Monday, July 13, 2009

How to Start a Photography Business

By Dan Feildman

Do you love taking pictures? Are you considering making some money out of it? Starting a business out of photography is relatively easy, as long as you have the right equipment.

If you already own the proper equipment starting your own business will require little money. A photography business is even something you can do from your own home.

Any space in your home can be dedicated for your business. This area will serve as your primary "office".

You don't even need a dark room given that today's digital cameras don't require film. All you need is a personal computer and a photo editing program to process your pictures.

If you want to make your hobby a business, you should not only have your basic camera unit but the additional equipment as well. Of course, you would want your pictures to stand out and be more appealing to potential clients. You would need different zoom lenses and camera filters to make your shots clear, sharp and even have some special effects.

In the beginning you will only need a few of each but as your business grows you will undoubtedly want to purchase more. Another perk is that this can be done in your spare time until your client bases grows to a point where it is supports you financially. However, in the start up phase you can work at it part time so you can increase your experience as well as have some additional income.

Even if you only do this on your free time, make sure you are still dedicated and serious. You won't be able to get enough clients to sustain yourself if you don't take this business seriously.

Since you are going to make this engrossing hobby a business, there will be some legality that you need to take care of. First, you need to have your business registered and have a name and logo to be able to operate legally. Once registered, you can issue receipts and file taxes for your business.

Also, it would be good to write a business plan. Having one will help you identify your goal for your business and keep focused with this goal. This way, you will know if the business that you start up is worth all your time and effort.

You will want to sketch out your plans for marketing and ideas for how you can increase business. You can change this business plan in the future, what you write now is not necessarily put in stone. If you are looking for outside funding for your business the business plan is essential.

Don't forget to include the business objectives. Objectives help you stay focused on the goals you have for your company. Include such things as your marketing plan and advertising goals. Figure out your pricing structure and include that as well. Don't forget, your business plan can be changed over time.

Friends and relatives are the best people to start with in terms of finding clients. In the beginning you may want to offer your services for a reduced price or free. Once they have seen the quality of your photos you can be sure that they will recommend you to their friends and business associates.

Hopefully before you know it your schedule will become so busy you will have problems fitting all the appointments in. Obviously having a solid marketing plan will work wonders. Hand out flyers to neighbors, friends and family. You can even take out advertising in your local paper for a nominal fee.

You will learn that nearly everyone loves photographs. They live on as treasured memories and are kept for generations. The corporate world also relies heavily on photographs to market their products to the public.

While this all seems very easy to do you must always remember to take your endeavor seriously. Dedication is important if you wish to make serious money. Having your goals in mind and striving to achieve them is always a great thing. Earning money from something you love doing creates a very satisfying life indeed!

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