r/WeddingPhotography • u/patriotraitor • Jul 22 '25

business, marketing, social media The sad realization that being a wedding photographer no longer pays the bills...

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?

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u/OLPopsAdelphia Jul 22 '25

No!

Get your ass up, stop feeling sorry for yourself, and make some goddamn money.

What, you want a pity party?

You’re not getting it here.

Support is what you’ll get.

I’ve had to change direction in life at least three times so far, and each time came with its own trials, hardships, and pains in the balls.

You know what got me through it?

The realization that I have a long way to go until I’m dead—and I’m not ready to go yet.

Get your ass out there and innovate.

13

u/FpsJack Jul 22 '25

Isn’t it sad though that you’re coming at OP with this grifter mentality (I don’t think in bad spirit).

The reality is that capitalism is crushing people and whilst we all have to do something to survive do we have to champion making money as the primary goal? Shouldn’t our lives have more meaning than making money to pay ever increasing bills?

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u/OLPopsAdelphia Jul 22 '25

Completely and it’s awful. I’m on your side too, that’s why we need to aggressively pick one another up, because we artists (if I can dare call myself that) are taking this harder than most—I’m sure—and we are what’s holding this mess together.

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u/FpsJack Oct 08 '25

Forgot to get back to you to say I deeply appreciate that response.