How to Start Your Very Own Photography Business

If you are looking for a second income and have some photography chops, then creating a photography business may solve your problems.

You are not alone if you want to turn your creativity into a business venture. Everyone loves photography, and having it not only as a hobby but also as a source of income is a dream for most of us. If you are seriously considering it now, we may be able to help you with that.

For a photography business, there are many things you need to do. Yes, it’s fun, but the business side of it can be overwhelming for you, which is probably why you’re reading this article here. To help you find your business photography foothold, we’ll share some advice and insights on how to start your own photography business.

A business plan

Of course, how can you start a business without a plan or, more specifically, a business plan? Any serious photography business owner you turn to for advice will ask you for one. But what exactly is it, and what purpose does it serve? Well, think of it as your road map. In this roadmap, you start by describing what your business is about and then how it will grow in the future. It also breaks down things like cash flow, expenses, competition and ownership.

Remember, without a business plan you will be more prone to bad decisions, which is very bad if you have a lot of competition in your area. A good business plan will also be a great tool if you’re looking for some investors, but that’s another topic for another day. Let’s go on.

Evaluate your startup costs

You are wrong if you think all you need is a camera and some tools. There are many more expenses that you need to spend if you want to start a photography business. To begin, you need to assess the essentials you need for your business. Of course, the first would be the right cameras and other equipment related to photography.

Camera equipment alone can cost at least $10,000 upwards. After that, you will need to spend on a license, insurance, a website and accounting software. And of course you have to have your base of operations, which for some is the next most expensive thing after the camera equipment. Sure, you can turn your garage or backyard into a makeshift studio, but if you want to look professional, you might want to look at rental properties and determine the cost.

Build your brand

If you work with people in person, then you are your brand. With this in mind, every little thing you do, especially on social media, can affect your brand and reputation. Remember, most photography startups get clients through word of mouth. Not only that, but you can also get referrals from studios to find a good location for a session like the Smoked Garage.

That said, when you go for a shoot, remember to always look professional. Dress appropriately, iron your shirt and always be organized. Also always show up on time. This is a red flag for many people. Always make sure you understand how the schedule works and how the day will flow. Give them a timetable for the final product, and of course never break any promises to your customers.

Prices

Now this one is a tough one for many people, especially for beginners. If you have a friend who also has a photography business or just someone who knows about the industry, you can ask them for advice on how to price your photos. But a good rule of thumb here is that you should never price work that will lose you money or at least below minimum wage. You can even check out how your competitors are charging their work.

In general, you’ll want to estimate that there are 3 hours of editing time for every 1 hour of recording. Some photographers price their hours at $50 to cover the standard cost. Also remember to take travel time and preparation time into account. They are part of your job as a photographer, so your client has to pay for them too.

Invest in a website

Once you’ve come up with a name, the last thing you need is a website. To some people this may be trivial, but you wouldn’t know how a nice website can set you up with a lot of gigs. Of course, for your website to be effective, your goal must be to impress your clients, so if you have the budget, you can have a professional create your photography website. Of course, the website should showcase your work and your contact details. It’s also a good idea to list some of your prices on the website.

Final Words

A photography business is just a dream for some. After all, many people think that a business based on your hobbies is an impossible dream, but this one is different. There are many photography businesses these days, and it’s inspiring that they have the guts to turn their passion into a business. If you are the same, you might want to follow the tips we have given you above.