Charge What You’re Worth: Three Lessons for Horse Photographers

Oh boy, do I have a story for you! Imagine this: you’re on the phone with a potential client who’s interested in getting some updated photos. They’re excited and ready to chat about the details, but before you even get started, they pause and ask, Are you going to be too expensive for me? Sound familiar?

Well, it’s a common problem in the photography industry. Many photographers have been undervaluing themselves and charging less than they should be. This doesn’t just apply to horse photographers. It’s across the entire industry.

As a result, some clients come to expect low rates, even from highly skilled photographers. But here’s the thing – undervaluing yourself is a recipe for burnout and ultimately, going out of business.

Lesson 1: Clients Won’t Always Have Your Back

As much as we wish it weren’t true, clients won’t always have your back.

They might recognize that you’re undervaluing yourself, but they’re not going to magically start throwing more money your way. They’ll just take advantage of your low rates and move on to the next photographer who’s willing to do the same thing.

That’s why it’s essential to recognize your own value. You are a highly skilled photographer with a unique set of talents and experiences. Don’t let anyone convince you otherwise. Charge what you’re worth and don’t apologize for it.

It’s also important to communicate your value to potential clients.

You can do this by highlighting your experience and skills, sharing your portfolio, and providing testimonials from happy clients. By doing so, you’ll attract the right clients who appreciate your work and are willing to pay for it.

Lesson 2: Take Care of Yourself

The horse photography business – for that matter, the photography business in general – can be tough on your mental health.

You’ll face some tough clients, learning curves, and setbacks along the way.

That’s why it’s crucial to take care of yourself. Don’t burn yourself out by overworking or taking on too many jobs.

Set reasonable expectations for yourself and your clients. Remember, you’re only human.

Taking care of yourself also means investing in your personal and professional growth.

Attend photography workshops and seminars, read industry blogs and magazines, and network and collaborate with other photographers.

By doing so, you’ll continue to improve your skills, stay up-to-date with the latest industry trends, and discover that you are not alone in the stressors and concerns you have in running a business in today’s world.

Lesson 3: Plan for the Long Haul

If you want to succeed in the equine photography industry, you have to start planning for the long haul.

Charging dirt-cheap rates and overworking yourself is not the way to build a sustainable photography career.

And while it might be tempting to take any job offer that comes your way, doing so will only lead to exhaustion and resentment.

Instead, take the time to set reasonable rates for your work.

Factor in your expenses, time, and experience when calculating your prices.

It’s okay to charge what you’re worth – in fact, it’s necessary for building a successful and sustainable photography business.

Also, you need to always be thinking long-term in your business. That means you need to consider factors such as your retirement plan, investing in your education and gear, and developing a marketing plan for your business.

As a photographer, you have a unique set of skills and talents that you can use to create a sustainable career for yourself. But only if you think strategically about your business and goals.

In conclusion, recognizing your value as a horse photographer is essential for building a successful and sustainable business.

If you take nothing else away from this post remember these three things:

• Charge what you’re worth
• Plan for the long haul
• Take care of yourself

By following these three lessons, you’ll set yourself up for success in the photography industry.

Betsy Bird, Cr. Photog., CPP,  of Ride the Sky Equine Photography spends her days doing insane things to make animals look at her. Clearly, she’s desperate for attention. Outside of acting like a total goofball, she invests in growing her business, mentoring photographers, dealing with her teenagers' angst, and hanging with Nitro, the best dog ever. She also tries to spend some time educating and entertaining aspiring photographers by teaching and blogging about whatever catches her fancy at the moment.

Betsy has earned her Photographic Craftsman degree from the Professional Photographers of America (PPA) which honors photographers who contribute to the photographic industry through speaking, mentoring, and publishing. Betsy is also a Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) with PPA. The CPP designation is held by fewer than 2,500 photographers nationwide and is a hallmark of consistency, technical skill, artistry, and professionalism.

Additionally, she serves on the Board of Directors for the Professional Photographers of East Tennessee (PPETN) and the Tennessee Professional Photographers Association (TNPPA). She is also a professional member of the Equine Photographers Network (EPN).

Betsy's award-winning work has been featured in a variety of publications and is found throughout homes and stables in the United States. She is also the co-author of the book, Equine & Equestrian Photography Poses that Sell: The Ultimate Guide to Posing Horses & Humans. She has also been featured on Scenic Trend, the Profitable Photographer Podcast, The Business Animal Podcast, Chatter Magazine, Cowgirls with Cameras Podcast, the Chattanooga Times Free Press, the Chattanoogan, and the Focal Points Podcast to name a few.