4 Ways to Make Money as a Wedding Photographer During the Coronavirus

As a photographer myself, this post is geared towards other photographers or videographers, but I think some of these tips would help other small business owners or creatives.

Let’s face it: it’s always risky to be an entrepreneur and to work for yourself. On top of personal bills, it’s not uncommon for an unexpected business bill come up … or sometimes a virus breaks out and the whole world goes nuts. It feels a lot more risky to be an entrepreneur right now, because everything is so unknown.

1. Focus on selling a product such as prints or albums

As photographers, most of us get a commission on the prints and albums we sell. Get creative. Now is the time to sell that idea you’ve been sitting on. Personally, I have some beautiful albums that have been sitting in my closet the past two weeks that I’ve been needing to sell. Now is the perfect time for that. Bonus tip: Get behind the products you sell. Stay away from selling products just to make an extra buck that you don’t actually believe in. I’ve found that products are easier to sell when you know they will better your client’s lives.

2. Sell a virtual service or future service

Are you a whiz at FB ads? Have you been wanting to offer meditations or yoga videos? A guide on the best hikes in your state? One-on-one mentorships? Maybe you have some presets to sell?

It doesn’t necessarily have to be related to what your current business is, as long as you’re passionate about it.

Another thing you can do is sell a future service. For example, we just had to cancel our spring mini sessions. But something I can do is offer gift cards or photo sessions at a discounted rate now, then those clients can use their gift card at a later time. Keep in mind: You may need to place your offer for a lower profit margin, especially if it is your first time offering a service like this. (Example, if you’re a photographer and then suddenly announce you’re doing guided meditations)

Another huge thing to keep in mind —

EVERYONE is being affected by Coronavirus. Some people are affected more than others. As photographers, we are so damn lucky to work from home and to already have an entrepreneur mindset. Some people will not have ANY extra money to spend on albums, prints or a virtual service. Please keep this in mind.

3. Give back.

Yes, this whole coronavirus pandemic is gonna suck for us small business owners. But we can get through it. Give something back to your community and clients — I find that this always puts me in a better headspace. A better headspace and mindset will put you ahead during these hard times and will make it easier for you to make money when opportunities arise.

Some ideas for giving back -

• Making a “What to wear” guide for your clients

• Set up a “free headshot” day (stay six feet away) for people who have lost jobs

• Update your referral lists

• Send thank you cards to clients

• …. there’s so much possibility here. Get creative!

4. Learn something that will help you earn extra money once things go back to normal!

This is a great one because if you run a business, there is always something to learn. The learning never stops! Dive into something that will benefit you to know later. We all know that once things get busy it’s so hard to find the time to learn new things. Now is a great time for that.

I know that money is probably tight right now and you don’t have any extra to invest in education. Here are three resources that we love, this post is not sponsored by any of them, though we do get an extra free month of Skillshare ourselves if you use our referral code!

Skillshare - $16 per month

MasterClass - $15 per month

Hustle & Flow Online - $47 per month (normally there is an entry fee but they have waived that right now due to coronavirus!)

Lighting Mastery Course - one time $99 (usually $500) * I do get a small kickback from this link!

Be gracious to your clients right now

This is a hard time for them. They’re probably trying to decide if they need to change wedding logistics or have a backup plan. Be there for them without adding extra panic or stress. I’ve seen photographers in wedding groups freaking out that their clients are going to cancel weddings . . . why not do everything you can to help your clients reschedule if they need to? Just because coronavirus is going around doesn’t mean they don’t want to marry each other anymore! Give them options to reschedule their wedding to a later date at no extra cost. Imagine what it’s like to be in their shoes . . . they’ve already spent a lot of money on their wedding. Offer to do an elopement with your couple on their wedding date. Heck, get ordained yourself so you can officiate if they end up eloping! (Honestly Trent and I will do this for any of our couples) Offer to photograph the reception at later time. There are so many options so make sure to be there for your clients when they need it.

You may be out of some money upfront and things will be hard, but your clients will remember how you treated them and that goes a long way when it comes to future referrals, etc. Think past the current moment and into the future. I do realize that a lot of these tips aren’t quick ways to get cash, but the point is to think ahead and stay chill.

It’s hard, but you’re not alone. We’re going to get through this!