Starting any business is challenging, even more so when you decide to venture into a highly competitive market such as photography. The biggest problem is that people view amateur photography for what it is and often confuse it with professional photography. With cameras and camera gear becoming more consumer-friendly and affordable, everyone considers themselves a photographer.
However, that does not mean you should disregard your dream of starting a photography business. All you need to do is work hard to stand out from the crowd. If you’re still determined to get ahead in this driven industry, let’s see which steps you should take to start your own photography business.
Start With a Business Plan
Every successful entrepreneur will advise you to put your plans on paper. Make a detailed plan describing your business and how it will make a profit, and use it as your roadmap. Break down crucial things, like startup costs, cash flow, ownership, expenses, and potential competition.
Creating a business plan from scratch might seem tiresome and tedious, but you’ll accomplish your goals in no time if you start right. If you need help navigating documentation, find free freelance & consulting contract templates on HoneyBook, and start from there. It will be easier to navigate everything if you have a foundation.
Gain Professional Experience
If you don’t have any professional experience, now is the time to gain some. When you’re starting a photography business, you need to show your clients what you can do. Before you venture into this, get an internship with a professional photographer. It shouldn’t be difficult to find one as many professionals will be happy to have a free set of hands to help them out.
Once you get some professional experience, make a portfolio. A photography portfolio is essential in this business as it demonstrates your skills. Think about your target clientele and build your portfolio around that. Make sure to keep it updated, so your potential clients can see relevant and current work.
Think of a Pricing Plan
Thinking of how much you’ll charge for your services is a tricky question for a photographer who’s just starting. However, it’s something you need to figure out. Most photographers charge by the hour, so that’s a great starting point.
Yet you need to bear in mind that your photography business does not consist only of shooting. For every hour you spend taking photographs, you’ll spend three hours editing. That’s why you need to include that in your hourly rate.
Invest in Marketing
When it comes to marketing your business, your first step is coming up with a name. Once you think of an eye-catching name, create a website. Some people think free website templates are sufficient to get you started, but investing and hiring a professional to make one for you is most likely the best option.
Naturally, the website needs to advertise your work. It’s doubtful that clients will go through hundreds of your photos to find what they need, so keep it organized and neat. Break everything down into categories, and don’t forget to include all available contact information.
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Use Social Media to Your Advantage
You won’t find an easier way to advertise your business than social media. Take advantage of all available platforms and promote your business. Facebook is a good option, but you should prioritize more creative platforms like Instagram. Make sure you keep your profile active and update it regularly. Clients won’t contact a photographer whose last post was three weeks ago.
Pro tips — You can also use Google Ads to generate more website traffic. If you have time, maintain a blog to establish authority in this field.
Keep Learning
Lastly, don’t get stuck. This industry requires you to keep your mind open and keep learning. Photography is a very fierce business, so you’ll need to set yourself apart. You’ll do that by keeping up with the trends. So, watch educational videos, take a few classes, or simply set off on a photographing adventure. We’re sure you’ll learn something new and keep your skills sharp if you’re willing to step outside your comfort zone.
