 Katcha Sabella |
How to get started in the business? Hi, I've loved photography for about 3 years now and I would like to start doing something about starting my own business. Slowly. I'm no pro but my passion for photography is huge. My question is what is the beginning steps for starting a business? Portaits. Some advice please. Thanks.
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John P. Sandstedt |
I'm no pro, but here's a thought. You should start by taking the kinds of pictures you like to take. I love shooting portraits but, at my age and living in an adult [55 and older] community, portraits of "nubile young ladies" just isn't in the offing. In fact, many of my friends in the community hate to have their pictures taken, whether as a portrait or in a group situation. So, I take what I can. If you have a studio [in your home or in commercial space] you can have set-ups with varying backdrops. But, if you want to compete with established portrait stiudios, you might have to consider the fact that most of these portrait photographers are still using medium format and view cameras. If you're using digital, you might not get the identical results. If you like to shoot landscapes, do so. But, the market here might not be as easy to reach as that for portraits. But, if you make better landscapes than portraits, shoot them prefentially until you're sufficiently accepted in your market area.
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Mark Feldstein |
I sure agree with what John said so far. And to add to that, I've said this many times before here (and elsewhere) but before you should go into ANY business, let alone photography, the absolute most important thing you need, even more important than talent or ability to use a camera, is a flexible, reasonable business plan. It needs to include at least budgets for marketing, space to shoot in if any, equipment, insurance, licenses, fees, taxes, professional association dues, pricing, and oh...did I say marketing and plans for all those things. In other words, by just hanging out a shingle with your name on it, you're pretty much doomed to not making it. Latah Bud.
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Mark Feldstein |
I sure agree with what John said so far. And to add to that, I've said this many times before here (and elsewhere) but before you should go into ANY business, let alone photography, the absolute most important thing you need, even more important than talent or ability to use a camera, is a flexible, reasonable business plan. It needs to include at least budgets for marketing, space to shoot in if any, equipment, insurance, licenses, fees, taxes, professional association dues, pricing, and oh...did I say marketing and plans for all those things. In other words, by just hanging out a shingle with your name on it, you're pretty much doomed to not making it. Latah Bud.
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Katcha Sabella |
Well, yes....I love shooting portaits and Landscape....nature, etc.. So really I love shooting a lot different things. Thank you so much for your responses!! I appreciate it greatly:)
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Katcha Sabella |
Anybody else.....Advice??
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John Nunziato |
If you like sports..You could build a portfolio of sport photos by shooting some locals school stuff,just stand on the sidelines,or shoot some runners or cylist that are around.. This will give you an edge to work for some freelance stuff for some weekly papers or sport photo francise companies.. This will build up the money to start your own stuff later.. John N.
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John H. Siskin |
Hi Katcha, Find out what other photo business in your neighborhood are like. Are they making money? The business part of what I do is the least pleasant part of my business, yet it is the most essential part. You may want to consider doing photography on a pro bono basis for charity. Not to make money but to do good work doing something you enjoy. I did considerable work for AidsWalk in several cities. I made some of the best portraits of my life and it was a wonderful experience. You might want to decide if you want to be in the business of photography or if you want to make fine photos. If the latter is the case I am sure you can find places to use your skills. Thanks, John Siskin
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Katcha Sabella |
Thanks for the responses:) It's very helpful
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