How to Fail at Your Photography Business (And Why That Might Be the Best Way to Succeed)
If you’re serious about building a thriving photography business, don’t just study what works—study what doesn’t. Charlie Munger’s iconic mental model, the inversion framework, challenges business owners to ask: “What would I do if I wanted to fail?” It’s uncomfortable, but powerful. Thinking this way forces you to confront blind spots and reframe your business habits through a growth mindset. In this blog, we walk through the exact things photographers do to sabotage their success—like ignoring leads, missing deadlines, avoiding SEO, or failing to follow up—and how inverting those behaviors becomes a roadmap for sustainable growth. Whether you're just starting or scaling up, this shift in thinking can help you break plateaus, rebuild momentum, and stop wasting energy on the wrong things. This isn’t just another business technique—it’s a lens for better decision-making, sharper focus, and a long-term strategy built for resilience. If you're ready to grow, start by learning how to fail—then do the opposite.
Cover Image Courtesy of Kind and Curious
Here’s an uncomfortable truth: Most small business owners don’t fail because they lack talent. They fail because they don’t think clearly. They build websites, take great photos, post on social media… and still wonder why they’re stuck spinning their wheels. But what if the real secret to running a successful photography business wasn’t just about doing more of the right things—but avoiding the wrong ones altogether?
That’s where Charlie Munger’s inversion framework comes in. As the billionaire investor and business partner to Warren Buffett once said, “All I want to know is where I’m going to die, so I’ll never go there.” It’s a concept that’s rarely talked about in the creative space, but wildly effective if you want to build a resilient business that actually grows.
Instead of asking “How do I grow my photography business?”—try flipping the question:
“What would I do if I wanted to fail completely?”
Sounds counterintuitive, right? But this mental model forces you to identify the silent killers of growth: poor communication, lack of systems, inconsistency, and neglect. And if you’re someone who’s actively trying to build a meaningful life, adopt a growth mindset, and stay in the game for the long haul, this type of thinking can be a game changer.
Whether you're just starting out or scaling your photography side hustle into a full-time gig, this blog will walk you through how to apply the inversion framework to your small business—and use it as a powerful tool for growth.
Image Courtesy of Kind and Curious
A red and white 'Wrong Way' road sign, symbolizing common mistakes photographers make when running a business—used to illustrate the inversion framework in photography entrepreneurship.
The beginning of any photography journey can feel like a mess—and that’s okay. If you're figuring things out, need honest feedback, or just want to bounce some ideas around, we’re all ears. You don’t have to do this alone.
👉 Let’s Connect
How to Fail at Your Photography Business (Inversion in Action)
1. Ignore client messages or respond days later
One of the fastest ways to lose business is to leave potential clients hanging. When you delay a response, you give them time to hire someone else. Inverting this?
👉 Respond quickly. Create templated replies. Be shockingly reliable.
2. Deliver images late or ghost clients after a shoot
Failing to deliver on time erodes trust, and that spreads fast.
👉 Flip it: Underpromise and overdeliver. Build a post-shoot workflow that ensures fast, consistent turnarounds.
3. Post low-quality content or go silent online
If you're not showing your work or connecting with your audience, you’re invisible.
👉 Commit to consistent content. Share behind the scenes, reviews, and recent shoots to stay top-of-mind.
4. Never upgrade your skills or camera gear
Resting on your current abilities is the beginning of the end.
👉 Sign up for workshops. Join photo walks. Stay curious, and stay sharp.
5. Say yes to every client, even if they’re not a fit
This leads to burnout, confusion, and inconsistent results.
👉 Create boundaries, niche down, and attract clients who align with your style and values.
6. Avoid networking or collaborating with other vendors
You miss out on referrals, backlinks, and partnerships.
👉 Build relationships with planners, venues, and vendors. Collaboration builds trust and authority.
7. Don’t bother with SEO, blogging, or website updates
No traffic = no leads.
👉 Focus on long-tailed keywords like “family photographer in Temecula” or “sunset elopement San Diego.” Build authority with blog content that helps and informs.
8. Make every shoot about you
Clients want to feel seen, not judged or rushed.
👉 Show empathy. Be client-first. Make their experience unforgettable.
9. Skip the follow-up and don’t ask for reviews
Letting satisfied clients walk away quietly means missed referrals.
👉 Automate your follow-up. Ask for Google reviews. Keep the relationship alive.
Flipping the Script: How to Build a Resilient Photography Business With a Growth Mindset
Inverting your business isn’t about being negative—it’s about being strategic. By identifying what not to do, you give yourself the freedom to focus on what matters: clarity, consistency, and connection.
If you're serious about growing your photography business while maintaining a healthy work-life balance, this mindset shift is non-negotiable. The photographers who last aren’t just the most creative—they’re the ones who think long-term, operate with integrity, and solve problems before they show up.
Final Thought
If you’re in this game for the long haul, start thinking like the greats.
Invert. Always invert.
Don’t just chase more leads. Avoid the mistakes that kill momentum.
Operate with a growth mindset, and build your business like your future depends on it—because it does.