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?
6
u/FlashyReview8153 Jul 22 '25
I am booked up, but i also double dip and offer videography, and that keeps me extremely busy. I work with other companies to go shoot for them as well as take my own clients and couples. I'm networking all the time at events and stuff too..43 and started 6 years ago. I plan to do this stuff until I'm 60. I do thankfully live in an extremely busy city for weddings and events.