Photographers: Is it possible to double your income and have more freedom?

Photographers: Is it possible to grow your income and have more freedom? (Outsourcing)

Every day I get asked about outsourcing. Delegating any part of my business or my life has always been a scary thing for me. Until I realized it boils down to ONE question:

"Is my time better spent doing [ insert outsourceable task ] or is it better spent doing something I love OR something that’ll make my business more profitable?"

Experience #1: Should I hire a housekeeper?

I recently hired a housekeeper. She works one day a week for 6 hours. For years, I did it all by myself because I thought that’s what a “good mom” does. Good ‘Ole Mom guilt.

When I took a step back, I realized quality time with my kids was suffering because I was always busy doing laundry or cleaning something if I wasn't working. I pay my housekeeper $25/hour - so that’s $150/week for 6 hours of work.

> Something that I LOVE:
I think 6 hours of quality time with my kids is definitely worth $150. 

> Something more PROFITABLE:
I could also use those extra 6 hours to work on my business. For example, if I used that time for a photoshoot I could earn upwards of $3k+. That's a better use of my skills and time... and way more profitable than cleaning my house. 

Experience #2: Should I outsource my retouching?

This is something I held onto for a looooong time because I felt no one could do it as well as I could.

I now outsource my photo retouching.

My husband started complaining that I was at the computer too much and our family time was suffering. He asked if I could set a schedule for myself and perhaps stop working at 5pm.

He was right. I needed to set some boundaries to establish some balance in my life.

So I found a few retouchers. I screen-recorded myself retouching my photos and gave the videos to them so they could learn my process. And to ensure the transition would look seamless in my photos.

> Something that I LOVE:
By outsourcing the retouching, I was able to establish a routine and balance between my work and family life. This made everyone, including myself, happy. 

> Something more PROFITABLE:
I was always scared about the cost of paying a retoucher. What if the client didn’t buy enough photos and I didn’t make a profit on the shoot because I needed to pay my retoucher? I got out of my head and TRIED it. It turns out it’s about $3.50/image for a retoucher to do a light edit. About $100/shoot. A cost worthwhile even if my client only purchases my smallest package. 

Experience #3: Should I hire a VA (Virtual Assistant)?

I knew when I started spending entire days emailing, scheduling, arranging the hair and make-up artists, setting up image reveals and consultation calls - that something needed to change.

I’m a photographer after all. And my business only runs if I can photograph clients and create photos they’ll need and purchase.

> Something that I LOVE:
No, I don’t love emailing, scheduling and organizing. I’ve hired several VAs over the years. The best by far is a VA I found from Virtual Gurus. Beware of up-and-coming photographers applying for the job - they may not last long in the position as many aspire to start their own studios. 

> Something more PROFITABLE:
Once I released the admin duties, I could take on more photoshoots, which in turn doubled, then tripled my annual revenue. 

Have I piqued your curiosity? Here are some things you can outsource…

• Emailing 
• Scheduling 
• Shooting 
• Selling 
• Editing 
• Hair + Makeup 
• Social Media Management 
• Marketing 
• House Cleaning 
• Bookkeeper 
• Accountant 
• Webdesign 
• Graphic Design 
• Newsletter 

I can't wait to hear your a-has from this! Tell me your thoughts.

Summary

Housekeeper: For $150 I gained 6 hours to spend with my family or work on my business.
Retoucher: Costs about $100/shoot. A cost easily covered even if my client only purchases my smallest package. 
Virtual Assistant: Once I released the admin duties, I could take on more photoshoots, which in turn doubled, then tripled my annual revenue.

Your someday is today, and you’re ready for the next step,

Xo
Heike

If you’re hungry to make a serious business and income from Personal Branding Photography and you’re triggered by the thought of growing your business or your mindset is holding you back, come and join our program From Headshot to Personal Branding for Photographers.