Let's Talk About Money, Autumn, and New Ways Photographers are Thriving.

We been doing it the same way so long, we didn't even know that there were other ways.

Camper in Autumn: Cortez, Colorado. Photo by the author.

When you're crafting a business, understanding your payment structures is the beat of your business. It's the pulse, the rhythm that keeps everything moving.

I was a commercial photographer, so I did a job, put together a bill, and sent it out. Waiting for payment was always a part of the ‘game’.

I always bid on jobs based on the expectation of a single payment being met by the client.

(An aside, have you ever noticed all photo bids come in with round numbers? This job is $2000, that job is $4000. Never was a job $3,572.67. The bill may have ended up like that, but not the bid. Anyway, off-topic. Sorry.)

Today I use single payment, payments over terms, and retainers.

I wonder how many other jobs I could have done if I had offered the client three months to pay instead of a single payment. I imagine more than a few.

As we move into new models of work, service, and offerings, I think it is very important to consider other forms of payment we could use in the creative fields.

Let's dissect some of the possible ways we can work with our clients.

1. Billing Per Job

Pros:

• Clarity. They know exactly what they're paying for. It's straightforward.

• Flexibility. Especially for clients who don't need consistent work.

• Motivation. It provides a sense of urgency to get the job done.

Cons:

• Unpredictability. Cash flow can be irregular, making financial forecasting trickier.

• Administrative Burden. More invoices. More paperwork. More admin.

2. Retainer

Pros:

• Stability. Regular income makes financial planning smoother.

• Client Loyalty. A sense of partnership and commitment.

• Predictability. Both parties know what's expected and when.

Cons:

• Complacency Risk. It’s easy to take a retainer client for granted. Stay on your toes!

• Tied Down. Might limit your capacity to take on new projects or clients.

3. Subscription Model

Pros:

• Recurring Revenue. Ah, the magic of knowing you have a certain amount coming in.

• Scalability. Especially with digital products or services.

• Client Engagement. Regular interactions can mean deeper relationships.

Cons:

• Churn. The bane of subscriptions. People drop off, affecting your income.

• Value Justification. You’ve got to consistently prove your worth to avoid that churn.

4. Traditional 30 Days

Pros:

• Standard Practice. Many businesses are accustomed to this model.

• Cash Flow Management. You know when the money's coming.

Cons:

• Waiting. Cash can be tied up, which may affect operations.

• Risk of Default. The longer the wait, the higher the risk of non-payment.

Now, for the creatives out there, there are a few more nuanced models you might consider:

5. Value-Based Pricing Instead of charging by the hour or project, charge based on the value delivered. If your design increases a company's sales by $100,000, isn't that worth more than just a flat fee?

Pros:

• Maximized Earnings. You're rewarded for effectiveness, not just effort.

• Aligned Goals. Both parties want maximum value.

Cons:

• Perception Battle. Convincing clients can be tricky.

• Risk of Undervaluation. If not communicated well, you might sell yourself short.

6. Sliding Scale Adjust your fee based on the client's size or budget.

Pros:

• Flexibility. Can cater to a range of clients.

• Fairness. Allows you to work with both startups and giants.

Cons:

• Complexity. Can be challenging to manage.

• Value Perception. Some might question why they pay more than others.

Remember, the model you choose should resonate with your mission, the kind of clients you're after, and the value you bring to the table.

It’s about making a business model ruckus, in the right way.

The game is to get paid and do it while making a difference and enjoying the work.

Let me know if you have tried any of these different pricing models, and what you have found works for you.

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If you are ready to build a stronger creative business, there are a few ways I may be able to help.

I have group mentorship and coaching sessions for photographers looking for a sense of community with supportive and successful creatives who love to share and learn.

My one-on-one coaching is guaranteed to get you going and landing more jobs. Designed especially for those who have hit a wall at $30-$50K, this coaching will pay for itself in the first 60 days.

The Creative Class is an intensive and deep look into how adding skills to your services can increase your income by providing more channels for client interaction.

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Autumn is my favorite time of year.

Keblar Pass. Photo by Don Giannatti

I love the colors, the crispness of the air, and the feeling of change.

In fact, I am putting together an Autumn Workshop for 2024. It will be in the wildness of Wyoming and will be open to only four photographers. From Cody to Yellowstone, to the wild highlands of Beartooth Pass, this will be a workshop to remember. More coming soon.

After the break, I will show some examples of a few of these alternate methods of structuring payment and let you know about a few photographers who are working differently and making it hugely successful

Premium Members will receive a chapter per week of my business book, “Dare to Succeed”. This is the book that was exclusively written for my P52 members. It will be contemporaneously, so each chapter will be available for download for a short time only. I hope you consider joining the Premium Membership.

Premium Members