Photography is very popular these days. This is partly due to the availability of high quality equipment that can be purchased through the large used market. But also because more people are moving away from the 9-5 job to live a more flexible, self-employed lifestyle.
Find your specialty
If you’re already a professional photographer or hobbyist and are considering starting a business, it is likely that you already have some thoughts.
If you don’t know what your main genre is, choose one or more. While you don’t have to choose one, you do need to focus on at least one. What are your passions? What are your unique selling points?
Make a plan
Although you may not consider it a priority right now, a plan can help you set goals for the future. You will lose sight of your goals later on if you don’t plan ahead.
A plan should include details about your business, expenses, and a plan to make your business profitable. It doesn’t have to be complicated. A clear, concise and two-sided document will be easier to refer to later.
Get ready to take photos
Camera equipment is an important investment in your business. It’s crucial that you choose high-quality, reliable equipment that you can feel confident using.
Two cameras should be included in a starting kit, such as a good quality DSLR and a backup DSLR, and a variety of lenses. This will depend on what your specialism is.
Online presence
To showcase your personality and work, you will need to create a logo, choose a name and create a website.
If you aren’t skilled in creating websites, it might be worth investing in one. Or at the very least, a photography website template that stands out from the rest. Your website is your shopfront. Your website will either make you more popular with your customers and clients, or it may discourage them from working together.
Your portfolio should be built
Your photography portfolio is a related topic to your website, as it will likely make up the majority of your website content.
You might want to start building a portfolio that focuses on your area of specialization and interests if you have only a small collection of work. You could apply for a photographer’s permit at an event, take photos of a friend’s wedding, property, or become a second photographer for one of your photographers contacts.
Attract new clients
Although it is wonderful to have customers find you by word of mouth and contact you, this may not be enough to generate a steady income stream from your passive business. You’ll have to do lots of research before you can make a solid income from this passive stream.
Social media is a great way to promote your work. You should also network offline. Tell everyone you know about your work and let them know that you are available for freelance work. Distribute business cards with your contact information.
Your business can grow
After you have won your first clients and completed projects, you can now assess your progress and decide how to go forward.
Are you feeling overwhelmed by work? Do you feel that there is not enough time to do all the things you need to be successful? You can control what you are lacking in time, money, or ideas and take charge of your life.
To save time and increase your marketing efforts, you might hire a photo editor.
Keep learning
The technical capabilities of photography equipment continue to improve so it is important to keep up-to-date with your knowledge and skills. Read blogs, join online communities, and learn from other photographers.
You can be a freelancer, managing director and finance officer, as well as an entrepreneur, by owning your own photography company. It may not be the most glamorous or easy job, but with hard work and dedication you can make it the rewarding and independent career you have always desired.