Be honest—do you ever feel like you are collecting money from your clients, just to hand it over to your vendors, or the tax man?

You are NOT alone. It’s actually one of the most common struggles I hear from photographers.

That’s why I’ve invited Venus Michael to the show. Venus is a bookkeeper who specializes in helping photographers stop the financial bleeding and finally take control of their money.

In this episode, Venus and I dive into the real reasons you might feel broke, even when you’re fully booked—like wasting money on random props or pulling prices out of thin air based on what “everybody else” is charging.

But here’s the good news—Venus makes understanding your money easy (and not boring, I promise). She breaks down:

• How to actually know what’s profit and what’s not
• Why lumping all your money in one account is killing your cash flow
• And how opening just one extra account can change everything.

We also dig into her favorite system—Profit First—a simple method that helps you divide every dollar into separate accounts for expenses, your pay, profit, and taxes.

No more tax season panic. No more wondering where all the money went.

Venus even shares how changing the way you see your money—like adjusting your camera lens—can help you make smarter decisions that support both your creativity and your bank account.

If you’re ready to stop the cycle of making money and watching it disappear, you do not want to miss this episode.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why photographers tend to overspend on unnecessary stuff and undercharge for their work
• How the Profit First method helps you manage your money without complicated spreadsheets
• Why tracking expense percentages and working with a creative-friendly accountant is a must
• How to get started today by opening one simple account to start keeping more of what you earn

Timestamps:

[3:00] Hear how Venus discovered her niche in bookkeeping for photographers in 2017 and wrote a book.

[6:48] Portrait photographers often waste money on props and copy others' pricing without considering income goals.

[9:07] Venus helps photographers with distinguishing necessary expenses from wants.

[11:59] Using separate bank accounts for expenses simplifies financial management and prevents overspending.

[14:42] ATJ reflects on how adopting the Profit First method prevented unexpected tax bills after profitable holiday seasons.

[15:59] Financial preparedness changes tax bills from stressors to routine occurrences

[18:07] Venus points out how, although skeptical at first, many CPAs use multiple accounts after seeing clients succeed financially.

[20:58] Venus discusses viewing business finances as three roles—business, worker, and owner.

[24:15] Hear how a client used Profit First to fund a passion project while still sustaining her photography business.

[26:12] Shifting perspectives, like changing camera lenses, helps make better business decisions.

[28:38] Hear how reducing expense percentages over time improves financial health.

[31:53] Having a financial cushion for taxes reduces stress and allows surplus to become profit.

[32:55] To accurately assess finances, Venus advises blocking time, calculating expenses, and avoiding working blindly.

[34:34] Knowing the costs of goods helps guide decisions around pricing.

[37:16] Many photographers also overlook labor costs, causing loss of profit.

[38:06] Venus advises that calculating hourly worth requires factoring in experience, efficiency, and time spent per project.

[41:29] ATJ points out how translating complex financial concepts into creative-friendly language helps photographers better understand profit.

[44:16] Profit First Professionals offer bookkeeping support.

[46:40] Venus argues that the first thing that you should do is outsource bookkeeping.

[48:58] It's important to choose a bookkeeper with accounting expertise who offers value-based pricing, not hourly rates.

[51:30] Prioritize bookkeeping services that handle payroll, sales tax, and reporting.

[52:40] It's totally normal to feel vulnerable when hiring a bookkeeper, so find someone you trust and connect with.

[55:12] ATJ recommends starting small with Profit First by setting aside 1% of your income to build financial stability.

Click here to listen!

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“I love ATJ & The ReWork!.” <– If that sounds like you, please take a minute and rate and review the show! This helps us support more portrait photographers — just like you — move toward building the PROFITABLE, sustainable businesses that they really want. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let ME know what you loved most about the episode (and any topics you are dying to learn about). 

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You can also email me directly with your suggestions at: [email protected] - OR DM me directly on Instagram @atjphoto or @do.the.rework 

We’d love to hear your thoughts, suggestions and ideas! 

Links and Resources:

Download a Transcript

Ultimate Client Consultation Form

Frequently Asked Difficult Questions (FADQ’s)

Sales Sabotage Evaluation Tool

Allison Tyler Jones Education Courses

Venus Michael - Profit First for Photographers

Mike Michalowicz - Profit First

Jim Loehr - The Power of Full Engagement

Do The ReWork

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Allison Tyler Jones

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Venus Michael

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