The Real Struggle of Pricing Your Photography: Art or Income?
If you're a photographer, chances are you've faced this question more than once:
“How do I make money from my work?”
When I used to teach at universities, it came up all the time — usually followed by a long silence from me. Not because I didn’t have ideas, but because there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Photography, like any creative pursuit, sits at the crossroads of passion and practicality.
I’ve never fully resonated with the idea of turning photography into a traditional business. I’ve done paid work, and I’ve had financial return from my career — but I’ve always felt more like an artist than a service provider.
Over time, I’ve asked myself harder questions:
Do I really want photography to be my job?
Or do I want it to be something else entirely — something more personal, more creative?
That internal conflict brought me here: choosing to lean into photography not as a product to sell, but as a way to express, connect, and explore. And somehow, the less pressure I put on it to “perform,” the more I found myself genuinely fulfilled behind the lens.
A Few Things I Learned Along the Way:
1. Define your relationship with photography.
Is it your career, your art, your therapy — or something else? Knowing this gives you clarity, especially when money enters the picture.
2. Balance isn’t a myth.
You don’t have to choose between art and income completely. But you do need to know which side you’re prioritizing right now — and be honest with yourself about the trade-offs.
3. Rediscover the joy.
If photography starts feeling heavy or transactional, take a step back. Shoot for yourself. Remember what pulled you into it in the first place.
When I let go of the pressure to monetize every click, something shifted. I started seeing again — really seeing. The ordinary looked magical again. The act of creating for no one but myself was a quiet revolution.
And maybe that’s what this is really about: Creating a relationship with your art that feels sustainable, honest, and yours.
Join the Conversation
What’s your relationship with photography right now?
Do you feel pressure to make it profitable — or have you chosen a different path?
Share your thoughts in the comments. Let’s have a real talk about this creative life.
