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Photgraphy Business

Veteran

Will Gray Willoughby, OH

I want to start a photography business?? What are the first steps?? This has been a passion of my own for a long time?? How easy is it?? Depending on the location I hear its very competitive.

9 August 2018 4 replies Career Exploration

Answers

Advisor

Arthur Pare Lubbock, TX

Previous responses are good solid advice. Photography is one of those businesses that frequently begins as a hobby and builds into a business - but is very difficult to suddenly start at a sustainable level. Make sure you compile a comprehensive budget of all costs, including web site fees, lenses, lights, fees, etc. keep all equipment receipts even while hobby - when you start business you will need a basis for equipment for tax accounting. 'Friends' will say do this shoot for free and we will give you great advertising, 'Real Friends' will offer more than you charge saying they understand what it is like to start-up a business. Find your market niche and be the best!

Advisor

Ming Lai Alhambra, CA

Hi Will!

First, you have to decide what type[s] of photography that you want to do for your business—architecture, art, commercial, documentary, landscape, events, photojournalism, portraiture, street, etc.

Furthermore, if you’re interested in, say, commercial photography, you’ll need to figure out what specific type of commercial photography that you want to do—cars, food, products, services, technology, etc.

Even though you may personally shoot many different types of photography, it may help you to initially specialize in one or more specific types to make it easier to market yourself.

As you build your business, then you can begin to offer more types of photography.

Then, you have to create a portfolio of your strongest work to demonstrate your talent.

Afterward, you’ll need to build a website to showcase your portfolio. I recommend squarespace.com, which has a lot of photography website templates.

Research your local, regional, national, and even international competition. See how other photographers brand themselves. Look at their work, clients, pricing, bios, mission statements, marketing, etc.

Look at the best photographers in the type of photography that you want to do and find inspiration.

Continuing the example of commercial photography, you’ll need to reach out to clients directly or the advertising agencies that serve them.

Many of the top photographers are represented by “agents.” So you’ll need to research the photographer reps in your field and area. However, in my humble opinion, you are your own best rep.

Of course, you’ll need to do all the hard work of setting up your small business, from registering your business name, establishing your business entity, (individual proprietor, LLC, S-corp, corporation, etc.), applying for a tax I.D. number, trademarking your logo, buying insurance, etc.

Build a team to assist you—photography assistants, makeup artists, wardrobe stylists, studio managers, location scouts, lawyers, accountants, rental houses, etc. In the beginning, you may perform all of these roles yourself.

Find a mentor to guide you—someone who you respect and can help nurture your growth as a photographer. If you don’t have one, mentor yourself—become a lifelong learner, dedicated this craft.

Most importantly, envision your successful photography business, make a plan to achieve it, and then work as hard as possible to actualize your dreams.

I wish you much luck!

Best wishes,
Ming

Veteran

Will Gray Willoughby, OH

Thank you!!

Advisor

Gerald Mannikarote Houston, TX

Hi Will,
The best answer I can give you is get out there and do it.
In the new age of digital media, you would have to get your name out there.
I would suggest following Gary Vaynerchuk on social media to learn how he and others get their passions transformed into businesses. Also, check out Gary's books: Crush It and Crushing It.
Good luck!
Warm regards,
Jerry

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