Why Talking About Money With Friends Is the Hardest Part of My Photography Business
Running a small business has stretched me in every way.It has been something I’ve created that I’m so proud of and also one of the most character-building, scary things I’ve ever done. It’s challenged me to grow, to lead with heart, and to hold boundaries in ways I never expected. Especially when it comes to friends and family.
There’s something deeply personal about the work I do. I don’t just take pictures. I create heirlooms. I help people see themselves the way others do. And when someone I know wants to hire me, it feels like the highest compliment. It says, I trust you. I see the value in what you do.
But it also gets complicated. Because talking about money with people I care about is hard.
Some friends say right away, “No discounts. I want the full experience.” And I can't tell you how much that means to me. It’s the biggest honor. It tells me they see the time, energy, and heart I pour into this work.
Others aren’t sure what to expect. Maybe they assume the pricing won’t apply to them. Maybe they’re caught off guard when I send it over. I get it. Truly. Not everyone can, or should, stretch their budget to hire me. And I don’t ever want anyone to feel embarrassed for asking or letting me know I’m out of their budget.
I also know I’m not the right fit for everyone. For some, my pricing is no problem. Others may need to save for months. Everyone values different things and spends their money in ways that reflect what matters to them. That’s okay and I don’t take it personally when people invest their money in other things.
Even if we’re close, and even if you love my work, you might choose to go somewhere else. That may make me sad, but it will never change how I feel about you. Our friendship is bigger than a photo session. We are still friends. Always.
Although I would be honored to photograph your family or senior, I also understand when that’s not possible. And if you still want to support me, there are so many meaningful ways to do that. Share my name, refer a friend, cheer me on online, or just give me some encouragement face to face. That support means more than you know.
To help bridge the gap when my pricing may be out of budget, I’ve created a smaller, simpler option for friends and family who may not need the full experience but still want something special. It’s not the full AGP experience complete with my classic printed products, but it still carries my heart and offers the same great care.
Interestingly, even when friends do hire me, I’ll admit there’s a different kind of pressure I carry. I want everything to be perfect for them. I worry if I’ve done enough, or if they expected something more. When I don’t hear feedback or see the images shared online or get a review, I wonder if they feel disappointed but don’t want to say so. I know how hard it can be to mix business and personal life. And I know how heavy it can feel to still do life together afterward, wondering if the session lived up to the trust they placed in me.
This is what it’s like behind the scenes. Not guilt. Just the honest reality of running a small business. Not expectation. Just a deep desire to honor every person who steps in front of my lens, especially the ones who already know me beyond the camera.
To those who’ve paid full price without hesitation, thank you. It’s not just a transaction. It’s a deep affirmation.
And to those who can’t, that’s okay too. I see you. I love you. I’m grateful for you. And to those who only want me as their photographer but the investment is beyond what you have budgeted, I have something special just for you.
Owning a small business means holding a lot at once—long hours, missed dinners, creative risks, mistakes, boundaries that protect my family and my peace, and prayers sometimes spoken through tears and sometimes shouted in praise. But it also means deep joy, growth, meaningful relationships, and the chance to do work that truly matters.
Thank you for loving me through all of it and showing grace as I continue to strive to make this business the very best it can be.
If you’re a friend and you’ve ever wondered whether it’s okay to ask me about options—please know that it is. I never want money to feel like a barrier to connection or conversation. Just ask. I’m always happy to talk about what might work best for you. Just send me an email and let’s begin the conversation.
And if you're a fellow small business owner or creative and this resonates with you, feel free to share it or comment below. I think these conversations matter, and maybe together we can help make them a little easier. But if you would like to share something a bit more private, please also feel free to email me. I’d love to connect so that we can be the best business owners and friends to our loved ones that we can be.
