Even before the crash of economy, starting a photography business and  maintaining it was quite a hard thing to do. There has always been a lot of competition and the supply has been higher than the demand for quite some time. Things got a lot worse after 2008. A lot of photographers went out of business and had to make career changes that impacted their lives in tough ways. Many people who started a photography business at the start of the crisis found themselves being thrown out of the market faster than they got in. The economy hit everyone pretty hard, but it wouldn’t be fair to blame it all on Government policies and corporations. The truth is, a lot of photographers go out of business because they make mistakes. Nobody can blame you for making mistakes as it is in our nature not to be perfect. However, times are unfortunately not as forgiving as they used to be. Here is a list of  9 common mistakes that you need to avoid in order to survive and grow as a photography business owner.

1. Marketing yourself the same way everyone else does

You are working in a creative field, so I will assume you have some imagination. Use it to come up with new, different ways of marketing your business. Take a look at your current marketing strategies and ask yourself if they are bringing you enough business. If not, make a few changes. Chances are you’re probably advertising yourself in ways that every other pro in your area does. Be different. Surprise your clients and potential buyers. Send out personalised materials, write a funny newsletter,etc. It’s not easy coming up with new strategies but if you do, people will start noticing you are different from the crowd,  and that kind of attention is what brings new customers.

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2. Offering  poor customer service

This is one of the most harmful things you can do for your business. I’ve said it many times, you could be the most talented photographer in your area, if people don’t enjoy being your clients, you’ll be out of business in no time. It’s a business that revolves around people and that’s why excellent customer service is necessary. Nobody is expecting you to be overly nice and all of us have bad days every now and then. Make sure you keep it professional without being distant, moody or emotional.

3. Having low fees

If you’re doing this, you’re probably thinking you’re stealing the competition’s clients by luring them with your „affordable” prices. That may happen occasionally but the truth is you’re harming yourself more than your competition. People don’t really care that you charge a low fee, but they care about what you provide for the money. You should charge what you believe you’re worth, and have a rational , structured pricing scheme that actually allows you to make profit. Charging x amount less than your competition won’t get you anywhere if in the overall business plan you come out losing more than you gain.

4. Having an average looking website

Your online portfolio is one of the most important tools for giving your business exposure and attracting new buyers. So many photographers’ websites look exactly the same:  flash presentation with a selection of their favorite work, a boring logo and a little content. Don’t be that photographer. Team up with a good designer or someone who has an eye for graphics and come up with something new, something that will have people coming back over and over again.

5. Having the same packages as the other photographers

Giving the same deals, even to the untrained eye, shows a lack of authenticity and a minimum (if any!) effort of creativity. This is your  skill and talent you’re selling. Why portion it in the exact same way  everyone else does? Have a different range of options for your clients to chose from. Make them attractive not only as good deals, but do so with an added, personal spark.

6. Being an average photographer

I know, it’s tough to admit that there is even the slightest possibility you might be an average photographer. As soon as you’re ready to face this possibility , you’ll be ready to evolve. Being an average photographer doesn’t mean not having the right technical skills or the right gear, it means photographing things in a way that any other pro could. It is vital to develop a personal, recognisable style that will set you aside from anyone else in the market.

7.  Being greedy for small change

When you set a price for a provided service, make sure to cover details such as mileage, expenses and other personal needs that you might have to get the job done. Your client wants to pay a price that includes everything, not for you to call him for that extra $50 for gas. Even if you receive that money, you probably won’t get another chance.

8. Being negative

It’s tough for everyone in their own, personal way. Nobody wants to hear you complain about how rough business is and how hard the market was hit, especially not when negotiating. It will make you look weak and unprofessional. Photography is a beautiful way of life, but it’s also business. So remember to always leave your troubles at the door when going to a money talk and always have your game face on.

9. Working at your own convenience

It’s not a nine to five job so fixed hours are out of the question. You will find yourself working long hours for important clients. That is if you’re not to comfortable. Give more than expected and rewards will follow. It doesn’t mean you should be available seven days a week from 7a.m. to 11p.m. That would make you look desperate and easy to manipulate. Whatever open hours you choose though, make sure to be flexible and find a formula that helps you, as well as your clients.

Also Read: 23 things you must know to be successful in photography

Recommended Reading:

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• The Fast Track Photographer Business Plan: Build a Successful Photography Venture from the Ground Up
• Group Portrait Photography Handbook
• The Best of Family Portrait Photography: Professional Techniques and Images
• 500 Poses for Photographing Group PortraitsSelling Your Photography: How to Make Money in New and Traditional Markets 
• Starting Your Career as a Freelance Photographer
• Photographer's Survival Manual: A Legal Guide for Artists in the Digital Age
• Legal Handbook for Photographers: The Rights and Liabilities of Making Images
• Taking Stock: Make money in microstock creating photos that sell
• Going Pro: How to Make the Leap from Aspiring to Professional Photographer

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