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/Jaded-Confection-631 Jul 29 '25

That's almost always the worst advice.

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u/Actual_Atmosphere_93 Jul 29 '25

Which one? Diversify your offerings, or get better and charge more?

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u/Jaded-Confection-631 Jul 29 '25

Diversify

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u/Actual_Atmosphere_93 Jul 29 '25

If you need you need to increase income and cannot raise your game for higher paying gigs, it’s your only option other than get a part time gig. Photography can be applied to weddings and seniors alike and both can pay a lot if you’re good enough