The Accidental Entrepreneur: Turning a Passion into a Lucrative Side Hustle
As I attend wedding after wedding, I’m struck by the creativity and resourcefulness of my friends as they plan their big day on a budget. But one conversation with a former classmate turned photographer revealed a more surprising trend: turning amateur skills into a thriving side hustle.
From Lab Tech to Photographer
Meet a talented individual who’s managed to turn her passion for photography into a lucrative side gig, all while working full-time as a lab tech. We sat down to discuss how she got started, how she balances her dual careers, and where she sees her photography business heading in the future.
A Day in the Life
With a daily commute of over an hour, our photographer uses this time to edit photos, sans Wi-Fi, and focus on her craft. She limits her mid-week weddings to those that cover travel and housing costs, opting instead for 1-2 weekend gigs per month. Client meetings are squeezed into weekday lunches, discussing details like location, expectations, and wedding party size.
Finding Her Way
It all began when she started taking headshots for friends and acquaintances, leveraging her experience on her college newspaper staff. A chance encounter with a primary photographer led to her first wedding gig, and soon she had built a portfolio and was attracting new clients through social media, particularly Instagram.
The Financials
Our photographer charges $800-1,200 per wedding, depending on various factors, and averages $400-600 per week. However, she sets aside $100-200 for business expenses like Adobe and Dropbox subscriptions, Instagram ads, transportation, and equipment maintenance.
The Best and Worst Parts
While she enjoys the creative aspect of wedding photography, our photographer confesses that logistics like itemizing purchases for taxes and negotiating rates can be daunting. Knowing someone in the industry helped her understand her worth and anticipate unexpected costs.
Budget Breakdown
Her side hustle income is divided between reinvesting in her business and saving for graduate school. She’s proud to have avoided taking out loans for her upcoming MPH program, thanks to her photography earnings.
Long-Term Plans
While she doesn’t see photography as a full-time career, our entrepreneur plans to continue it as a side hustle, providing financial freedom and stability to pursue other passions. With her financial goal of avoiding loans already met, she’s excited to see where her photography business takes her next.
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