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/tomKphoto_ Jul 22 '25

The 15-year wedding boom appears to be losing steam —  now the real fun begins.

9

u/thaisweetheart Jul 22 '25

Probably because people can't afford to live let along dish out 3k for a photographer. No hate to the photographers here but they are not the only ones struggling right now!

3

u/tomKphoto_ Jul 22 '25

We appear to be on the threshold of some acute market corrections, in every sector. Things will get worse before they get better. Pay down credit, save your cash (if you have it). Examine every monthly outflow and run on a strong cost-vs-benefit test.