Earning money as a Photographer- It’s about Mastering your Money Mindset

Today, I’m keen to focus on something that’s been on my mind and i’d love to talk about with you- the “money mindset wave.”

I’m here to empower you to not just survive but thrive financially while doing what you love most: capturing beautiful moments using your talent.

Believing Photography is Still Vital in the AI Age

First off, let’s squash those doubts. There is absolutely no reason why you, as a commercial photographer, can’t earn a healthy living, whether you’re part-time or full-time. Even in this age of smartphones and AI, professional photography remains indispensable. There’s a robust market out there craving quality still imagery, and customised images, whether for business, marketing, domestic uses and it’s up to us to fill that gap and continue to share why our clients need custom created photos that look and feel authentic. 

Shedding Old Money Stories

We’ve all grown up hearing stories about money. You know, like those tales like “money doesn’t grow on trees” or that being wealthy is unattainable and maybe even bad. These narratives might have held some of us back, but here’s the good news: there’s a fresh, positive wave of thinking about money, and it’s reshaping how we interact with our finances. For instance, in my upbringing, it was taboo to discuss money over the phone, a relic of a time when privacy was paramount. As photographers today, it’s crucial to rewrite those scripts so we can run successful businesses. Earn great income from our craft and thrive, even when the photography market is saturated. 

Transforming Your Money Mindset 

So, how do we tackle this? A big part of my transformation came from coaches like Denise Duffield Thomas. She taught me to manifest and receive money positively. Her mantras and belief systems, such as:

• the idea that we serve and deserve money,
• It’s ok for me to earn good money
• It’s ok for me to be an expensive photographer
• It’s healthy for me to charge my full rates so I provide the best outcome for my clients. 

All these beliefs I adopted for myself and were game-changers for me. Think about influential figures like Oprah, or even successful coaches and educators, who have used their wealth for good. We can adopt that mindset to help us feel good about receiving money. Wealth isn’t something to feel guilty about; it’s something that can allow us to give back because the more money we can make the more money we can use to help others and give back in ways that are meaningful to us. 

Embrace Changes and Opportunities

It’s okay to: 

1. 1. Increase Your Rates – Don’t shy away from updating your fees, even with loyal clients.
   2. Be Expensive – Position yourself as a premium service and own it.
   3. Talk About Money – Sharing earnings can inspire and illuminate what’s possible.
   4. Explore What ‘Wealthy’ Means to You – Whether it’s flying first class or dining out without a care, define what wealth looks like in your world.

As you build your photography business, remember it’s alright to say, “That’s not enough money,” when faced with undervalued work. Trust there’s more coming, so you can prioritize projects that honor your worth.

Money Mantras to Live By

Take some inspiration from these affirmations, which have worked wonders for me:

1.  It’s safe to earn more money.
2. Money flows easily to me.
3. I’m allowed to be successful. Incorporate these into your daily life and watch your mindset shift.

Practicing Money Gratitude

Try showing gratitude for every dollar that ends up in your account. I make a habit of thanking clients, silently celebrating to myself whenever money rolls in. Recognizing and appreciating your income creates a positive cycle that attracts even more. 

Books and Resources to Explore Feeling inspired to dive deeper? 

Check out resources from Denise Duffield Thomas or explore the philosophies of Ken Honda. Also, “You’re a Badass at Making Money” by Jen Sincero is an excellent read! 

I hope this post inspires you to reframe your relationship with money and empowers you to build a thriving photography business. 

Let’s continue to support and learn from one another, pushing forward with enthusiasm and courage. Thanks for stopping by, and I’ll catch you in the next post!