Forgot Password?
Please enter your email address to receive a link for resetting your password.
Thank You
You will receive an email with further instructions. Please contact customer support if you need any further assistance.
Please verify your email address
A verification link has been sent to your email to activate your account. The link will be valid for 1 hour.
Please check the spam inbox if you can't find the email. If you still can't find it, we can resend it.
A verification link has been sent to your email 00:00
Passion and creativity are two of the most important attributes it takes to start a photography business. There’s also a whole lot of guess work going on. Like many new photographers, most dive in headfirst, learning on the fly and making decisions and pivoting along the way. Some of those choices paid off. Others? Not so much.
In this post, we are sharing the mistakes professional photographers admit to making when first starting out. What you’ll find is raw and honest reflections of some of the most notable photographers in the business of fashion, sports and weddings.
Let’s start with the undeniable force that is, Lindsay Adler, fashion photographer. indsay has built an incredible career doing what she loves. But like every successful creative, her journey came with lessons learned along the way.
Early on, I made the mistake of competing on price. I thought being more affordable would help me book tons of clients (and it did), but most of them didn’t truly value my time or creativity. I was charging so little it was hard to break even.
If I could do it over, I’d start by using the Cost of Doing Business Calculator to better understand my expenses and set sustainable rates. I’d also focus on building a strong brand and niche—and truly valuing what I offer instead of practically giving it away.
Wedding photographer Susan Stripling weighs in on her start in the business. As one of the most respected voices in wedding photography, Susan’s work is elegant, emotaional and technically precise. But even she didn’t start out knowing everything.
The second I decided to take my business seriously I should have worked with a lawyer and a financial advisor to make sure all of my legal and financial structures were set up correctly. I made a few mistakes by doing it on my own, and it took a couple of years to get everything set back up properly. No matter what, treat your business as a business from the very beginning. – Susan Stripling
Jared Polin, also known as Fro Knows Photo, is an all star in the photography industry. From concert photography, celebrities and sports photography, he has spanned so many genres of photography. At heart, he is an educator and breaks down photography in a way that’s fun, accessible and packed with knowledge. His insight, is especially interesting.
Two fold. I didn’t say yes to enough stuff up front. I felt that if someone was offering me not a lot of money, it wasn’t worth my time. The issue there is, I don’t get more experience up front doing real world shoots. And two, more importantly, I am not making connections that could prove valuable down the road. That’s not to say you should work always for free or for very little. You need to pick and choose what you do with the understanding of “how does this benefit me”. If you can say it does, take the change, but don’t get walked all over. – Jared Polin aka Fro Knows Photo
Known for his signature Vogue style and unique perspectdives, Jonny Edward opens up about a mistake he made when first starting out—and how it ultimately helped shape his style, confidence, and business. His reflection is a powerful reminder that mistakes aren’t setbacks—they’re stepping stones to becoming the photographer you’re meant to be.
I’d give myself more grace and be patient with the vision I was trying to craft for myself.
Every photographer’s journey is filled with lessons. Hearing from professionals about the mistakes they made and how they’ve grown from them is a powerful reminder that even the most seasoned artists once stood where you are now. At Printique, we’re proud to support photographers at every stage of their craft, and we hope these stories inspire you to keep learning, evolving, and printing with confidence. After all, it’s not about avoiding mistakes—it’s about what you do with them
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Email