Have You Been Asking Yourself: Do I Meet Professional Standards?
This professional photographer self-evaluation checklist helps you measure your business against industry standards for professional photographers across 19 essential criteria. Whether you’re preparing to raise your rates, considering professional development investments, or simply want an honest assessment of where you stand—this free tool provides clarity on your strengths and gaps.
Curious how one should objectively evaluate oneself as a professional photographer? See our companion guide: How to Evaluate a Photographer which details each criterion in depth and helps our client families identify truly professional work.
PLEASE NOTE: This self-assessment is private and not saved. It’s designed to help you evaluate your professional practice. If you want to keep a copy we suggest clicking for the printable copy and entering your data there then either save as PDF or print it to your heart’s content 🙂
Before You Begin…
This evaluation is for photographers who already have a business foundation in place. If you’re just starting out or struggling with basics like pricing and time tracking, take our Business Reality Check Quiz first to see where you stand. Ready? Let’s assess your professional photography business.
Check each box that honestly reflects your current business practices. Your final score will show you where you excel and where you should focus your growth efforts.
**In the future, this self-evaluation will serve as the foundation for our Professional Photographer Directory – we are creating a curated resource connecting families with photographers who meet these standards.**
🔍 Photographer Evaluation Recommendations
| Score Range | Photographer Level |
|---|---|
| 15-19 | EXCEPTIONAL PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER |
| 12-14 | STRONG PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER |
| 8-11 | DEVELOPING PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER |
| 0-7 | FOUNDATION ISSUES |
What Your Score Means:
19 Points: Exceptional
You’ve mastered the business fundamentals. You’re rare.
• Keep doing what you’re doing
• Consider sharing your knowledge with others
Next steps:
–> Professional Photographer Directory applications opening soon – CONTACT US to be notified when applications become available
13-18 Points: Strong Professional
You’re running a real business with solid fundamentals. Minor refinements needed.
Next steps:
• Address remaining weak spots
• Consider sharing your knowledge with newer photographers via mentorship of some sort
• Watch for our Professional Photographer Directory application (coming soon) – CONTACT US to be notified when applications become available
8-12 Points: Building Progress
You have some pieces in place but significant gaps remain. Identify your weakest areas and focus there for 90 days.
Next steps:
- Focus on your lowest-scoring categories
- Read through Why Do Photography Businesses Fail Within the First Five Years
- Use the Time Cost Checklist if pricing/time is weak
- Read Hard Realities for business fundamentals
- Retake this evaluation in 3 months
0-7 Points: Foundation Issues
You’re missing critical business fundamentals. Go back to the Business Reality Check Quiz and focus on building a sustainable foundation first.
Next steps:
- Download the Time Cost Checklist
- Read through Why Do Photography Businesses Fail Within the First Five Years
- Read Hard Realities of Running a Photography Business
- Retake this evaluation in 6 months
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You’re welcome to use any portion of this site on your blog, website, or social media pages!
Please credit any excerpts you use on your site or blog by copying and pasting the following on your site or social media page (with appropriate links enabled):
“This article was written by Marianne Drenthe of Marmalade Photography www.marmaladephotography.com and can be found at the Professional Child Photography site at www.professionalchildphotographer.com“
Usage Terms for Tools & Calculators:
This tool is free for personal business use. You may NOT copy, replicate, modify, or redistribute this tool for profit. Share the link, don’t copy the file. Credit the source. Be professional.