There’s this sneaky, yet ugly, myth that’s floating around in regards to running a photography business. It’s this idea that you have to be a full-time photographer with that as your sole source of income to be “legitimate” or a “success.”
I’m here today to tell you that’s NOT true.
It’s so easy to fall into this trap, and I definitely did for years and years, until recently! I saw a post from another photographer who helped me get started all those years ago, and she had accepted a new job as a teacher. But she’s still a photographer. And seeing her post was so freeing!
Having another source of income does not make you less valid as a photographer. It does not decrease your worth and it does NOT mean you have failed. For four years I was a high school teacher while I was a “weekend warrior” as they like to say. Screw the labels. I was a wedding photographer who busted her ass every weekend for the couples and families she loved to work with.
Then I had Lily and I left teaching and did this full time for a year and a half, and while I still consider myself full time, I have another source of income and it has been a blessing. This has been a very tough year of business for me, and it’s the type of year everyone looks back on and is glad they didn’t quit. So, I struggled with this feeling for a while, this feeling of failing and that I wasn’t actually a legitimate photographer.
Here’s my reality – I’m filling up my calendar with second shooting gigs. I’m paying myself and I’m covering my expenses. I’m actually doing fine. Am I thriving like I want to be? No. But nothing about this year has gone the way I expected it to and that’s okay! Photography is my calling, and I’m passionate about it and it’s something I’m not giving up on anytime soon. 2019 is already looking better than 2018 and I have a lot of hope! In the meantime, I am GRATEFUL to have another source of income to start saving up for the winter months (the hardest time of year for a photographer in this area), and I haven’t failed.
Neither have you!
Still aren’t sure if you’re a success/legitimate? Here’s a handy dandy checklist I created for you!
- Are you registered as a business legally?
- Do you have clients who LOVE you and your work?
- Do you show up at every session/event totally psyched and happy to get to work?
- Is this something you’re passionate about?
If you answered “yes” to every question, then boom. You’re a legitimate, successful photographer. The number of likes and followers don’t matter, and the number of jobs you have outside of photography don’t matter. Trust in that, and believe in your worth.
Linda is a Boston-based photographer specializing in weddings and creating family legacies. You can see more of her work online at lindabarryphotography.com, on Instagram, or on Facebook. If you want to reach out directly: linda@lindabarryphotography.com. To sign up for the monthly newsletter full of encouragement and real life, click here!
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