119: How to Build a 6 Figure Photography Studio Part 1

I’m starting a photography studio. Spending some time in Alaska,
a family vacation, Iceland, in the hight of wedding season made
one thing clear. I can only do so much with my time. Things
slipped away from me. I have no one who works for me, I only make
money when I sell my time. This is how we have been trained to
work. Want to make more money at your job, pick up more hours.


Ive said many times I didn't go to school for business but for
photography. The business side has always been a challenge. In
the past year or so I have read some great business books. The e
myth revisited, the war of art, and most recently, Making money
is killing your business by Chuck Blakeman. The premise is that
as small business owners we are so focused on making money that
we don't take the time to build a business that makes money.


Thats me. I sometimes feel burnt out and like Im on a treadmill.
Doing work but getting nowhere. Its exhausting.


Chuck lays out a roadmap to building a business that makes money
and it is exciting. Its so exciting Ive read the book about half
a dozen times. I bought the audio book to listen to it in the car
over and over too. And Ive realized how bad of a business model a
single operator wedding photography business is. I can only make
more money by selling more of my time.


As the kids get older, I want to spend more time with them on the
weekends. As I get older I worry I won't be able to relate to my
clients who are usually 24-30.


So Ive had to make some decisions for the future. And I want to
open a photography studio. I less than 3 years. By May 5th 2021
to be exact. Thats my Business maturity date that I have set from
the instructions of the book.


I even bought a countdown timer. From right now I have 926 days
and time until I reach my BMD. In that time I will be doing a
complete rebrand, researching a brand new market to me, work on
marketing, register a new business, that comes with dealing with
taxes of course, Ill also be writing out how I conduct business.
Everything from figuring out pricing, getting new clients, how to
shoot, to how to edit, correspond with clients, blog their
session and then keep in touch so they book with me again and at
the end... Open a studio space. All of this while still being a
stay at home dad to 2 kids. lol.


All of this will be documented monthly and shared in a bonus
podcast episode. These podcasts will be heavily focuses on
business, starting and growing a new photography business.
Dealing with everything from marketing to photography
competition.


This how to build a 6 figure photography studio part 1 of 31. The
introduction. If you are interested in hearing the rest of the
series, it will be a Premium Member exclusive since its so
focused on business and making money with photography.


And to kick off this new endeavor Im going to give away a copy of
Chucks book Making money is killing your business to one lucky
patron who signs up by December 31st!


So if you want to become a premium member click the premium
membership link below at the top. It will take you to patron
where you can become a premium member for just $10/month. On top
of the new podcast where Ill be documenting how I start a 6
figure photography studio You will also get the extended versions
of each weeks interview where I ask additional questions geared
towards mak


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Thanks for listening & keep shooting!