Do Not Buy That Pretty Camera Bag!!
I had my new camera and had just taken my first course. I don’t even think I’d photographed anyone outside my own household yet.
But there it was—a beautiful coral camera bag I could not stop thinking about. It was $120, which felt like a fortune at the time, but it was the prettiest shade of coral I’d ever seen. It even had a little flower on it and adjustable dividers inside. I just knew it would set me apart as a photographer.
So I bought it.
I carefully adjusted every one of those little velcro sections until my camera and lens fit perfectly. Man, it was a beauty.
It was also a complete waste of money.
It didn’t take long for it to get scratched and dirty from sitting on the ground at sessions—because of course, it wasn’t a backpack. I roll my eyes now just thinking about it. And it definitely didn’t make me a better photographer, which means it didn’t bring me a single new client.
What it did do was set a pattern for how I’d spend the next few years of my business: buying things I didn’t need and would never use.
Eventually, I ended up buying an ugly gray canvas backpack with multiple compartments for $59.99. I’ve used it ever since—2015 and counting.
So, what’s my point?
When you’re new, there are so many shiny objects dangled in front of you. It’s easy to think each one will make you look more “official.”
But what you actually need is simple:
A camera
A good lens (yes, you can start with just one)
And a plan to invest in the things that bring you business
Once the money starts coming in, add a second lens. Then build your collection slowly—whether that’s newborn wraps, maternity dresses, or a client wardrobe. The goal is to grow intentionally, not impulsively.
Every purchase should either make your life easier or make you money. If it doesn’t do one of those two things, skip it.
If you’re just starting out and feeling the pull of every shiny new thing, I get it. I’ve been there. But building a business that lasts isn’t about fancy gear or pretty bags — it’s about systems, mindset, and making smart decisions early on.
That’s exactly what I teach in my mentorships: how to simplify your workflow, focus on what matters, and build a business that actually makes you money.
