The Myth of “Follow Your Bliss” and What it Really Takes to Build a Business You Love.
For years, I’ve heard the phrase: “Follow your bliss and the money will follow.” And its cousin: “Do what you love and you’ll never work a day in your life.”
As a brand photographer and entrepreneur for nearly 14 years, let me tell you—these phrases sound beautiful, but they can also be incredibly misleading and even damaging.
Don’t get me wrong — I love what I do. I feel deeply connected to helping entrepreneurs, executives, and thought leaders show up authentically in their branding through powerful photography. But running a successful brand photography business takes far more than passion. It takes grit, strategy, and a lot of work that has nothing to do with picking up a camera.
The Problem with “Follow Your Bliss”
Brené Brown touches on this idea in her book The Gifts of Imperfection, which explains how these messages can become toxic. Here’s why:
1. It romanticizes entrepreneurship
The idea that once you find your “passion,” everything will just fall into place is a myth. Building a business — especially in a creative industry like photography — involves countless hours doing things that have nothing to do with your craft. We’re talking emails, marketing, accounting, editing workflows, contracts, website management, and more.
2. It creates shame when joy doesn’t pay the bills
When bliss doesn’t lead directly to financial success, you might wonder, “Am I not passionate enough?” or “What’s wrong with me?” This creates unnecessary shame. The truth? Passion alone doesn’t build a sustainable business — strategy, consistency, and support do.
3. It ignores the complexity of running a creative business
Being a photographer isn’t just about creativity. It’s about client experience, branding, time management, systems, communication, and evolving with market needs. It’s hard and beautiful and deeply rewarding — but it’s still work.
4. It oversimplifies the path to success
The reality is that success is not a straight line from passion to profit. It’s a winding journey full of learning curves, reinvention, burnout, breakthroughs, and everything in between. And that’s okay.
What I Found That Works
If you’re a creative or entrepreneur trying to build a brand that feels aligned and sustainable, here’s what I’ve learned along the way:
Treat your passion like a profession. Invest in systems, coaching, and support.
Know your value. Brand photography is not just about pretty pictures; it’s about telling your story, building trust, and creating a consistent visual identity.
Prioritize your clients’ transformation. Help them feel seen and celebrated. That’s where the magic happens.
Honor your energy. Not every task will feel creative, and that’s okay. Protect your joy by automating and delegating what drains you.
I will show you step by step how to pose. I’ve got you and want you to feel empowered every step of the way.
The Beauty of Brand Photography with Purpose
For me, brand photography is a calling, not just a job. I get to witness people as they step into the most powerful version of themselves. I help them tell stories through light, texture, confidence, and color. I love what I do, and it’s real, soul-stretching work.
So if you’re dreaming of building a meaningful and sustainable business, don’t fall for the myth. You don’t have to feel joyful every second to be on the right path.
You have to keep showing up!
Are you ready to invest in a brand photography experience that reflects the real you?
Let’s capture your confidence, essence, and story with images that align with the powerful brand you’re building.