How I Grew Faster in 10 Months Than I Did in 10 Years
In just 10 months, I experienced more growth—personally, financially, and professionally—than I had in the previous 10 years combined. And no, it wasn’t because of a new camera, Instagram hack, or letting my work speak for itself.
As a wedding, corporate, and portrait photographer and Canon Explorer of Light, I’ve built multiple multi-7-figure businesses. Looking back, there are three accelerators that made all the difference in my rapid growth—and they’re things you can implement too.
Accelerator #1: Read the Right Books
Most photographers focus on perfecting lighting, editing, or posting on social media. While those skills matter, they won’t grow your business if you’re not learning the right strategies.
The key is reading—or listening to—the right business and mindset books. Here are a few that transformed my growth:
- Building a StoryBrand by Donald Miller – Learn how to create a compelling first impression that attracts your ideal clients.
- Essentialism by Greg McKeown – Identify and eliminate tasks that waste your time and slow your progress.
- Flip the Script & Pitch Anything by Oren Klaff – Master the art of communicating your value and selling yourself effectively.
These books reprogram your brain, helping you make smarter decisions, communicate with confidence, and ultimately increase revenue.
“When you don’t know how to communicate that you’re the best option, clients go elsewhere—even if you’re perfect for them.” – Vanessa Joy
Accelerator #2: Surround Yourself with the Right People
Growth doesn’t happen in isolation. Trying to do everything on your own often leads to plateaus. You need a team, mentors, or peers who challenge you, teach you, and push you to raise your standards.
The right environment changes your reality:
- If everyone around you charges $300 per session, a $1,000 session feels impossible.
- If you’re next to someone confidently charging $5,000–$10,000, it suddenly seems attainable.
Being around successful peers and mentors accelerates growth, shifts your mindset, and holds you accountable.
My Photo Insiders Mastermind is built on this principle. It’s not a course full of videos—it’s hands-on mentorship, with live strategy sessions, accountability partners, and access to industry experts.
“I accomplished more in 3 months than I had in years, thanks to Vanessa’s mastermind.” – Testimonial
Accelerator #3: Take Calculated Risks
Safe choices equal safe results. To grow quickly, you must step out of your comfort zone and take calculated risks.
This might look like:
- Investing in a business coach before you feel ready
- Raising your prices even if your voice shakes
- Tackling projects that stretch your skills, like shooting for MLB or NFL events
Every leap I’ve taken, professionally or personally, involved calculated risk. Growth doesn’t live in comfort—it lives in action, courage, and smart decision-making.
Why Most Photographers Plateau
Many photographers spend years consuming free tutorials, scrolling Facebook groups, or watching YouTube videos—hoping something will magically click. But real growth comes from action, accountability, and guidance.
The Photo Insiders Mastermind provides:
- A curated roadmap for real business growth
- Mentorship from an active, relevant photographer
- A supportive community that holds you accountable
- Mindset shifts that turn your passion into profit
If you want to grow more in the next 10 months than you have in the last 10 years, this is the system that will help you do it.
Stop Crawling and Start Compounding
Growth is a choice. You can either:
- Continue piecing together tutorials, hoping for results…or
- Join a mentorship designed for exponential business growth
I’m inviting you to stop crawling and start compounding your skills, revenue, and impact.
Ready to grow faster than ever? Learn more about the Photo Insiders Mastermind and start taking action today.
See if it’s the right fit for you: https://www.breatheyourpassion.com/photo-insiders-mastermind-optin
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