Avoiding Common Mistakes When Starting a Family Photography Business

Starting a family photography business is an exciting journey filled with creativity, fun, and the potential to make a living doing what you love. However, many new photographers focus solely on the artistic side and overlook the business aspects, leading to burnout and disappointment. This guide is designed to help you avoid common mistakes, stay motivated, and build a successful photography business.

Mistake 1: Charging Too Little for Your Services

Setting your prices too low is a common mistake that can quickly lead to burnout. It's essential to price your services to cover your expenses and adequately compensate yourself for your time and expertise. Consider the following:

• Monthly business expenses: subscriptions, advertising, props, gear, insurance, etc.
• Time spent per session: communication, planning, travel, editing, delivery, etc.
• Additional business tasks: social media, website updates, location scouting, etc.

By understanding your costs and time investment, you can set prices that ensure profitability and sustainability. If you're only charging $100 per session but spending three hours per session and additional time on other tasks, you're likely making much less than you think once you factor in taxes and expenses. Make sure your pricing reflects the true value of your work.

Mistake 2: Charging Before You're Ready

Jumping into paid work before you're fully prepared can be a costly mistake. Early in my career, I took on a wedding and family photo sessions without enough experience or understanding of lighting and pricing. These experiences were stressful and unprofitable.

Before charging clients, invest time in learning about lighting, posing, and editing. Practice on friends and family, participate in model calls, and build your confidence. When you feel confident in your skills and can consistently produce quality work, you can start your business with appropriate pricing.

Mistake 3: Not Mastering Various Lighting Conditions

Understanding how to work with different lighting conditions is crucial for any photographer. Early in my career, I scheduled sessions at any time of day without considering the impact of lighting. It wasn't until years later that I discovered the benefits of shooting during the golden hour.

Be prepared for various lighting scenarios and know how to adapt. For example, if the sun comes out unexpectedly during an overcast day, or if a client arrives early, you should have strategies to handle these situations effectively. Mastering lighting will significantly improve your work and client satisfaction.

Mistake 4: Overcomplicating Editing

In the early days of my business, I experimented with various editing styles and trends, often leading to inconsistent and over-edited photos. It's important to find and stick to an editing style that reflects your vision and resonates with your clients.

To discover your style, use Pinterest to gather inspiration and identify what appeals to you. Whether you prefer vibrant colors, soft tones, or a moody look, learning how to achieve this consistently in your editing process is key. Avoid trends that may look dated, such as heavy vignettes, selective color, or overly vibrant eyes. Aim for a natural and polished look that enhances your photographs.

Mistake 5: Relying on Cheap Mini Sessions

Offering low-cost mini sessions to attract clients can backfire. Early in my career, I offered mini sessions at low prices to build my portfolio, but it resulted in clients only booking mini sessions and not transitioning to full sessions.

If you choose to offer mini sessions, differentiate them from full sessions with specific themes or setups, such as "Mommy and Me" or styled shoots. This way, you maintain the value of your full sessions while offering something unique with minis. Ensure that mini sessions are occasional, special events rather than a regular offering.

Mistake 6: Not Preparing Clients

Properly preparing your clients for their sessions can make a significant difference in the outcome. For years, I didn't provide my clients with guidance on clothing, session flow, or behavior, which led to less-than-ideal results.

Now, I ensure clients are well-prepared by sharing tips on:

• How to dress
• What to bring
• How to prepare on the day of the session
• Tips for a smooth session, including child and parent behavior

Clear communication helps clients feel more comfortable and results in more natural and authentic photos. CLICK HERE to get my Emails in and Instant FOR FREE!

Conclusion

Starting a family photography business involves more than just taking great photos. By avoiding these common mistakes—setting appropriate prices, gaining experience before charging, mastering lighting, finding your editing style, strategically offering mini sessions, and preparing your clients—you can build a sustainable and successful business. Focus on both the artistic and business aspects to create a rewarding career in family photography.