If you enjoy being a photographer, then you would know that there are many ways to make a living out of it. Whether we are talking selling your photos on stock websites, becoming a teacher, or photographing events such as weddings and birthdays, it can be quite lucrative as long as you know what you are doing.
Your best chance is to start a small photography business and then take it from there. Such a business can work well both through the online market and with clients you meet in real life. Before you go any further, check out the Photography Masterclass website, which has some excellent tips for starting out. We have also prepared a few suggestions of our own. Let’s get to it.
Tips for Starting Your Business
With the question of “how to start a photography business,” being among the most common, we wanted to include a few brief points on what you should consider:
Don’t skimp on equipment
While we understand that on a tight budget, you don’t have a lot of options, doing proper research is essential. Additionally, we suggest you search for lease options as working with quality equipment that is suitable for your niche is worthy and will allow you to pay off the rest with cash.
Value your work
It is quite common that photographers who have just started their business set lower prices in order to attract more customers. While this strategy may work in the short-term, doing so may let people think that you are not skilled enough. Additionally, lower pricing can cause trouble when it comes to sustainability. Do a market analysis and act accordingly.
Marketing
We always like to emphasize the importance of online marketing for any business. Whether you are thinking SEO, Facebook, or Instagram, investing time and money in this will pay off multiple times. Not only will you get better traffic, but also be able to get sponsors through promotional posts, etc.
Online portfolio
The main aspect of your website should be the portfolio featuring reviews, your work, as well as other things that could influence the client’s decision to work with you. Make sure that the website design is user-friendly and compatible with the most popular devices, including iPhone, Android, Windows, macOS.
Develop a social media identity
Much like we mentioned above, being a social media guru counts towards the overall success of your business. Make sure that you have the same cover photo on each social media page, and that you try to post quality content.
Additionally, the key to making the most out of it is frequent interaction with your users. Before you invest time or money on a specific account, make sure that it is on social media which can be profitable for your business (Instagram).
Make a brand out of your business
Developing a logo that is going to highlight your business identity is a must. Not only that, but by designing unique letterheads, envelopes, and business cards, you will create a better relationship with your clients, and make yourself more present.
Focus on friendly interaction
In the end, you should be as friendly as possible when it comes to cooperation with your clients. This will give you a better chance of being recommended by them to their friends and family members. Additionally, the whole idea of owning a business is to be able to sell what you are working with.
Thus, don’t be shy into asking people about whether they might need your service, or if they know anyone that does. This also includes that you always have at least a few business cards on hand in case someone wants to contact you later or find out more through your official web page.
What to Consider When Starting a Photography Business
Much like the Photography Masterclass website suggests, having a detailed plan is the key to any successful business.
While it may seem daunting, getting your thoughts on paper, and determining things such as cash flow, ownership, target groups, as well as how to keep up with the competition is a must. Whenever you feel lost or overwhelmed, this piece of paper may help you get things sorted out.
Another important thing to do is to estimate your costs and try to find a startup investor. While photography can be lucrative, it asks for a financial investment that may be out of your current limits. High-quality camera equipment can cost more than $10k with, that being just the start.
Additionally, you may need to invest in insurance, a proper studio, as well as an official license for the editing software. If you don’t have the time or desire to search for an investor that is not your friend or a family member, your best chance is a bank loan. Of course, the payment schedule should be compatible with your business plan and cash flow predictions.
Remember, there is no need to rush into starting a business if you don’t have enough of your own experience. We suggest working as an assistant photographer for at least a couple of months to learn all the tricks that will help you create a unique portfolio. This also includes attending professional photography classes that may up your confidence and help you find the photographic niche you want to be a part of.
Conclusion
While photography is a pretty competitive area, given the fact that most professionals profit through selling on stock websites, there is room for everyone. As long as you have enough experience, own adequate gear, and have the right mindset, you should be able to run a successful business.
Keep in mind that there is no need to rush anything — on the contrary, the more time you spend planning your business, the better it will come out. Your primary focus should be on finding an investor/lender as well as creating a good online portfolio/official website. With this set, success is sure to come.