The Photographer's Expenses: What About the Big Bucks?

Ah, photography, that famous passion-driven profession. But behind each exhibited image, each framed print, each completed project, there lies a reality rarely discussed: the economic reality.

The hidden side of the artist, the one you don't see and don't think about when you meet a photographer at an exhibition. Whether as a client or an aspiring photographer, it’s easy to forget that being a professional photographer is primarily about managing a business, with all its costs, obligations, and uncertainties.

The Photographer's Fixed Costs

For me, starting on January 1st of each year, even before selling any work, I already know I’ll have to cover several expenses. It’s a constant financial pressure that’s part of the job.

First, there are the unavoidable fixed costs:

- Professional insurance to protect equipment, oneself, and in case of disputes.

- Bank fees for my business account—yes, every business needs a dedicated account.

- The services of an accountant; managing a business requires careful oversight. With an average of 400 transactions per year, their help is essential.

- Subscriptions to professional software.

- The website…

These expenses are constant, no matter what. We're talking about hundreds of euros for each of these items.

Variable Costs: From Production to Distribution

Next, there are the variable costs, which fluctuate depending on the projects:

- Consumables: film, chemicals, printing papers...

- Exhibition costs: primarily space rental.

- Travel: transport, accommodation for photo shoots but also for exhibitions in the region or abroad...

- Production costs: prints, framing...

Although fluctuating, these expenses represent the main costs of my business, making up over a third of my outgoing funds.

The Final Slice

Once the revenue is generated, come the URSSAF contributions, artist-author retirement contributions, and taxes. Needless to say, when you see the price of a sold photo, it rarely reflects what actually ends up in my pocket.

The next time you find yourself at an exhibition and think a photo is too expensive, remember all that’s hidden behind it.

Mon exposition "Escapades" à l'Orangerie du Sénat - 50 tirages sur plus de 15 mètres

This list isn't meant to invoke pity— I love my job! — but to shed light on a reality that's often overlooked.

When people see me at an exhibition, they usually only perceive the two ends of the process: the photo shoot and the hanging of the works. All the work in between these two stages often remains invisible.

Many envision the photographer as an adventurer who travels, captures beautiful images, and exhibits them. In reality, photography itself represents barely 15% of my work (although I strive to change this as much as I can, as you can see here). The rest of the time is spent managing, preparing, prospecting, archiving, and communicating...

In short, being a photographer is first and foremost being an entrepreneur. And that’s a subject I’ll revisit in a future article.