If I Were Starting as a Photographer in 2025: Honest Advice From 20 Years in the Game
Let me just say this upfront: if you’re thinking about starting a career in photography in 2025, you’re going to need more than just a decent eye and a camera. You’ll need grit, strategy, and an honest understanding of what this industry has become. But before you click away thinking this is just another doom-and-gloom post, let me also say — yes, photography is still a viable career. It’s just different now.
If I had to start over today — no contacts, no reputation, no client list — this is exactly how I’d do it.
Start With Passion, Treat It Like a Job
Photography is a passion industry, but the moment you want to turn that passion into a career, you have to treat it like work. That means showing up every day — not just when the light is nice. Pick one genre — street, documentary, commercial, whatever excites you — and commit to it fully for 1 to 3 months. Shoot every day. Don’t dabble. Don’t wait for inspiration. Act like someone is paying you, even when they aren’t.
That’s how I started. I gave myself permission to go all in, and it gave me the clarity I needed to find my voice.
Find Your Voice Before You Chase Clients
Too many new photographers rush into trying to make money before they even know what kind of photographer they want to be. Take the time to make mistakes. Solve visual problems. Build a real project — something that says who you are and what you stand for. This early body of work is what will separate you later on. It’s how I landed my first published story in Newsweek and eventually assignments from The New York Times.
Keep Feeding the Passion
Once you get paid for photography, things shift. You’ll do work that doesn’t excite you. That’s fine — it’s part of being a pro. But if you don’t feed the creative side, you’ll burn out. For me, it’s self-funded wildlife projects. For you, it might be street work, photo essays, personal portraits. Whatever it is — make space for it.
Think Like a Business, Not a Freelancer
Don’t call yourself a freelancer. That word implies instability. You’re a business owner. From day one. That means you shoot, edit, caption, pitch, archive, invoice, market, and plan. Early on, I did everything myself. I didn’t wait for work to come to me — I created systems, studied my competition, and worked while others were sitting around complaining at coffee shops.
Build an Ecosystem — and Use It Intentionally
Social media can be a black hole — or a business tool. You get to decide. If I were starting now, I’d build an intentional content ecosystem:
YouTube to educate and promote my work
Instagram to connect with peers and clients
LinkedIn to land commercial and corporate gigs
A newsletter to build long-term relationships
Each platform has a role. Don’t post just to impress other photographers — post to build toward your goals.
Grow Smart — Outsource When It Makes Sense
As work picks up, grow. But don’t scale blindly. Bring on help when needed — production, editing, logistics. That’s how I expanded Mott Visuals into a full-service agency. Our hotel and resort work grew because we offered the full package — not just photos, but casting, styling, video, everything.
Diversify Your Income or Get Left Behind
I’ve never relied on one paycheck. In the early days, The New York Times gave me consistent work. Then it was Intercontinental Hotels. I hosted a TV show. Built workshops. Created an online coaching platform. And I’ve landed long-term clients through networking, not just portfolio work.
Clients leave. Budgets shift. Algorithms change. You need multiple streams of income — passive and active — to survive long-term.
Don’t Get Complacent — Ever
Experience doesn’t guarantee longevity in this field. Reinvention does. I’ve seen great photographers get one big gig, then expect that level of pay or prestige forever. That mindset will end your career faster than bad lighting. Every job — big or small — deserves your full attention. One small gig might lead to your dream client. Or none at all. That’s the gamble, and that’s why consistency matters.
Avoid the Herd Mentality
Everyone’s chasing the same trends. Don’t. The best work — and the best clients — go to people who stand out. Early in my career, I found a gap in the market and created work that had soul and story, not just glossy interiors. That gap grew into a full business. When people tried to copy me, I pivoted again.
Be original. Think for yourself. Stay ahead of the curve.
So... Would I Still Do It?
Yes. If I had the same passion, I’d do it all over again. But I’d go in with my eyes wide open.
This isn’t a career that rewards seniority — it rewards consistency, creativity, and the ability to adapt. If you’re ready for that, there’s still a place for you in photography.
And if this post helped in any way, do me a favor — don’t just click away. Share it with someone who needs to hear it. Drop your own advice in the comments if you’ve been through it. And if you’re serious about taking the next step, you can find more info on my coaching and workshops at www.askmott.com.
Thanks for reading.
— Justin
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