Why I’d Rather Be the McDonald’s of Photography Than the Da Vinci

In the photography world, there’s a certain romanticism about being the “artist” — the one whose work is admired in galleries, who has a unique signature style, and who creates pieces that only a select few can afford. Many photographers chase the idea of being the Da Vinci of photography, crafting rare, high-art images that are revered by critics and collectors alike.

But not me.

I’d rather be the McDonald’s of photography — known for consistency, accessibility, and volume rather than rarity and prestige. While many photographers shy away from high-volume work, seeing it as “less artistic” or “too commercial,” I’ve learned that the common road offers a stable, sustainable way to thrive as a photographer. More importantly, it allows me to build a business that pays the bills and funds my creative passions.

The McDonald’s vs. Da Vinci Approach

Let’s face it: McDonald’s isn’t known for producing the best burger in the world. But it’s the most successful burger business on the planet because it delivers a product that people know, trust, and can access anytime. They’ve mastered the art of consistency and convenience.

On the other hand, Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa is a masterpiece — admired and studied by art enthusiasts for centuries. But there’s only one Mona Lisa, and not everyone can see it in person, let alone own it.

McDonald’s Approach to Photography:

✅ Focus on providing consistent, reliable quality.

✅ Appeal to a broad market rather than an elite one.

✅ Develop a repeatable, scalable business model.

✅ Generate steady, predictable income.

Da Vinci Approach to Photography:

❌ Exclusive, high-end work that few can afford.

❌ Inconsistent income based on finding the right client.

❌ Heavy focus on artistic value over commercial value.

❌ Pressure to create “perfect” work every time.

The problem with chasing the Da Vinci model is that it’s high risk, high reward—and most photographers can’t afford to operate that way for long. One bad month without a big client could mean financial disaster. That’s why the McDonald’s model makes more sense for building a sustainable photography business.

Why Volume Photography Works

Volume photography often gets a bad rap. It’s seen as less glamorous, less creative, and less artistic. But the truth is, it’s one of the fastest ways to build a steady income and create a reliable foundation for your business.

1. Volume Work Pays the Bills

Let’s say you’re a wedding photographer charging $4,000 per wedding and aiming to book 20 weddings per year. That’s a great payday if you can find those clients. But the pressure to book those high-paying clients and deliver flawless results every time can be intense.

On the other hand, if you focus on volume work—like corporate headshots, school portraits, real estate, or sports photography—you could easily shoot 5–10 smaller jobs per week, bringing in consistent income with far less stress.

Example:

• 5 headshot sessions at $200 each = $1,000 per week

• 4 real estate shoots at $150 each = $600 per week

• 1 senior portrait session at $300 = $300 per week

  
  

  ➡️ That’s nearly $2,000 per week from small, repeatable jobs.

While high-end wedding photographers are chasing the next big gig, you’re building predictable income that covers your expenses and gives you the freedom to shoot passion projects without financial stress.

2. Volume Work Builds a Client Base

One of the biggest advantages of volume photography is that you’re constantly working with new people. More clients mean more word-of-mouth referrals, more repeat business, and a bigger network.

✅ A business headshot client might need family portraits later.

✅ A school portrait gig could lead to referrals for senior portraits.

✅ A real estate agent might refer you to someone getting married.

Volume work creates momentum—and momentum keeps your business growing.

3. Volume Work Improves Your Craft

High-volume photography forces you to get better, faster. You have to figure out how to shoot efficiently, direct clients confidently, and edit quickly. The more you shoot, the more you improve your technical and creative skills.

👉 If you’re shooting 100+ sessions a year, you’ll naturally develop better instincts for posing, lighting, and working under pressure.

👉 That experience translates to higher-quality work when you do take on creative or higher-end projects.

4. Volume Work Funds Your Creative Freedom

Here’s the beauty of focusing on volume photography: It gives you financial stability so you can afford to pursue passion projects.

• Want to shoot an experimental fine art series? Volume work pays the bills while you create.

• Want to build a creative portfolio to pitch to a luxury wedding client? Volume work gives you the breathing room to take that chance.

• Want to take a month off to travel and shoot for fun? Volume work generates steady income so you can afford to step away.

When your basic expenses are covered by consistent work, you have the mental and financial freedom to take creative risks without worrying about how you’ll pay rent.

The Challenges of Volume Work

Let’s be real—volume photography isn’t perfect. It can be repetitive, and working with clients who aren’t creatively aligned with your vision can be frustrating. But the benefits far outweigh the downsides.

Common Challenges and How to Handle Them:

➡️ Creative Burnout: Build time into your schedule for passion projects to keep the creative spark alive.

➡️ Client Management: Create clear contracts, pricing, and communication systems to avoid misunderstandings.

➡️ Repetitive Work: Use consistent editing presets and streamlined workflows to speed up the process.

Why the Common Road Works

Being the McDonald’s of photography means you’re reliable, consistent, and accessible. Clients know what to expect when they book you—and that predictability is powerful. It builds trust, generates referrals, and allows you to build a sustainable business without the constant pressure to “be a creative genius.”

The road less traveled might sound glamorous, but the road most traveled is where the real money and long-term stability are.

Balancing McDonald’s and Da Vinci

The beauty of this approach is that you don’t have to choose one or the other. You can build a volume-based business that funds your artistic work. The consistent income from headshots, portraits, and real estate shoots allows you to take on the creative projects that inspire you—without worrying about making rent.

📸 Volume work keeps the lights on.

🎨 Creative work feeds the soul.

The McDonald’s approach is about creating a business that works for you—where your photography pays the bills and supports your creative freedom.

Final Thoughts

I’d rather be the McDonald’s of photography than the Da Vinci—because consistent work, reliable income, and a broad client base give me the foundation to create meaningful work on my terms.

I don’t need to be the most admired photographer in the world. I just need to be the one that people trust and hire over and over again. That’s the kind of success that lasts.