From Hobby to Hustle: Turning Your Photography Passion into a Profitable Business (the Legal Way)

If you’ve ever been told, “You should charge for this!” after sharing your photos, maybe it’s time to start listening. I remember when Pink Chair Photography was just a spark of an idea—born from a love of storytelling, dramatic lighting, and the elegance of painterly portraits. But passion alone doesn’t pay the bills, especially in today’s economy.

With rising tariffs on imported goods (hello, backdrops and packaging), and Charleston’s photography market overflowing with pop-up sessions, it’s more important than ever to build something legitimate—and sustainable—from day one.

I see a lot of talented hobbyists entering the scene, and I get it. This city is inspiring. But many new photographers start offering $50 photo sessions without realizing they’ve walked into business ownership—whether they meant to or not.

If you're thinking about going pro, here's how to do it right without burning out or going broke:

1. Pick a Niche That Feels Like You

For me, that’s painterly portraits and fantasy composite artwork—images that feel like they were plucked from a storybook or museum wall. Your niche might be branding, lifestyle, or documentary family work. Whatever it is, focus your early portfolio around that so clients know exactly what to expect.

2. Build a Portfolio with Purpose

You don’t need dozens of shoots to get started. Offer a few complimentary or discounted sessions (I call these “portfolio-building sessions”) to friends who fit your dream client vibe. Choose wardrobe, lighting, and edits that align with what you eventually want to be paid to create.

3. Set Up Your Business the Right Way

Pink Chair Photography is a registered LLC, and I collect sales tax, use contracts, and report my income. It may not be glamorous, but this structure protects me and my clients—and it sends a clear message that I run a professional business, not a casual side hustle.

4. Know Your Numbers

One of the most important steps I took when going pro was learning how to price based on real costs—not what others are charging on Instagram. Here's the simple formula I use:

Cost of Doing Business = (Annual Expenses + Desired Salary) ÷ Billable Sessions Per Year

So if I want to make $40,000 a year, and I spend $10,000 annually on gear, insurance, education, editing software, and packaging, and I plan to shoot 100 sessions…

($10,000 + $40,000) ÷ 100 = $500 per session

That number isn’t just my “rate”—it’s the break-even point where my business actually works.

5. Compete with Professionalism, Not Price

Charleston is saturated with photographers, yes—but it’s not saturated with personalized service, excellent communication, or thoughtful, consistent editing. That’s where you shine. Whether you're offering minimalist headshots or whimsical fantasy portraits, the experience you give your clients is what builds referrals and longevity—not underpricing.

---

If you’re serious about going from passionate hobbyist to paid professional, I hope this encourages you to take those first steps with confidence. It's okay to start small—what matters is starting smart.

Let’s lift each other up.

Warmly,

Amy Gerhardt

Pink Chair Photography LLC

Charleston, SC