Running a fashion and beauty photography business is about more than capturing stunning images. It involves managing finances, building relationships, and staying organized to ensure smooth operations. Without a solid approach, the chaos of balancing creative work with business demands can quickly become overwhelming.
Coming to you from Kayleigh June, this practical video lays out clear strategies for managing the business side of fashion and beauty photography. A standout tip is to always charge a deposit for your shoots. June emphasizes how this protects your time and effort, ensuring you’re compensated even if a client delays payment. Deposits also help maintain a professional relationship by setting expectations upfront. Skipping this step can lead to chasing payments for months, which no one enjoys.
Another key insight is the separation of photography and retouching fees. June explains that charging for these services separately simplifies invoicing and ensures fair compensation for your work. Clients often change their minds about the number of images they want edited, and separating fees allows you to adapt without financial losses. This method also helps avoid confusion when discussing pricing, making it easier to communicate the value of your services.
June also highlights the importance of being selective with test shoots. While building your portfolio is crucial, saying yes to every opportunity can drain your time and creativity. Instead, focus on test shoots that align with your goals and style. If a collaboration isn’t beneficial, don’t hesitate to share your rates. Knowing when to prioritize paid work over unpaid collaborations is essential for sustaining your business. That's all just the start, so check out the video above for the full rundown from June.
If you would like to learn more about the business of photography, check out "Making Real Money: The Business of Commercial Photography With Monte Isom!"
