tips on running A photography business
Sara Walford Photography is two years old! This month, I’m covering some of the most important tips that might make some photographers cringe, yet have helped my business run successfully.
#1: I don’t offer sneak peeks, instead I deliver the full finished gallery
For me this applies to all sessions EXCEPT for weddings which take me longer to fully sort, edit and deliver. It takes so long to decide which images to send as sneak peeks. I much prefer to spend valuable time focusing on the gallery as a whole. This mindset has allowed me to get galleries out in days instead of weeks!
#2: I take time for myself to recharge creatively and be a human.
In order to be at your best as a photographer, it’s important to fill your cup with what you love most. For me this means taking time almost everyday to walk the dogs and get out outside (without a camera in hand). Recently this has also looked like taking time where the calendar is completely blank. Dare I say, 3-4 days of nothing scheduled at all! I’m able to craft, spend time with family and remember my why!
#3: Along the same lines as above… Success isn’t synonymous with being fully booked
When you’re running around from photoshoot to photoshoot, your energy and joy for photography will eventually run dry. For some people a handful of sessions a week is plenty for their plate, while for others two sessions per day every day is what fills their cup. As a photographer you have to keep the pace that makes sense for you and your life. Success is how you define it for yourself and your business!
#4: Simple, upfront pricing model posted on my website.
When I began my business I wanted to make it easy for the client to understand the cost of a session and what would come with! Additionally, the price covers the session fee and printing rights to the FULL gallery. Why make business complicated when it can be straight forward and transparent?
For me, these four ideas have helped keep my life balanced and protected my joy in being a photographer. I truly love what I do and the people that I've met along the way! Please keep in mind that every person has a different approach to how they run their business and that is perfectly okay! It helps the industry as a whole to serve people well in each stage of life!
P.S.- When your husband says he has a vision for the photoshoot... definitely listen to him!
**Pictures throughout this post taken by my husband, edited by me!!
