Hey, creative friend!
Are you dreaming of turning your side hustle into your full-time gig? Whether you’re capturing weddings, newborn smiles, or adventurous couples in the mountains, making the leap from side hustle to thriving business can feel like a mountain itself.
But here’s the good news: You can build a sustainable photography business without hustling every waking hour. I’ve been where you are, balancing a passion for photography with a desire to make it profitable. Using a mix of practical strategies and Profit First principles, I’ve helped countless creatives go full-time—and I’m here to help you too.
Let’s dive into the three key steps to make your dream business a reality!
3 Steps to Turn Your Side Hustle Into a Thriving Business
1. Know (and Charge) What Your Time Is Worth
When I first started out, I charged what I thought clients would pay—not what my time and talent were worth. Sound familiar?
Here’s an example: Imagine you charge $200 for a 1-hour family session. That seems decent on the surface. But when you break it down:
- Prepping and packing your gear: 30 minutes.
- Driving to and from the location: 1 hour.
- Shooting: 1 hour.
- Editing: 3 hours.
- Client communication: 1 hour.
That’s a total of 6.5 hours of work, meaning you’re making less than $31/hour—and that’s before considering equipment, taxes, and other business expenses.
Tracking your time is the first step to understanding your true worth. Use tools like Toggl or even a simple notebook to record every task related to a session. Then calculate how much you’re really making per hour.
Need help with pricing? Grab my Creative’s Pricing Guide from the shop to help you put a price tag on your time!
2. Don’t Overlook Your Business Costs
Many photographers forget to account for hidden costs, which can quickly eat into profits. Beyond the obvious ones like gear and software, don’t overlook:
- Taxes: Self-employment taxes can add up fast. Set aside at least 15–30% of your income for tax season.
- Insurance: Protect your gear and business with liability and equipment insurance.
- Marketing: Think website hosting, client management tools, and ads.
- Education: Workshops, courses, and conferences are investments in your growth.
For instance, I worked with a wedding photographer who was charging $1,500 per wedding. After breaking down her costs—travel, second shooters, editing time, album production, and software fees—she realized she was making less than $10/hour. Ouch.
Once we recalculated her pricing to include every expense and added a profit margin, she confidently raised her rates to $3,000 per wedding. And you know what? She started booking more ideal clients because her pricing reflected the value she delivered.
3. Create a Spending Plan That Works for You
Traditional budgets just don’t cut it for entrepreneurs. You don’t always have a steady paycheck, so you need a flexible spending plan designed for fluctuating income.
Start by asking yourself:
- What are my non-negotiables each month? (Rent, utilities, insurance, etc.)
- How much do I want to pay myself? (Yes, you should pay yourself!)
- What do I need to set aside for taxes, savings, and reinvestment?
Let’s say your monthly goal is $4,000:
- $2,000 for personal expenses.
- $1,000 for business costs.
- $500 for taxes.
- $500 for savings.
Now, work backward: If you charge $500 per client, you’ll need 8 clients per month to hit your goal. From there, break it down even further—how many inquiries do you need to book 8 clients? This clarity helps you plan smarter and focus your energy on what works.
Work Smarter, Not Harder
Here’s the truth: Running a business doesn’t have to mean working 24/7. When you track your time, price your services strategically, and stick to a spending plan, you’ll free yourself from the constant hustle.
Imagine setting boundaries—no more answering emails at midnight or scrambling to meet last-minute requests. Instead, you’ll have the confidence to focus on growing your business and enjoying your life.
So take the leap! Treat your business like the incredible opportunity it is. You’ve got the talent, and now you have the tools to make it happen. Work smarter, live better, and turn that side hustle into the dream job you’ve been waiting for!
You’ve got this! ✨
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