10 Things I’ve Learned in a Decade of Being a Professional Photographer in Washington, D.C.
This year marks ten years of being a professional photographer in Washington, D.C. A decade of early mornings, late nights, packed calendars, slow seasons, reinventions, risks, wins, and plenty of lessons I didn’t know I’d be signing up for when I first picked up a camera professionally.
Running a photography business—especially in a competitive, fast-paced market like DC—has taught me far more than how to take a technically strong photo. It’s taught me how to think strategically, how to tolerate uncertainty, and how to build something sustainable over time.
Here are ten of the biggest lessons that have stayed with me.
1. Sometimes you have to invest upfront to see the reward.
There were moments early on when spending thousands of dollars on equipment, marketing, or education felt terrifying. But being overly cautious can cost you more in the long run. Being “penny wise and pound foolish” is real—especially in business. Strategic investments are often what unlock the next level.
2. Know when to keep going—and when to pivot.
Not everything you try will work. Some things deserve patience; others deserve a graceful exit. Learning the difference between persistence and stubbornness is critical. Growth often comes from knowing when to double down and when to change direction entirely.
3. Diversify your client stream.
Relying too heavily on one type of client, one referral source, or one revenue stream is risky. Markets shift. Budgets change. People move on. Diversification isn’t about lack of focus—it’s about resilience.
4. Working on the business matters as much as working in it.
You can be incredibly talented and still struggle if you ignore the business side. Marketing, systems, pricing, contracts, workflows—none of it is optional. If you don’t dedicate time to what happens behind the scenes, talent alone won’t save you.
5. Business is a marathon, not a sprint.
There’s no finish line where everything suddenly feels easy. Sustainable growth takes time, consistency, and patience. Burnout often comes from expecting short-term effort to yield long-term results.
6. Client acquisition and client retention are equally important.
Getting new clients matters—but keeping existing ones is just as valuable. Repeat clients and referrals don’t happen by accident; they’re built through experience, communication, and trust.
7. Being a generalist is a fast way to stall.
Trying to be everything to everyone dilutes your message. Specialization creates clarity—for you and for your clients. The more specific you are, the easier it becomes for the right people to find and choose you.
8. Lean into what sets you apart—even if it feels uncomfortable.
What you think might be a weakness is often your differentiator. Instead of hiding it, learn how to frame it as a strength. The right clients aren’t looking for “neutral”—they’re looking for alignment.
9. Word choice matters more than you think.
How you frame things changes how people perceive them. A “cost” feels very different from an “investment.” Language influences value, confidence, and decision-making—both for clients and for yourself.
10. Running a business is like holding up a mirror.
You’ll learn more about yourself than you ever expected. Your relationship with money, control, risk, confidence, boundaries, and self-worth all come into play. Growth in business almost always parallels growth on a personal level.
Ten years in, I can say this: being a professional photographer in DC has shaped me just as much as I’ve shaped my business. And while I wouldn’t change the hard parts, I also wouldn’t underestimate how much they’ve taught me.
Here’s to the next decade—wiser, more intentional, and still learning.