Why You’re Losing Money as a Photographer and How to Fix It Right Now
Photographers/videographers, your biggest competition isn’t the market—it’s your own mindset. Here is your wake-up call!
When you tell the world you’re a photographer or filmmaker, what do they hear? Do they picture you as a skilled creative? Or just someone who clicks a button and calls it a day?
Sadly, many of us are still charging as though we’re nothing more than glorified button pushers. And with 2025 right around the corner, it’s time for a wake-up call. Let me remind you of what you really do and why you need to charge accordingly.
At the end of this post, there is a downloadable test to show if you are paid accurately or underpaid. Take it and decide for yourself.
1. Location Scouting Isn’t Free—So Why Aren’t You Charging for It?
Every project starts long before the shoot day. You’re not just “finding a spot”; you’re mapping locations on Google, driving through unfamiliar neighborhoods, and scouring Instagram like a detective. Whether you’re creeping on a fellow creative’s photos or braving sketchy alleys to find the perfect shot, it’s all time-consuming.
Does your invoice reflect this? Probably not. Every hour you spend on location scouting is time you could have been charging for. Start factoring this work into your pricing—it’s not optional, it’s essential.
2. Carrying Gear: You’re the Muscle and the Creative Vision
Hauling gear sucks. But you do it anyway. You’re not just the creative genius behind the lens; you’re also the assistant, the roadie, and the logistical backbone of the entire operation. You’re clean-up crew to CEO, all of it.
Every tripod lugged, lens packed, and light stand positioned is physical labor that clients don’t see but benefit from. Think about this: movers get paid to lift and transport items. Why aren’t you charging for the physical labor you’re doing?
3. Budgeting: You’re Also the Executive Producer
When you’re hired for a project, do clients hand you a perfectly planned budget? Of course not. You’re stretching every dollar, pulling favors, and finding shortcuts without compromising quality. You’re a magician with money, but it’s draining—and it’s time you get paid for it.
Producers and executive producers get paid to manage budgets, so why are you doing it for free? Whether it’s finding locations, renting gear, or hiring crew, budgeting is a skill—and skilled work comes with a price tag.
4. Moodboards Take Hours—Time to Stop Treating Them Like Freebies
Moodboards are the blueprint of your project and they take a very long time to create (the good ones anyway). They’re the visual direction that sets the tone for everything else. And creating them isn’t as simple as “clicking around.”
You’re curating from Pinterest, Tumblr, MidJourney, Google, and Instagram to craft something that conveys emotion, style, and direction. It’s tedious, it’s time-consuming, and it’s not free work.
Clients benefit massively from mood boards—they guide everyone from the stylist to the lighting crew. Start charging for the time and expertise you put into them. It’s the roadmap and you’re probably not billing for that.
5. Hiring Crew and Leading Them: You’re the Director, Too
You’re not just pressing a button. You’re assembling a team. Whether it’s finding makeup artists, stylists, or assistants, you’re doing the legwork to make the project seamless.
Once the shoot starts, you become a leader. You’re motivating the crew, overseeing every detail, and ensuring everything runs smoothly. This isn’t “extra” work—it’s a core part of your role. If you’re taking on this responsibility, your pricing needs to reflect it.
6. STEP Pricing: The Secret to Charging What You’re Worth
The biggest solution to undercharging is having a clear, structured pricing system. That’s why I created STEP Pricing (Secret to Easy Photography Pricing)—a roadmap to help photographers and filmmakers stop undercharging and start valuing their work.
Think of it as the ladder to success. Each step builds on the last, helping you increase your rates while delivering more value to your clients. The days of winging it are over—2025 is about strategic growth.
7. Let It Sink In: You’re a Multi-Faceted Creative Powerhouse
Take a moment right now. Look up, close your eyes, and let this realization hit you. (I’ll wait.)
You’re not just a button pusher. You’re a scout, a stylist, a director, a producer, a leader, and more. The sooner you realize that the sooner the market, your clients, and the universe will catch on. When you believe in your value, you’ll start charging like it.
8. Success Doesn’t Happen by Dreaming—It Happens by Planning
Here’s the thing: you can’t just wish for higher rates. That’s not how it works. Success is built on strategy, not hope.
Take action. Dive into resources like STEP Pricing, watch the videos on my channel designed to help creatives succeed, and most importantly—believe that you deserve it. When you combine belief with a solid plan, nothing is stopping you from thriving in 2025.
LEARN ABOUT STEP PRICING HERE
Your Next Move
Stop charging like a button pusher and start valuing the incredible work you do. Your clients already see your talent—it’s time you see it too.
Want to learn more about pricing your photography or videography services? Check out my STEP Pricing course and subscribe to my channel for more actionable tips.
It’s time to stop dreaming and start doing. Your future self will thank you.
STEP PRICING COURSE (Get it here)
PRIVATE DISCORD COMMUNITY