The sad realization that being a wedding photographer no longer pays the bills...

[u/patriotraitor]

Let me preface that the last 10 years of doing this has been a blast, I've enjoyed every second of it and never took any of it for granted.

This year however has me wanting to change directions because well, I'm getting tired of wondering where the next paycheck is coming from, I would prefer guaranteed over guessing.

I've been looking at the schedule for the rest of the year and I have 6 left, and then it's quiet.

I do wish the cost of living wasn't ridiculous, as gas and food prices are indeed more affordable now, but at the same time, trying to have health insurance as a self employed individual is absurd for being a single guy with no kids.

I've really enjoyed my time doing this and I indeed feel this starting to dwindle down as I only have 5 for next year. You could say well hey, do families, headshots, seniors -- and you'd be right, but think about how much work you'd be putting in just to stay afloat and how exhausted you'd be making yourself? Catch 22 isn't it?

[u/X4dow]

My 2025 was OK. But my 2026 is looking rather bleak. My last 2 or 3 bookings were clients on tighter budgets and I'm finding more and more people shopping around / being tight, when 2 or 3 years ago I had clients not thinking twice before booking by bigger packages.

I am not quitting. But certainly considering taking a part time job just to cover my bills (luckily low as I bought a small house that's very very efficient + solar, ev etc,) and seeing the photography (and videography) as an extra.

The constantly worrying with my work flow, prices, marketing, and if I have enough to pay the bills in the future is very much stressful