If I Was Starting My Photography Business Over Again in 2025…Here’s What I’d Do Differently
Starting a photography business in 2025? I’ve been there. And if I had to do it all over again, here’s exactly what I would (and wouldn’t) do—so you can skip the wasted time, money, and energy.
Hey, I’m Leah—a wedding photographer and photography educator. If you’re dreaming of building something meaningful, you’re in the right place. Let’s dive in.
Prefer to watch instead of read?
If you're a beginner photographer and would rather watch than read through this post, you can check out the full video here! In it, I walk through everything I’d do if I were starting my photography business over again in 2025—gear recommendations, editing tips, legal setup, and more.
Watch: If I Had to Start My Photography Business Over Again in 2025…Here’s What I’d Do Differently
The Best Camera Gear for Beginner Photographers in 2025
Let’s talk gear: what to buy, what to skip, and how to keep it budget-friendly.
I’m a Canon shooter, so my suggestions are Canon-specific, but most camera brands have great equivalents—Sony, Nikon, Fuji, etc. All of them offer solid beginner options!
Beginner Camera Recommendations:
Canon R50
Canon R100
These cameras are budget-friendly, high-quality, and mirrorless—which is where the industry is headed (and what I personally shoot with).
If you have a bit more budget:
Canon R
Canon R6 (this is what I currently use)
Skip the Kit Lens
Most kit lenses aren’t worth the investment. Instead, I recommend:
Canon RF 50mm f/1.8
It’s extremely affordable, super versatile, and way better quality than most kit lenses. It’ll help you get that beautiful blurry background (bokeh) that you’re probably aiming for, and you can use it in all kinds of situations.
Other Essential Gear for New Photographers:
SD Cards (get a few!)
External Hard Drives (get two if you can—so you can back up your work)
Godox V1 Flash (budget-friendly and long-lasting)
Free Photography Education: Where to Start
Before you invest in paid courses or mentorships, use the goldmine of free content available online:
YouTube (including my channel!)
Instagram Reels
TikToks
Podcasts
Eventually, investing in online courses or 1:1 mentorships can totally level up your business—but start with free resources to build a strong foundation.
What to Learn First as a New Photographer
1. Lightroom First, then Photoshop
Learn everything you can about Lightroom: every panel, every slider, every tool. It will massively improve your editing and your overall photo quality.
Once you’ve got Lightroom down, then dive into Photoshop.
2. The Exposure Triangle
Master shutter speed, ISO, and aperture. These three settings control how your photo looks—and how your style evolves. The quicker you get comfortable shooting in manual mode, the better.
It might feel confusing at first, but over time it’ll become second nature—like riding a bike.
3. How to Use Light
Learn to photograph in every lighting situation—harsh light, golden hour, indoor, cloudy, etc. This impacts:
Skin tones
Backgrounds
Editing
Your entire photography style
Learning how to work with light early on saves you hours in editing (no more 5 a.m. editing sessions like I had!).
How to Legally Set Up Your Photography Business
This part may not be glamorous—but it’s essential:
Register your business (LLC, DBA, etc.)
Get business insurance
Set up contracts, invoices, and payment systems
Start organizing your taxes
A Platform I Recommend:
Pixieset – It’s a CRM, gallery delivery system, and website builder all in one. Perfect for beginner photographers.
And while you’re setting up your website—buy your domain. The sooner you have your domain registered, the better your SEO authority on Google over time.
Bonus for New Wedding Photographers
If you’re diving into wedding photography, I have a free pre-wedding day questionnaire I use with all my couples to help you stay organized and confident. Grab it here!
Marketing Your Photography Business in 2025
Now let’s talk about getting clients.
You HAVE to Show Up Online
Even if it feels awkward (it did for me too!), the only way people can hire you is if they know you exist. Post your work. Show your face. Share your story. This builds trust and connection—and it’s how you get bookings.
Start with One Platform
Pick one platform you actually enjoy (Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, etc.) and stick with a posting schedule you can commit to.
If you can post once a week, great.
If you can post five times, amazing.
The key? Consistency.
Then, repurpose that content across platforms. One video can be a Reel, TikTok, blog post, and Pinterest pin. Work smarter, not harder.
Let People See YOU
In an oversaturated industry, your superpower is you. People don’t just want beautiful photos—they want someone they vibe with. So:
Show your face.
Share behind-the-scenes.
Talk to the camera.
Let your personality shine.
Practice, Practice, Practice
Work with:
Friends
Family
Kids
Pets
Nature
Yourself
The more you shoot, the more confident you’ll feel. Book free practice sessions. Film behind-the-scenes content. Use every shoot as an opportunity to learn.
Final Thoughts
Starting a photography business in 2025 is totally doable—and incredibly rewarding. Just take it one step at a time, focus on the right things, and don’t be afraid to put yourself out there.
Want to Go Deeper?
Let me know in the comments:
What’s one thing you wish you knew before starting your photography business?
Or—what part of this post would you love me to go more in-depth on? I’m happy to create more videos (and blog posts!) just for you. 🤍
And if you found this helpful, I would LOVE if you subscribed to my YouTube channel for weekly photography tips and education!
Keep building what you love.
—Leah 🤍
