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Solopreneurship: Key Steps and Challenges by Bigwig Photography
- Feb 19
- 4 min read
I was invited on the podcast Mindverse to talk about solopreneurship. It was a great conversation, and I want to break down what we talked about in a more personal way here. If you prefer listening over reading, I shared these thoughts in depth on the Solopreneurship Key Steps and Challenges podcast episode. You can listen here:
Starting a photography business in Copenhagen was a bold move, and the journey has been full of lessons, challenges, and rewards. Here’s a breakdown of my journey with six key insights inspired by our podcast discussion.
Table of Contents
Biggest Challenges I Faced Starting My Photography Business
Starting a photography business in a new city came with its own set of challenges. I arrived in Copenhagen completely new, with a passion for capturing moments through photography, but the first months were tough. In 2021, when I officially began taking clients, I only had six clients in the first eight months. It wasn’t a lot, but it was a start, and I felt proud to be building something of my own.
Financially, photography is demanding. Investing in professional gear, courses, and learning was essential, especially because I am self-taught. I worked another job to cover expenses, and taxes became a challenge. I only paid half of my taxes the first year because I didn’t know about an additional service tax. By the end of the year, I had to pay the rest retroactively - a tough but valuable lesson. I never learned business at school, but had to learn everthing on my own!
Other obstacles included fake reviews online by competitors and competitors trying to steal work. If you are on the same boat, read this blog about: Your Photos, Your Rules: The Ultimate Guide to Copyright Protection. Being a solopreneur photographer meant navigating all of this alone. But with consistency, patience, and learning from mistakes, I built a brand people trust. Today, clients travel from all over the world to shoot with me.
Check out examples of my work and client stories in my photography website.
What Inspired Me to Start My Own Business
My journey started in 2019 when I moved to Copenhagen and worked in marketing and communications. During COVID, I held two other jobs that included creative work like photography and videography. I loved the creative side, but I didn’t want to work for someone else.
Even in Scandinavia, known for work-life balance, I noticed companies often rewarded extra hours instead of fair pay. I wanted freedom, ownership, and control over my time. Photography has been my passion since childhood, and now I get to do it every day as a professional Copenhagen photographer.
You can read more about my journey and approach on my about page.
Key Lessons I Learned When I First Started
Two lessons shaped my early business: transparency with clients and consistency in work.
When I started shooting weddings, my gear wasn’t top-of-the-line, so I priced sessions very low. I always told clients that my prices were low because I was building my portfolio, which helped establish trust. Consistency became essential. I committed to my craft daily, learning by doing. Talent is important, but running a photography business also requires professionalism, managing clients, and treating your work as a reliable service.
Handling Difficult Client Situations
Early on, I learned the importance of contracts. One client booked a proposal shoot but couldn’t attend due to weather and requested a full refund, even threatening legal action. I realized the mistake was mine for not having a written agreement.
Since then, I always create detailed contracts to protect both myself and my clients. Clear communication now prevents most challenges. If you want to learn how I ensure smooth client experiences, check out my wedding and couple services.
How Motherhood Changed My Approach to Business
Welcoming my baby girl has completely shifted my perspective. I now confidently say no to projects or clients that don’t align with my values, protecting my peace and workflow.
Before motherhood, I took on as much as possible to grow quickly. Now, I focus on projects that are meaningful and reflect my brand. This approach allows me to balance being a present mother with running a professional, joyful photography business. You can find out more about my: If you’re curious about how I managed the postpartum period while continuing my photography work, you can read more here: Postpartum and How I Dealt With My Photography Business.
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs and Solopreneurs
Many aspiring solopreneurs and photographers hesitate to start because they want everything perfect from the beginning. My advice is to start anyway, learn from mistakes, invest in yourself, and trust your passion.
Support is helpful but not essential. Sometimes just one person who believes in you is enough. My husband has been my biggest supporter, helping me navigate challenges and celebrate wins.
If you’re ready to take the next step and capture your special moments, book your session today. I would love to create beautiful memories with you.
