5 Business Practices that Significantly Increased Photography Income

One business practice that significantly increased my photography income was implementing tiered service packages with clear upsell opportunities. Instead of offering a flat "all-in" rate, I built structured collections that highlight my core coverage while making it easy for clients to see the value of upgrading.

For example, my base package covers essential wedding day hours, but the mid- and top-tier packages add extras like engagement sessions, extended coverage, second shooters, or heirloom albums. I made sure the pricing was intentionally staggered—so that the jump from base to mid felt modest, while the mid to top tier was a natural step once clients saw how much more value they received.

I implemented this by redesigning my proposal templates, adding strong visual comparisons between tiers, and training myself to walk couples through the decision-making process during consultations. Within the first year, the majority of clients started booking the mid-tier or higher packages, which increased my average booking value by more than 35%.

This single change not only boosted revenue but also helped position my brand as a luxury service provider.

Lovelee & Elevation Event Photography (www.loveleephotos.com & www.elevationeventphotos.com)

One business practice that changed everything for me was building my schedule around sustainability instead of just packing in more shoots.

As a mom with young children, I quickly learned that burnout doesn't just hurt me; it impacts my clients too. This might seem counterintuitive, but this shift helped me realize that sometimes scheduling less actually creates more: more energy to show up fully, more creativity in my work, and a smoother client experience that people rave about.

By setting up a rhythm of seasonal mini-sessions, intentional time blocks for editing and marketing, and non-negotiable days off, I found my business became both healthier and more profitable.

The better I served my clients, the more they returned year after year and sent their friends my way. In the end, it wasn't hustling harder that grew my income; it was creating a business I could sustain long-term.

One of my best business decisions was to collaborate with my competition. As a freelancer and solopreneur, you eventually end up turning business away because you are booked or don't have the specific skill set required. By networking and collaborating with others, I was able to take on more jobs, simultaneous jobs, increase my offerings, and grow my business while using other skilled professionals and supporting us all in putting food on the table. Additionally, when my work was slower, it meant I could supplement by covering jobs for the same competitors who were working for me. It became a win-win, and I built my trusted network of shooters while learning new skills and strategies from them as well.

One business practice that significantly increased my photography income is "in-person sales" or IPS. I started IPS about 15 years ago and will never go back. Sending a gallery to a client and crossing my fingers that they'll purchase prints was not a good business strategy. Sitting down with my clients, where they can look at all of my portrait products in person, and decide exactly what images they want to purchase, was the best way to increase my income. At the same time, my clients feel much more confident with their purchases because I have helped them decide what products fit best for their lifestyle. This sets me apart in my industry, and clients really appreciate the time spent with them.

Bundling services with licensing rights created a clear jump in income. Instead of offering flat fees for sessions alone, I began structuring packages that included both the shoot and tiered usage rights for the images. Clients could select personal use, commercial use, or extended distribution, each priced accordingly. Implementation required rewriting contracts and educating clients upfront about the value of image rights, which at first felt like an extra step but quickly became routine.

The change reframed my work from a one-time event to an asset with measurable business value. Within the first year, average revenue per client rose by nearly 30 percent, and I attracted more commercial projects because the pricing structure aligned with professional standards. The practice not only increased earnings but also positioned photography as both an art and a long-term resource.