“You will never feel ready. Ready is not a feeling. It is a decision.”

Every photographer reaches a moment when they wonder if they are truly ready to charge. The doubt, the imposter syndrome, the fear of disappointing someone. It all shows up right when you are trying to step into the next version of your business.

In this episode, I share the honest truth about knowing when you are ready to charge, what actually matters before you take that leap, and what does not matter nearly as much as you think. You will hear how free work shaped my early years, why validation is not the same as growth, and how consistency will give you more confidence than waiting for permission ever will.

What’s in this episode:

• [00:15 ] My story of charging before I felt ready
• [01:00 ] The hidden pitfalls of staying in “free session” mode
• [01:45 ] Validation versus genuine improvement
• [02:50 ] Skills you actually need before you begin charging
• [03:40 ] Simple business foundations that help you feel prepared
• [04:20 ] Why the feeling of readiness never arrives
• [05:10 ] The most common mistake new photographers make
• [05:55 ] How to know if your work is consistent enough
• [06:30 ] A gentle pep talk if you are scared to charge

Stepping into paid work is not about being perfect. It is about being trustworthy, consistent, and willing to learn as you go. If you have been waiting for the moment you finally feel ready, this episode will help you see that you may already be there.

For full show notes, resources, links and to download the transcript, visit our website: https://themilkyway.ca/podcast/