When To Go Full-Time with Your Photography Business
When to go full-time with your photography business? It’s a question I know many aspiring photographers wrestle with as you dream about turning your passion into a full-time career. Today we’re chatting how to know when you’re ready to take the leap and what steps to take if you’re not quite there yet. So, whether you’re teetering on the edge of making that big decision or you are just starting to dream about it, this episode is for you.
Taking the Leap: Going Full-Time with Your Photography Business
Deciding when to go full-time with your photography business is a massive step—a dream for many but also a source of sweaty palms and nervous excitement.
I’ve had the joy of helping countless photographers make this transition through my coaching program. And let me tell you, there’s nothing like seeing someone turn their passion into a full-time profession! Some of my students from The Seniorologie Semester have gone full-time within just a few months. They’re not just surviving but absolutely loving it—making a profit, doing what they love, and saying goodbye to old jobs.
If this sounds like something you’re interested in, keep reading. And if you want some one-on-one guidance to make your full-time photography dream a reality, send me a DM on Instagram—I’d love to help you out!
So, how do you know when it’s time to make your passion your full-time career? Let’s break it down.
Signs You’re Ready to Go Full Time
Let’s start by identifying the signs that you might be ready to take the plunge into full-time photography.
Consistent Income: Are you consistently making an income that matches or exceeds what you make at your current day job? This is a big one. You need to make sure you have a steady stream of income before making any drastic changes. If you’ve had several months—or better yet, a year—of consistent bookings and income, that’s a good indicator.
High Demand: Are you turning down clients because you’re too busy? If your calendar is constantly full and you’re having to turn away clients, it might be time to consider going full-time so you can accommodate that demand.
Financial Cushion: Do you have a financial cushion? Having at least six months of savings can give you the security you need to make the transition smoothly. This way, you’re not stressing about money while you’re trying to grow your business.
Strong Portfolio: Do you have a portfolio that not only makes you proud but also catches the eye of your ideal clients? If your work speaks to the people you want to attract, you’re on the right track!
Preparing for the Full-Time Leap
What if you’re not quite ready yet? That’s okay! There are steps you can take to prepare for going full-time.
Increase Your Marketing Efforts: Start by ramping up your marketing efforts. Use social media to showcase your work, engage with potential clients, and build your brand. The more visible you are, the more likely you are to attract new clients.
Expand Your Skillset: Consider investing in education to expand your skillset. Whether it’s learning new photography techniques or brushing up on business skills, the more you know, the better prepared you’ll be.
Build a Strong Network: Networking is important. Connect with other photographers, join photography groups, and attend workshops. The support and advice from a good network can be incredibly helpful.
Create a Detailed Business Plan: Think of your business plan as your game plan. It’s all about setting your goals, figuring out your strategies, and mapping out your financials. This will be your go-to guide to keep you on track and focused!
Mindset Matters
One of the most important aspects of going full-time is having the right mindset. Your attitude can make or break your journey, so let’s focus on getting your head in the right place:
Confidence: Trust in yourself and your skills. Confidence is key. If you believe you can make it, you’re already halfway there. Remember, every pro was once a newbie.
Resilience: Get ready to face some obstacles. Challenges will come, but how you handle them is what counts. Stay tough and keep moving forward. Each bump in the road is a chance to grow and get better.
Passion: Don’t forget why you started in the first place. Your love for photography will be your biggest motivator, especially during the rough patches. Let that passion keep you going strong.
I remember when I first considered going full-time with my photography business. It was a mix of excitement and fear. I had a stable job, and the thought of leaving that security was scary. But I had a consistent stream of clients, a solid portfolio, and a burning passion for photography. I took the leap, and it was the best decision I ever made.
Were there challenges? Absolutely. But each hurdle was a learning experience, and it made me a better photographer and business owner. That’s why I created this podcast and all of my Seniorologie resources… to help you do the same! Think of it as everything I’ve learned (the hard way) along the way to help you avoid the mistakes and be successful!
I hope you found today’s episode helpful and inspiring! To all my fellow photographers out there, it’s important to remember that going full-time is a journey, not a race. Everyone’s path looks different, and that’s perfectly okay. What matters is that you’re taking steps toward creating the business and life you love.
Don’t Miss My Exclusive Senior Photography Retreat in Vegas!
There are only 4 spots left for my exclusive Senior Photography Retreat in Vegas! If you’re looking for an in-person retreat specifically for senior photographers, join me Feb 3rd-5th, 2025!! Spend 3 days with like-minded photographers to plan out your marketing for the year and capture amazing content in bucket list-worthy locations during our styled senior photoshoots. Education, styled senior photoshoots, accommodations, transportation to photoshoots, and more are included in your registration for this retreat. Don’t miss out on taking your senior photography business to the next level while being surrounded by support from other photographers and myself! There truly is nothing like an in-person retreat to kick off your year in the right way! Hurry because there are only 4 spots left! CLICK HERE for all the details!
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