Many photographers grow their businesses by taking on more photo clients… but are you ready to teach digital photography for moms?

It’s true! Classes in digital photography for moms are highly sought after, and moms are already your number one photography session clients, so your market is toasty warm. But… are you wondering if you’re ready to teach a digital photography class for moms? If you’re asking yourself that question, you’re not alone! Many fabulous creatives like us struggle with feeling like a fraud, or “imposter syndrome.” I’ve been there, done that, and I’ve got news for you, Sparkles: that’s a big ol’ LIE. It’s time for you to recognize your gifts and step into the light and BASK in them, dang it!!! Then spread that light by sharing your gifts with and growing your business through teaching. Here’s how!!

1. What are the requirements to teach a class on digital photography for moms?

Believe it or not, if you know your way around a big girl camera, you most likely already have what it takes to teach a digital photography class for moms. It’s true!! Moms are ready and eager to learn to up their photo game. They want to take precious pics of their babies and you’ve got the know-how they need. But don’t over think it; to teach digital photography for moms, you just need four things:

• Technical knowledge of photography and cameras

• How to shoot in manual

• The ability to troubleshoot when things aren’t working quite right

• A willingness to help {which includes having patience}

I’d bet my favorite camera strap that you already have all of these attributes and you’re ready to pour into a classroom of moms and teach them the essentials. Which reminds me…

2. What things are NOT required to teach digital photography for moms? 

I started teaching my photography classes before I was even a professional photographer – seriously! When I taught my very first class, I was still a full-time art teacher with no plans of going pro with my photography {although I certainly knew my stuff}.  If you’ve got the skills listed above, you are good to go! In other words: being a PRO is not required to teach a class!  Word to the wise: no matter if you’ve gone pro or not – it’s still smart to protect yourself!  Make sure you know what you’re doing AND have protected yourself with contracts from the Law Tog – this is the exact contract I use.  Head’s up, that is a partner link, but I was using Rachel’s contracts LONG before I was an affiliate – they’re the only ones I trust.

You also don’t need your own studio to teach a photography class. That’s right! Any meeting room will suffice. I taught my first class at the local chamber of commerce {and allowed board members to take the class for free in exchange for a free room rental}, but any space you can rent from a coffee shop, restaurant, church, or library will do.

Lastly, my loves, you also don’t need a ton of confidence. Trust me, your students will be way more nervous than you are when they walk through your door! Your camera and photography knowledge far exceeds theirs. So take a deep breath and get your teach on! Five minutes in, you will forget you were ever nervous at all!  Promise!

3. But I shoot Nikon… what if my students use another camera brand?

Friends, it IS possible to be a professional photographer and a photography teacher and not know the ins and out of every camera brand! Every photog has their favorite brand—this is totally normal! You’ll never, ever, ever know it all, so quit holding yourself to an impossible standard and be willing to say, “I don’t know, let’s look it up!” One of my tips for a successful class? Have your students bring their camera manuals with them to class, and you’ll most likely have all the info you need at your fingertips.

4. But what if I can’t answer a student’s question?

I get it, no one wants to look like a deer in the headlights in their own classroom. That is not a good feeling at all. Yes, there will be times when this happens… however you don’t need to let it slow you down. Allow me to contradict myself here: being stumped by a student’s question rarely happens in a photography class… and yet it always happens! What I mean by this is, the true photography questions they ask, you are going to know the answer to 99 percent of the time. For example:

• Why won’t my camera get that “blurry background?”

• What are the best settings for the middle of the day?

These q’s are no prob for a pro like you! But, as your students explore, they may come up with some harder yet more “off the wall” questions that you may have to investigate, like a random, rarely-used button or setting that’s specific to their camera. Just keep in mind that those odd questions rarely require an immediate answer. Just be sure to tell your student you will look it up and follow up with them {and then do}!

5. But there are other people teaching classes in my area

Are there other photographers teaching digital photography for moms classes in your area? I’m 100% sure there are – and always will be! And that’s ok. You can make YOUR class stand out and sparkle amongst the competition by truly making it your own. A few ways I do this? I offer mimosas, a boutique class experience, and a Facebook group for ongoing support even after class has ended. Think about it: you’ve chosen to work with some of your own mentors for very specific reasons, right? Your students will choose you over other options for the same reasons, so think about what attracted you to those you look up to, and make sure you and your class have a unique appeal as well.

Ok, Sparkles… you ARE ready to teach!

Now that you know you’ve got what it takes to rock a digital photography class for moms, do. not. delay! I know this big step can seem intimidating, so I’m here for you! To jump-start your way into teaching, check out my eight-step strategy guide that will show you the eight powerful things you need to do before teaching the first photo class. With that guide in your pocket and your mad skills, you’re sure to be a success! I cannot WAIT to see how you all blow your first photo class for moms out of the water!