Starting a Photography Business
You love taking photographs. You’ve got an eye for it, or so you’ve been told. You think you’d like to become a photographer, maybe… So where do you start?
The photography itself seems like it might be the hardest part, but our advice to someone starting out is always “do a business course”. Taking pictures is one thing, but when you become a photographer, you become a boss as well as the employee. You have to be an administrator as well as a creative mind. You need to learn the hard stuff in order to do the fun stuff. So here’s our take on where to go and what to do…
To Niche or Not to Niche?
First things first – what’s your passion? Figure out what you love photographing the most. Is it people, animals, things, landscapes or architecture? Specialising in one area, for example newborn photography, can be a solid business model and can be the road to success for some. For us, our success is down to flexibility and being a multi faceted business. We can swaddle a newborn and win the trust of a new parent, we can produce high end head shots for corporate gigs, we can mingle with wedding guests to the point where they forget we’re photographers and we take elegant portraits of your furbabies. Decide what the best business model is for you and do your research!
Get Your Gear Game On!
We always advise budding photographers to absolutely exhaust their current equipment before they go investing in new stuff. Why? Becauset the equipment does not the photographer make. Sure, a brand new mirrorless DSLR with quality lenses will improve your work, but not if you don’t know how to use them. When the time comes to upgrade, you’ll know. Our tip is to always go to a real life shop for your equipment. We are big fans of the lads over in Maher’s Photographic in Drogheda. If you’re in Dublin, Conn’s Cameras is great too! Remember, you don’t need to mortgage your house for a camera, but investing in quality lenses and accessories will make a significant difference in your work when you’re ready.
Show Off Your Best Side
Build a portfolio of the type of work that you want to do. If you don’t want to do weddings, don’t do them and certainly don’t put the work into your portfolio. You sell what they see – the more you present a certain style or genre of work, the more likely you are to be hired for just that! There is absolutely nothing wrong with photographing people for free in the beginning – these are called Model Calls. You photograph someone/something in return for the use of the photographs in your portfolio and gift them the photographs for personal printing. Win-win for everyone. There are pitfalls and benefits to model calls and it’s important that you are clear with your terms.
Online Presence is Key
In the age of hashtags and viral trends, having a strong online presence is non-negotiable. Set up a professional-looking website and sprinkle it with your stunning portfolio. Don’t forget to leverage social media – Instagram and Pinterest are like gold mines for photographers. Engage with your audience, share behind-the-scenes stories and grow your presence slowly and meaningfully. A like doesn’t pay the bills. Viral content doesn’t pay the bills. Creating meaningful content is important. Having a following of thousands who don’t pay for your services is pointless.
Pricing: Don’t Undervalue Your Art
Now, let’s talk money. Pricing your services can be a tricky dance, but remember, you’re not just selling pictures; you’re selling an experience. Research what other photographers in your area are charging, consider your costs, and factor in the value of your unique touch. It’s okay to start modestly, but don’t undersell yourself. It’s important to remember that when you start low, it’s more difficult for you to increase your prices. Returning clients will get a shock when they see the increase and may search for another new or low-cost photographer (it should be noted, that if someone does this, you can’t take it personally, we all shop around and not everyone understands value or is able to afford a high end service every time).
Legal Eagle
Before you take one red cent for your services, make sure you’ve got your legal ducks in a row. Register your business with the CRO, get your PUBLIC LIABILITY INSURANCE (we cannot shout that loudly enough) and draw up contracts that would make even the most seasoned lawyer proud. Protect yourself, your clients, and your precious work.
Networking: More Than Just Handing Out Business Cards
Get out there and mingle! Attend local events, collaborate with fellow photographers, and join online communities. Networking isn’t just about handing out business cards; it’s about building relationships. You never know when a chance encounter could lead to your next job. The first rule of owning your own business is “Tell Everyone”. Really, everyone – postie, the milk man, your local shop keeper, the mum on the street walking her dog; everyone.
Embrace the Learning Curve
Finally, my fellow entrepreneur, embrace the learning curve. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither is a successful photography business. Learn from your mistakes, stay updated on industry trends, and never stop evolving as a photographer. Education is important. On that note, did you know that we teach?! We mentor aspiring photographers too. So if you’re interested in learning more about photography or setting up your own business, check us out: One to One Training, go on, tap this, you know you want to…
So there you have it, aspiring business owner. Remember, the only limit is the one you set for yourself. Now, go out there and capture and captivate the world, one photograph at a time.
