I watched my parents’ photography business almost go under — because they never raised their prices.

They poured everything into their event photography business here in Miami. The work was beautiful. The clients were happy. And the bank account was empty. Growing up surrounded by that taught me something that shaped my entire career: talent without business sense is just an expensive hobby.

I’m Nicole, 36, Cuban-American, born and raised in Miami. I went to art school for my BFA in photography, then got my MBA because I saw what happens when creative people ignore the business side. These days I run a portrait studio and teach photographers how to turn their talent into sustainable businesses.

I doubled my own income in one year after finally implementing a pricing strategy I’d been afraid to try for months. I once lost a $5,000 client because of a sloppy contract and vowed to never let that happen again. My husband is an accountant, and he helped me realize that my most profitable work wasn’t what I expected — which completely changed how I structured my business. I track my studio’s metrics obsessively, I have a client experience checklist that’s 47 items long, and I never take a meeting without an agenda.

When I’m not working, I’m chasing my 6-year-old son around or trying to convince him that mommy’s spreadsheets are just as interesting as his cartoons. He’s not buying it. I write here because I’ve seen too many talented photographers struggle financially, and I know from experience it doesn’t have to be that way. The business side isn’t glamorous, but it’s what keeps you doing the creative work you love.

If you want to build a photography business that actually pays the bills — and then some — you’re in the right place.

Want to get in touch? Drop me a line at nicole@myphotography.promo.