What if the thing keeping you stuck isn’t a lack of talent, but a lack of clarity? In this episode, I’m breaking down why most traditional business plans fail photographers and sharing the simple one-page framework that has helped me and countless photographers build profitable businesses without overwhelm.
So if you want to build a photography business that actually makes money, without wasting time on complicated spreadsheets and 30-page plans, hit play and enjoy the episode!
Why Traditional Business Plans Don’t Work for Photographers
I have an MBA, so I know all about executive summaries, market analyses, and financial projections. But when I started my photography business, none of that helped me answer the one question that actually mattered:
How many sessions do I need to photograph to make the income I want?
As photographers, we need a practical plan that guides our daily decisions, not a document that sits in a drawer collecting dust.
The Only 3 Numbers You Need
1. Your Income Goal
Start with the amount you truly want to earn this year.
Ask yourself:
- What would create freedom for my family?
- What would make this business worth it?
- What do I actually want, not just what feels realistic?
2. Your Average Order Value
This is the most important number in your photography sales process.
Formula:
- Total revenue ÷ Number of sessions = Average order value
Key insight:
- The work is nearly the same whether a client spends $200 or $2,000.
- Higher average orders create more profit with fewer sessions.
3. Sessions Needed
Once you know your goal and average sale:
Income Goal ÷ Average Order = Sessions Needed
Example:
- $100,000 goal
- $2,000 average order
- 50 sessions per year
That’s your business plan. Simple. Clear. Actionable.
Design Your Business Around Your Life
One of the biggest mindset shifts is realizing you can reverse-engineer your business around your family and schedule.
Maybe:
- You take summers off with your kids.
- You avoid winter sessions.
- You only want a handful of clients each month.
When you know your numbers, you can build a business that supports your life instead of consuming it.
The Two Questions That Matter Most
Now that we’ve covered the numbers, here’s where the real growth happens:
How do I increase my average order?
Focus on:
- Client experience
- Emotional storytelling
- Wall portraits and albums
- Guiding clients through the buying process
How do I attract the right clients?
Focus on:
- Building relationships
- Creating value
- Having meaningful conversations
- Avoiding discount-driven marketing
The goal isn’t more clients. The goal is better-fit clients who value what you create.
Final Thoughts
A profitable photography business doesn’t require a complicated business plan. It requires clarity.
Know your:
- Income goal
- Average order value
- Number of sessions needed
When those numbers become second nature, every marketing, sales, and scheduling decision becomes easier.
Your challenge this week: Grab a sheet of paper and create your one-page business plan. Then start making decisions that move you toward those numbers.
RESOURCES
- Go from Hidden to Hidden to Hired this Season: Get the Formula
- Photography Business Tools to Get Started
- Join Our Facebook Group: We Are Portrait Photographers
- Learn About Boutique Breakthrough
- Subscribe & Review the Podcast
