Starting a wedding photography business can be an exciting yet challenging journey. When I first began, I made a few key mistakes that cost me time, money, and opportunities. If you’re considering starting a wedding photography business, learn from my experiences and avoid these 3 mistakes when starting my photography business.

1. Charging Too Little at the Beginning

One of my biggest mistakes when starting my wedding photography business was underpricing my services. I thought offering low rates would attract more clients, but it ended up undervaluing my work. Worse yet, I didn’t have a plan to educate my network about raising my prices over time. As a result, when I eventually increased my rates, I faced resistance from previous clients who were used to my initial low prices. If you’re starting a wedding photography business, make sure to price your services strategically and communicate your value from the start.

2. Not Tracking My Spending

In my first few years, I was so focused on getting clients and delivering quality work that I neglected to track my expenses properly. I had no clear idea of how much money was coming in versus how much was going out. This lack of financial oversight made it difficult to scale my business efficiently. Keeping detailed financial records and setting a budget is crucial when starting a wedding photography business to ensure long-term profitability.

3. Not Building an Authentic and Connection-Based Network

When I first started, I took a lone-wolf approach, believing that my photography would speak for itself. However, I quickly realized that connections matter just as much as talent. Building relationships with vendors, clients, and fellow photographers is essential for growth and referrals. If you’re starting a wedding photography business, prioritize networking and creating genuine connections within the industry—it will pay off in the long run.

Final Thoughts

Every business journey comes with its own set of challenges, but learning from mistakes can set you up for success. If you’re starting a wedding photography business, be mindful of your pricing strategy, track your finances, and cultivate strong industry relationships. By doing so, you’ll create a sustainable and thriving business that allows you to capture beautiful love stories for years to come. Need help knowing HOW to do these things? Or want the step by step guide? Check out my course, The Forward HQ.