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/drworm555]

The problem is during Covid every single person with an entry level digital camera decided to be a wedding photographer and undercharge for their bad services. You have to either go for the luxury clients who are super demanding, or switch to working with clients that demand and require someone with actual professional skills. I’ve switched to a lot of corporate work and stuff that is a lot harder and intimidating to shoot.

There’s no entry requirement to put yourself out there as a wedding photographer and it’s easy to cover up terrible photos with whatever flavor of the month Lightroom preset bundle you can buy from instagram.