Are you an aspiring photographer looking to start your own business? If so, you’ve come to the right place. Starting a photography business is a great way to make money doing what you love, but it does require careful planning and dedication. Once you get your gear, what’s next?
Here’s everything you need to know before launching your photography business.
Step 1: Develop Your Skills and Identify Your Niche
First and foremost, it’s important that you have the requisite skills necessary to be successful in the industry. Take classes or workshops, join online forums and photograph as many subjects as possible in order to hone your skills and develop your unique style.
Additionally, when starting a photography business, it’s important that you identify your niche — this will help ensure that you attract the right clients and can differentiate yourself from other photographers in the area. Think about which types of photography excite and energize you the most — for example, wedding photography, family photography, brand photography or newborn photo shoots — then get out there and start shooting!
Step 2: Create a Business Plan for your Photography Business
Once you’ve identified your niche market and developed your skillset, it’s time to create a comprehensive business plan that details how exactly how your photography business will work. This should include financial projections (e.g., cost of equipment), marketing strategies (e.g., website creation), and pricing strategies (e.g., packages).
Depending on where you live, you may also need to obtain proper licensing before launching your business — make sure to check with local authorities if necessary.
Step 3: Market Your Services
Once all the logistics are set up, it’s time to get out there and start marketing! Consider creating a website or blog where potential customers can view examples of your work; this is especially useful for wedding photographers as couples often like to see portfolios before booking services.
Additionally, take advantage of social media platforms such as Instagram or Facebook by regularly sharing photos from recent shoots or upcoming projects. I actually have a FREE class to get you started on social media with a one week challenge!
Word-of-mouth referrals are also key for any small business so don’t be afraid to ask past clients if they wouldn’t mind recommending their friends or family members who might need professional photos taken!
Starting a photography business is an exciting venture that requires dedication and hard work but can be incredibly rewarding too! Whether you’re a hobbyist looking for an extra source of income or an aspiring professional photographer looking for full-time opportunities, following these steps will help put you on the right path towards success. Just remember—with enough practice, patience, and determination—you can achieve anything!
Good luck! And reach out to me if you ever need any advice.
Kylee started Kylee Ann Photography 9 years ago, and has since grown from a one woman amateur show to a full associate team. We shoot 50-75 weddings a year, and thrive on kindness and service. After a year of teaching Intro to Photography at the local technical college, she discovered that helping other entrepreneurs create thriving businesses is what fires her up! She hosts semi-annual Kylee Ann Sleepovers all over the US, speak at conferences and teach online courses about running a small business and marketing.
February 6, 2023
Kylee Maughan
