Thoughts on Bringing on an Associate Photographer

FWIW, Robert Wayne isn't my name. I have a good, solid German last name that is not easily remembered and often misspelled making it a poor choice for a web address. The business is actually named for my now grown twin sons, Robert and Wayne. That said, I'm no less protective of it.

tim wrote in post #11377628
This is one reason not to name your business with your own name. It makes it hard to grow or sell the business.

I dunno... i think some of the best and most recognized wedding photogs out there use their names or variations of their names as company names.

tim wrote in post #11377628
Raise your prices, and take on an assistant to do post processing for you.

This is what I would do. IMO I'd rather outsource the majority of my post processing before I outsourced my photography.

I think the answer to your question depends on where you want your business to go......
My story is not about me. I am like you, very surprised at how fast my business has grown and find myself knocking back many jobs . This is my choice. I only wish to stay part time.

But if you wish to grow your business with the idea of doing it fulltime and or making a lucrative career out of it then maybe taking on others is the way to go.

The biggest and most popular wedding photographer in my area, started just like yourself . On her own and struggling to keep up with demand. She took on several others (over time) and trained them in her style.
Now she only shoots the weddings that she wants or has too.....people come into her showroom in droves.....once in her showroom they are hooked, albums and photos everywhere. She and her daughter design all albums and conduct all interviews and face to face contact. A very successful business woman.
She once said that all this would not have been possible if she hadnt made the decision to take on her 1st extra photographer.

So I think that it solely depends on what you want from your business and where you see yourself in the future.
Good luck and let us know how you go.