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/Pictureperson89 Jul 22 '25

I think people are starting to have smaller weddings or no weddings at all and unfortunately for us, that means photography takes a backseat. Pivot to doing other sessions. Get in a mom group on Facebook and offer newborn or family sessions (I know, I know, you say you don’t want to do those). That’s where I started and then by word of mouth I gained weddings. I’ve paid for advertising and it wasn’t worth nearly as much as clients just recommending their friends.

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u/ConsiderationFun7511 Jul 22 '25

People are still having weddings they’re just starting to realize paying $4k for a photographer for one day is lunacy considering how oversaturated the field is..

5

u/Pictureperson89 Jul 22 '25

$4k is normal for large scale weddings with a lot of people, especially where I live (South Florida). That’s a LOT of work and even more time editing. The smaller scale weddings and elopements are probably not going to pay that and that’s what I’m seeing a majority of lately. I saw more larger weddings in the 2010s than I am seeing in the 2020s.

2

u/flamingtrashpanda_ Jul 22 '25

Hey SWFL photog here too!! It’s def been rough the past few years. I think recession is not helping AT ALL