6 Steps for Building a 6 Figure Photography Business

Wedding photography is one of the most rewarding and lucrative fields in the photography industry. However, achieving 6 figure photographer status requires more than just taking great photos. It takes a combination of talent, hard work, and business savvy.

Here are six steps to help you reach six figures as a wedding photographer.

1. Build a Strong Portfolio

Your portfolio is your most important marketing tool. It showcases your skills and style to potential clients. To build a strong portfolio, you need to shoot as many weddings as possible. Offer to shoot a few weddings for free or at a discounted rate to build your portfolio. Make sure to include a variety of shots, such as portraits, candid moments, and details. Your portfolio should demonstrate your ability to capture the emotion and beauty of a wedding day in all different types of lighting.

2. Develop Your Style

Your style sets you apart from other wedding photographers. It’s what clients will pay for and what can make you a 6 figure photographer. Develop your own style by experimenting with different techniques and editing styles. Find inspiration from other photographers, but don’t copy their work. Your style should be unique and consistent across all your work.

3. Set Your Prices

Setting your prices is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as a wedding photographer. You need to charge enough to cover your costs and make a profit, but not so much that you price yourself out of the market. Research what other wedding photographers in your area are charging and set your prices accordingly. Don’t undervalue your work, but also don’t overcharge for your experience level.

4. Market Your Business

Marketing is essential to growing your wedding photography business. Use social media to showcase your work and connect with potential clients. Create a website that highlights your portfolio and services. Offer referral discounts to past clients and network with other wedding vendors, such as wedding planners and florists.

5. Provide Exceptional Customer Service

Providing exceptional customer service is key to building a successful wedding photography business. Communicate clearly with your clients before, during, and after the wedding. Respond to emails and phone calls in a timely manner. Deliver photos on time and in a format that meets your clients’ needs. Go above and beyond to make their wedding day as stress-free as possible.

6. Keep Learning and Improving

The wedding photography industry is always evolving. Stay up-to-date with the latest trends and techniques by attending workshops, conferences, and online courses. Continuously improve your skills and challenge yourself to try new things. This will help you stay competitive and attract new clients.

There are tons of great free resources out there, like The Goal Digger Podcast by Jenna Kutcher!

In conclusion

Becoming a 6 figure photographer takes time and effort. But by building a strong portfolio, developing your style, setting your prices, marketing your business, providing exceptional customer service, practicing lifelong learning and always delivering high-quality work that your clients will cherish for a lifetime, you’ll be building a solid foundation to reach the 6 figure photographer milestone.

If you’re at the beginning of your photography business or are hoping to shoot your first elopement, be sure to check out my post – Tips for Photographing Your First Elopement!