Why you don’t have to separate creative work from paid work in fashion photography
For years, there has been a widespread belief in the fashion photography industry that you have to take uninspiring, commercial jobs to pay the bills, while personal projects serve only as a creative outlet. If you've ever felt stuck in this mindset, I'm here to tell you: it's simply not true.
Many photographers, including myself, have been led to believe that well-paying jobs can never be fun, exciting, or creatively fulfilling. We think that in order to attract clients, we must shoot safe, conventional images rather than making art. But the truth is, the most successful fashion photographers are paid because of their creativity, not despite it.
Breaking the Cycle of Boring Work
When starting out, it's understandable to take on any job that helps pay the bills. However, the danger lies in getting stuck in a cycle where all you do is uninspiring commercial work. You build a portfolio that feels "safe," and as a result, you continue to attract clients who only want that kind of work. Meanwhile, the brands that value creativity don’t see you as a good fit because your portfolio doesn’t reflect your artistic potential.
The top photographers in the industry don’t get hired because they blend in; they get hired because their work is unique and unmistakably theirs. They have a perspective, a way of seeing the world that sets them apart. Big brands aren’t just looking for another technically skilled photographer—they want someone with a point of view.
What If "Later" Never Comes?
If you keep telling yourself that you’ll take creative risks later after you’ve established yourself, ask yourself: What if later never comes? What if you build an entire career around uninspiring work, never getting the chance to do what you truly love?
That thought alone was enough to make me shift my approach. I decided to showcase only the work that truly represented me. I stopped worrying about what I thought clients wanted and started sharing the images that excited me. It was a scary move, but it changed everything. Today, I book campaigns that would have seemed like a dream five years ago.
Making Creativity the Foundation of Your Career
Your creativity is your biggest asset. Instead of pushing it aside, what if you made it the foundation of your career? What if your dream clients hired you because of your artistic vision, not just for your ability to deliver technically sound images?
I know firsthand how hard it can be to make this shift, but I also know it's possible. That’s why I created The Fashion Photography Club. Inside, we don’t just cover strategy, pricing, and how to book clients—we focus on helping you build a career that excites and fulfills you.
Through portfolio reviews, style refinement, and strategic positioning, we help photographers craft a body of work that truly represents their creative identity. We ensure that your work stands out so clearly that no one else can replicate it. And yes, we teach you how to price and pitch yourself properly so you can get paid what you're worth.
Ready to Stop Settling?
If this resonates with you, imagine what we could achieve together in a year. A year of refining your style, positioning your portfolio, and building a business that aligns with your creative vision.
The doors to The Fashion Photography Club open on February 19th and close on February 26th. If you’re ready to bridge the gap between passion and profitability, get on the waitlist now. The link is in the show notes or description.
Remember: your creativity isn’t a liability. It’s your biggest strength. You don’t have to choose between doing what you love and getting paid well for it. You can have both.
