Why Photographers Shouldn’t Take Every Job: Be a Fine Dining Chef, Not a Fast Food Cook

Imagine you’re a master chef, known for your exquisite Italian cuisine. You’ve spent years perfecting your pasta, sourcing the best olive oils, and mastering the art of slow-cooked sauces. People come from far and wide to taste your food because they know exactly what to expect: excellence.

Now imagine one day, someone walks in and asks for sushi. Then another demands tacos. Someone else insists on fried chicken. You’re a talented chef — you could make these things. But should you?

If you start bending to every request, a few things will happen. First, you’ll water down your brand. No longer the master of Italian cuisine, you’ll be “that place that kinda makes everything.” Second, your passion will suffer. Instead of honing your craft, you’ll constantly be chasing new recipes you don’t love. Third, your ideal clients — the ones who dream of your Italian dishes — will stop coming. They’ll look for someone else who specializes.

This is exactly what happens when photographers (or any creatives) try to do everything: weddings, real estate, newborns, products, headshots, events, sports, and whatever else rolls in.

Sure, you’re capable of taking those jobs. But when you try to be everything to everyone, you dilute your magic. You become forgettable, a jack-of-all-trades but a master of none.

Niche work is like fine dining. It’s about building a reputation so strong that people seek you out for exactly what you do best. When you stay true to your niche — whether that’s weddings, branding photography, elopements, or high-end portraiture — you build expertise, consistency, and a loyal clientele.

Remember: the best restaurants have short menus.

In photography, just like in food, it’s better to be known for doing one thing extraordinarily well than doing a dozen things “okay.”

Pick your dish. Master it. Serve it beautifully.