Side Hustle School Ep. 3320 - First $1,000: Michigan Accountant Moonlights as Engagement Photographer
Feb 2, 2026
An accountant turns a wedding favor into paid engagement photography and navigates first-session nerves. She describes charging for early shoots, finding clients through friends, ads, and directories. Pricing climbs as she refines marketing and grows the side business.
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Balance Day Job With Weekend Work
- Try balancing a weekday job with weekend side work by scheduling shoots and editing outside work hours.
- Put in the work to get your name out there and aim to provide excellent service to grow sustainably.
Wedding Photos Sparked A Side Hustle
- Elaine started photographing at her sister's wedding and discovered she enjoyed it and had talent.
- Her first paid gig came from a friend-of-a-friend and validated her decision to pursue photography on weekends.
Comfort Won The Client
- At her first paid engagement shoot Elaine focused on making the couple feel comfortable and relaxed.
- The bride told her she was the only photographer who achieved that, which helped win the job.