Business Basics for Opening Your Photography Business

A photography business means that you are the best and can produce consistent quality work. As the saying goes, you are only as good as your last picture. If you choose to do on location work or operate a bare bones studio out of your home, the expected cost with the basic equipment can range from $7500.00 to $10,000.00. A good photographer will have the talents and equipment to photograph weddings, special events, portraits, business Christmas parties and other functions, proms, charter schools, sporting events and more. The following are a few basics to consider before starting a photography business.

First, if you plan upon being a full time photographer, you will need at least a years worth of money saved to live on while your build up your business. You will also need the talent and technical education to create great photography that will stand out from your competition. Enrolling in a college or university course in photography will demonstrate if you have the ability to produce creative and leading edge photography. If you have a photographic talent, then continue with other photography courses. The education process should also include classes in computer photo editing, a small business course, a marketing course, a public speaking course, and basic tax accounting to help keep your books.

Also recommended is to subscribe to a photographic industry magazine such as Professional Photographer, Rangefinder, Camera Arts, or PDN (Photo District News). These magazines offer articles and information on photo techniques, business marketing, photographic equipment, and services.

Next the following photographic equipment is recommended. Have at least three 6.3 mega pixel and higher digital cameras. If you shoot film, three 35 mm and a couple of medium format cameras. Camera flash equipment should include three flash units, extension brackets, sync cords, and battery packs.

Your inventory should have both a canvas and muslin backdrop of at least eight by ten foot. Backdrop colors should either be blue, light gray, or white. For head and product shots, a roll of blue or white background photo paper will suffice. Of course, on location means having studio lighting with at least two light heads, umbrellas, soft box, and power pack. Norman, Speedtron & White lightning are a few of the brands of studio lighting. Prices can range from $1200.00 to over $2500.00.

For photo editing, it is recommended using professional photo editing software instead of using what came with your PC. Examples of professional software are Photoshop CS, Corel Paint Shop Pro 10, Corel Painter, etc. This is so you can offer touch ups, black and white, infer-red and sepia photos, photo painting, create layouts for coffee table books albums and desktop photo publishing. The more services you offer the more business you can bring in.

Third is the website. The first step is to obtain a domain name. I, myself, use GoDaddy and have never had my web site go down. A good web site should elicit excitement from a client. For example, most people who contact me state “I love your web site!” A web site should include the following pages: home, about you, feed back, order form, testimonial page, your services and pricing, photo galleries featuring your different areas of photography such as portraits, weddings, nature, photo art, or advertising and specialty products such as photo pillows, blankets, coffee table books, and wedding albums. If you are not knowledgable in web design, it is best to pay a professional. My finance created my web site with Front page.

Another suggestion is utilizing a search engine service to place your web site on search engines after it is finished and uploaded. I currently have my web site on over 400-search engines worldwide. Internet providers usually offer search engine placement services ranging in price from $129 a year and up.

Advertising is a necessity and will cost a few dollars. Places to advertise are the phone book, on line yellow pages, internet sites that feature a link to your web site such as Party Pop, WeDJ, and lead generating sites such as Respond.com. There are the sites that will list you free, but those sites require you place a reciprocal link on your web site.

Finally, there are other factors to consider in operating a successful photography business such as taking credit cards, insurance, expansion, hiring help when you need it, and whether or not to be an LLC. However, if you are up to the challenge and work smart, success will come knocking at your door.

Business Basics for Opening Your Photography Business