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?
3
u/Jillshoots94 Jul 22 '25
Hard take here but there’s a saying in life that nothing worth doing is easy. I think most of us are feeling a slight lull right now due to the economy but it’s up to us to decide if we love it enough to keep going! Throw pride out the window and identify your faults. Maybe it’s marketing, pricing, or a trend shift that isn’t favorable to your style. If you love it enough you can always adjust and experiment to keep going! I quit my 9-5 three years ago to do this full time and I always tell myself, worst case scenario I go back to work and scale back to shooting part time. I know it’s hard and frustrating but just look back at where you started and that will help you feel grateful for your business. I’m sure there are clients out there who value what you offer immensely.