17 Unpopular TRUTHS About Photography

1. Expensive gear and complex setups are not necessary for starting a photography business. If anything, they are a form of procrastination from the thing that matters: delivering real results.

2. Clients have different budgets and will work with photographers at different skill levels. You are going to be alright.

3. 98% of clients, especially smaller businesses, do not require the expertise of a five-star photographer.

4. Beginner photographers can target smaller brands that need good photos within their budget.

5. If you are a beginner photographer that is just starting out, you need to practice and improve your skills. Stop binge-watching tutorials and go out and shoot.

6. 2-star photographers can work with local businesses with limited budgets and still provide good work.

7. 3-star photographers, which I define as a photograhper with 6 months to a year of experience, can produce great photos with basic equipment and editing skills.

8. 4-star photographers have 1 to 3 years of experience and can handle more complex shoots, styling, and creative shots.

9. 5-star photographers are elite and can cater to international brands with substantial budgets.

10. Starting as a 3 to 4-star photographer provides a better chance of acquiring clients and building a business.

11. Matching your photography skill level to the client’s budget and needs is crucial if you want a profitable photography business.

12. Learning the business side of photography and gaining negotiation experience by starting with lower-budget clients is valuable and can compound down the road.

13. The goal is to provide good enough photos that meet the client’s requirements and budget, rather than striving for perfection. Most clients are reasonable.

14. It’s essential to choose the path that aligns with your goals and the type of clients you want to work with.

15. Focus on delivering high-impact photos that positively affect the client’s brand, rather than competing with top-tier photographers. Pick your battles wisely.

16. Many pro photography tutorials teach five-star photography, which may not be necessary for most clients.

17. Matching your skill set to the client’s needs and over-delivering will create a profitable business in photography for years to come.

Understand the needs of small and large brands and provide good service at an appropriate price point to grow your photography business successfully over the long-term.

Do those, you win.

Simple tips to implement.

Which one stood out to you?