Are you a photographer who’s constantly drained? Do you dread the thought of working with yet another client?

If so, you might want to ask yourself, do I want to keep doing this or can I do it in a different way, or do I need to start a new chapter in my life and business?

You may love photography as a hobby, but when you’re not on the right track, both in the business and leisure aspects, you might need help. Basically, you love what you’re doing but because of the workload you end up procrastinating and can easily end up burnt out.

In this podcast with Yvonne van Dalen, you’ll learn how to get back on the right track in your photography business, by following your passion.  

Yvonne van Dalen is a Creatives Business Strategist and Founder of the Creatives’ Coach Academy, where she helps struggling creative entrepreneurs worldwide turn their passion into a profitable business. Yvonne’s signature method has enabled her to create multiple (passive) income streams while working only 20 hours a week, raising two kids, and surviving depression. She now teaches this method to her 1-to-1 clients and group program students, helping them make the transition into full-time photography, 30X their income, and even make EUR 26,000 in one single day. Many of Yvonne’s clients now run their own successful creative business that makes them more money in less time and attracts clients on auto-pilot.

What makes a business sustainable? 

Yvonne has some great thoughts on sustainability: Sustainability is taking good care of your health first so you can perform best. You give your best when you feel good about yourself. When you prioritize your self-care, you also allow your business to grow. 

It also means your business has systems in place so you don’t need to repeat things over again. You can also automate processes, or ask for help by hiring a team or a virtual assistant. 

Your business becomes sustainable if you stick to these principles. When it’s your free time, don’t try to mix in some work. And when you work, focus on the task and don’t multitask.

Be the best version of yourself

If you constantly work or book sessions without having time off to rest, your ruining not just yourself but you’re hurting your business as well. A lot of photographers, especially when they start out, feel they need to be a certain way. And that stresses them out and they become unsure of themselves. They feel like an imposter, and that takes away the opportunity for them to show that they are the best person out there for their clients. 

Learn how to deal with imposter syndrome

Episode 25

Everyone gets 24 hours per day, and what you do in that 24 hours is important.

How do you spend your time? If you’re constantly working and you don’t have time to rest or digest what’s going on, okay, then you need to raise your prices. You need to, because otherwise, you’ll be suffocating within probably six months or three months or a year, and you’ll burn yourself out.

That’s why there is a need for you to think about how you spend your days. Be kind to yourself, and when you do that, you become the best version of yourself. 

Learn self-care for photographers with Jen Wille

Episode 22

Thrive on your passion

Most photographers start their photography business as a hobby or a passion for art. And even after starting a photography business, it’s still important for you to do something you’re passionate about.

If you’re lost, you should take a break and think about what made you start your business. Ignite that lost passion. Just give yourself space and have fun writing down what that amazing dream of yours and passion would look like.

Maybe you need to focus on one thing, it can become your niche. Get more specialized. It might be scary but you’re never going to lose out because niching isn’t bad. It will open more doors for you, give you more knowledge, and get you to know more about people. 

When there’s discomfort, there’s growth. Be honest and thrive on your passion. 

Here are some tips for you:

1. Believe that when you choose a niche, it will attract the right clients for you.
2. Always have a buffer, and if you want to change into something new, make sure you have your finances in order, so you know what you’ll need for six months or a year.
3. Create multiple income streams. 
4. Charge the right rates for your services. 

Things to avoid

Basically, it’s three things, no systems, no sales, and no visibility. Otherwise, you’re just doing random stuff in your business. 

1. Have your systems in place. Work on improving your process flow. There are a lot of automated tools that you can use to help your business. 

2. You also have to put a price on your time and your talent. You need to stop undervaluing yourself.

3. When you’re not visible, clients won’t know your business exists. Make sure you have a website where they can inquire about your services or use social media platforms to connect with potential clients. 

But at the end of the day, just don’t be afraid to make mistakes. We’re all humans and we can learn from our mistakes. There is no single formula for a perfect business. 

What Yvonne wants you to know

Work from the soul and embrace your savvy self, you are perfect and people need what you do.

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Ingvild Kolnes is the host of the Sustainable Photography Podcast, an educator for photographers, and is ready to help you with your photography business. The Sustainable Photography Program is back to give you the knowledge and tools you need to create a thriving photography business built to last. 

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