Making the leap into full-time photography is so exciting, but let’s be real—it can also feel overwhelming! If you’re anything like I was before going full-time, you probably have a million questions running through your head. I hear so many of the same questions from photographers who are ready to take the plunge, so today, I’m breaking down the top 10 questions I get asked the most!
And if you’re looking for a step-by-step plan to confidently go full-time in your business, my program The Entrepreneur Blueprint is coming soon! More on that later 😉
Top 10 Questions Aspiring Full-Time Photographers Ask Me
1. How do I know if I’m ready to go full-time?
Ahhh, the golden question! The truth? There’s no one perfect moment, but there are signs that you’re ready—like consistently booking clients, having a solid financial foundation, and feeling confident in your ability to run your business. If you’re finding that photography is taking up more time than your day job, or that your bookings are at the point where you’re turning people away, it might be time to seriously consider making the leap! I break down the exact signs in my freebie, “3 Tell-Tale Signs You’re Ready to Go Full-Time”—you can grab it here!
2. How much money should I have saved before quitting my job?
Finances are so important when making this transition! I always recommend having a fully-funded emergency fund (3-6 months of expenses) plus an owner’s compensation fund to pay yourself consistently in the first few months. It’s also important to look at your current lifestyle and expenses to make sure you’re not underestimating what you’ll need. In The Entrepreneur Blueprint, I teach you exactly how to set up your finances so you can make the leap without the stress!
3. How do I replace my 9-to-5 income with photography?
This comes down to pricing for profit, booking consistently, and managing your finances wisely. Too many photographers undercharge and struggle to pay themselves. Your pricing should cover your salary, taxes, and business expenses! A great way to plan for this transition is to track your current photography income and see how close it is to what you need. If you’re not quite there yet, you may need to raise your prices, optimize your marketing, or focus on higher-value bookings. Inside my program, I walk through my profit-first approach so you’re not just making money—you’re keeping it! 😉
Top 10 Questions Aspiring Full-Time Photographers Ask Me
4. What if I go full-time and don’t get enough bookings?
Totally valid fear!! That’s why it’s crucial to have a marketing plan in place BEFORE you quit. Relying on word-of-mouth isn’t enough. You need a strategy that brings in consistent leads, so you’re not constantly worrying about where your next booking is coming from! This means optimizing your website for SEO, maintaining an engaging social media presence, and implementing referral programs. In The Entrepreneur Blueprint, I break down a marketing system that keeps your calendar full year-round!
5. How do I know what to charge?
Pricing can feel so intimidating, but I promise—it doesn’t have to be! You should be charging in a way that allows you to pay yourself, cover your expenses, and still have profit left over! Start by calculating your expenses (both business and personal), and then determine how many sessions or weddings you need to book at your current rate to meet that number. If that number seems unrealistic, it’s time to raise your prices! Inside my course, I’ll walk you through exactly how to calculate profitable pricing that ensures you’re making what you deserve!
6. What do I need legally to go full-time?
If you’re transitioning into full-time photography, you need to make sure your business is set up legally and financially! This means:
- Registering your business (LLC, Sole Proprietor, etc.)
- Getting a business license (if required in your state!)
- Setting up a separate business bank account
- Having a contract for every session/wedding
- Getting business insurance!!
These are musts! Running a legitimate business protects you, your clients, and your livelihood. I go into all the nitty-gritty legal stuff inside my course so you can set up your business the right way!
7. What gear do I need to go full-time?
One of the biggest mistakes photographers make when going full-time is not having all their necessary gear purchased and paid for ahead of time. Photography is an investment-heavy business, and the last thing you want is to go full-time, quit your job, and then realize you need thousands of dollars worth of new equipment. Before making the leap, you should have:
- Two camera bodies (because backup gear is a non-negotiable!)
- Prime & zoom lenses (a 35mm, 50mm, and 70-200mm are great!)
- Multiple memory cards & external hard drives (backups are life!)
- Flash & off-camera lighting setup (especially for weddings!)
- A solid editing workflow & storage system (organization is key!)
8. How do I create a work-life balance?
Honestly, this was so hard for me in the beginning! When you’re your own boss, it’s easy to work all the time. But burnout is real, and setting boundaries is key! One of the best ways to create structure in your schedule is by using a block schedule—designating specific time slots for different tasks so your work and personal life don’t constantly overlap.
Here’s how it can look:
Mornings: Admin work, emails, and social media scheduling
Afternoons: Client shoots, editing, and business development
Evenings: Family time and personal activities (with NO work!)
One full day off per week: No client work, no emails—just rest!
Other ways to maintain balance:
- Setting office hours & actually sticking to them
- Taking one or two days off social media per week
- Prioritizing family & personal time with clear boundaries
- Using a client management system to automate workflows
Creating a structured schedule will help you feel more in control of your time, making it easier to separate work and personal life so you can truly enjoy both!
9. How do I attract my dream clients?
It’s all about branding & messaging! Your online presence should reflect the type of work you want to attract. Your dream clients should see themselves in your brand! If your website, social media, and portfolio showcase a mix of different styles that don’t truly represent what you love, it’s time to refine and niche down.
Some ways to do this:
- Show ONLY the type of work you want to book—If you don’t want to shoot certain styles or sessions, don’t showcase them! Your dream clients should immediately recognize themselves in your work.
- Speak directly to your ideal clients in your captions & website copy—Use words and messaging that resonate with them. Think about what they value, their personalities, and their wedding or session vision.
- Build relationships & serve your audience well—Engagement isn’t just about likes and comments. Genuinely connect with potential clients by being helpful, offering guidance, and building trust through your content.
- Optimize your website for searchability—Make sure your website is easy to navigate, your portfolio is curated, and your contact page is simple to use. SEO can also help bring in more of the right clients!
- Leverage referrals & client testimonials—Your past clients are your biggest advocates! Encourage them to share their experience and refer friends who fit your ideal client profile.
The key to attracting dream clients is consistency across all platforms. When your messaging, visuals, and experience all align, the right people will be drawn to you—and they’ll be excited to book you!
10. What’s the best piece of advice for going full-time?
The biggest thing? Believe in yourself! The transition to full-time photography can feel scary, but if you’ve done the prep work, you can make this happen! Surround yourself with mentors, community, and education that will help you along the way. (Pssst… The Entrepreneur Blueprint does exactly that! 😉)
Final Thoughts: You’ve Got This!
Taking the leap into full-time photography is a big decision, but it’s also an incredibly rewarding one! While it might feel overwhelming at times, remember that every successful photographer started somewhere—just like you. With the right mindset, financial preparation, and business strategies, you can build a thriving career doing what you love!
If you’re ready to take that next step, I’d love to help guide you through the process. My program, The Entrepreneur Blueprint, is designed to walk you through every step—from pricing and marketing to booking clients and financial planning—so you can go full-time with confidence instead of fear!
✨ Join the waitlist today and be the first to know when it launches!
You’ve got this, and I’m cheering you on every step of the way!
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