Hey @Amy_Aiken, hope all is well! And thank you for the kind words about the newsletters. They’re a labor of love, so it’s heartwarming to know they’ve been helpful.
Gosh, what a thoughtful question! The business side of nature photography doesn’t get talked about enough. I’ve actually been reflecting on your question for the past couple of hours, and while I’ll probably write more about it someday, here’s what’s on my mind right now.
In terms of business, I do a little bit of everything: print sales, licensing, online courses, teaching in the field, organizing and speaking at conferences, and writing. For commercial work, I’ve found a good rhythm with licensing deals and projects for businesses like hotels, restaurants, and health care facilities. I grew up with a parent in real estate, so I’ve always had an eye for how artwork lives in a space—and how to connect with the people tasked with filling those walls. I started with small local projects, and it slowly built through word of mouth and the magic of being in the right place at the right time… while also being ready when those opportunities came along.
In recent years, I’ve really enjoyed teaching and speaking at conferences. There’s something special about the camaraderie that forms when passionate photographers come together, especially since we spend so much time working alone in this field. At the same time, I love the quiet focus of working on a solo project. I also created my online course Let’s Get Organized when one-on-one sessions became unsustainable, and I’m so grateful for the response it’s received. It was the offering I was most nervous to put out into the world, but it’s helped so many photographers simplify a part of the craft that often causes a lot of stress. I hope to produce a few more courses when the timing is right.
Each of those avenues brings a different kind of satisfaction, but I still get a jolt of disbelief and pride when I see one of my images hanging in a public space, especially if it’s large or a focal piece in the room. And I equally love the spark that happens in a field session when someone has a lightbulb moment or finally captures something they’ve been envisioning.
Though, if I had to define success, it’s that I no longer feel like I have to say yes to everything just to stay afloat. I now have enough opportunities to choose work that energizes me and gives me a sense of purpose. But that didn’t happen overnight. It came after years of working behind the scenes for other photographers, learning the ropes, and slowly building something sustainable of my own.
As for what didn’t work… I don’t have a dramatic failure story, but I’ve definitely had projects fizzle out or promising inquiries disappear. That feels pretty normal. I tend to do a lot of research before I jump into something, but even still, one of the harder lessons I’ve learned is to let go sooner when something clearly isn’t working. I used to push through at all costs. I was raised to finish what I started. But over time, I’ve adopted the philosophy I learned from my years practicing judo: ride the horse in the direction it’s going. That doesn’t mean I avoid challenges or hard work, it just means I try to be more discerning about where my energy is going. If something is draining more than it’s giving back, it’s okay to pivot.
Another thing that didn’t work? Trying to do everything alone. This business is hard. There’s no play book, and nothing is linear or straightforward. Technology is constantly changing. We should be evolving too. Having a good circle of supportive photography friends has been pivotal. They help normalize the ups and downs, boost each other’s confidence when it dips, and are there to celebrate each other successes. Collaborating and seeing what my peers do is is one of the best and most sustaining parts of this work.
So that’s the first few things that come to mind. One day I might learn to be more succinct. 
Thanks again for such a great question. It has me reflecting more than I expected, but in the best way.
