Finding Your Why as a Photographer: The Key to Building a Business You Love
If you feel stuck, burnt out, or uninspired in your photography business, you’re not alone.
And no, you’re not bad at this — you’re just disconnected from your why.
Finding your why isn’t a one-time journal prompt or a pretty quote on Instagram.
It’s the anchor that keeps you steady when business gets hard.
It’s the fire that keeps you creating when no one’s watching.
And it’s the secret behind every successful, sustainable brand.
In this post, we’re diving into why your "why" matters — and how to reconnect to it.
Why Skill Isn’t Enough
You can be technically perfect at photography and still feel empty inside your business.
Skill might get you booked once — but it’s your why that keeps people coming back.
When you lead with purpose, your work becomes magnetic.
Your Why Will Evolve (And That’s Okay)
A lot of photographers feel guilty when they outgrow the reason they started.
Maybe you picked up a camera because you loved light and colors — and now you crave capturing legacy and emotion.
Let it change. Let yourself grow.
Your business should evolve with you.
How to Reconnect to Your Why
Here are a few powerful prompts to get you started:
What moments make me proud to be a photographer?
What kinds of sessions or stories light me up inside?
What impact do I want my work to have, five or ten years from now?
If nobody could see my work, would I still create? Why?
You don’t have to find the perfect answer today.
You just have to be honest with yourself.
Soulwork > Hustle
When you’re anchored in your why, you don’t have to force creativity.
You don’t have to chase trends or burnout trying to be seen.
You become magnetic because your work means something — to you and to the people you serve.
Your why isn’t hiding from you.
It’s already inside you — layered into every moment you felt alive behind your camera.
Slow down enough to hear it.
Build from there.
✨ P.S. If you're craving a deeper dive, I’m teaching a free masterclass soon called From Burnout to Soulwork. Would love to have you there.
Taking Photography Full-Time: 5 Things You Need to Know as a Beginner
So, you’ve fallen in love with photography, and now you’re wondering—can I actually do this full-time? Can I make this my career? The answer is yes. But here’s the thing—being a full-time photographer isn’t just about taking pretty pictures. It’s about commitment, resilience, and a fire in your soul that refuses to burn out. If you want to be the best, you have to decide that right now. Not tomorrow. Not next year. Right now.
Here are five things you need to know if you’re serious about turning your passion into a full-time career.
1. Your Work Will Not Be the Best at the Beginning—But That’s Not an Excuse to Stop
No one starts out as a master. The photographers you look up to? They were once beginners, too. The difference between those who make it and those who don’t isn’t talent—it’s persistence. Keep shooting, keep refining, and keep pushing yourself to grow. The only way to get better is to do the work.
2. Your Business Skills Matter Just as Much as Your Photography Skills
Taking beautiful photos is great, but if you don’t know how to market yourself, price your services, or book clients, you won’t have a business—you’ll have a hobby. Invest in learning the business side of photography. Study marketing. Learn how to sell. Treat your craft like a business, and it will reward you like one.
3. Consistency Will Separate You from the Rest
The photographers who rise to the top aren’t always the most talented—they’re the ones who show up every single day. Post your work. Engage with potential clients. Create content that showcases your expertise. Keep putting yourself out there. Your dream clients won’t find you if you’re hiding in the shadows.
4. You Have to Believe You’re Worth It Before Anyone Else Will
Confidence is everything in this industry. If you don’t believe in your value, your clients won’t either. Stop charging low prices because you’re scared no one will book you. Stop playing small. The moment you decide you are worth it is the moment you start attracting clients who see your value.
5. Your Reputation Is Your Most Powerful Asset—Protect It
Your work is important, but your name? That’s everything. Deliver on your promises. Be professional. Treat every client like they’re your most important one. Word-of-mouth referrals can build or break your business, and trust is something you can’t afford to lose. Your reputation will carry you further than any ad or Instagram post ever will.
Final Thoughts: You Have to Want This More Than Anything
If you’re reading this and something inside of you is saying, I HAVE to do this. I HAVE to be the best at what I do—listen to that voice. That’s the fire that will push you when things get hard. You won’t be the best at the beginning. No one is. But if you keep showing up, keep learning, and keep refining your craft, you’ll get there.
So, are you ready to go all in? Let’s make it happen. If you need guidance, book a mentor session with me. I’ll help you build the confidence, skills, and strategy to make this your reality. The best photographers aren’t just born—they’re made. And you? You’re about to become one of them.
Why Posting on Instagram Feels So Hard as a Photographer (and How to Make It Fun Again)
If you're a photographer who dreads posting on Instagram, you're not alone. The problem isn't your content—it's your approach. In this post, we're diving into the real reason social media feels so heavy and how to shift your mindset, reconnect with your why, and finally show up in a way that feels good again.
Why Posting on Instagram Feels So Hard as a Photographer (and How to Make It Fun Again)
Let’s be honest—posting on Instagram can feel like a full-blown identity crisis when you're a photographer.
One minute you’re in your flow, creating meaningful, emotional work… and the next, you’re on Instagram feeling like you have to become a polished business robot with perfect captions, trending audio, and “value-based content.” And suddenly, it all just feels… wrong.
If this sounds familiar, I need you to know: it’s not just you.
This post is going to help you get to the real root of the problem—and give you a better way to show up.
1. Your Energy = Everything
Before we even talk about what to post or how often to show up, we have to talk about your energy.
If you’re opening Instagram already feeling stressed, awkward, or pressured to “perform,” that’s the energy that’s going to come through in your content.
You can’t create authentic, aligned posts when you’re in a state of panic. It’s just not going to work.
You have to enjoy showing up online the same way you enjoy creating with your camera.
Start noticing what version of yourself is opening the app. Are you curious? Are you connected to your art? Or are you just trying to keep up?
2. You Haven’t Tapped Into Your WHY
This is the piece no one wants to slow down for—but it’s the one that changes everything.
If you’re just posting because you feel like you “should,” you’re going to burn out fast.
You need to reconnect with why you’re even doing this in the first place.
Ask yourself:
Why do I create?
Why do I serve the people I serve?
What is the dream, the desire, the deeper meaning behind my work?
Because it’s not about the photos. It’s about what those photos represent.
That emotional thread—that sentimento—is what makes your content powerful. And when you know what that is, writing captions, creating reels, and talking on stories becomes so much easier.
3. Create Content Based on What You Offer (But Make It Personal)
If you're stuck on what to post, here's a simple place to start:
Build content pillars based on your actual services—weddings, families, engagements—and then brainstorm a few types of posts within each category.
Weddings:
Why you love wedding days
A moment you’ll never forget
How to feel more present on the day
Behind-the-scenes from your latest shoot
Tips for getting the best light
Families:
Why legacy matters to you
How to make a session stress-free with kids
A client story that stayed with you
Favorite outfits for cozy, natural photos
One photo that captures what family means to you
The key? Don’t just post the work. Post the heart behind the work.
People don’t just want pretty—they want connection.
4. You’re Not a Brand—You’re a Person
Photographers often think they need to sound “professional” online. But the truth?
No one wants to connect with a polished business account.
They want you—your energy, your story, your voice.
Photography is one of the most personal services someone can invest in. You're stepping into emotional, intimate, once-in-a-lifetime moments. So if your Instagram feels cold and distant, you're missing the mark.
Your clients book people, not brands.
Yes, showing up vulnerably is scary. Yes, it feels cringy sometimes. But it gets easier. And honestly? That vulnerability is what builds trust faster than any sales funnel ever could.
5. Stop Prefacing Your Presence
One last note (and this one’s sassy because I love you):
Stop opening your stories with “I never show my face on here…” or “Sorry, I just wanted to pop on…”
You're literally telling your brain—and your audience—that you don’t belong here.
Start talking like it’s normal. Like you’ve always shown up this way.
Even if it feels fake at first, your nervous system will catch up. And so will your audience.
Final Thoughts:
The reason Instagram feels hard isn’t because you’re bad at it.
It’s because you’ve been trying to show up in a way that doesn’t align with who you are.
Start with your why. Create from the emotional root of your work.
Show up like a person, not a brand.
And remember—people want connection more than they want perfect.
💌 And if you want the course I’m creating to help with all of this, join the email list for early access and a big discount.
You're doing better than you think. Keep going.
10 Habits To Become A Successful Photographer
Photography is more than just taking pictures—it’s an art, a business, and a skill that requires dedication. If you want to go from hobbyist to in-demand professional, you need to develop habits that set you apart.
Here are 10 habits that every successful photographer follows:
1. Define Your Style and Stand Behind It
The best photographers aren’t just technically skilled—they’re recognizable. Develop a signature editing style, refine your approach to posing and composition, and commit to it. Clients should know they want you before they even inquire. (If you are currently struggling with your editing, check out my presets that are light, bright + timeless!)
2. Elevate the Client Experience
Success isn’t just about the images you deliver—it’s about the experience you create. From the first inquiry to final delivery, make your process seamless, professional, and memorable. Strong communication, clear expectations, and attention to detail make all the difference. A great way to work on your client experience is to invest in a reputable CRM. When I first signed up with Honeybook, all of my clients (especially the high end ones) commented on how easy and professional my process was. It truly makes the world of a difference. Try Honeybook (with a discount) here.
3. Price with Confidence
Successful photographers know their worth and structure their pricing accordingly. Understand your cost of doing business, account for taxes and expenses, and set rates that allow you to grow. Pricing should be intentional, not based on what feels comfortable. Try out my free pricing calculator by signing up for my email list here.
4. Master Marketing and Visibility
A strong online presence is essential. Your website, social media, and content should all work together to attract the right clients. Show your work, tell your story, and present yourself as the photographer clients need to hire.
5. Be Intentional with Your Work
A skilled photographer doesn’t rely on taking thousands of images to get a good shot. They direct, anticipate, and create with purpose. Fewer but stronger images lead to a refined portfolio and a smoother workflow.
6. Invest in Education and Mentorship
Growth doesn’t happen in isolation. Every top photographer has invested in learning—whether through mentorship, workshops, or courses. If you want to accelerate your progress, seek guidance from those who have already built what you aspire to achieve. Sign up for a mentor session here.
7. Build Strong Industry Relationships
Success in photography isn’t just about skill—it’s about connections. Collaborate with other photographers, build relationships with vendors, and establish yourself in your community. Opportunities come from the network you build.
8. Treat Your Business Like a Business
Professional photographers operate with structure. Set up contracts, use a CRM, streamline your workflow, and ensure that every aspect of your business is organized and efficient. Creativity flourishes when backed by strong business foundations.
9. Prioritize Longevity Over Hustle
Burnout is the enemy of success. Set boundaries, manage your workload, and create a sustainable approach to your business. A well-balanced photographer produces their best work and stays in the industry long-term.
10. Think Bigger Than Where You Are Now
Successful photographers don’t just aim to book clients—they set long-term goals and work toward them. Whether it’s building a recognizable brand, expanding into education, or creating a unique niche, thinking beyond today’s bookings will keep you moving forward.