlike social media algorithms, an email list is something you own, and it allows you to stay directly connected with potential clients.

2. Show Up and Be Present
   I used to hide behind my work, letting my photos speak for themselves. But people want to connect with the person behind the camera. I would make it a priority to show my face, share my story, and let my audience get to know me—because at the end of the day, people book with photographers they trust and feel connected to.

3. Post Consistently on Social Media with Purpose
   I would be more intentional about my social media presence, not just posting for the sake of posting but providing real value—whether through behind-the-scenes videos, tips for clients, or educational content for aspiring photographers. Consistency matters, and showing up regularly helps build trust and recognition.

4. Blog Consistently
   Blogging is an often overlooked but powerful way to build a brand. Not only does it improve SEO (helping my website rank higher on Google), but it also allows me to tell the stories behind my sessions, connect with my audience on a deeper level, and provide valuable content that lives longer than a fleeting social media post.

5. Make My Website SEO-Friendly
   If I had known how much SEO could work for me, I would have optimized my website from day one. Ranking on Google brings in organic traffic and potential clients without having to rely solely on paid advertising or social media. Investing time into learning SEO and implementing it early on would have saved me so much time and effort down the road.

6. Budget for Hiring Experts
   When you’re starting out, it’s tempting to try and do everything yourself—but that’s not sustainable. I would set aside a budget to invest in professionals who could help me in key areas, like:

   • A tax professional to ensure I’m handling finances properly.
   • A bookkeeper to keep my numbers in order.
   • A content creator to help with marketing so I could focus on photography.
     These investments pay off in the long run by saving time, reducing stress, and keeping the business running smoothly.

What I Wouldn’t Change:

1. Giving Back & Volunteering
   I have zero regrets about offering free or low-cost sessions when I first started. It helped me gain experience, build confidence, and develop my portfolio without the pressure of high-paying clients. When you’re new, paid opportunities won’t just fall into your lap—you have to create them. Offering my time and services was a stepping stone that led to so many opportunities, and I would do it all over again.

2. Building a Supportive Photography Community
   One of the best things I did was surround myself with other photographers who encouraged and supported me. Yes, you will encounter competition, and not everyone will have good intentions—but don’t let a few bad experiences stop you. There are so many amazing people in this industry who want to see you succeed. Seek out those who inspire and uplift you, and don’t be afraid to collaborate and learn from others.

3. Exploring Different Types of Photography
   Many people say, “Find your niche and stick with it.” While there’s truth to that, I wouldn’t have known what I truly loved if I hadn’t tried everything first. At one point, I thought I wanted to specialize in weddings—until I realized it wasn’t my passion. By taking on a variety of photography jobs, I discovered where my heart truly belonged. The more experiences you have, the better you’ll understand where your strengths and passions lie.

Final Thoughts

If you’re just starting your photography journey, remember that it’s okay to evolve, learn, and pivot along the way. There’s no perfect roadmap, but focusing on connection, consistency, and community will take you far. No matter where you are in your business, keep showing up, keep learning, and most importantly—keep capturing what you love.