Everything You Need to Know Before Starting a Photography Business
Most people go through a phase when they tinker with photography, but very few stick with the hobby long enough to acquire the skills to become a professional, let alone create a fully fleshed out business. While it may seem like an incredibly difficult undertaking, starting a photography business is a much more straightforward process than one might think.
Photography skills aside (which are an obvious must if you want to be successful), the following tips should help you kick start your business:
Create a business plan
Build a website
Develop your people skills
Don’t overspend
Encourage referrals
Use social media
You Need a Business Plan
All companies, from startups to corporations, need a business plan. However, when it comes to starting a photography business, it’s vital to use this planning phase to establish what kind of photography services you want to offer. You have many options available to you, including:
Wedding Photography Services: Most professional photographers will tell you that weddings are where you start making real money. Even beginner wedding photographers can charge hundreds or even thousands of dollars for a single wedding.
Product Photography: Product photographers specialize in making products look good. “Products,” in this case, can range from tasty food to stylish apparel to tech devices.
Portrait Services: Professional portrait services are always in high demand, especially in major cities. The best portrait photographers have a deep understanding of lighting.
Of course, your business could offer all of these services, but it’s helpful to specialize in order to set yourself apart from the competition.
You Need a Website
When clients search for photography services, the first place they check is the internet. Without a website, you are handicapping your ability to reach prospective customers and limiting your ability to showcase your portfolio.
There are many different website builders you can use, but two of the most popular are Squarespace and Wix. Both of these are paid services, but with your subscription you have access to special features and online support teams that can help you with any roadblocks you may encounter.
People Skills are Essential
It doesn’t matter what kind of photographer you are. From portrait photographers to fashion photographers to landscape artists, all of these seemingly diverse branches of photography require people skills.
People skills help to:
Gain Clients: Photography is largely about networking. Learning how to market your business at trade shows, or wherever you happen to meet people, is a key element to growing your nascent business.
Make Subjects Comfortable: If you plan to photograph people, you need to make them comfortable. If they’re not comfortable this sentiment may come through in the photographs.
It’s Easy to Overspend
Glass is king. When it comes to photography spending, it’s easy to spend thousands and thousands on a camera body, when in truth the best way to improve your photography, and your business, is to invest in both high quality lenses and professional printing.
High-Quality Lenses: Lenses can drastically improve the sharpness of your images, allow you to shoot in the dark, and add a professional quality to your photographs that can take your portfolio to the next level.
Professional Printing: Professional printing services allow you to print high-quality images for your clients, an absolute necessity for your photography business.
Encourage Referrals
If you believe you knocked it out of the park with a client, make sure to ask them to refer your business to their friends. Word of mouth might sound old school, especially now that we’re neck deep in the age of social media, but it’s one of the most reliable ways to attract clients to your business.
Social Media is Your Friend
If you’re starting a photography business, social media is going to be your best friend. Photo sharing applications like VSCO and Instagram allow you to regularly post your work, build a network of followers, and quickly connect with clients. This will allow you to expedite growth and build the company you always dreamed of.
Start Your Business!
Using the tips above, you should be able to get a photography business started even if you currently have a full-time job. By working on this as a side project, while sharing your work on social media in your spare time, you can quickly find clients and make your photography business your main gig. Truth be told, most of these businesses start as a side hustle.