 Renee N. Stevens |
Need a Tagline Photography Business I am in the process of beginning my photography businesss. In the beginning, I will be a traveling photographer- going to any and all locations my clients would like their picture taken. there is a possiblity of having a studio too, later. I am not a big fan of using my name but after much research I am realizing this isn't such a bad way to go. My main audience is families/babies. I have come up with "your life through my lens". Any (better) thoughts? Thanks.
|
|
|
|
||
|
John Rhodes |
Rene, You'll probably make it very hard for a potential client to enter such a long web address. I suggest something a bit simpler. John
|
|
|
|
||
|
Renee N. Stevens |
John, I didn't realize my name was too long- Renee Stevens. What I had above was a tagline. Sorry for the confusion.
|
|
|
|
||
|
Mark Feldstein |
". . . going to any and all locations my clients would like their picture taken. there is a possiblity of having a studio too." Whoa ! Now WHY didn't I think of that?
|
|
|
|
||
|
Renee N. Stevens |
Mark, I can't tell if that is sarcasm or not. If not, do you really think it's a good idea? I went to your website and you have some very creative pictures- any advice would be valued... Thanks.
|
|
|
|
||
|
Mark Feldstein |
Thanks Rene. BTW, not one of those shots was photoshopped or edited in any way and all but 4 of them were shot on location which required travel including the portraits. How thoroughly have you thought this through; how detailed is your current business plan and your business model, travel how far? M
|
|
|
|
||
|
Renee N. Stevens |
Thought this through... hmm. The only way I can answer this is to say I have thought this through until I will either talk myself out of it or into it. I feel my business plan and model are fairly detailed- at least for what I feel I need. As my target audience are families/babies, my idea of travel (and something that will be conveyed) is to the park, their house, the beach (located in Houston), etc. Place not too far, but their favorite spots- at their home around the Christmas tree- a place where everyone is comfortable and at ease, so I can capture candids as well as "posed" shots. Does this make sense? As for editing pictures, my goal is to do so as little as possible, but am not there yet. I feel what I do have is quite good for an "amateur", as have all the people/clients that have seen and "bought" some (before I decided to do this for "real"). I must be doing something right?!
|
|
|
|
||
|
Mark Feldstein |
Liability insurance, your fees, prints, permits and license fees, taxes, fuel costs, association dues, subscription costs, bread, eggs, soup, pasta, juice, etc.? M.
|
|
|
|
||
|
Renee N. Stevens |
I have covered everything up to the assoc. dues, subscription dues, and groceries. Luckily, I don't have to worry about "making money"- this is a hobby that if it makes me money, great. If not, now worries but I gave it a shot. I love taking photos and am good at it so I figured why not try this as a business. Since I don't have to worry about how to pay the bills, I can put all my focus on this! thanks for your time and thoughts- much appreciated!
|
|
|
|
||
|
Dianna Murphy |
Hi Renee I was in the same situation as you a couple years back. Quit my paying job of 19 years to do photography. Like you, it wasn't about the money but about doing something I've longed for, something for me, and I've never looked back. I love what I do. I think you have a good attitude about this and if you enjoy it and have some talent to build upon, then why not. I'm sure Mark didn't mean to be so discouraging but rather practical. If you join BP (its free) you'll find many wonderful people who are willing to help you along and give you lots of encouragement. Oh and guess what, photoshop is a wonderful enhancement tool. Doesn't make a bad images good but sure can give you lots of variations and is a lot of fun. I totally love learning and experimenting with PS.
|
|
|
|
||
|
Renee N. Stevens |
Dianna, Thank you for your response. I have looked at your photos and I really like them. I even left a note on your site. When I saw the message board on this site, I immediately joined up and am taking a class- where I found your site. I am excited and can't wait! Thanks again for the words- I needed to hear that! Renee
|
|
|
|
||
|
Jerry Frazier |
OK. I get it. You are not a business. The ONLY reason for a business to exist is to make a profit. Since you don't care about profit maximization, you are not a business. Therefore, it's just a hobby. Be sure your clients understand this very important distinction. It matters!
|
|
|
|
||
|
Renee N. Stevens |
Well, it is a hobby now, but my goal is for it to be a business. I do "care" about profit, I just have the luxury of not needing the income to survive. I want to succeed at this and be very good at this, so yes, it is/will be a business. I would also like to thank you and Mark for your concern but like to point out that neither one of you have even offered any support. I understand that you might be "professional" but you did have to start somewhere too. It was my understanding, and from reading other questions that this was a place to go for help and support in order to become that. Renee
|
|
|
|
||
|
Mark Feldstein |
Discouraging Dianna? Hardly. Reality based, perhaps. Practical, yes, based on experience is more like it. I know this is somewhat off the original topic, but I think it's a necessary and worthwhile discussion given the times we're living in. Statistics show most new businesses fail in less than 3 years, I believe. The primary reasons are (1) Poor planning (that would fall under the business plan heading) and (2) undercapitalization. Moreover, with the U.S. economy quickly going into the septic tank (already there in many parts of the U.S.) and no end to that in sight, along with many businesses both new and old failing left and right, this is hardly a good time to be starting a new venture and certainly not with adequate planning. What became clear in Renee's answer and your supporting thoughts is that she's merely extending her hobby. She doesn't need the income and apparently neither do you. There are, however, a lot of working professionals in neighborhoods across the country who do need the income to support families and people dabbling in this as a hobby just undercut the price structure "for fun" or because of a longing to essentially extend their hobby beyond their household without concern for profit, business practices, policies, or the neighbors who are actually struggling to survive because of amateurs providing bad or even mediocre services, giving the work away for nothing or next to nothing. There are a lot of ways for folks to enjoy their hobbies starting with family and friends or even sites like this. Leaping into an entire business and holding yourself out to the community as a "professional" or wannabe professional because it seems easy to do, isn't quite as easy as it appears. You both appear to have financial safety nets. Probably a husband who has sufficient income to support your "hobbies". If his business was put on the ropes because someone in your neighborhood severely undercut his prices and acted without regard to the consequences of their endeavors, how would you feel, exactly? In my view, such as it is, one reason this country ended up in the position it is now is because of the "me first" attitude. Think about it.
|
|
|
|
||
|
Renee N. Stevens |
Mark, this is a sincere thank you. I know it isn't as easy as one would think. I have been thinking about this for some time. My safety net is in many forms but my husband is one of them. When I start out, my intention was to "use" my friends to "practice". When the time is right (and it may never be and I know that), then I will start calling myself a professional and only then will I charge. As for the country in the state it is in, that is a whole other topic but I agree. Because of this though, I have thought long and hard how to go about this. This is a dream for me and I hope (and will do what I have to) to make it work, without misleading anyone. Mark, thanks again- I got a little frustrated because I want to make this work and felt I wasn't being given any credit towards that. Yes, I am a beginner but I won't stay there for long (whether I make money or not)! Renee
|
|
|
|
||
|
Mark Feldstein |
Renee, I'm certainly glad you received what I said in the spirit it was intended. I do wish you well in your endeavor. And yes, there's a lot to consider. Maybe we should start an entirely new website on the state of the country? Thanks to you too. ;>) Mark
|
|
|
|
||
|
Samuel Smith |
wasn't offended and state of the country........
|
|
|
|
||
|
Christopher A. Walrath |
Hi, Renee. Just wanted to offer some words of encouragement. And direction, perhaps. In Delaware, if you don't show a profit after five years you cannot renew your business license under that name again. I'm certain there are similar rules in Texas so check it out. Do you have a goal set for after one year, two years, five years in terms of volume, clientele, etc.? Do you see yourself opening a studio and if so, do you have an idea for its location, layout, etc.? Will you have an assistant/staff and if so when? Mark's right, if this turns into a burgeoning business, it needs to be done right and that will require a LOT of thought and time. I ran a photography business for two years that was growing and decided that this was not the turn I wanted my photography to take. It was getting to involved for my tastes. I'm already managing an auto parts store so why add to my list? I wanted my photography to be an escape, not more stinkin' work. So, ask not what your photography can do for you, ask what you can do for your photography. And while you're at it, ask if there was a second gunman on the grassy knoll. Inquiring minds want to know. Thank you
|
|
|
|
||
|
Mark Feldstein |
Good point Chris. A lot of people think when they hang out their own studio shingle it's going to be mostly exhilarating fun work. It's a business and a business type of grind. I think most of the pros here agree that we spend nearly 85-90 % of our time running the business and 15-20% of our time actually shooting. Oh, and I think those state profitability rules you mentioned are probably designed to coincide with the IRS rule that on start-up, they'll allow reasonable and necessary expense deductions without turning a profit for three tax years. After that, it's considered a hobby and no further deductions are allowed unless the taxpayer starts showing some profit. Now as to the grassy knoll problem, I say 3 gunmen, not just two but then again, we really WEREN'T in Cambodia. 0/;>0
|
|
|
|
||
|
Renee N. Stevens |
Chris, You brought up some good points. I hope to be making a profit within 3 years (I believe as Mark pointed out that is the term the IRS gives you) from when I become a business. As for the studio, if I can make a go of this, then yes, a studio is in the future. We are moving to Kalispell, MT in the next few months so I have to do research on where the studio would go. I have my ideas as we have been there several times this year. Another good point, Chris (and confirmed by Mark), that I want this to be fun too. That is where I have some luxury since I don't "need" the money from this. If it gets to where it isn't fun or I can't make the quality photos I want, then I can fold up shop. Thanks again for some good insight and support. BTW-Mark, 3 gunman? Interesting... Renee
|
|
|
|
||
|
Danielle E. Rutter |
Hey Renee! Back to your original question ... I am not a big fan of using your name for your business name. Seems so cliche to me. And your name could be easily mispelled ... both first and last. So if I were you I would reconsider that part. And I agree, Mark. I'd say my business is 90% business and 10% shooting. And when I first got into it I had NO idea what I was getting myself into. But I don't regret it for an instant!
|
|
|
|
||
|
This old forum is now archived. Use improved Forum here
Report this Thread |
||