As a photography coach, I talk a lot about setting goals or massive outcomes that my clients want for themselves, for their business. 

But I think something gets overlooked. 

Setting a minimum standard for you and your business. 

I see too many photographers just settle. Take any job that comes their way because they are too afraid to say no. Or think they can’t say no. Or maybe they use sliding scale pricing because a client has suggested that your prices might be too high. Or maybe you offer a discount, (NO!!!) Or you just assume something about a client that may or may not be true when it comes to what they value when it comes to photography.

Two things:
1. Don’t decide for your clients 
2. Don’t be desperate (even if you are)

When you decide to elevate who you are, what you offer and who you serve in your business, you will be amazed at what happens.

You need to let go of this yucky way of doing business. If you don’t create a floor for what you are worth, what you will accept, then the downward price spiral can happen and it is hard to recover from. 

You don’t want to be known as the cheap photographer. Or the photographer that will negotiate on pricing even though you have rates posted. Or the photographer that doesn’t believe enough in themselves to trust their value. 

Last thing in the world you want to do when trying to establish yourself as a photographer or maintain a successful photography business is be part of a price shopping comparison. 

Ways to avoid always hearing ‘I’ll get back to you, or we are just looking or can you lower your package price” is to show up with confidence because you believe in yourself and what you offer. Because you have identified your ideal client and you will not waiver. 

Figure out who you are. What you stand for. And let these potential clients go. Shed them. Maybe you will be scared for a few weeks or a few months. But in the end you will work with people who love what you do and are happy to pay for it. 

It will be the best thing you ever do.