Turning Your Photography Passion into Profit
Hey mama! If you’re snapping photos of your kids 24/7 or your friends keep asking you to “bring your camera,” maybe it’s time to turn your love for photography into something more. Whether you’re brand new or have been dabbling for a while, here’s how I went from Craigslist hustle to full-blown photography biz (with lots of learning in between).
How I Got Started (Spoiler: It Wasn’t Glamorous)
- I posted on Craigslist. Yep, Craigslist. Think: today’s Facebook Marketplace.
- Took pics of friends pretending to be fashion models
- Offered free dog photos at parks (and charged if they liked them)
- Set up a mini “studio” in our spare bedroom for headshots
- Tried newborn sessions without really knowing what I was doing (learned fast when a baby peed mid-shot 😂)
Was it a little chaotic? Yes. Did I learn what I didn’t want to do? Also yes.
How to Know You’re Ready to Start Charging
- Friends ask you to take their photos (family, weddings, babies)
- You’ve done a few sessions for free and want to get serious
- You feel like, “Wait… I could do this for real.”
If any of that’s you, you’re probably ready to make the leap.
Things You’ll Need to Start
- A camera with manual mode (DSLR or mirrorless is great, but even phones are getting there!)
- Editing software (Lightroom, Photoshop—just budget for monthly subscriptions)
- Confidence in your ability to deliver consistent results
- A clear style and portfolio to match
And NO, you don’t need to have it all figured out. Just be honest about what you can offer.
Dealing with Imposter Syndrome (Yep, It’s Real)
- You’ll see other photographers with perfect feeds and expensive gear
- You’ll wonder if you’re “good enough” or doing it “right”
- Truth? Everyone starts somewhere. You get better by doing.
You don’t have to be perfect—you just have to start.
The Demand Is Real
- Moms want to be in the photos, not just take them
- Brands, weddings, families, newborns—all need great images
- You don’t have to pick a niche right away (I didn’t!)
Say yes to everything at first, then narrow down what you love.
Your Style Matters—Here’s How to Find It
- Do you prefer indoor or outdoor? Golden hour or bright sun?
- Do you like posed shots or real-life, storytelling ones?
- What’s your editing vibe? Warm tones? True-to-color? Moody?
- How do you interact at sessions—direct or more documentary?
You’ll learn by doing. And the more you shoot, the more your style will show up.
Build Your Portfolio with Intention
- Set up 3 free sessions with families/friends who will follow your vision
- Give them outfit advice, choose the location, create your ideal look
- Only post work that reflects what you want more of
- Be selective about what goes on your Instagram
✨ Pro Tip: “Shoot what you want to share. Share what you want to book.”
Ready for a Challenge?
- Start a separate Instagram just for your photography
- Book 3 practice sessions (family, maternity, newborn—your choice)
- Use those to build your portfolio, test your style, and gather feedback
Bonus Tools I Created (Because I Needed Them Too)
- Creative Shot List: A screenshot-sized checklist you can keep on your phone for session variety
- 24 Prompt Cards: These don’t just tell you what to SAY—they tell you what to SHOOT while they’re doing it
Next week we’re talking pricing and booking your first paid session. Until then, just start. You’ve got this.
And if you loved this episode, would you please give me a review! It helps me be found by other listeners like you!
xo, Brittany
#BetterPhotosPodcast
