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Tips for starting a new photography business


9 years 4 months ago #412278 by GWS
I guess this makes post #1 for me.  I have been practicing photography for a number of years and feel it's ready to try making a business out of this.  I was wondering if I could ask for some tips, things I should make sure I do, or don't do.  Anything would be appreciated.  I have set aside $1800 for business expenses, like I know one of the items I'll need is a website.  Hopefully that won't cost to much.  I'd like to get some studio lights, but I think I'll be able to get those used. 

Let me know, thank you - Gerry
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9 years 4 months ago #412977 by ubookoo
Actually a website is getting less and less important for photographers. Being able to display your work is important but there are plenty of free hosting services to do that.

The most important thing today is being able to reach your customers cell phones and have a mobile website of your own so they can connect with you quickly. A mobile site will allow you to link to your photo gallery and give your current or future customer a quick and easy way to contact you.

The secret today to building a photography business is building a customer list from day one! With a list you will be able to create campaigns to promote your business. The only effective way today to build a list is through text marketing. 

There is a free text marketing guide on our site.

Best of luck! 
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9 years 4 months ago #412998 by Don Fischer
Talk to an accountant.
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9 years 4 months ago #413006 by effron
As big a need as photographic ability,  a PRO also needs to be business savvy. If you aren't sure, remain an enthusiast for a while and save your money.  I don't think your $1800.00 is quite enough anyway......:unsure:
Why so serious?
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9 years 4 months ago #413218 by GWS
Thank you for the tips guys.  Perhaps I'll need to put some more funds into my business start slush fund
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9 years 4 months ago #413240 by icepics
There are resources here - http://asmp.org or try PPA. You could also look up the Small Business Administration website.

I don't think photography is realistically a full time job or career for very many people. The only working photographers I know personally in my area do it as a sideline. There don't seem to be many existing job opportunities in photography; photographers seem to gradually build up their reputation and might at some point be able to develop it into full time work. It would probably take coming up with a business plan and getting some professional feedback on your portfolio if you haven't done so.
Sharon
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9 years 4 months ago #413486 by Richard Torble
I've been in business full time for just over a year now and I have learnt a *lot*. For the record, I started photography in the late 1990's so that gives you some sort of idea of the level of photographic experience, although it's fair to say I only started taking it really seriously the last five years or so.

When photography is your business, it's about getting clients and making money first and foremost. If you're creating great images then that's ideal but amazing photographs don't always make an amazing business.

I would strongly suggest getting as much business advice as possible. Take a course if you can. Business and Marketing. You need to have a really good idea of who your target client is, where they are, how you will get to them and why they would choose you over the thousands of other photographers at their disposal. Without this information you have no business. You can have the best gear in the world but you'll have no clients to shoot for. I would almost forget websites, business cards etc until you are clear in your mind the answers to these questions.
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