I can’t stress how important it is to have alternate sources of income.  The bottom line is this; brides are still booking photographers, but undoubtedly it’s happening less frequently.  We could go on to blame what factors are responsible for this, however instead of finding out the why, find the solution.  Find the solution to the problem before it becomes a problem.  There are always warning signs and clues; being keen to these will ensure that you make it through these tough times. So what’s the solution to the problem?

Plan B…and in some cases a Plan C, D, and maybe even an E if you’re creative enough.

Find something that you are good at,  and sell it to them.

In order to build credibility for whatever it is you are selling, you must give away some of it for free.  A sampling, or a teaser for example.  Of course you also have to make sure that what you are wanting to sell them isn’t already available in a much easier to obtain manner, i.e. free.  Furthermore has to be worth it and most importantly, the price has to be right. In order to maximize profitability, minimize the overhead. So who is “them?” That’s for you to figure out.

The secret is digital distribution.

Photoshop Actions, tutorials, DVD’s, and web design are just a few examples of great ways of providing additional income over the internet in digital form.  The more time that’s involved in creating it, and the more unique your product (s) are, the more you can charge for it.  Knowledge is power, but knowledge is also a tool you can use to provide additional income (think education).

Do YOU have something THEY want?  Sell it to them.