The 4 lessons that changed my photography business

5 Apr

When I started my photography business almost 4 years ago, I felt overwhelmed.

There was so much to do, and I had no idea what to focus on.

Today, I want to share 4 big lessons I wish I’d known earlier - so you don’t have to learn them the hard way like I did.

But before we dive into them, if you want my personal help to grow your business this year… I might be able to do so through Photos to Profit Accelerator™.

It is a 1:1 mentorship where I help you build a freedom-based business around photography so you can land high-paying clients and focus on what you love.

If you want to be considered, DM me "APPLY" on Instagram @hugoraphy - and we’ll add you to the waitlist.

Lesson 1: Your photography doesn’t need to be “better” to charge more.

I used to think that improving my skills or upgrading my gear was the only way to raise my prices.

But that’s not what premium clients care about.

You do need to provide great service - but beyond a certain level of skill, what really matters is:

1) Can you solve their problem?

2) Can you communicate the value of your work?

If yes, you can charge more - even without being “the best” photographer in the world.

Lesson 2: Working with high-paying clients is more fun.

I used to think the more someone pays, the more demanding they’d be.

But I was wrong.

Often, it’s the lowest-paying clients who ask the most, push boundaries, and micromanage you.

And then there's a €5,000 client who asks "how do I pay - this is great."

They respect your time.

They trust your vision.

And they’re excited to pay.

Charging more doesn't just get you more income... but it brings you better, higher quality clients.

And... they are also more likely to see results from your work.

As if they spent €50 with you... They might not even use what they got from you.

But for €5,000... they probably will.

So, understand: working with higher-paying clients is actually less stressful and very fun.

Lesson 3: People don’t just find you - you need a system to reach them.

Many photographers think like this:

"I'll make a portfolio and people will start reaching out."
"I'll curate my Instagram feed and I'm getting noticed."
"I'll refine my media kit, and then clients for sure want me."

But... then they end up where most end up...

Not getting clients.

At some point, you might arrive to the point that you can rely on word-of-mouth... or people finding you somehow.

But in the beginning... you must hunt.

You must find the clients yourself.

And for this, you need a system... so you know how to get clients, and where you can find them from.

Don't rely on luck. It's not a business model.

Rely on a system.

Lesson 4: Trying to do it all alone slows you down.

I'm grateful I've got a lot of help on my journey...

But, I still wish I had invested into help earlier.

For a long time, I tried to piece everything together from free YouTube videos.

Some of it helped, for sure - but I still had so many unanswered questions.

Nobody was telling me if I was doing the wrong things.

I was just guessing and hoping I was right.

The first time I invested into myself, it felt scary... and for a reason.

All new things do.

But when I invested into learning how to do things...

Everything changed for me.

I realized how much there was I didn't know.

Mentors were able to show me exactly what I was doing wrong.

I imagined what if I had not invested... how long would I have been walking the wrong path... and wasting time and effort?

If you are in a position where you can invest into guidance... I believe that is one of the best things you can do.

The most successful people invest in themselves... and that's for a reason.

Last words + a small life update

Cool, hope that was insightful.

Next week, I'll be heading for new adventures, to a new country.

I'm beyond excited... although nervous in some ways, haha.

This opens up a new chapter in my life.