Episode 290 – 6 Photography Business Myths That Keep You Broke

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Photography Business Institute
Photography Business Institute

 THE MYTHS THAT ARE KEEPING YOU BROKE

I once paid $3,000 to learn from an award-winning photographer—only to discover he was working nights because he couldn’t pay his bills with photography. His art was stunning. His talent undeniable. And yet, he was struggling. That’s when it hit me: talent isn’t the problem. Lack of business skills is.

In this episode, I’m giving you the blunt reality check every photographer needs. We’ll uncover the six biggest myths that keep photographers broke and show you the business truths that will finally set you free.

So if you want to stop hustling for likes and start building a real, profitable photography business, hit play and enjoy the episode!

Here’s what you’ll learn:

1. The Talent Trap

  • Being talented doesn’t guarantee income.
  • Most photographers are solving the wrong problem.
  • The truth: Photography skills don’t automatically lead to profit.

2. The “More Work Means More Value” Lie

  • Culling 500+ images creates overwhelm, not value.
  • Clients suffer from decision fatigue and buy less.
  • Instead: Show only the best 25–30 and sell before you edit.

“You’re working harder to make less money. It’s not your talent that’s broken—it’s your workflow.”

3. The Exposure Myth

  • Not all exposure is created equal.
  • That event for the governor? Zero clients, despite high-profile guests.
  • Strategic exposure (media, business partnerships, speaking gigs) > free gigs.

Ask yourself: If I say yes to this, what am I saying no to?

4. The System Denial

  • Winging it = burnout.
  • Sarah’s 5-step sales system changed everything.
  • Systems let you qualify clients, set expectations, and boost profits with less stress.

5. The Give-It-All-Away Fantasy

  • Hoping clients will “want to buy” after getting everything for free?
  • That’s a charity model—not a business.
  • Switch to full service: show the art, guide the sale, print the results.

“When you value what you do, your clients will value it too.”

6. The Fear of Being “Too Expensive”

  • You’ll be judged no matter what you charge.
  • The right clients respect boundaries and value.
  • Pricing isn’t about being liked—it’s about sustainability.

Recap & Encouragement

If you’ve been undercharging, over-delivering, and hoping talent would be enough, it’s time to stop. The real breakthrough comes when you stop thinking like “an artist who sometimes sells something” and start operating like a business owner who creates art.

That $3,000 mistake? It saved me from years of struggle. Let it save you too.

RESOURCES

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