There's a lot involved in starting a photography business.

In fact, if you ask me, one of the biggest barriers that people face when starting their own photography business is simply not knowing where to start.

That's the inspiration behind this post...

If you're struggling to get your head around the things you need to do to get a successful business off the ground, consider these 14 top tips.

You're More Than a Photographer - MUCH More

One of the first lessons you need to learn is that when you go into business for yourself, you aren't just a photographer.

In fact, you're everything from CEO to social media director to the accountant.

You have to answer phones, do your books, tackle marketing, meet with clients, oh, and actually take and edit photos at some point, too.

If you think you'll spend your days out in the field taking portraits of people in beautiful locations, only to return to your downtown studio to spend a few hours editing photos, you're wrong!

Sometimes it's a slog, and you will feel defeated at how little of your day is actually spent taking and editing photos.

But all that other stuff is important - and necessary - to make your business a success.

Besides, there's ways to lighten your load (more on that later).

Market the Right Way

Twenty years ago, we might be talking about marketing as knowing how to write up a catchy newspaper ad or having a spread in the yellow pages to promote your business or understanding how to do cold calling.

Today, though, marketing is focused in the online space, so you need to understand how to wrest the most value out of your online activities.

I'll get into having a website and taking control of social media in the next two tips, but for now, just understand that as fun as it is to have custom stationery with your logo on it, that stationary is completely invaluable to you as you market your business.

Likewise, having thousands of business cards isn't really practical, either.

Though it might seem like a great deal to get 3,000 business cards for $50, trust me, 2,500 of those cards will never see the light of day!

Instead, buy printed materials in small batches so you're sure you actually use them and focus instead on spending your money on marketing that will get you the most bang for your buck

Get a Solid Website

When I think of modern-day marketing, I think of having a solid website that is eye-catching, shows off your work, and gives would-be clients all the details they need about you and your business to make the decision to contact you to book a session.

Today's websites are clean and uncluttered, have large, full-screen images, are easy to navigate, and have contact forms and social media links that allow your clients to reach you quickly and easily.

Your website also needs to be branded in a way that's consistent with your other marketing materials.

That consistency shows attention to detail across all your marketing activities, but it also helps people to find you in various spaces - in Google searches, on social media, and in the real world as well.

Of course, the first thing you need when building your website is the right domain name...

As I noted above, you want it to be consistent with your marketing, but you also want it to be something that's unique and stands out from the crowd. speaks of who you are as a photographer.

These days, that's hard to do in the .com space, as the domain names are getting more and more picked over with every passing day.speaks of who you are as a photographer.

And since you want a domain name that speaks of who you are as a photographer, you certainly don't want to settle on a terrible .com name for your website.

That's why .photo and .pics domain names from Uniregistry are becoming so popular for photographers.

Think about it - you get a domain name that immediately indicates that you're a photographer.

What's more, you can shorten up your domain name, so instead of having alexandraharrisphotography.com, you can just have alexandraharris.photo.

A .photo or .pics domain name is unique, just as a domain name should be, and since they're both new extensions, you can have your pick of the URL you want.

And another thing - even if you aren't ready to start a business today, get your URL now.

Procrastinating will only make it more likely that the URL you want to have will be taken, so do yourself a favor and check out the links below to get your .photo or .pics domain name today!

Learn More:

• Get a .photo Domain Name from Uniregistry
• Get a .pics Domain Name from Uniregistry

Don't Go Overboard With Social Media

I know it might sound strange to advise that you not take it too far with social media, but hear me out on this...

If you create a social media account with every platform under the sun, you're going to spend your entire day trying to keep up with posting on all those accounts.

Sure, you can automate that process with things like HootSuite, but the fact remains that having 20 different social media platforms will require at least some level of attention to each one.

Instead, you should thin the herd and focus on the big boys like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

Facebook is a great option for promoting your business and connecting with customers and potential customers that use that platform to find local businesses.

Instagram is obviously a great choice for photographers for publishing their images and showing off their photo-taking and photo-editing skills.

Twitter is a good way to send out short communications about everything from upcoming sales or specials to posting examples of your work.

And perhaps most undervalued of all is YouTube, whereas a photographer you could post tutorial videos on taking and editing photos that establish you as an expert.

Less is more here, so avoid the temptation to go overboard and focus only on a few key social media sites.

Hone Those People Skills

When it comes down to it, photography is a people business.

That means that you need to develop your people skills just as much as you need to develop your photography skills.

Think about it like this - you can possess the best creative eye and produce the most jaw-dropping images, but if you don't know how to interact with people in a genuine way, it'll be difficult (if not impossible) to grow your business.

The better that you can communicate in person, online, verbally, and in written form, and the better that you take care of your clients, the more your business will grow.

After all, people don't just want great photos, they want a great experience getting those photos as well.

Don't Be a Gear Snob

All too often I see brand new photographers spending thousands and thousands of dollars on brand new gear. 

I'm here to tell you that that's totally unnecessary. 

I get wanting to have the newest cameras and an impressive set of lenses, but when you're just starting out, you need to save your money to pay for the essentials like rent, utilities, insurance, marketing materials, and so forth. 

As long as your current camera, lenses, tripod, laptop, and other gear is in good working order and does what you need it to do, use it!

Your old Canon 5D Mark III might not be the flashiest, newest camera in the world, but if it works, why spend $3,000 getting something new?!

Learn More: 

• 4 Facts About Being a Professional Photographer You Need to Hear

Get Some Experience

Even if you're at the point where you're ready to start your own photography business, it's still necessary to get more experience.

You might have cut your teeth as a second shooter or had a productive internship experience already, but more experience never killed anyone.

And by "experience" I don't mean spending another year working for someone else.

You can get experience by reading articles like this one, watching relevant YouTube videos, or joining the local Chamber of Commerce.

In fact, at this point, it's probably the business skills that you need to develop more than anything, so finding any way that you can to learn more about being a small business owner, the better off you'll be.

Word of Mouth is Where It's At

As important as it is to have social media accounts, when it comes down to it, word of mouth is what will likely get you more business than anything else. 

Word of mouth starts with you offering top-quality products and services, so dedicating yourself to giving your clients the best customer experience is paramount. 

But you can't stop there. Referrals typically don't just magically happen, so you have to actually ask people for them. 

A great way to get referrals is to have a referral program. For example, for every new client that your existing client sends your way, they earn points toward free prints or a mini session or something of the sort.

You can also send a small gift after you deliver the final images to say thank you, and include a few business cards, asking the client to hand them out to friends, colleagues, and acquaintances.

The point is that you can't just expect people to give you glowing praise to their friends and family. You actually need to ask them to do so!

Be Organized

This is a no-brainer, but still worthy of mentioning. 

I'm not the world's most organized person in my day-to-day life, but I learned really quickly the value of keeping things neat and tidy in my business life. 

Everything should have its place so it's easy for you (and others) to find. You need to have a consistent system for naming and organizing your images. Even your daily schedule should be organized, with appointments and tasks outlined clearly so you know what you're doing and when. 

The more organized you are at the outset, the better off you'll be in the future, so if you're not the best at organization, start working hard on developing those organizational skills! 

Learn More:

• Your Guide to Becoming a Professional Photographer

Find Your Niche

When you start out, one of the challenges you'll have is having something unique to offer people.

One way you can do that is to find your niche - that area of photography that really speaks to you.

Perhaps you'll specialize in family portraits. Maybe avant garde cityscapes is more your style.

Whatever it is, identify it early on and work to make your name synonymous with that niche.

If you can do that, you'll be surprised at how quickly your business can grow.

Diversify Your Income

Of course, even if you specialize in a certain niche, you still need to diversify your income.

As the saying goes, you don't want to put all your eggs in one basket, so you need to protect yourself from the ebbs and flows of this business.

For example, if you're a wedding photographer, the winter months will be much slower than the summer months. That means that you'll need to find alternate means of making income.

You might offer engagement sessions, tackle family portraiture, or even farm out your photo editing skills to other photographers that don't have time to process their images. 

The point is that having several different income streams will only enable you to get your business on solid financial footing and give you a better shot at long-term success. 

Know That Your Time is Valuable

One of the best ways to get some experience and promote your new business is to do pro bono work.

Maybe that's photographing community events or fundraisers, or volunteering your time to photograph sporting events at local schools.

But be careful how much time you give to other people for free.

Time is your livelihood, and it's not like you can make more of it.

As great as it is to give your time to others, just be sure you're not giving so much of it away that you start to struggle to find the time for paid work.

Learn More:

• How to Start a Photography Business

Hire Good Help

At the outset, you might not be prepared to hire anyone, but as your business develops, there's a few people that you need to bring into the fold.

A good accountant is perhaps the first person you should hire, as keeping your books is really something that should be left to a professional.

Having a good attorney is invaluable, too, as you want to be sure that your business structure and contract are legitimate. That's not to mention that if something goes awry and you get sued, having an attorney you trust is invaluable.

Having an assistant is invaluable too, as it takes some of the pressure off you for answering phones, maintaining email lists, posting to social media, and so forth.

You might not be able to turn back the clock and give yourself more time in the day, but at least with good help, you can free up some of the time you already have.

Take Time for Yourself

Speaking of time, you'll need to get into the habit of taking time for yourself.

Being in business for yourself is a tough job, and one that can quickly take it out of you.

But working when you're tired and uninspired won't do you any favors.

If you make it a habit to take some time each day to do something you enjoy, to spend time with loved ones, or even just to sit in silence and catch your breath, you'll find that you can keep burnout away and produce products and offer services that are at the level they need to be to keep clients coming back for more.

So, whether you're ready to start your business today or its a couple of years away, just keep in mind that taking time for yourself is mandatory if you want to build a successful business.

Keep all the other tips I've mentioned in mind as well, because if you do, you'll be in a great position to be in business for years to come.

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As a small business owner, it's imperative that you consistently review what you're doing, improve upon your weaknesses, and set yourself up for more success in the future.

It's an ideal time to set goals and get yourself started on the right track in the new year.

With that in mind, here are three simple and practical tips for improving your photography business.

Offer Freebies to Paying Clients

A lot of photographers balk at the idea of offering anything for free.

However, there is a method to the madness that can really help you expand your business and make the new year your most successful yet.

The key is to offer free things to repeat clients that have booked you over and over again.

The purpose is twofold:

• You reward client loyalty and encourage them to continue using you for their photography needs.
• The more your best clients are in front of your camera, the more opportunities you have to sell prints, albums, and other items.

But there's a third purpose that's a little less evident - referrals

On the one hand, offering something like a free portrait session will get your clients talking about you, how much they enjoy your work, and what great customer service you provide.

That sort of word of mouth advertising is invaluable...

But if you make your freebies transferable, you can also turn them into a referral machine.

Think about it - your best client offers their free portrait session to their good friends, who redeem it.

Once they experience working with you and see the photos you take, you'll likely have another long-term client on your hands.

So, even though you're offering something for free, in the end, it could very well end up paying dividends for you and your business.

Learn More:

• How to Sell Your Photos (the Easy Way)
• This is How to Increase Your Profits as a Photographer

Revamp Your Online Presence

Even if you had a website designed just a few years ago, the chances are good that the tides of design have changed and that your site might be a bit outdated.

Revamping your website or online portfolio doesn't have to be complicated, either.

Sometimes refreshing the color palate and fonts you use is enough to modernize the site.

If you've had the site built using Wordpress, Wix, Squarespace, or something of the sort, completely changing the theme or template to something fresh and new is usually quite easy to do as well.

Perhaps even more importantly, revamping your online presence should focus on telling people who you are, what you do, and do so in a way that's easy to remember and unique.

The ideal solution is to refresh your website with a new domain name specifically designed for photographers.

Think about it - a .photo or .pics domain name accomplishes a lot for you and your brand.

For starters, it tells would-be customers exactly what you do thanks to the new .photo and .pics domains.

What's more, these domains are short, sweet, and to the point, meaning they're easy for clients to remember.

Additionally, since .photo and .pics are both very short domain names, you can squeeze your URL into small spaces, like on your business card or in those impossibly small fields on your social media profiles.

On top of that, since these domains are purpose-built for photographers and they're new to the market, you won't have any trouble getting your desired domain name for your business.

So, not only can you get a unique URL that's easy to remember and tells people exactly what you do, but you can also refresh your online presence and drive more traffic to your website.

What's not to like about that?!

Learn More:

• Sign Up For a .photo or .pics Domain Name Today
• Critical Mistakes You're Making With Your Photography Website

Identify Your Weaknesses and Work to Improve Upon Them

No one's perfect, so if there's some things that you don't do all that well, it's nothing to be ashamed of.

The important part is sitting down and reflecting on what aspects of your photography or your business need some attention, and make a commitment to making changes to address those weaknesses.

For example, I'm terrible at math, and I've always been terrible at math. I don't enjoy it in the least.

So, rather than spending an abundance of time trying to balance my books, I hired an accountant. Problem solved.

As another example, my first love is landscapes, but selling landscape prints does not a successful business make.

So, I decided to become an improved portrait photographer, that way I have a more diverse means of making income. I can sell big landscape prints on the one hand, and on the other, I can take photos of families, newborns, high school seniors, and so forth to pay the bills.

And you don't have to dedicate hours and hours each day to improving on your weaknesses, either.

Just a few minutes a day - 15 minutes even - where you sit down and learn something new will be highly beneficial to you in the long run!

In the new year, follow these simple tips, and my guess is that as the year goes on, you'll see marked improvement in your business.

Learn More:

• 14 Things You'll Want to Know Before Starting a Photography Business
• The Legalities of Setting Up a Photography Business

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As someone that's started multiple businesses in my adult life, I can say firsthand that starting a company is a ton of work.

But as I've discovered over the years, there are certain things that successful businesspeople do to make their daily lives run much more smoothly.

Though not all the tips I've learned have to do directly with photography, each tip outlined below will certainly help you in starting a photography business and getting it off the ground and headed in the right direction.

Give Your Customers the Time of Day

Nothing is more annoying than when you call a business, get their voicemail, and don't get a timely response.

After all, if you're calling, you likely have a relatively immediate need or pressing question, otherwise, why would you call?

Since your income as a photographer is dependent upon clients booking you for sessions, you can ill-afford to make customers wait to get a response from you.

Whether they call, text, email, DM you or contact you by some other means, you need to be on top of returning customer inquiries sooner rather than later.

In the chaos of the day, you legitimately might not have more than a few moments here or there to even check your voicemail or inbox.

So, what you need to do is set aside time each day to make getting back to customers a priority.

That doesn't mean that you need to check your voicemail every hour or write emails to clients four or five times a day. In fact, that'll only bog you down and make your day inefficient.

Instead, start the morning by checking your messages and responding to customers. Check again at midday, and then again at the end of the day.

If you chuck it into three 10-minute blocks, you will likely find you have an easier time staying in touch with clients.

Learn More:

• Things You Do That Are Ruining Your Photography Business
• 3 Tips for Improving Your Photography Business in 2018

Ensure Your Marketing is On Point When Starting a Photography Business

Clearly, to get your business off on the right foot, your marketing messaging and strategy need to be on point.

That is, if you specialize in wedding photography, you need to tailor your marketing to that niche.

But beyond the obvious, you also need to develop a strategy for getting your branded message to the people that need to hear it.

In today's world, that means utilizing tools like social media to make connections with potential clients.

That also means having an awesome website where potential clients can find information about you, your business, and scope out examples of the work you do.

But having a beautiful website isn't all that needs to happen. You also need to have a domain that gives your website a professional presence that will impress your customers.

You can do that with a photography-centric domain like .pics or .photo.

Think about it - what better way to tell the world exactly what you do as a photographer than by having it right there in your domain name?

These domains are not only easy to remember, but they're also super short, so you can more easily put your website URL in tight spaces like social media profiles or your business cards.

What's more, since these domains are new, there's a much greater likelihood that you can snag the precise name you need for your business.

And since these domains are through Uniregistry, you know that you get top-notch customer service.

That means no long wait times when you have a question, no shady add-ons or expensive options that rack up the price.

Instead, you get what you need and get it quickly and easily so you can tailor your marketing message to your target market.

What's not to like about that?

Learn More:

• Claim Your .pics or .photo Domain Name Today
• Critical Mistakes You're Making With Your Photography Website

Realize That Your Time is Valuable

One thing I notice about some photographers (and other businesspeople, too) is that they don't value their time enough.

That is, they either undervalue what their time is worth and therefore undercharge their clients, or they don't take into account all the time they spend on business activities and don't even charge for all that time in the first place.

Whatever the case, you need to value your time and charge clients to cover it - all of it.

That means that when you determine your pricing structure, you can't just consider how much time you'll actually be with your clients taking pictures.

Instead, you need to factor in all the time you spend on marketing, returning phone calls and emails, post-processing, and so forth.

If you don't, you'll find that you make way less than you should, and if that's the case, you'll end up working way more than you want.

So, sit down and really think about all the time you spend each day working and use that number as a guideline for determining how much you need to charge.

Get more tips on how much to charge in the video above by The Art of Photography. 

Learn More:

• How Much Do Photographers Make?
• How to Start a Photography Business
• The Legalities of Setting Up a Photography Business

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If you asked a group of photographers one thing they don’t like about their job, what do you suppose they’d say?

My bet is that it would have something to do with the unreliability of income. By that I mean, there are times when it seems like every day is booked solid with clients. And then there are days or weeks where things slow way down. 

The key to protecting yourself from those kinds of ebbs and flows is to diversify your income stream. But how does one do that?

We’ve put together three ideas for making more money as a photographer that are easy to implement, but just might help you ease the pressure when your primary photography business slows down.

Expand Outside Your Niche

If you’re a wedding photographer, why not offer newborn portrait services in the off-season?

If you specialize in sports photography, why not venture into wildlife photography?

The point here is that it’s great to specialize in a niche and build a reputation as a phenomenal photographer in that area. But adding another niche to your repertoire will help you deal with the changing demand of your primary type of photography.

In that same vein, there is money to be made by expanding the products and services you offer as well.

Think about this: If you’re a wedding photographer, add engagement shoots, maternity, and newborn photography to your list of services. Doing so gives you an opportunity to get repeat business from your wedding clients, and it also opens you up to getting new clients that might just need one of those types of photos.

Quick tip: When expanding your niche, products, or services, be purposeful about what you offer. You don’t want to give clients so much choice that you’re spread too thin or that the quality of your work suffers.

Make It Easier For People to Find You

Obviously, the easier it is for people to find you, the more money you’ll make, right?

That means spending time marketing yourself and your work, and doing so in ways that reach the widest audience. And the widest audience exists on the internet. 

So, to extend your reach, spend time building up your web presence. That includes having a killer website where people can learn more about you as a person and as a photographer.

More importantly, to make more money, you need a professional website that portrays you as the professional that you are. That begins by having the right domain name for your site.

For the best photography domain names - .photo and .pics - you need to work with Uniregistry.

These guys have great products and excellent service, so it’s easy to get what you need and get your site online with the best possible domain name.

Think about it - .pics and .photo are reserved for photographers, so prospective clients will know that you’re a pro’s pro and ready to work. What’s not to like about that?!

Learn More:

• What is (and Isn't) Important for Growing Your Photography Business
• Things You Do That are Ruining Your Photography Business

Work as a Second Shooter

If you find that you have some free time on the weekends, why not offer your services as a second shooter for wedding and event photographers? 

Many photographers are looking for high-quality second shooters, and if you’ve got the skills already, they might be willing to pay a premium for not having to train you or worry about the quality of the photos you’ll take. 

Better still, if you’re a photographer that keeps more traditional working hours, taking a gig now and then on the weekend won’t interfere with your normal work schedule. That means you can add additional income to your monthly ledger without sacrificing time you need to tackle your own work.

Quick tip: Don’t discount the value of what you can learn as a second shooter. Wedding photography is a high-stress gig, and the way that wedding photographers manage that stress and get high-quality photos under so much pressure is often masterful. You might just learn some new tricks of the trade that can help you in your other endeavors!

Learn More:

• Common Problems You'll Face as a Wedding Photographer
• How to Attract Clients to Your New Photography Business

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When you read articles on photography sites like this one, by and large, those articles tell you what you should be doing.

But there's value in understanding what not to do as well...

Darren Miles offers up some insights into that very topic in his video above.

As an experienced pro in wedding photography, portraiture, family photography, and real estate photography, he knows what he's talking about.

For his list of five things successful photographers don't do, check out the video or read below for a blow-by-blow of each point Darren makes.

Don't Put Just Any Image on Your Website

These days, many of your clients - perhaps most of them - will get the first view of your photography when they visit your website.

That being the case, the photos you put on your website need to be spectacular.

And that's not just the first photo or the first handful of photos, either.

Every single image you have on your website needs to be technically sound, show your personal aesthetic, be composed perfectly...you get the point.

You only get one chance at a good first impression, so curate your website images and be sure you're only putting forward your very best work.

Editor's Tip: The first step in having a great photography website is in the domain name you choose. With a .pics or .photo domain from Uniregistry, you can set yourself up for success with a photography-specific domain that shows just how professional you are. Check out .pics and .photo domain names for your website today.

Learn More:

• Critical Mistakes You're Making With Your Photography Website
• What is (and Isn't) Important for Growing Your Photography Business

Don't Make Your Clients Wait Forever for Their Images

Since photography is a service industry, you need to not only be a great photographer, but a great businessperson as well.

And part of that is getting images and photography products to your clients in a timely fashion.

Obviously the timeline for each job might vary - you can process and print images from an hour-long family portrait session much quicker than you can from a wedding.

But either way, you need to establish a timeline with your client regarding when they can expect their images, and stick to that timeline so they get what they pay for sooner rather than later.

 

Don't Ask "What Were Your Settings?"

In photography, the camera settings you use are dependent upon the situation.

That is, there isn't one magic combination of settings that will get you a well-exposed image every single time.

Yet, new photographers often ask more experienced photographers, "What were your settings for that photo?"

Though there's something to be said for trying to learn from more experienced photographers, this question won't get you anywhere.

The best approach is to practice - a lot - and dial in settings that are appropriate to each different situation you encounter.

Learn More:

• Understanding Manual Mode of a DSLR Camera
• The Exposure Triangle Explained in Plain English

Don't Spend a Lot of Time Trying to Impress Other Photographers

Other photographers don't pay your bills, your clients do.

So, if you're going to spend time and energy trying to impress anyone, make it your clients!

It's nice to have some street cred with other photographers, and it's a good ego boost to have others in your profession look to you as a dynamite photographer.

But in the end, as long as your clients are happy with the images you take, that's what truly matters.

 

Don't Obsess Over Gear

Gear Acquisition Syndrome - GAS - is a very real thing for many photographers.

They mistakenly believe that if they get an expensive camera with a bunch of expensive lenses that they'll suddenly be a better photographer.

And though I fully admit that a Nikon D850 is a better photography tool than a smartphone, in the end, they're both just tools photographers use to get a job done.

In reality, the best gear you have is you! Your creative eye, your understanding of composition and lighting, and your understanding of how to use the gear you have is what's really important.

As Darren notes in the video, a good exercise is to go to a photography website like Flickr and find groups centered around a specific camera or lens that you own.

Then have a look at the images in those groups to see what's possible and get inspired to use the gear you already have.

It's a great way to stop lusting after new gear and focus instead on maximizing your ability to use the photography tools you already have to create awesome photos.

Learn More:

• Things You Do That Are Ruining Your Photography Business
• 14 Things You'll Want to Know Before Starting a Photography Business

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If your dream is to be a photographer, there's clearly a lot of decisions that you need to make.

Chief among them is where your business will be housed - at home or in a studio space?

If I had to hazard a guess, I'd say that most photographers have an office or studio space outside their home. Learn

But there are plenty of virtues of having a home-based business. Naturally, there are some disadvantages as well.

Let's go over a few pros and cons of a home photography business.

Advantages of a Home-Based Photography Business

Perhaps the biggest benefit of working from home as a photographer is that you minimize the costs and opportunity costs of having a studio or office elsewhere.

There's no extra rent payment each month and no extra utilities you have to pay for, and with that lower overhead, you can more easily make your income targets.

Additionally, working from home reduces your opportunity costs. With no commute time to eat up your mornings and evenings, you have more time each day to get things done. Learn more about photo ideas at home on our website PhotographyTalk.com.

Even if your commute would be just 10 or 15 minutes each morning and night, that's still 20-30 minutes every day that you can't be doing something that's making you money. That time adds up!

There's other types of practical conveniences as well. There's more likely to be free parking for your clients in your neighborhood than if you have a studio space downtown.

Another benefit of working from home as a photographer is that you can offer your clients a more personalized experience.

Instead of meeting in a large studio or office space, you're inviting them into your home where they can more easily get to know you as a photographer and as a person.

What often sets photographers apart from the crowd is who they are, what their personality is like, and what makes them unique. What better way to do that than to meet clients in the comfort of your home?

Disadvantages of a Home-Based Photography Business

One of the best photography business tips I ever got was to keep my home life and work life separated. 

Obviously, that's not as easy to do if you work from home than if you have a dedicated space elsewhere to do your work.

Another difficulty of being a home-based photographer is that you might not have all the storage space you need for all your gear, props, and other photography essentials.

Without enough storage, you'll perhaps find that you have to stash your things in other areas of your home where they might get lost or damaged.

If you have pets or kids, finding quiet time to get things done can be a challenge, too, especially if you have a smaller home where you can't put much space between your work area and your personal area.

And if you meet with a client later in the evening, they might be treated to all sorts of cooking smells as your family sits down to eat. That's not exactly going to help you create a professional atmosphere!

There's also something to be said for the credibility that comes with having a dedicated office or studio space. You can also check another post about "at home photography ideas".

With your company name out front, a storefront to display your work, and a reception area where you meet clients to discuss pricing, shot lists, and so forth with your clients, a studio only lends to the idea that you're a pro's pro. That can be hard to duplicate if you're meeting with clients in your living room.

Making a Home-Based Photography Business Work

There are, of course, many ways that you can be more successful with a home-based business.

First, have a dedicated space to work.

Don't meet clients at the kitchen table, and don't make them walk through your entire house to get to the guest room where you've set up shop.

If you work from home, have an office space, preferably somewhere close to an exterior entrance and as far from the rest of the action in your home as possible.

If you don't have such a space, consider meeting clients at a neutral location - like a coffee shop - that way you can have business discussions without the interruptions of family life. Besides, it would be a nice chance to buy them a cup of coffee and get to know them a little better!

Another important thing you can do to make working from home more feasible is to have a stellar website.

As noted earlier, one of the problems of working from home is that you might not seem as legitimate as someone with a storefront and studio space.

But with a website, that all goes away. That's especially true if you have the right domain name.

Think about it - a beautiful, professional website with a collection of your best work accessed on a domain just for photographers is the ideal way to show the world you mean business.

Uniregistry has two photography domains - .pics and .photo - that make the task of putting that gorgeous, professional website online super easy.

These domains tell your clients exactly what you do right there in the domain. Plus, they're short and sweet so your clients are more apt to remember them.

Not only that, but since these domains are so short, you can more easily fit your URL in tight spaces like social media profiles and business cards.

And since Uniregistry makes things so simple, you can sign up, get your domains, and get rolling in no time (and without breaking the bank).

So, if you're serious about working from home as a photographer, do yourself a favor and have a dedicated work space and a killer website. It can only help your cause!

Learn More:

• Sign Up for a .pics or .photo Domain

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I don't know about you, but I'm incredibly excited about the direction that photography is headed.

We're seeing more innovation than ever in cameras, lenses, and other photography gear, which gives us more power to create epic photos.

Post-processing programs are evolving into highly powerful editing suites that allow us to take our photography to the next level more quickly and efficiently.

We're even seeing changes in how we buy and sell photography equipment, share our photos, and market our businesses.

It's exciting times, for sure!

Here's some of the top businesses in the photography industry that are leading the charge in innovating the artform we love so much.

Sew Trendy Fashion & Accessories

Legacy Photography

Sew Trendy started humbly in a basement just a few years ago.

Today, it's one of the premier wardrobe manufacturers for maternity photography, girls' photography, and newborn photography.

Their success in growing their business is attributable to many different factors, not the least of which that they constantly develop new designs for their line of maternity gowns, girls dresses, and newborn clothing, so photographers have fresh looks to offer their clients.

And in an age in which customer service is often lacking, Sew Trendy certainly bucks the trend. They're with you every step of the way, ready, willing, and able to help you with any questions or concerns you might have.

Valerie Best, the company's Founder and CEO has a lot to do with the success of her company as well.

She's committed to quality, and that shows in every handmade garment that leaves her company's warehouse.

Learn more about Sew Trendy Fashion & Accessories

Sirui

Over the years, Sirui has built a reputation for manufacturing some of the best photography tripods on the market.

I can attest to the quality of their tripods, as I own one!

But Sirui is much more than a tripod company...

They supply photographers the world over with high-quality gear that ranges from monopods to tripod heads, camera bags to lens filters, and even photography accessories for your mobile phone.

As if that's not enough, Sirui also offers a complete line of humidity cabinets, broadcast tripods, and various quick release plates, too.

In other words, Sirui is a one-stop shop for just about all your photography needs, and is definitely a company to keep your eye on in 2018.

Learn more about Sirui

CaptureLife

When talking about innovative photography companies that are sure to turn the photography world on its head in 2018, CaptureLife should immediately come to mind.

If you're not familiar with CaptureLife, check this out...

This app allows you to share photos with your clients right on their smartphone.

That means you can streamline how you get photos to clients as well as make it a more personalized process - the images are delivered via a branded text message that's personalized to the client.

On top of that, CaptureLife is a sales platform that allows your clients to order prints right from their phone. They can also share their photos with friends and family, which increases your sales footprint.

Mobile is the future, and if you're in the photography business, you need to capitalize on that by teaming up with CaptureLife!

Learn more about CaptureLife

Click Props

One of the challenges of staying relevant in the photography industry is keeping your ear to the pulse of what photographers need.

Click Props does just that.

With a huge collection of gorgeous portrait backgrounds, Click Props gives photographers the ability to create more impactful portraits no matter who the subject might be.

Aside from their commitment to crafting the best backgrounds in the business, Click Props understands the practical needs of photographers as well.

They offer backgrounds in various sizes, each of which is easy to setup and takedown. They're even easy to clean and easy to store, too.

That means you spend less time messing around getting things setup and stored away, and more time actually taking photos.

What's not to like about that?

Learn more about Click Props

Vanguard

Another company that's sure to make waves in 2018 is Vanguard.

I've been a fan of Vanguard for years now, and I can tell you firsthand that in the last couple of years, they've really stepped up their game with their product line.

In particular, their tripods and camera bags are among the best in the business, not just because they have innovative features that make photography easier and more efficient, but because their products are budget-friendly as well.

That means that Vanguard has figured out a way to offer photographers the best of both worlds - high-value, well-made products that won't break the bank.

Vanguard is at the tip of the spear of innovation in photography. If you aren't excited to see what they come up with in 2018, you should be!

Learn more about Vanguard

Artbeat Studios

Photography isn't just about the gear you use, nor is it just about your skills in composition, framing, post-processing and the like.

Instead, the process of creating an image isn't truly complete until you have a gorgeous print. That's where Artbeat Studios comes in.

I came across Artbeat Studios last year, and after touring their facility, I was blown away by their process and the products they make.

Among their best sellers are their acrylic and metal HD prints, the latter of which you can see in the photo above.

To say that Artbeat's prints are gorgeous is an understatement. What they produce is truly fine art.

That's because they're committed to using archival materials, paying close attention to color fidelity, and providing custom services so you get the exact print you want.

If you're looking to revolutionize the way your photos look, give Artbeat Studios a try!

Learn more about Artbeat Studios

Uniregistry

One of the best things about the photography industry is that there are so many companies doing so many awesome things for photographers.

In 2018, I strongly suggest that you change the way you market your photography business by partnering with Uniregistry.

These guys have two domains - .pics and .photo - that will help you get more eyes on your photos and more clients knocking on your door.

Why?

It's simple - Uniregistry's domains are photography specific, so you can promote your work on your website with a professional and credible domain name.

Not only do .pics and .photo domains tell the world exactly what you do right there in the URL, but they're fresh and new, so the chances of you getting the exact name you want are much greater.

It's just a better way to market yourself on today's crowded internet!

Learn more about .pics and .photo domains

MPB

Let's face it...

Photography gear can be expensive, and all that expense is cost-prohibitive if you're on a budget.

But MPB has changed the way that photographers buy gear because they've created an extensive marketplace where you can find high-quality pre-owned gear for excellent prices.

Not only that, you can sell your old gear to MPB and either pocket the money or get a credit toward the purchase of something on their site.

That means you can refresh your kit from time to time by getting rid of what you no longer want or need and replace it with well-priced, pre-owned gear for less.

Stretch your budget. Get more gear for less. Get better gear for less, too. Not bad, right?

Learn more about MPB

SHUTTERbag

Not that long ago, there was a lack of photography gear specially designed for female photographers.

But in 2010, that all changed when SHUTTERbag was founded.

SHUTTERbag specializes in crafting leather camera bags for women that are beautiful and functional, too. 

This commitment to quality is evident in every SHUTTERbag model. 

For mom photographers on the go, SHUTTERbag offers the Girls Day Out bag (shown top left, above). 

This ingenious camera bag has three separate compartments - one for your camera gear and two zippered compartments for things like a tablet for business tasks and books, toys, diapers and other items for your kids.

Like all SHUTTERbag models, the Girls Day Out is the height of form and function.

It’s an ideal size for daily use, and with its built-in organizational aids, you can keep your photography stuff separate from your personal items with ease. 

That means you can grab your camera, your phone or a diaper at a moment’s notice. 

Now that’s how you get more production out of your day!

SHUTTERbag’s Trailblazer bag (shown top right, above) is another example of commitment to innovation.

This bag has a unique style and flair that make a strong fashion statement, but don’t think that this bag is just about looking good… 

Inside, you’ll find room for a camera body and up to four lenses. Alternatively, you can carry two camera bodies and three lenses. There’s even a spot for your tablet or laptop!

With padded dividers that are removable and adjustable, you can truly customize this bag to suit your specific needs.

For mid-range carrying capacity, SHUTTERbag designed the Heirloom 5-in-1 bag (shown bottom left, above).

Not only can this bag accommodate a camera, three lenses, and up to a 15-inch laptop, but it can also be carried in a variety of ways - as a tote bag, a messenger bag, a shoulder bag or even as a backpack.

Talk about innovation! 

Their Journey bag (shown bottom right, above) is a tote bag that’s made of genuine leather and features a breathable cotton lining that provides a soft surface for your gear inside the bag.

The Journey has a detachable strap that has a slip-resistant shoulder pad that gives you confidence when carrying your bag either over the shoulder or across your body. 

The bag can easily accommodate a camera with a 70-200mm lens attached, as well as a laptop, a tablet, camera accessories, and personal items like your checkbook and smartphone as well.

And as if their bags aren’t enough to impress, consider this - SHUTTERbag is a small business, so they treat their customers like family.

That means that you not only get to choose from a wide array of incredible camera bags, but you know that you’ll get the service you deserve before, during, and after the sale, too.

Learn more about SHUTTERbag.

nPhoto

When you think of photo albums, you might think that they're all the same or that there's not much room for improvement.

But you'd be wrong.

nPhoto has proven that by becoming one of the top producers of photo albums and other products in the world.

Their handcrafted albums, triplexes, photo boxes, and other products are second-to-none in the industry.

nPhoto uses the best materials to construct their products, from fine textiles and leatherettes for their album covers to silk and metallic papers that give each page of their albums a hefty, crisp, and expensive feel.

What's more, nPhoto gives you plentiful options for customizing their albums, so you can get something that's truly your own or tailored to your clients' specific tastes.

Taking great photos is only half the battle - how you present them matters, too. If you work with nPhoto, you'll certainly have the presentation aspect of it down pat.

Learn more about nPhoto

MyStudio

The MS20PRO 20”x20”x12” tabletop photo studio by MyStudio is an ideal accessory to help you take your product photography to the next level.

Unlike many other tabletop studios, this one offers a seamless cyclorama infinity background with 90-degree corners that gives you many more shooting angles to highlight the products that you’re photographing.

The studio comes with dual 5000k color-corrected daylight fluorescent lamps, which offer tons of light for your images while providing excellent color as well. 

MyStudio also includes 9”x12” white and black bounce/fill cards with easel stands to create nice, even lighting, and a pair of 9.5”x11.5” white and black reflective acrylic panels to create beautiful reflections beneath the products you photograph. 

The folks at MyStudio have even produced a series of instructional videos that are available on their YouTube page to get you going with your new photo studio!

Learn more about MyStudio

MrStarGuy

I only became familiar with MrStarGuy in the latter half of last year, but they quickly became one of my favorite photography companies.

For starters, MrStarGuy is an authority on astrophotography gear - no matter what you need, whether it's a scope, a mount, a tripod, or something in between, MrStarGuy has what you need.

Secondly, these guys offer their high-quality products for prices that you can actually afford. You get tons of bang for your buck, which isn't always the case in photography.

But maybe most importantly, this family-owned business is committed to service before, during, and after the sale.

They're genuine folks that want their customers to feel like old friends.

If you're excited to expand your photography horizons this year and tackle some night sky photography, be sure to visit MrStarGuy to get all the gear you need.

Learn more about MrStarGuy

DJI

When I think about where photography is headed in the future, I can't help but think of drone photography.

And when I think of drones, DJI comes to mind.

DJI has some of the very best drones in the business. That's true whether you're a beginner drone photographer or an experienced veteran.

What makes DJI's drones so great is that they're packed with features - like collision avoidance systems and gesture-based flight controls.

Additionally, there are a plethora of options, upgrades, and add-ons that you can use to customize your drone to get the ideal flying and photographic experience.

As drones become more and more popular for photography, you can bet that DJI will be leading the charge in innovating how drones are built and how they perform.

Learn more about DJI

Macphun/Skylum

Macphun has been around awhile, and they've developed a reputation as one of the best in the software business.

As they rebrand and become Skylum, it's important to note that this small team of software experts continues to make waves in the photography industry.

In fact, they've won tons of awards over the years for their products, most recently for their impeccable Aurora HDR 2018, which was named by Apple as the app of the year for 2017.

Considering how many apps there are these days, that's quite the achievement!

Speaking of achievements, with Macphun's software, like the aforementioned Aurora HDR, as well as their Luminar 2018, you can achieve great things with your images.

Not only that, but you can create better-looking photos in less time and with less effort, all within platforms that are smartly designed and give you an effortless workflow.

My goal this year is to do a better job of processing my images, and with Macphun by my side, I have no doubt that I will achieve that goal.

Learn more about Macphun/Skylum

Lensfinder

Have you ever wanted a new lens but just couldn't bring yourself to shell out the kind of money needed to get truly high-quality glass?

Well, that worry is over now that Lensfinder is on the scene.

Lensfinder is a marketplace where - you guessed it - you can find lenses for great prices.

If you're looking for a rare or high-end lens (or everyday lenses, for that matter), you can use Lensfinder's easy search tools to locate what you need.

Then, you can communicate with the seller, ask questions, and even pay for your new-to-you lens via PayPal, right there within Lensfinder.

You can also sell the lenses you no longer want, too, so it's the best of both worlds.

Lensfinder has built-in fraud protections, seller feedback ratings, and other smart tools that help make your transaction as smooth as possible.

If you want to upgrade your kit this year, check out Lensfinder!

Learn more about Lensfinder.

Spider Holster

My biggest complaint about cameras is the terrible strap that comes with them at purchase.

The OEM straps are thin, uncomfortable, and just plain get in the way when you're trying to take photos.

That's why Spider Holster is such a game-changer, because they're responsible for getting your camera off your shoulders and onto your hips where you can carry your cameras with greater ease and security.

Just looking at the photo above, you can imagine how much more streamlined your workflow would be if you're using a Spider Holster.

You can carry one camera or two using the Spider Pro (for big DSLRs) or the SpiderLight (for compact, mirrorless, or small DSLR cameras).

They even make hand straps that put your camera right in your hand in the ideal shooting position, all without a long strap always getting in your way.

Spider Holster has revolutionized how to carry cameras. In 2018, I strongly recommend that you let Spider Holster revolutionize the way you work.

Learn more about Spider Holster

Next Insurance

When many people hear the word "insurance," they cringe.

But who can blame them? Buying insurance has historically been a process that's time-consuming and frustrating.

Not now.

Next Insurance has changed how photographers purchase insurance because they've cut out the middleman.

Instead of dealing with a broker, you can visit Next Insurance's website, get a free quote, and get the coverage you need faster and for less money.

By cutting costs, Next Insurance is able to pass those savings on to their customers, so you can get the best coverage without breaking the bank.

From equipment protection to liability for damages to advertising claims, Next Insurance has policies and coverages that will ensure your business will prosper for years to come.

Learn more about Next Insurance

CanvasHQ

Canvas is one of the oldest mediums that artists use for their work.

But, boy, is it still a gorgeous way to print your photos!

That's especially true if you order canvas prints from CanvasHQ.

Like many of the companies on this list, CanvasHQ demonstrates a commitment to crafting the highest-quality products using the finest materials.

And because of that, their canvases look like a million bucks. I should know - I have several in my house!

CanvasHQ gives you a mountain of options to customize your prints, and each print comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee.

These guys are a small family business, so when you order your canvas, you'll feel like a member of the family, not just another customer.

If that's not enough to convince you to buy from CanvasHQ, I don't know what will!

Learn more about CanvasHQ

Syrp

If filmmaking is your passion, then you need to see what Syrp has to offer in 2018.

As one of the most innovative companies in the photography industry, Syrp is always at the leading edge of what's new for filmmakers.

Their line of products helps videographers of all skill levels and experience to create breathtaking films.

Their Genie Mini motion control device (shown above) - which gives you control over your camera to create time-lapse videos using your cell phone - is just one of their incredible products.

They also have sliders, filters, ball heads, motion control bundles, and much more, so you can get outfitted for filmmaking quickly and without spending a ton of money, either.

Never before has making time-lapses and real-time videos been so easy!

Learn more about Syrp

Microsoft

I fully admit that I've been an Apple enthusiast for quite some time.

However, my love affair with Apple has waned in the last few years, and that's thanks to Microsoft.

Even though it's a household name and one of the largest companies in the world, Microsoft still approaches the process of creating products the same way - with the end-user in mind.

In particular, their Surface line of products is especially impressive for photographers because they have technologies that make the daily grind of business easier and make things like post-processing a more efficient process as well.

With touch-enabled screens, innovative tools like the Surface Pen and Surface Dial, and machines that are stocked with technology that makes them faster, more efficient, and with more battery life, there's a lot to love about what Microsoft is doing with the Surface product line.

If you want to maximize your workflow, consider seeing what Microsoft can do for you.

Learn more about Microsoft

Wolverine Data

Sometimes, being innovative means helping bring the past into the present.

That’s precisely what Wolverine Data does. 

Their new Wolverine 8mm & Super8 Reels to Digital MovieMaker is a fully automated gadget that digitizes all those old 3, 5, 7 and 9-inch film reels into high-quality movies at 1080p. 

It’s a standalone machine that handles the frame-by-frame conversion without the need for software or drivers, or even a computer. The film scans directly to the machine where it’s saved to a SD/SDHC card (not included). The entire process requires just a few steps to complete.

The resulting movies are compatible with all Windows, Mac, and Linux systems, and you can playback the digitized movies directly to a TV with the included TV cable.

If you don’t have tons of old film reels collecting dust on a shelf in your house, I’m willing to bet you know someone that does...

Instead of letting those films degrade and take family memories along with them, this year, use Wolverine Data’s innovative new movie maker to convert your films to digital before those memories are lost forever!

Learn more about Wolverine Data

MyStudio

This company is so impressive, I decided to put them on this list twice!

If you photograph products that are bigger than what the MyStudio MS20PRO can accommodate, the MyStudio US31 tabletop photo studio is the perfect choice.

Measuring 31”x19”x16”, it gives you plenty of room to maneuver your products, and true to form, MyStudio has ensured that from every angle, your images benefit from a gorgeous infinity background.

This tabletop studio features two color corrected, 5000K ultra bright LED lights that bathe the studio (and your products) in bright, clean, even light. These lamps are so bright, in fact, that you don’t need any additional lighting whatsoever. Just set up the studio, place your products inside, and you’re ready to go!

You can see just how clean and even the lighting is in the sample photo I took of my camera gear and bag. 

I took that image when I was at Photo Plus 2017. I had the pleasure of seeing the folks from MyStudio while I was there, and managed to closely inspect the craftsmanship and materials used in their US31 studio. 

They clearly took no shortcuts in the quality of materials used or in the build quality. The design allows for even distribution of light, and quick set up. In short, I was more than impressed with the US31 Studio! 

Learn more about MyStudio

Joy

One of the downers about taking photos is that eventually you run out of room to display them.

But the Joy Smart Photo Album takes care of that issue...

It's not your everyday digital photo album, either. Instead, Joy is a storytelling device that allows you to connect with your friends, family, and loved ones because it has voice notes that allow you to narrate each photo memory. You can even conduct voice calls between two Joy devices and share a screen so you can share memories together with loved ones that are far away.

The great thing about Joy is that it doesn't have to remain on the shelf or table - you can take it with you to the couch to enjoy up-close.

And when you aren't enjoying the photo album in your lap, it has a wireless charging stand that charges its batteries and displays your photos in slideshow mode.

Joy has a companion mobile and web app that allows you to load new albums and even invite friends and family to add their photos for display. You can easily pull photos from social media as well.

And with a 13.3-inch full HD display, your photos will look beautiful, too!

Learn more about Joy

Holdfast

One of the hallmarks of a great photo is attention to detail - ensuring that each aspect of the image is perfect.

Well, that sentiment holds true for photography gear, and there's no one better at the details than Holdfast.

These guys make some of the most incredible camera bags I've ever seen. And that's saying a lot because I've owned plenty of great bags over the years.

But what sets Holdfast apart is that attention to detail I mentioned, as well as the amazing materials they use to craft their bags and other products.

We're talking about bridle leather, water buffalo leather, American bison leather, and even python skin.

On top of that, Holdfast's products are smartly designed so you can carry more gear, more efficiently, all while keeping each piece of kit safe and secure.

If you're looking to upgrade your camera bag in 2018, look no further than Holdfast.

Learn more about Holdfast

Alpine Labs

When you talk about companies that have revolutionized how you take photos, Alpine Labs has to be in the conversation...

Their Pulse camera remote - and now their new Spark camera remote - have made taking great still photos, time lapse videos, long exposures, and real-time videos much easier and more accessible to even novice photographers.

These gadgets are packed full of powerful software and hardware that literally make it possible for you to create a time lapse video with just a few presses and swipes on your mobile phone.

Creating long exposures is equally as easy.

But don't think that because Alpine Labs has made things easy that their products are somehow cut-rate.

These are the best camera remotes on the market, and Alpine Labs is constantly making them better. That just makes me wonder what they have in store for us in 2018!

Learn more about Alpine Labs

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Being a wedding photographer is quite an honor.

Not only do you get to be at one of the most important events in a couple’s life, but you also get to capture the wonderful emotions of the day for them and their families to cherish for a lifetime.

Some folks look at a wedding photographer and think, “I can do that!” But contrary to this belief, wedding photography isn't the easiest gig out there.

Like any profession, there are challenges that photographers have to face, and frankly, not everyone is cut out to handle those challenges effectively.

Let’s have a look at some of the most common roadblocks that wedding photographers have to overcome in order to be successful.

It's Hard Just to Get Started

The growing pains of a new wedding photography business can be intense. You can't simply "hang a shingle above the door" - you need to build a reputation.

The problem is that building a solid reputation requires experience, but given the importance of their wedding day, many couples aren’t too excited to hire someone that’s never done it before. You can see how this can be a challenging situation.

Many prospective wedding photographers will work as a second shooter for established photographers to gain experience, network with other photographers, and build their reputation. Other photographers offer free services to family or friends who are getting married. Though perhaps not as helpful as working under the tutelage of an experienced photographer, cutting your teeth by providing free services to friends and family will get you valuable experience.

Either way, getting that experience will allow you to create a solid portfolio that you can then use to make your pitch to clients. But one thing you can be sure of is that building a successful career in this industry takes determination and hard work.

Editor’s Tip: You can’t just build a website and think customers will flock to it. Instead, you need a website that tells people who you are and what you do, and that starts with the right domain. Get a photography domain today.

You're Responsible for Everything

Before you were a wedding photographer, photography was probably just a passion; something you enjoyed doing in your free time and something you’re great at.

You imagine doing this for a living and you think, “That’d be the dream.”

When the dream becomes a reality, though, you’re usually the owner, the financier, the marketer, the customer service representative, the administrative assistant, the bookkeeper, the graphic designer, and so on.

The point is that if you think you’ll spend the majority of your time taking photos on location, processing photos, and meeting with clients, you’re wrong.

The bulk of your time will be spent handling the mundane day-to-day tasks of keeping the books, tracking down unpaid bills, promoting yourself on social media, returning phone calls, and the like.

However, these challenges have to be met, and at least initially, hiring a staff to handle the functional aspects of the business will likely not be an option.

Your Website Can't Be Second-Rate

In today’s day and age, you need a smashing website that allows people to learn more about you and your business and check out some of your best work.]

To do that, you can’t rely on some cut-rate pre-made website, nor can you rely on a plain, long, or confusing domain name. 

Uniregistry offers two domains just for photographers - .pics and .photo - that allow you to get your site out there and get people to your virtual door.

That’s because these domains are new, so you have a much greater likelihood of getting the domain name you want than if you go with a .com or .net domain.

What’s more, .pics and .photo domains tell prospective clients exactly what you do right there in the domain - and without having to have “photography” in the URL.

Just imagine how much easier it will be for people to remember tammyjones.pics instead of tammyjonesphotography.com.

Since most people look for photographers online, it’s essential that your online presence be on point.

With a .pics and .photo domain name, you can accomplish that goal easily.

Learn More:

• Six Ways You've Set Up Your Photography Business All Wrong
• 5 Things Successful Photographers DON'T Do

You're Accountable for Covering a Most Important Event

Wedding photographers can’t have do-overs. Unlike fashion shoots or portraits, the wedding event can be quite unpredictable regardless of the hundreds of other weddings you’ve already covered.

Each wedding is unique, and you need to have the ability to adapt - and quick. You get only one chance to capture the bride walking down the aisle, to capture that first kiss or that first dance. You only have one chance to capture the father of the bride tear up.

Missing these moments because of a miscue on your part could be catastrophic to your business, and will certainly have a lasting negative impact on your clients.

It’s not just thinking on your feet to adapt to changing conditions that is important.

You also need to be able to manage inevitable eventualities, like a camera or a lens malfunctioning, a second shooter that doesn’t show up on time, and a wedding guest that thinks he can do a better job than you can.

You also need strong problem-solving skills so that when you’re faced with an obstacle, you can deal with it quickly and get back to shooting.

If ever there is a high-pressure situation for a photographer, a wedding is it!

Final Thoughts

There are many challenges for wedding photographers, to be sure. Some of these challenges are easily overcome with planning and preparation. Others will test your grit and mettle as they pop up out of nowhere. How you handle adversity, will, in large part, determine how successful your business will be.

Your success will also be predicated on your ability to stand out from the crowd.

In amongst trying to meet head on the challenges discussed above, it’s also necessary for you to find your unique style and voice. You’ll have tons of competition for gigs, and your ability to get jobs in the first place will depend in large part on your ability to make a name for yourself.

Learn More:

• What Is (and Isn't) Important for Growing Your Photography Business
• Critical Mistakes You're Making With Your Photography Website

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It's no secret that online marketing is the key to your success as a photographer. Well, one of the keys, anyway...

And that online marketing plan starts and ends with having a top-shelf website to showcase your photography.

The problem for some photographers, though, is that their website is actually hurting their business, not helping it.

The other problem is that there is fierce competition amongst photographers for clients.

That means you need to stand out from the crowd with an incredible website that maximizes your value.

Here's a few mistakes you need to avoid when creating your online presence.

Mistake #1: Your URL is too Long

You can't very well expect people to visit your website and recommend that friends and family check it out if the URL is too long to remember.

And that's a problem that's plagued photographers ever since the internet became a widespread thing. That is, it's always been common practice to have the word "photography" in your URL, that way people know what it is that you do.

The problem with that is that photography isn't exactly a short word. And when you combine it with your first and last name, as many photographers do, you end up with a URL that's dozens of characters long.

Aside from being hard to remember, such a long URL is hard to place on things like social media profiles or business cards.

Well, those problems are now a thing of the past...

Uniregistry has two photographer-centric URLs available  - .photo and .pics - that allow you to shorten your URL and have a unique domain name at the same time.

Think about it...

With a .photo or .pics domain name, people immediately know that you're a photographer. What's more, they're new and unique domains, which means they're more memorable than old .com or .net names.

There's just something about a photography-specific domain name that gives your business a little more credibility, too.

I mean, anyone can have a .com or .net website, but .photo and .pics have an exclusivity about them that will help you take your online marketing to the next level.

Besides, since these domains are new, that means you'll be more likely to get the exact URL you want.

That means that with one of these URLs, you can build your online presence in a more meaningful way as well.

Learn More:

• Sign Up For a .photo or .pics Domain Name Today
• 14 Things You'll Want to Know Before Starting a Photography Business

Mistake #2: Your Website is Slow

Living in the times that we do in which we get instant gratification for so many things, having a website that's slow to load could be a death knell for your business.

The top reason why people leave a website is slow performance, so it behooves you to optimize the site to perform at its best, that way you keep the visitors you get on the site.

Additionally, search engines don't look kindly on slow websites, so this is a page-ranking issue as well.

The biggest culprit of slow photography websites is having either too many images or images that have enormous file sizes.

Remember, your website or portfolio needs to be a representation of your very best work - not every photo you've ever taken.

If you have a ton of photos on your site, thin the herd, make a bigger impact with your best photos, and speed up your website at the same time.

And what images you decide to leave on your website should be optimized for the web. No 5-megapixel images! Heck, no 1-megapixel images, either.

Resize the images and reduce the resolution so they load faster. But beware - 72dpi is the norm for web use, but since your living is made off of your photos, you might want to up the resolution a bit, that way when people zoom in on the photos they don't become fuzzy and pixelated.

Try 150dpi and see how that works, adjusting as needed.

If you aren't sure how to optimize your images for the web, check out the video above by A Better Lemonade Stand.

Mistake #3: The Navigation is Complicated

What's the point of having a website if it isn't user-friendly?

You can have an easy URL to remember and a fast-loading site, but if people can't figure out how to navigate once they're there, they will just end up leaving anyway.

In photography, the mantra "keep it simple, stupid" certainly applies because less is often more.

The same principle is applicable to web design as well.

Sure, we all want to have fancy sites that make visitors ooh and aah, but having a visually stunning website shouldn't come at the expense of it being overly complicated to use.

What's more, the fancier and more complicated your website, the less impact your images will have.

That is, don't create something that competes with the photos you've got on display; instead, develop a website that gives your photographs the canvas they need to have maximum visual impact.

I've seen a lot of incredible websites with fancy graphics and animations that were really impressive. But I tend to prefer a photography website that's clean, simple, and uses plain black or white backgrounds so that I can actually pay attention to the photos I'm looking at.

If you can keep your site's design simple, speed up your site's performance, and give potential clients a URL that they can actually remember, you'll likely find that your website serves you far better than it otherwise would!

Learn More:

• How to Set Up a Photography Business Step-by-Step

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Starting a photography business can be a stressful, time-consuming task. But do it right, and you can build a business that is successful for years to come and provides you and your family with the income you need to lead a good life. 

There's a lot that goes into making a business successful, and if I'm honest, the cards are stacked against you.

It's a fact that most businesses fail within the first year. Heck, not that many survive past two years, and fewer still are in business a decade down the road.

As with anything, building a successful business requires a ton of preparation. The groundwork that you lay now will be a crucial element of how successful your photography business will be.

 Though this isn't a comprehensive guide on jumpstarting your photography career (that's available here), what's included below are a few simple and quick steps you can take to be sure that you're starting things off on the right foot.

Let's have a look at how to start a photography business.

How to Start a Photography Business: Goals, Goals, Goals

I'm not really a goal-oriented person in my personal life, but you can bet that I learned how to set goals in business.

Having something to work towards gives you and your business direction. In the short-term, goals can help you sift through everything that needs to be done just to set up a business (i.e. creating a business plan, securing financing for a studio or office space, setting up a website, having a logo developed, etc.). 

Long-term goals help frame everything you do in the short-term in terms of how they will help you achieve success in the future.

Basically, having tangible and attainable goals helps you develop a roadmap for success. Achieve one goal, then move on to achieve the next one, then the next one, and so forth.

It's easy to become overwhelmed by everything you have to do as a business owner. It's also easy to get stuck on the little details when you should be looking at the big picture.

Developing goals for your business will help you avoid both of those things and focus on what you really want - developing a successful business.

For more tips on what you should know before starting a photography business, check out the video above by Jeff Rojas.

Editor’s Tip: Don’t wait for the long-term to get your photography website up and going. Instead, act now and get a professional domain name just for photographers.

Your Web Presence is Key

If you open up shop without a website in this day and age, you’re just asking for trouble. On the flip side, if you start your website and assume that just because it’s awesome and it's live that people will find it, you’ll be disappointed.

That’s why it’s so important to start your business off on the right foot with the right kind of web presence. And sure, you need an awesome website, but if you don’t pick the right domain name, it won’t matter how cool your website is - no one will find it.

That’s where Uniregistry comes in.

They have domain names just for photographers - .photo and .pics - that give you the professional-looking domain name you need. 

Think about it - you can tell people your website, like jackharrison.pics, and they not only immediately know you’re a photographer, but they will likely have an easier time remembering it because it’s so short.

And the fact that these domains are so short helps you too, because it’ll be easier for you to fit your URL on business cards, social media profiles, and the like.

Your website is your window to the world, so locking it down with the right domain will be crucial to your success.

Learn More:

• What You Should (and Shouldn't) Worry About When Starting a Photography Business
• How to Make Money With Photography

Spend Time on Marketing

You can take the best photos in the world, but if you aren't able to market yourself and your work, it's going to be tough for you to stay in business very long.

One of the behind-the-scenes tasks you'll need to tackle is marketing your business.

Now, this can mean a lot of different things, but at its heart, your marketing strategy should serve to not just get your name out there amongst the buying public, but it should also be geared toward differentiating you from everyone else.

Here's why...

Photographers are a dime a dozen, and as the new kid on the block, you need to prove that what you offer is better than everyone else, including the photographers that have been at it for awhile.

When you market your business, be sure you have a consistent message. That message should focus on your personality. Why? In a sea of photographers, you are the only you! It's the simplest and most effective way to differentiate yourself from the crowd.

Who you are impacts everything you do, from the style of the photos you create to the manner in which you interact with clients. The question is, how do you incorporate your unique personality into your branding?

It's simple - use mediums that allow you to showcase who you are...

Post photos to Instagram to showcase your artistic style. Make YouTube videos to introduce yourself to your clients and show them who you are as a person. Write frequent blog posts talking about your workflow or offer educational tips about taking photos or processing them.

The point is that putting an ad in the paper saying, "Hey, I'm a photographer, and I'm open for business" isn't going to do much for you. Instead, focusing on getting your name, your face, and your personality out there will get you started off on much stronger footing.

Editor’s Tip: A great way to market your business is with a professional domain name. Get your business going with a photography domain name today.

Take Time for You

The quickest way to burn yourself out and start to hate photography as a business is to push yourself too hard.

Yes, there is a lot to do - perhaps much more than you initially thought.

But burning the midnight oil each and every night and neglecting your mind and body is not going to do you any favors. 

When you're self-employed, it can be extremely difficult to get yourself into a schedule, but as I've found, setting some boundaries for when you do and don't work can do wonders for your spirits.

That means that when the clock strikes 6:00 pm (or whatever time you choose), make it the end of the day. Resist the urge to check email, edit one last photo, or add a few more things to your to-do list.

Additionally, make sure you take breaks during the day to recharge your batteries. Take a quick walk. Grab a snack. Text your kids. Give these photography business tips a try, just step away for a moment a few times a day, and I promise you'll find that you can get more done (and with a better attitude)!

Learn More:

• The Legalities of Setting Up a Photography Business
• Insider Tips for a Successful Photography Business

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If you ask me, it’s a perfect time to look ahead to the future and determine what can be done to ensure the future is as prosperous for your photography business as possible.

For some photographers, they might need to focus on improving the marketing plan. For others, a review of your website situation might be in order. For still others, it might be an ideal time to develop stronger bonds with other local businesses to expand the footprint of your own business.

Whatever the case, don’t let another year slide by without addressing the needs of your business! Let’s take a deeper look at three photography business tips that will help you improve your photography business sooner rather than later.

Editor’s Tip: You don’t have to spend a lot of money to make your business shine. Get a photography-only domain name without breaking the bank.

Market, Market, Market

 

Marketing probably isn’t every photographer’s strong suit, nor is it something that every photographer enjoys. However, it is a crucial component to the success of your business. After all, if no one knows about you, it’ll be hard to book clients and pay the bills! 

The chances are that you’re already doing some sort of marketing. You should have a website (more on that in a bit). You should also have a strong social media presence (at least on the heavy hitters like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram). But beyond that, there are a couple of ways you can expand your online and offline footprint to get more eyes on your work and get more people in the door.

For starters, if you don’t have a blog, think strongly about creating one. A blog is a great way to reach a larger audience with valuable posts about everything from how to pick a photographer to the differences between glossy and matte finishes on prints. Avoid making your blog into a sales-fest. Instead, offer educational posts that inform your clients about all things photography. Doing so communicates your expertise in the area while also demonstrating a commitment to helping others understand the process.

Another fruitful marketing strategy is to offer your services to local clubs, organizations, and charities for free. This doesn’t mean you need to spend every free weekend working for free; instead, seek out opportunities two or three times a year to donate your time to a good cause. Not only is contributing to charities a good thing to do, but it’s also an ideal opportunity to get your name out there, get eyes on the work you create, and build rapport with people in the community. That’s great marketing!

Learn More:

• 3 Ways to Make More Money as a Photographer
• Advantages and Disadvantages of a Home-Based Photography Business

Get Your Website in Order

I have a friend that’s a photographer, and when he started his business, he had a free Wordpress site as his host. That means that clients had to go to a website with .wordpress in the URL. Talk about unprofessional!

If you want to make the most of your photography business, you need to have a professional website. And I don’t just mean a website that looks professional, either. It also needs to sound professional.

To sound professional, you need a domain name that screams “I’m a photographer!” And there’s no better domain to do that than .photo or .pics.

These domains are reserved for photographers, so you have a professional-looking domain that tells your prospective clients exactly who you are and what you do. What’s more, since these domains are new, you’ll likely find just the name you want without much fuss.

On top of that, Uniregistry serves these domains, so you know you get the best product for the best price. That means you get a professional web presence without spending a ton of money!

Learn More:

• I Was With GoDaddy for 15 Years - Here's Why I Switched to Uniregistry
• How to Set Up a Photography Business Step-by-Step

Get Top-of-the-Line Hosting

Of course, you can have an awesome website all you want, but if you don't have reliable hosting to ensure your site is up and available for all to see, there's not much point in spending your time and energy getting your website in order.

I should know...I've had some awful hosting experiences over my 20 years in the photography industry. It's really hard to build something successful without a website that's got good uptime.

About three years ago I came across OVH, and I was so impressed with their operation that I immediately switched my hosting over to them.

I've not had any problems since...

Not only has OVH provided PhotographyTalk with 99.9% uptime, but they also manage to treat you as if you're the only customer they have.

Whenever I've had a question, I've been helped by someone that not just knows what they're talking about but also seems to genuinely care about how my business is doing.

That's tough to pull off when you're a multi-national company that's got customers all over the world, yet OVH manages to do it very well.

With affordable service, reliable uptime, and excellent customer service, OVH is a great partner to have as you build your photography business!

Get Local

As a small business owner, you know how valuable shopping local is to your business, so why not spread the love and shop local yourself?

Doing so has a number of benefits. First, and most obviously, you help support other small business owners in your area. Rather than going to a big box store to buy a lawnmower, head to the local shop to get the lawn equipment you need. Rather than boosting that ad on Facebook, think about placing an ad in the local newspaper instead.

Second, as a consequence of shopping local, you get your name and face out in the community. For a self-employed photographer, that kind of exposure is invaluable. And, because you’re shopping local, the businesses that you support are more likely to support your business as well. So, the newspaper editor might see that you’ve started advertising with them and instead of going to the mall to get holiday pictures of the family, maybe they’ll come see you.

Lastly, as alluded to above, going local can help drum up business. You never know when you’ll be standing in line at the grocery store and hear the person in front of you talking about needing a photographer for an upcoming anniversary party. You never know when the bagel you buy at the local coffee shop will lead to you hanging some of your photos inside the shop. The point is that your presence at businesses around town can lead to opportunities to show off your work, and can lead to direct referrals too. It’s about the easiest marketing there is!

So, in the coming months, endeavor to address some of the weak spots in your business. Whether that’s marketing, your website, going local, or something else entirely, make the next year or two the period of time in which you take your business to a whole other level.

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Getting your photography business set up is one thing.

Attracting clients to your business is another...

In a previous post, I discussed a few crucial steps that are needed to get the legalities of starting a photography business in order.

But that's just the first part - and probably the easy part as well!

Now comes the task of actually getting people to pay you to take their photo.

Below, I outline a few tips for doing just that.

Build Your Brand

Your business needs to have an identity if you're going to attract clients.

That means outlining everything from your logo to the type of photography you specialize in to your business name and website.

Each of these elements needs to work together to create a branding experience that sets you apart from the crowd.

You want your brand to be unique and memorable, but also communicate who you are as a person and as a business.

A critical part of building your brand is your marketing strategy. Get in on an in-depth conversation on that topic in the video above by Jared Polin.

Building your brand means a lot of things, like having a social media presence where you can communicate with potential clients and share some of your work.

When it comes to social media, it's a good idea to focus on one, two, or three platforms - like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter - rather than trying to keep up with posting on eight or nine different places.

What's more, you should have a blog on your website, that way you have a means of building a little credibility with how-to posts about photography and other helpful tips that photography clients might enjoy.

Speaking of your website, as I noted in this article, having a unique domain name will go far in helping you to promote your business.

That means ditching the old .com and .net domains in favor of something specific to photographers, like .pics or .photo.

By using a domain that was purpose-built for photographers, you immediately have a professional online presence that gives your business credibility.

What's more, a .pics or .photo domain name is super short, meaning it'll be easier for people to remember your website than they otherwise would.

These domains are easy to set up, too. Uniregistry offers excellent support for .pics and .photo domains with easy setup and management for an excellent price.

When you think about branding your business, it's all about communicating who you are and what you do.

Well, with a .photo or a .photo domain name, you can do just that in one word!

Learn More:

• How to Set Up a Photography Business Step-by-Step
• Critical Mistakes You're Making With Your Photography Website

Practice Your People Skills

You might be the most gifted photographer in the world, but if you can't talk to people and interact with them in a genuine manner, your business will go nowhere.

That means giving your clients an excellent experience so they build trust with you and are so excited by the work you do that they rush out and tell all their friends and family.

After all, word of mouth is the single most effective type of marketing, so the better you can schmooze your clients and potential clients, the better off you'll be.

That means going the extra mile for people.

As another example, when you're working with a client during a shoot, talk to them. Ask them questions. Be inquisitive, open, and warm.

In the end, your photography skills need to be on point, but so too do your people skills!

Not sure how to handle that first call with a client? Check out the video above by Creative Freelance Life for a few tips.

Offer Promotions

A great way to attract customers is to offer promotions on your products and services.

This can run the gamut from a friends and family discount when clients refer their loved ones to a big holiday sale on photography products during the holidays.

You can network, too, and contact other local businesses to see if you can team up to offer a joint promotion.

For example, perhaps you offer your wedding clients a discount if they use a certain bakery or florist. The bakery and florist can do the same for you to help generate additional business for you both.

Heck, even offering something as simple as a free 8x10 print can get some people in the door, so it's not like you have to offer 50% off your sitting fees!

Learn More:

• 14 Things You'll Want to Know Before Starting a Photography Business
• How to Sell Your Photos (the Easy Way)

Work in the Public Eye

Part of the challenge of promoting a new business is simply getting your face and name in front of people.

A great way to do that is to work in the public eye at events that will draw large crowds.

That might take the form of having a booth at a local art show.

You might volunteer your time to take photos at a local charity event.

You can also volunteer your time to take photos of school sporting events and other activities.

The point is that even if you do some of these things for free, you'll likely get a huge return on your investment of time.

There will be significant draws on your time in the beginning, but by getting yourself out there, offering promotions, being a skilled people-person, and building a solid brand will do wonders for your ability to attract new clients.

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Whether or not your photography skills are at a 'pro' level yet, there are plenty of things to be done to make yourself look more professional.

That means that if you're going to act the part, you have to look the part too.

Now, I'm not saying that just because you follow the steps I outline below that you'll suddenly be a professional photographer. To do that will take a lot of continued work on honing your craft, not to mention starting a business and sustaining it over the years.

But you have to start somewhere, and looking professional is certainly a good place to begin.

Let's explore three things you can do that will leave a lasting, positive impression on potential clients.

Editor’s Tip: You need to look like a pro in the way you dress and behave, but your website needs to have that professional vibe too. Get a professional photography domain right here.

Get an Impressive Business Card

You have to admit, when you meet someone and their business card flops around in the slightest breeze, that's far from the kind of impression you want to leave.

You know the sort...

The edges are perforated. The paper is flimsy. It just feels cheap. It looks cheap too!

With my last company, I started getting my business cards from FactoryMart and selected a card made from frosty white plastic.

These things feel like a credit card, and 9 out of 10 times, they lead to an avalanche of compliments from the person receiving the card.

These cards aren't cheap - I've paid from $0.89 to $1.57 for each one - but they are well worth the investment.

In fact, I've called people back from meeting them at a trade show and they would say something like, "You're the guy with the nice plastic business card!"

You only get one chance at a first impression, and since business cards are a primary means of making that first impression, be sure your cards blow people away in a good way.

For an even better first impression, you can also create a video business card!

Learn More:

• Things You Do That Are Ruining Your Photography Business

Get a Professional Website Domain

If you want clients to take you seriously, you can’t direct them to your Flickr page or your free wordpress website…

In other words, for that professional look we’re going for, you need a website that looks professional and you need a domain name that looks professional as well.

For photographers, there’s no better domain names than .pics or .photo. That’s because these domains tell your prospective clients exactly what it is you do right there in the domain name.

On top of that, .pics and .photo are super easy to remember, and since they’re newer domains, the likelihood that you’ll find the domain you want is much greater than if you go with a .com domain.

And since .pics and .photo live at Uniregistry, you know that you get a good product, excellent support, and for a great price.

What’s not to like about that?!

Learn More:

• How to Sell Your Photos (the Easy Way)

Be Well Groomed

If you know me, this is one I struggle with at times myself.

I'm usually somewhere between 5 o'clock shadow and just call me Bigfoot!

But when I have an important meeting, I'll give a closer shave and with my attire, just look professional with a hint of edgy.

We all know what 'works' for each of us, so when you have an event or know you are going to be meeting potential clients or influential folks, get to what 'works' for you.

Have your nails trimmed, teeth brushed, shoes shined, clothes pressed, and hope you never have one of these days:

Even for you guys reading this, borrow your wife's cover up and do your best to conceal!

Don't try to wrench on it, either. What could happen is you pop it, then you have a huge crater that Apollo 13 could land in!

All kidding aside, sometimes looking the part is half the battle, so get yourself looking like a professional photographer, and that'll make it so much easier to actually be a professional photographer!

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If you want to go into business for yourself and you're wondering how to make money with photography, this list is for you.

There are some obvious choices, to be sure.

But there are also some less obvious ways to make money taking pictures.

In the video above, Evan Ranft offers up a few ideas on the matter.

Check it out to see what he has to say, and for additional thoughts on some of his ideas, read on!

Editor's Tip: If you don't have a photography website, you're behind the ball. Get a domain for your photography website.

Make Money as a Photographer With YouTube

YouTube has become the platform of choice for all manner and sort of photographers, and with good reason.

All you need to start a YouTube channel is a camera and some ideas for videos. And once your channel hits 10,000 views, you can start monetizing your videos to earn income.

The great thing about YouTube is that you not only have an opportunity to expand your network of fans, clients, colleagues, and so forth, but you can earn passive income.

That is, once your video is live, you can earn income from that video from there on out without having to do anything else.

What could be better than that?!

Learn More:

• Things You Do That are Ruining Your Photography Business
• 5 Things Successful Photographers DON'T Do

Create Stock Photos and Videos for Extra Income

The earnings you can make from stock photos isn't what it used to be, but there's still potential for earning income there.

That's also true of stock videos, which are becoming more and more popular with every passing year. 

What's nice about shooting stock photos and videos as a means to make money as a photographer is that you can shoot what you enjoy and make it available for others. After all, there is massive need for video content by all kinds of businesses.

That means that if you like landscapes, take photos and videos of landscapes, and there will be a market for those images, whether it's an individual or business that utilizes them.

Granted, you have to work to develop a strong stock photography portfolio, but, again, if you play your cards right, you can make a nice passive income.

Editor's Tip: Not sure where to begin the process of making money as a photographer? Getting a domain for your website is a good choice.

How to Get Paid for Photography - Offer Merchandise

As Evan points out in the video, if you post a photo to Facebook or Instagram and it gets tons of likes, why not offer it as a print?

After all, the interest is there, so capitalize on that interest to make a bit of money on the side.

And you don't have to stop at prints, either.

If you can build a solid following on social media, having Lightroom Presets for sale can also be a lucrative source of income.

Editor's Tip: For even more tips for improving your photography and digital imaging know-how, visit CRHfoto.

Use Google Adsense on Your Website

Google Adsense is used on YouTube to generate income from videos, and they can be used on your website for the same purpose.

In particular, this works as a great way to make money as a photographer if you produce consistent content on your website, like blogs.

Just put the Google Ads on your website and you can make money in one of two ways: via the number of clicks on the ad and via the number of impressions, or the number of page views the page gets with the advertisement on it.

Granted, you need a website for this to work, and for photographers that want to make money taking pictures, the best option for a website domain is .photo or .pics.

After all, these domains are specifically for photographers, so you get a clean, simple URL that says right within the name that you're a photographer.

What's more, these domains are relatively new, so there's a much higher chance that you'll be able to get your domain name of choice than if you go with a .com or .net domain name.

Additionally, you want the process of getting your website up and running one that's simple and easy, and with .pics and .photo, that's exactly what you get.

These domains are offered by Uniregistry, which makes quick work of setting up your domain. They're dead-simple to manage, too.

In other words, if making money with photography is your goal, you can't just slap any old website up using any old domain.

Instead, maximize your website's income potential with a professional, photography-centric domain like .pics or .photo!

Learn More:

• Critical Mistakes You're Making With Your Photography Website
• 14 Things You'll Want to Know Before Starting a Photography Business

Final Thoughts

As you can see, there are many avenues for making money taking pictures - and some that don't actually require you to take pictures at all!

The important thing to remember is to diversify the ways in which you seek to make income, that way if your YouTube channel has a bad month, you have other means of making money.

Also, none of these methods will work if you aren't willing to put in the time and effort to learn how to use them. What's more, you have to be dedicated to your craft and put out top-notch content and photos, too.

There's no magic bullet for making money taking pictures, but with these tips, you've at least got the groundwork for increasing your photography income.

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I have a friend that's a professional photographer, and she spends a lot of time at art fairs, expos, and other events setting up her booth, displaying her prints and canvases, and interacting with people that come by to look at her images.

And that's great...

However, she struggles to make as many sales as she'd like.

And if you ask me, it's because she needs to diversify the way she promotes her work.

In other words, instead of spending so much time driving from one art fair to the next, she needs to add a few digital sales strategies to capitalize on the power of the internet.

If you find that you're like my friend and aren't selling as many photos as you'd like, give these options a try.

Get a Website Domain That Makes Sense

First and foremost, if you want to sell more images, that means prospective clients need to be able to find you easily.

That starts and ends with a solid web presence with a domain name that makes sense.

I have a friend (a different one) that's a graphic designer. But his website name doesn't include any reference whatsoever to graphic design.

And guess what? He gets very little business from his website because people don't associate it with graphic design services.

That's why if you're a photographer, there's no better domain name than one that ends in .photo or .pics.

Talk about making it easy for people to find you!

Not only does it say right within the name that you're a photographer, but it's easy to remember too.

And because you no longer need "photography" in your domain name, your website URL can be much shorter, which comes in handy for putting it on business cards and in those impossibly small input boxes on your social media profiles.

Additionally, a .photo or .pics domain name shows professionalism and gives you instant credibility.

It's easier to get the name you want, too. These domains are new and with .com domains a dime a dozen these days, you can really help your business stand out.

These domains are easy to set up as well, thanks to Uniregistry, which provides dead simple solutions for managing your domain.

So, if you want to sell more photos, get more people to your website by having a domain name that actually makes sense!

Learn More:

• Get Your .photo Domain Today
• Get Your .pics Domain Today

Give Stock Photography a Try

I'll be the first to say that stock photography isn't what it used to be.

A decade ago, photographers could make a healthy living simply on the royalties they got from stock images.

However, with the rise of more and more microstock websites, the market has become flooded. With all that competition, photographers aren't as apt to make as much money on stock photos as they once were.

Having said that, stock photography is still extremely popular, and it's hard to beat a worldwide audience of consumers that need photos.

Sites like iStockPhoto, Shutterstock, and Fotolia are extremely popular, and offer photographers a range of earnings from about 15% per download up to more than 60%.

But what's even better is that once you have your account set up and your images uploaded to the stock site's servers, it acts as passive income - you don't have to do a thing but watch as the royalties from your images are deposited into your bank account.

Now, this isn't to say that simply by virtue of uploading images to a stock site that you'll immediately have thousands of your images bought and downloaded.

But even just having your work out there for people to see is helpful because it's great advertising.

Perhaps in a search for a specific type of image, one of yours shows up in the search, intrigues the buyer, and they click on your profile to learn a little more about you.

Then, the next time they need an image, they might very well go straight to your profile to see what other images you have that they might be able to use.

Talk about making it easy to sell more photos!

Learn More:

• Avoid These Common Stock Photography Mistakes
• Stock Photography Ideas That Will Sell Like Hotcakes

Open an Online Shop

Another online option for selling more of your photos is to open a shop on a site like Etsy.

This enables you to do a couple of very important things.

First, an online shop helps promote your work, get your name and face out there, and can lead to additional sales both in person and online.

Second, an online shop gives you a little more flexibility regarding the income that you make than if you opt for the stock photography option.

For example, where you're at the mercy of the stock site in terms of the percentage you make on each image, places like Etsy typically charge a flat rate like a monthly or yearly fee or a percentage commission on each sale.

What's more, you determine the prices of your images so there's perhaps a better chance of earning more income than there is with stock photography.

Of course, for the maximum flexibility regarding pricing and earnings, just have a killer website (with a .photo or .pics domain, of course) that has e-commerce capabilities.

That way you can sell prints, offer digital downloads, and whatever else you like and keep all the proceeds for yourself!

Learn More:

• How to Set Up a Photography Business Step-by-Step
• 14 Things You'll Want to Know Before Starting a Photography Business

Wrapping It Up

No one ever said that selling photos was going to be easy...

However, you can make it much easier on yourself by diversifying the methods you use to advertise and market your work.

Yes, you need to do those in-person things like art fairs. But you also need to have a solid online marketing plan that includes a great website, a domain name that makes sense, and perhaps some stock photography or an online shop thrown in for good measure.

If you can do those things, you'll be in a much better position to sell more photos!

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If you’re ready to take the plunge and start your own photography business, congrats! Making such an important decision can induce a lot of anxiety, but is extremely exciting at the same time. 

The problem that many would-be photographers run into when starting their business is simply knowing where and how to start a photography business.

This checklist is intended to give you some insight into a few quick and easy tricks that will help you become more prepared.

How to Start a Photography Business: Get Some Experience

It goes without saying that starting a photography business will require you to have some measure of experience in the field.

Whether you intern with a large company like Getty Images or serve as a second shooter for a local wedding photographer, it’s imperative that you cut your teeth in the industry.

Doing so will give you an opportunity to gain valuable knowledge and skills, have access to other photographers who you can question and observe, and hopefully gain some business skills along the way as well.

Find a Mentor

Finding a mentor to help guide you through the process of starting a business can be one of the most important steps you take.

You don’t even necessarily have to find a mentor that’s a photographer, although that would help. Really, anyone that has ventured into entrepreneurship could help you with valuable insights about how to start a business, get it off its feet, and sustain it as a successful endeavor.

The key here is to find someone that has time for you and is willing to give you that time. A good mentor should be easily accessible and have at least an hour a week that they can devote to helping you realize your dream.

Be Patient

This is a tough one, but perhaps the most important entry on this checklist...

It takes a lot of time to become a master photographer - years, in fact. If you don’t have the fortitude to stick it out and keep pressing forward, the chances of success are not good.

In fact, the most common cause of business failure is simply giving up. Practice patience and see things through if you want to find success as a photographer.

Learn More:

• Common Problems You'll Face as a Wedding Photographer
• What You Should (and Shouldn't) Worry About When Starting a Photography Business

Get Your Website Lined Out

You can’t be a successful photographer without having an online presence that introduces potential clients to who you are and the type of photography you create.

The best way to do that is to build a website that not only reflects your personality and showcases your work, but that also looks professional.

With a photography-specific domain like.photo or.pics, you can do just that. Not only are these domains only for photographers, but they’re also easy to share with clients and easy to fit into tight spots on business cards and social media profiles.

Plus, since these domains are from Uniregistry, you know you get the best product for the best price, with service to match!

Of course, you can't exactly have a website if you don't have a hosting service.

Actually, to be more specific, you can't have a photography website without a reliable hosting service.

Over the last 20 years, I've used a number of different hosting companies - some good and some bad.

For the last three years, PhotographyTalk has used OVH for our hosting needs. OVH is definitely in a class of its own.

Finally, my company has hosting that's reliable to a tune of true 99.9% uptime. That's not a sales pitch or an empty promise - OVH really does perform that well!

That's thanks to their global scale of operations - four continents, 19 countries, 27 data centers, and 300,000 servers, to be exact.

But more impressive than OVH's infrastructure is the fact that despite being a global company, they put customer service first.

If you've ever felt like you're just a number to big companies you work with, you know how valuable it is to find reliable partners that think of you as more than just another customer.

If you're ready to build your photography business, start the process by getting your online presence built today.

Get the right hosting so you can show your photos to the world today!

Never Stop Networking

From moment one, you should be pounding the pavement and introducing yourself as a photographer.

Mention it to your hair stylist, the checkout boy at the grocery store, your mechanic, your friends, family, neighbors, and mail carrier. The more people that know you’re a photographer, the more likely you are to get jobs.

The good part is that networking is free - all it takes is a little time, a quick introductory sales pitch, and a business card to hand out! 

Learn More:

• How to Make Money With Photography
• 5 Things Successful Photographers DON'T Do

Bonus: Just Go For It!

Rather than waffling back and forth about whether you should dive in and start a business or not, just go for it.

We often wait for the perfect opportunity to make a significant life change, yet there is no such thing as perfect timing. Don’t wait for all the pieces to fall into place. Just start, and see where things lead!

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Deciding to take a leap and start a photography business is a huge decision and one that will certainly cause you a lot of stress along the way.

But the rewards that might come from going into business for yourself are certainly worth the risk.

To help you get started, I've put together a quick overview of some of the most crucial steps you'll need to take along the way to set up a successful photography business.

Let's get to it!

It Starts With Goals

To build a successful business, you need a roadmap of where you want to go and how you'll get there. You can do that by setting goals.

Your goals can be general or specific.

For example, you might not want to work on Fridays so you can spend time with your family. That's a pretty general goal.

On the other hand, you might want to work with a certain type of client, like engaged couples or expecting moms. That's a pretty specific goal.

You need to establish some income goals as well, but be realistic about it.

You might want to make $100,000 in your first year, but that's just not likely to happen for the vast majority of photographers. By setting a more realistic income goal, you can work backwards to determine how much you need to charge your clients to get to that point.

Remember that you need to deduct things like rent, equipment expenses, insurance, and so forth, so plan your prices to account for those things.

Learn More:

• How Much Do Photographers Make?

Develop a Business Plan

Where the goals you outline might be more informal and personal, your business plan is a detailed, organized document that allows you to outline each and every component of your business.

That includes the products and services you want to offer, your target market, the type of photography you want to do, where you'll conduct business, how many employees (if any) you will have, revenue streams, projected costs, and so forth.

In other words, a business plan is a line-by-line document that's essentially your entire business written down on paper.

There are plenty of business plan tools out there, including a detailed one from the Small Business Administration (see the link below).

By going through the step-by-step process of putting your thoughts down on paper, you not only have a better idea of what you're in for regarding your strengths and weaknesses, but you also have an official document that lenders, investors, landlords, your significant other, and other stakeholders can view.

That means you can more easily get feedback, identify obstacles, and come up with solutions to those obstacles, all before you even open your doors.

Learn More:

• Start Writing Your Business Plan
• How to Start a Photography Business

Think About Marketing

Having short-term and long-term goals and a business plan is all well and good, but when the day comes to open your doors, you can't expect people to start booking you just by virtue of the fact that you're open for business.

Instead, by thinking ahead of time about what your brand will be, what it will look like and sound like, and how you'll communicate those things to potential customers will be key to your success.

When thinking about your brand, you should consider the following:

• Who's your target market and what products and services do they covet?
• What products and services do you want to provide?
• How are you unique?
• What's your overall message to potential clients?

Perhaps the most important of these factors is your message to clients.

You want it to be specific so that they understand who you are and what you offer. You want it to be unique as well, because - let's face it - there's a ton of photographers out there competing against you for the eyes and ears of customers.

That's why you need to develop your sales pitch first.

Your sales pitch should be short, sweet, and to the point, like a classic elevator pitch. It should be something that takes mere seconds to get your point across and leaves people wanting to know more.

Aside from that, developing your sales pitch helps you more clearly define who you are and what your business is about. And the more focused you are on those things, the better off you'll be!

Learn More:

• How to Craft an Effective Sales Pitch

Make It Legal

Starting a business isn't as simple as opening your doors to the public.

You need to make sure that you've gone through the proper legal channels. Otherwise, you might face legal implications down the road.

To begin, you'll need to register your business name. Remember when selecting a name that it should be descriptive of your business, unique, and perhaps most importantly, easy to remember and spell.

If you've already selected a name, be sure to run it by family and friends first, just to see if there's any feedback on things you hadn't considered.

If you aren't sure what to name your business, brainstorm a short list and solicit feedback from people you trust on the effectiveness of each one.

Regardless of how you do it, be sure that your business name is easy to read and spell, that it's available on popular social media channels, that you can secure the URL for a website, and that it's not trademarked by someone else already.

Once you've got your name registered, secure all the social media accounts with that name, even if you don't intend to use those accounts yet. Do the same with a domain name.

Next, register your business with the proper government agencies. Who you need to work with (if anyone at all) depends on where you live, so you'll need to do some research on that front.

You might need a business license, too, so be sure to check on those requirements in your area as well.

You'll also want to set up financial accounts for your business that are separate from your personal accounts. You need to have these separated so that you can keep your finances organized and so you have an easier time with record-keeping, too.

Lastly, get business insurance to cover your studio or office space, your equipment, and you as well. Devise a contract for clients, too, that way you and your clients know exactly what to expect.

Learn More:

• Want to Start a Photography Business? Here's 5 Ways to Get Prepared
• Create Photography Contracts for Free

Get Online

Earlier, I mentioned that you need to register your business name and then set about getting all the relevant social media channels and a URL lined out.

I want to talk more specifically about getting online with a website because it's such a crucial aspect of business these days.

Your website is your window to the world, and will likely be the primary means by which you show off your work.

That means that your website not only needs to look great, function well, and have all the information prospective clients are looking for, but it needs to be easy to find and remember, too.

That's where your domain name comes in.

Domain names in the .com space have been around forever, and there's not nearly the selection of choices as there once was. Besides, a .com domain isn't all that descriptive.

Instead, build your business the right way with a .photo or .pics domain name from Uniregistry.

As I noted above, your name needs to be unique and informative, and it doesn't get much more unique and informative for a photographer than .photo or .pics, does it?!

You also want your URL to be short and easy to spell, so janesmith.photo is a much better option than janesmithphotography.com, don't you think?

Whether you need a landing page, a portfolio, an e-commerce site, or something in between, a .photo or .pics domain name will fit the bill for helping you market your photography business.

Learn More:

• Get a .photo Domain Name
• Get a .pics Domain Name

Focus on Relationships

As important as it is to develop a business plan, have goals, create a solid marketing plan, and have a stellar website with a unique domain name, ultimately running a business is about focusing on relationships.

You can be the best photographer on earth, but if you don't have people skills and you can't interact with people in a way that makes them feel good about working with you, it'll be a tough road to grow your business.

So, in the midst of all the technicalities of starting a business, be sure you don't forget the reason why you're in business in the first place - the people!

Learn More:

• Get More Details on Developing a Photography Business

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For many photographers, the dream is to be your own boss.

After all, working for yourself means you can work when you want, charge whatever you want, and work in exotic locations, right?

Well...not so fast.

If you're looking for an easy way to make money, being self-employed isn't it.

Building a successful photography business is a long process and one that requires a ton of patience and a whole lot of steps.

As someone that's started several businesses in my life, I understand that looking at it from the outset, it's hard not to get a little overwhelmed.

With that in mind, I've come up with three first steps you need to take to start a photography business.

Is this a comprehensive list of everything that needs to happen? No...

But it's a great place to at least get the process started!

Think About Who You Are as a Photographer

Before you plunk down rent on a studio, order business cards, or buy any photography gear, the first thing you need to do is think long and hard about who you are as a photographer.

That means a couple of different things.

First, consider what type of photography interests you. Is it wedding photography? Senior portraits? Fine art landscapes? Or something in between?

Narrowing down your interests will help you focus your attention on your long-term goals for your business.

Second, think about your ideal client and how that client fits in with who you are as a photographer.

By that, I mean that if you're a fun-loving, free-spirited person, you probably don't want to focus your attention on something relatively serious like corporate headshots.

Part of determining who you are as a photographer is developing your personal style as well. Get some tips on how to do that in the video below by Matt Granger:

When you think about the types of work you'd like to do and the types of clients you'd like to work with, keep in mind that building a business isn't all fun and games.

At least initially, you'll probably have to cast a wider net to get the clients you need to keep the doors open.

So, if you're really drawn to wedding photography, make a list of other photography pursuits that can help you make your living.

That might include offering engagement sessions, taking on a few portrait clients, or even farming yourself out as a photo editor.

Though it might not seem like it, being willing to take on work outside your personal tastes will enable you to focus more on your personal tastes later on.

Learn More:

• 14 Things You'll Want to Know Before Starting a Photography Business
• Photography Entrepreneur of the Month - Valerie Best

Get in the Habit of Marketing Every Single Day

Some newbie business owners mistakenly think that marketing is something that's done just occasionally.

However, if you want to build the most successful business, you need to set aside time each and every day to market your work.

That doesn't mean that you have to spend half the day writing blogs and posting to social media.

But what it does mean is that you need to have a clear strategy for getting your face and name out amongst the buying public.

One of the best ways to do that in this day and age is to have a solid website.

 

Your website should have a clean, uncluttered design, that way your images are the star of the show as they should be.

It also needs to include the basics, like an About page where you talk about who you are as a photographer, offer some of your experience and expertise, and generally offer people a window into your business.

Naturally, you need a portfolio space, too, so people can examine your work and see what a talented photographer you are.

Your website also needs to be easy to find, which can be a problem given how many .com sites are out there these days.

You can get around that issue, though, by promoting your photography business with a .pics or a .photo domain name from Uniregistry.

Think about it - with a .pics or a .photo URL, you have an immediate way to tell people what your business is about. You can do it succinctly, too. No more rachaelthompsonphotography.com!

Instead, you give prospective clients an easy way to find your business website (and something easy to remember as well).

Beyond that, a shorter URL is perfect for marketing these days where you only have so many characters of space to put it in your social media profiles, on business cards, and the like.

Though your website shouldn't be the only means you use of marketing your business, that's where marketing begins and ends.

That's why having a spot-on URL like a .pics or .photo is so important for building a successful marketing plan for your photography business.

Learn More:

• Get Your .pics Domain Name Today
• Get Your .photo Domain Name Today

Get Support

One of the most critical things you can to do ensure your business' long-term success is to find ways to be supported in your endeavors.

This might mean joining your local chamber of commerce. It might also mean joining a photography association like the Professional Photographers of America.

You might even find a mentor - someone that's built a business before and can provide you with guidance.

Even just reading articles like this, watching YouTube videos on marketing strategies, or taking a class at a local college or university on business topics can greatly assist you in achieving your photography business goals.

The point is that you can have a crystal clear idea of who you are as a photographer, and you can have the world's best website and marketing plan, but if you don't have people to lean on, experts to help answer your questions, and a sounding board for the times when things get rough, the success of your business will be in jeopardy.

If anything else, having people to support you along the way will help you feel less alone on your journey.

Being able to hear the successes of others and how they overcame the same struggles you face can sometimes be all you need to regain inspiration and the drive to keep pushing towards your goals!

Learn More:

• How to Set Up a Photography Business Step-By-Step
• Explore Business Photography Tips

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I've created a lot of websites over the years, and along the way, GoDaddy was by my side.

You might even say I was a die-hard GoDaddy fan, though it wasn't because they offered the best service.

Instead, I simply didn't realize that there were much better options out there. So, I just kept slogging along with GoDaddy all those years when I could've had something much better, much sooner.

I finally made the switch, though, to Uniregistry. And man, was that ever a good decision!

Here's why...

Free Privacy

I always have privacy added to my domains so I don't get hundreds of phone calls and emails spamming me about one thing or another.

With GoDaddy, I had to pay extra for privacy.

But with Uniregistry, privacy is included for free.

It's a small detail, but one that I definitely appreciate.

Two-Factor Authentication

GoDaddy offers two-factor authentication, but not worldwide.

Uniregistry, however, offers that feature globally.

What's more, Uniregistry is integrated with Google Authenticator, which offers a better experience for the user than a standard text message system.

Top-Notch Customer Service

One of my biggest complaints about GoDaddy is their terrible customer service.

I had issues with long hold times virtually every time I called with a question or problem.

Sometimes, I felt like the person handling my question or issue was being put out having to deal with my problem.

Not so with Uniregistry.

Not only are they quick to respond to any issues you're having, but they also make sure that you feel like they're working hard for you as an individual, and that you aren't just another schmuck with a question.

Learn More:

• Things You Do That Are Ruining Your Photography Business
• What Is (and Isn't) Important For Growing Your Photography Business

No Gimmicks

When you're checking out with GoDaddy, you absolutely get hammered with advertisements to add something else to your order.

If you aren't careful, you might find that you inadvertently click on one of those annoying ads, and put something in your cart that you don't want or need.

Whenever I was about to complete the transaction, I always went through my order with a fine-tooth comb to ensure GoDaddy's gimmicks didn't cost me more money.

With Uniregistry, it's been a totally different experience.

You aren't bombarded with offers to upgrade this or add that to your account. It's a simple process that I really appreciate after having to deal with GoDaddy for so many years.

It's Quick

I don't have time to spend an hour getting new domains or other products. It seemed like time was never on my side when trying to get something done with GoDaddy.

But, again, my experience with Uniregistry has been the complete opposite.

In fact, I just picked up two new domains - a .pics and a .photo - in short order.

There was no BS, no long, drawn-out procedures, and the Uniregistry UI is clean and simple. It took a fraction of the time to get the domains, and was the simple, easy process I've been dreaming of for years.

There's Perks for Photographers

As I noted above, I recently picked up two new domain extensions, a .pics and a .photo.

Those are nifty domains for someone that's in the photography industry because it tells people right there in the domain extension what the site is all about.

Back in the day, photographers like you and I would have to get a .com or .net extension and then add "photography" to the name so people would know we're photographers.

But jimthompsonphotography.com is quite the long URL...

With these photography-centric domains from Uniregistry, though, you can tell the world that you're a photographer in much shorter order.

That's advantageous for a lot of reasons, not the least of which it's shorter, so you can squeeze it onto your business cards, and it's easier to remember, too.

And remember, Uniregistry makes it quick and easy to snag domains, get the products you need, and get going on building your online presence.

If you're a photographer, you want people to see you as a professional and you want your branding strategy to be something that's clean, simple, and easy to remember.

With Uniregistry, you can do just that.

Learn More:

• Get a .pics or .photo Domain Today
• Critical Mistakes You're Making With Your Photography Website

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Starting a photography business requires a lot more than a camera, a studio space, and a business plan.

Now, when it comes down to it, I think the major aspects of getting your business off the ground are pretty obvious.

You need to get relevant experience, have an awesome website and social media presence for marketing purposes, and network with other business owners to build relationships that could lead to referrals.

But that just scratches the surface...

Here's a few insider tips - photography business tips that you can do to help your business thrive.

A Second Job Doesn't Hurt

When you're a new photographer - heck, when you're a veteran, too - there will be ebbs and flows in your business.

That's especially true if you specialize in something like wedding photography, which has its high and low seasons.

Given that photography can be cyclical, you need to have a secondary source of income while you work to get your business off the ground.

There's plenty of photography-related jobs that you could pursue, like working as an image retoucher or as a second shooter.

But you don't even need your second job to be specifically related to photography.

Wait tables. Work at the health club. Be the front desk person at a hotel. Whatever you can find that fits in your schedule will be just fine.

View it not as something that takes you away from your photography, but something that brings in money that will allow you to pursue your photography dreams more effectively.

Learn More:

• 5 Things Successful Photographers Don't Do
• Things You Do That Are Ruining Your Photography Business

You Need Partners You Can Rely On

As much as you might want to build your photography business all on your own, the fact of the matter is that you're going to need to work with other people who can help you achieve your goals.

From a lawyer to an accountant, an insurance agent to a website designer, there are all sorts of professionals you might need to consult with as you try to get your business off the ground.

Likewise, you'll need to identify vendors that can supply you with the materials you need to get the ball rolling.

You'll need business cards, props, photography backgrounds, and so forth, and developing relationships with vendors you can trust will help you get those things quickly and efficiently so you can go about the business of making money.

Speaking of making money...

When you investigate vendors to handle your printing needs, don't opt for the bargain-basement website that has prices that are too good to be true.

As you might imagine, if it's too good to be true, it probably is!

Instead, since the prints you deliver to clients are so important, work with a printer that has a long-standing reputation for putting out high-quality work.

I've gotten prints from my fair share of printers over the years. Most have been okay, some have been pretty good, and others have been downright awful.

But far and away, the best prints I've gotten are from CanvasHQ.

These guys use only the best materials, and it shows.

The archival-grade canvas holds up beautifully over time, as do the inks that are UV-resistant, water-resistant, and scratch resistant.

In other words, these things are ultra-durable, which is precisely what you want your clients to have!

That's not to mention the kiln-dried wood frame behind the canvas that keeps things nice and straight and square.

CanvasHQ has a reputation not just for quality, but for excellent customer service as well.

If you have a question or a problem, you talk to a real, live human being. They answer your questions quickly, too, which is something that not every printing company can say.

This family-run operation treats your order with care and respect as well. You aren't just another order number...instead, you're a valued member of the CanvasHQ family.

I have a few dozen prints from CanvasHQ, each one just as gorgeous as the last.

If you want to truly impress your clients, get on board with CanvasHQ - their prints will help you make a name for yourself as a top photographer!

Learn More:

• Fun Ways to Display Your Photos
• Hot Wedding Photography Trends

You Need More Than a Website

Today, building a website is easier than ever before with the likes of Squarespace and Wix providing ready-made templates to help you get online and fast.

But you need more than a website for your business, you need to think purposefully about what your website domain will be.

This is a crucial step because your domain name needs to be something unique and catchy, but also something that's easy for people to spell and remember.

That's where Uniregistry comes in...

Uniregistry has two domains just for photographers - .pics and .photo.

Clearly, these domains are super simple, easy to spell, and easy for prospective clients to remember.

What's more, they're short, sweet, and inform people right from the get-go what kind of services you offer. Not bad, right?

Better still, since .pics and .photo are the brainchild of Uniregistry, you get top-notch customer service and a great domain without paying through the nose.

I was with GoDaddy for the longest time, but I switched to Uniregistry. It was a fantastic decision, and I wish I'd done it sooner!

So, give your business website a home it deserves. Get a .pics or .photo domain today.

Learn More:

• How to Set Up a Photography Business Step By Step
• How to Sell Your Photos (the Easy Way)

Do Market Research

I've seen it time and time again...

A photographer opens up shop, offers a specific kind of photography service, struggles to make it, and ends up closing their business after a year or two.

And while there's plenty of reasons why businesses fail, one that seems to be common in the photography industry is simply not understanding the local market and offering services that are in demand.

For example, if you want to specialize in cosplay photography, but you live in a rural town with 400 residents, the likelihood that your business will survive - let alone thrive - is pretty slim.

Likewise, if wedding photography is your passion, offering your services in a town in which the majority of residents are 55 years of age and older is probably not the wisest choice.

Though there's something to be said for finding your photography passion and pursuing it, if that passion can't pay the bills, you won't be a photographer for long.

Instead, try to balance your love of photography with a solid understanding of what the market demands are for photographers in your area.

Visit with the local Chamber of Commerce to get an idea of what photography businesses in the area already offer, and seek to identify a niche that's currently unfulfilled.

Look at census data to see what the demographics are like, and consider ways that you can play to your audience, so to speak, with the services you provide.

When thinking about how to start a photography business, these kinds of business tasks might not be all that exciting, but in the end, the more effort you put into figuring out what the buying public wants and needs, the more likely you are to build a successful photography business.

Learn More:

• The Legalities of Setting Up a Photography Business
• This is How to Increase Your Profits as a Photographer

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Starting any business is a difficult task. There is an incredible amount of time and effort involved in planning a business, getting it set up, and making a success of it.

Yet, some would-be photographers go into building their business with many preconceived notions that could spell disaster....

Have a look at these six thoughts that could doom your business, and explore photography business tips that will help you avoid these negative thoughts.

Learn More:

• Advantages and Disadvantages of a Home-Based Business
• How to Make More Money With Photography

Thinking "I'm Special"

This is a tough pill to swallow, especially for photographers that are just starting out.

Yes, personally, you are special, but being a photographer is not. In fact, everywhere you go, you will encounter people that have more experience than you, a longer list of clients than you, more features in magazines and on websites than you, and so on. There’s always someone that’s better.

Even worse, everyone with a smartphone or a point-and-shoot camera thinks they are a photographer as well, and will share that information with you.

You’ll be competing with people on all sides, so the sooner you realize that being a photographer isn’t special, the sooner you can work on actually becoming special by gaining skills, talents, and knowledge to become a better photographer. If you don’t, your business might be doomed.

Thinking That “Being My Own Boss is a Blessing”

This is partially true, but also quite false...

On the one hand, you won’t have to answer to anyone (apart from your clients). On the other hand, you will be responsible for absolutely everything. There will be no one else to blame for problems that arise. No one to boss around to get things done. It will be you, and you alone, and that can be a very lonely kind of work. 

You will have to push yourself to get things done on the days when you just don’t feel like it. You will have to deal with the snippy clients that just never seem satisfied. You will have to track down clients that haven’t paid their bill.

Sure, owning your own business can be a blessing, but all the stress and long days (and nights...and weekends) can be a bit of a curse. Be prepared for the grind; the life of your business will depend on it.

Editor’s Tip: Start your business off on the right foot with the right website domain. Get yours today.

Thinking "I'll Never Get Tired of Being a Photographer!"

Yes, you will...

There will be plenty of days when you have absolutely no enthusiasm for taking photos, editing photos, or even seeing or talking to clients.

It’s okay to have off days when you have to force yourself through your work. It will happen.

But the key to success is to be willing to forge through the tough times; otherwise, that success may not ever come.

Thinking That "I Can Make Do With a Basic Website"

Just because you have a website doesn’t mean that you’re maximizing your ability to get clients. To do that, you need a website that says, “I’m a professional photographer.” And the best way to do that is to have a professional-looking domain name. 

With something like a .photo or .pics domain name from Uniregistry, you get just that. After all, you can tell the world that you’re a photographer right there in the URL for your website. What’s easier than that?!

Besides, doesn’t the URL johnsmith.photo roll off the tongue so much better than johnsmithphotography.com? These URLs make it so much easier for you to share your website with other people and for them to actually remember it, too!

Thinking "I'll Be Rolling in Clients Within a Year"

This is a fantastic goal to have, but for most photographers, a totally unrealistic one.

Starting a photography business will take time, and photographers that don’t recognize that and don’t have the patience to stick with it for several years will end up failing spectacularly. 

You’ll need time to build up your clientele, to make a name for yourself, and to get good at the business side of things. All of that takes time and much more than just a year. Keep your lofty goals, but plan on at least 2-3 years just to get things off the ground.

Editor’s Tip: Setting your business up for success requires a top-notch online presence. Get your business going with a professional domain name.

Thinking "This is Just a Hobby"

If you’re going to start a legitimate business, it needs to be legitimate. You’ll need to fill out all the necessary forms to get a business license, register your business name, set up a tax I.D. number, get insurance, and the like.

This goes for all photographers, whether you’re working out of your old bedroom at your parents’ house or you’ve opened a huge studio downtown...

Thinking that what you do is a hobby is a disservice to your talents and creativity. What’s more, pretending that your business is a hobby will only cause you headaches down the road with taxes and other liabilities that must be accounted for.

If you want to be perceived as a professional, it’s important to build your business accordingly. And when thinking about how to start a photography business, these photography business tips will certainly help!

Learn More:

• 3 Tips for Improving Your Photography Business in 2018
• 14 Things You'll Want to Know Before Starting a Photography Business

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One of the best things about being a photographer is that you can be your own boss.

That means that you can choose (to an extent...) who you work for, when you work, where you work, and so forth.

Granted, in reality, there are times when you have no choice but to work nights or weekends, but generally speaking, being self-employed gives you a little more freedom than if you work for someone else.

Of course, being self-employed means that you're responsible for everything, including setting up your business properly.

Here's a few top tips for getting the legalities of setting up your photography business squared away.

Decide on the Type of Business

By type of business, I don't mean a photography business...

Instead, you need to set up the business as a corporation, an LLC or a sole proprietorship.

If you're seeking funding from investors, a corporation is probably the best choice, though that requires a ton of setup and tons of paperwork as well.

An LLC (limited liability company) offers tax benefits and a more flexible business structure. There's also far less paperwork involved. Additionally, an LLC protects you from liabilities the business might have. A corporation does the same.

A sole proprietorship, on the other hand, is the easiest type of business to set up. In fact, you don't have to file any sort of paperwork to do so. The drawback is that you're open to being personally liable for any of the business' debts. That can be a little scary!

Learn More:

• Get More Details on Business Structures from the Internal Revenue Service
• How to Start a Photography Business: 3 First Steps to Take

Come Up With a Name

Choosing a name for your business is just as important as deciding the type of business structure.

The business name will be the face of the business and your primary means of marketing your work.

As a result, your business name needs to be unique and memorable while also telling potential clients what it is that you do.

Here's a few do's and don'ts for choosing a name:

• DO come up with something unique. It will minimize the chance that you infringe on an existing trademark.
• DO conduct a Google search to see if the name you want to use is already in use.
• DON'T use weird spellings. "Excellent Photography" should not be "Xcellent Photography."
• DON'T forget to check that the domain name is available (more on that next).

If there's any question about whether the name you wish to use is already in use elsewhere, you can likely search state files for registered business names. You can also check trademarked names online at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

Get a Domain

As I noted above, it's imperative that as you're brainstorming names for your business that you also ensure that a matching domain name is available.

That can be tricky with .com or .net domains because they've been around for so long and there just aren't many unique URLs left.

That's why a .photo or .pics domain name is the way to go.

Since they're new domains, the chances are slim that the name you want for your photography business is already taken.

Better still, since they have "photo" or "pics" in the URL, it immediately lets people know that you're a photographer.

That means you have a built-in way of communicating who you are and what you do, but with a short and sweet URL that fits great on social media profiles.

It's also a much more professional domain name for a photographer, don't you think? I, for one, would be more impressed with catherinejones.photo than catherinejonesportraitphotography.net.

Besides, .photo and .pics live at Uniregistry, who makes it incredibly easy to set up and manage your domain, all without breaking the bank, too!

In other words, when choosing your domain, going with a .photo or .pics is a no-brainer.

Learn More:

• Get Your .photo Domain Today
• Get Your .pics Domain Today

Take Care of Finances

If you form a corporation or multi-member LLC, you'll need to visit the Internal Revenue Service website to get a federal tax ID number.

If you opt to operate as a sole proprietor or a single-member LLC, you can either get a tax ID number or use your social security number if you wish.

The next step is to set up a business bank account so that your business and personal finances are separate. This not only gives you legal protections and tax advantages, but it also easier to track business income, conduct accounting, and looks much more professional when you pay business bills with a business account.

Get more details on opening a business bank account in the video above from the Law Office of Aiden H. Kramer, LLC.

Get Licensed

Since you'll be selling goods and services, you will need to be able to collect taxes from your clients as well as pay sales tax on transactions that you complete.

As a result, you'll need to get in touch with local or state agencies to determine exactly what it is that you need to do, as requirements vary from one location to the next.

Something else you'll need to consider is if you need a business license in order to operate or if you're required to create a DBA (doing business as) name for your business.

Again, requirements for licensing and DBAs vary from one state to the next, so it's prudent to check the requirements in your area. For a few more details on DBAs, check out the video above from Annette Stepanian.

There's more steps involved in the process of building a photography business, but these tips will get you started off on the right foot.

Learn More:

• How to Set Up a Photography Business Step-by-Step
• 14 Things You'll Want to Know Before Starting a Photography Business

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It's a simple truth - you probably do things each day that are ruining your business.

Despite all your efforts to keep things going in a positive direction, sometimes situations arise and decisions are made that make you take a step (or two) backwards.

That's where this article comes in...

Don't just keep blindly making mistakes; learn how to overcome common photography business mistakes to ensure a more successful future for yourself and your company.

Mistake #1: You Don't Have a Website

If you think that having Facebook, Instagram, and a profile on LinkedIn is enough to keep you in business, you're wrong.

Though social media is an excellent marketing tool for photographers, it's not the end-all, be-all.

Prospective photography clients want to see that you're a professional, and want to be able to access a portfolio of your best work.

The best way to do that is with a dedicated website for your photography business.

Building a website today is easier than ever with platforms like Squarespace, Wix, and even Wordpress.

You can literally have a website up and going yourself in just a few hours' time, and since these platforms have some pretty beautiful website templates, your site will be eye-catching and professional-looking, too.

Plus, you can customize your site, so it won't have a cookie-cutter appearance.

But just creating a website isn't enough.

You need a domain name that grabs people's attention and tells them exactly who you are and what you do.

You can get a domain like that from Uniregistry.

Uniregistry has specialized domains for photographers - .photo and .pics.

These domains give you that extra professional advantage because customers know that you're a photographer based simply on your website's address.

And since these domains are new, the chances that you can get the exact name you want are much greater than they are if you try for a .com or .net domain name.

Additionally, a .photo or .pics domain name is short and sweet, so people are more apt to remember your website name, and you're more apt to fit it into tight spaces, like on your business cards.

So, if you don't have a website, you need one - today. But before you build your website, be sure to get a proper domain name from Uniregistry!

Learn More:

• Get Your .photo or .pics Domain Name Today
• Critical Mistakes You're Making With Your Photography Website

Mistake #2: You Don't Handle Criticism Well

It used to be that if a client had a problem with the work you did, they'd talk to you about it and you could work something out with them to rectify the situation.

And while some clients still do that, others simply write you off as a failure and take to the internet to trash talk you and your work.

Now, whether you deserve that trash talk or not, the way you handle can either help or hurt your business.

Sometimes, it's hard not to lash out at customers that leave you a bad review, but doing so will only make things worse.

Not only does lashing out at them not resolve their issue with working with you, but lashing out at them on the internet means everyone can see how you handled the situation.

So, when a client has an issue with you, be gracious and courteous and demonstrate a willingness to do whatever it takes to make the client happy.

For example, if they take to Facebook and complain about the engagement photos you took for them, respond to their post with something like this:

I'd like to take this opportunity to express my sincere apologies that the images I created weren't to your liking. I'd love to chat about what I can do to resolve the problem and make you a happy customer.

Sure, you have to eat humble pie from time to time, but that's better than getting into a long, drawn-out argument with a client in a public forum.

Learn More:

• What is (and isn't) Important for Growing Your Photography Business
• 3 Tips for Improving Your Photography Business in 2018

Mistake #3: You Only Sell What You Like

It's important for you to have a photography style, but it's also important that you offer your clients the types of products they want, even if they aren't things that you'd buy for yourself.

For example, I'm not much for the printing on wood craze, but just because I don't like it doesn't mean that my clients don't.

Of course, you need to be smart about the types of products you offer because you want to give your clients variety, but you also don't want your office or studio space cluttered with every imaginable photography product, either.

Like most things in business, developing a product line will take some time, but as you get more clients and discuss with them their needs and wants, you can begin to create product offerings that meet their tastes instead of just your own.

Learn More:

• How to Attract Clients to Your New Photography Business
• This is How to Increase Your Profits as a Photographer

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I realize that being in business for yourself isn't all about the money...

But in the end, making money is kind of the whole point of working, so when you start a photography business, you need to have a sound strategy in place to earn a livable income.

Ask around, and different photographers will offer you different advice for making more money.

I've put together some of the most common responses I've heard into this quick list of tips to help you maximize your time and the money you make.

Help People Find You

You aren't going to make any money if you don't have a way for people to find out about you and the services you provide.

In today's day and age, that means having a killer presence on the web with a gorgeous website that features your photos and catchy website URL.

I can't help you with the design of your website, but what I can help you with is nailing down a great URL for your business.

Uniregistry offers two domains specifically for photographers - .photo and .pics.

On the one hand, these domain names are great because they inform prospective clients about what you do, right there in the URL.

On the other hand, they're great because they're short and sweet.

That means you can more easily add them to social media profiles or your business card. Heck, you can just tell someone your website name and it will be easy to remember.

When it comes to helping people find you and discover your work, it really doesn't get much easier than having an easy-to-remember website with a unique URL.

And that's the other benefit here - with a .photo or .pics domain name, you don't have to worry about getting lost in a sea of .com or .net domains. On top of that, these are brand new domains, so you are more likely to get the URL you want for your business.

Learn More:

• 14 Things You'll Want to Know Before Starting a Photography Business
• Critical Mistakes You're Making With Your Photography Website

Fill the Gaps in Your Schedule

Just about every photographer's job will have peaks and valleys.

If you're a wedding photographer, for example, you'll have the busy season and the dead season.

The key to making more money is not to just sit around during the slow times of year, hoping that your ideal client walks in the door to book a session.

Instead, take active measures to bring more income in.

For example, if you focus mostly on family portraits, think about expanding your services to also include senior portrait photography.

If you're a landscape photographer, perhaps check out the stock photography scene to see if you can make some side income that way.

If you work weddings, why not offer engagement sessions too?

Newborn photographers can easily add gender reveal sessions or even birthdays and other milestone events to their slate of services as well.

The point is that making more money as a photographer often means diversifying what you can do for clients so you can protect against the slower times of the year.

Learn More:

• How to Sell Your Photos (the Easy Way)
• Critical Mistakes You're Making With Your Photography Website

Start a YouTube Channel

Just hear me out on this...

By starting a YouTube channel, you actually help accomplish several things.

First, you can easily promote your website, which people from around the world will be able to learn about thanks to the accessibility of YouTube.

Second, having a YouTube channel is an excellent way to get your name out there amongst the buying public.

Beyond that, you can demonstrate your expertise (which is appealing to potential clients) by making educational videos about how to use Photoshop, what the various camera settings do on a camera, and so forth.

And that brings me to the third thing YouTube can do for you - make money.

The nice thing about YouTube is that you can generate a nice side income (and for some, a nice primary income).

What most people think is that you can slap some videos on YouTube and reap the rewards of ad income. It's not quite that simple.

Money from ad impressions for most YouTubers amounts to several thousand dollars per million views. And getting that many views is hard to do.

However, YouTube is a fantastic place to market your brand, get paid sponsorships, and direct people to affiliate links (for which you're paid). 

In other words, there's lots of ways to monetize YouTube, and the best part is that many of them are passive forms of income.

So, when you think about marketing your brand, having an awesome website with a great domain name is where you should start. But be sure to include things like blogging, social media, and creating YouTube videos in your marketing strategy as well.

After all, the more people you can reach with your marketing plan, the more eyes you'll have on your work, and the better your chances will be of getting more clients and improving your bottom line!

Check out the video above from Irene Rudnyk for some more insights on how to make money as a photographer.

Learn More:

• How to Attract Clients to Your New Photography Business
• How to Start a Photography Business: Three First Steps to Take

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I know what you're thinking...

Photography gear is expensive, and there's no way that there's cool, fun or functional camera gear that you can buy for a loved one for $25 or less.

Think again!

There's TONS of awesome gift ideas for photographers at this price point. Check out a sampling of them below.

.photo Domain Name by Uniregistry

Part of the challenge of marketing a photography business and helping customers find what they’re looking for is having a top-notch website. And what better way to promote that website than with a .photo domain name?

Give the gift of the perfect online presence this holiday by giving your favorite photographer a .photo domain name. Uniregistry has teamed up with PhotographyTalk to offer photographers this exciting opportunity to have a fresh, new domain that will help them promote their online presence. 

It’s the ideal solution for photographers that suffer with a long URL. Just imagine being able to have chrisjohnson.photo instead of chrisjohnsonphotography.com! That will make it easier to have the website name in small places like business cards and on smartphone screens too. 

At just $20, a .photo domain name is a great stocking stuffer idea for the photographer on your list! 

Learn more about Uniregistry.

Formatt-Hitech Standard Neutral Density Filter

If the photographer on your list wants to dip their toes into the world of long exposure photography, they'll need a neutral density filter.

That's where you come in...

For under $25, you can give them the capability to create daytime long exposures with a standard neutral density filter from Formatt-Hitech.

These filters produce a grey neutral effect, allowing the colors and brightness of the scene to shine through.

Because they block some of the light from entering the lens, they allow for the longer exposures needed to blur the movement of water, clouds, and other moving objects.

Available in different densities from one-stop to four-stop, there's an array of possibilities for helping your loved one create the gorgeous long exposures they dream of!

Learn more about Formatt-Hitech's Standard Neutral Density Filter.

.pics Domain Name by Uniregistry

If you think a .photo domain name doesn’t quite fit the photographer on your holiday list, Uniregistry offers .pics domain names too. 

Priced right at just $20, a .pics domain name is perfect for photographers that want to stand out from the .com crowd while also establishing themselves as innovative and forward-thinking business people.

Or, if your favorite photographer already has a website, a .pics domain name would be a perfect complement to their existing site and other marketing materials. They could use a .pics domain for a private gallery site or to host their professional portfolio to enhance their brand even further.

A .pics website could even be used as a place to display personal images. On the other hand, it could also be used as an e-commerce site where the photographer on your list could share and sell their work with ease.

This holiday, consider giving the gift of a .pics domain name! 

Learn more about Uniregistry.

CanvasHQ $25 Gift Card

If you’re not sure what to give your loved one this holiday, why not help them get creative with a gift card to CanvasHQ?

The great thing about a CanvasHQ gift card is that it gets you off the hook for buying for someone that’s already got everything or who’s hard to buy for. Plus, they get to decide what picture they want to turn into a gorgeous canvas print.

The best part is that even with a $25 gift card, your loved one can get beautiful artwork because CanvasHQ’s prices are so reasonable! Help them offset the cost of a large print, or they can choose something smaller that’s covered more by your gift. Heck, you can get gift cards in whatever amount you want, too!

Art is one of those gifts that’s difficult to judge, so let your favorite photographer decide for themselves, and give them the gift of a CanvasHQ gift card this holiday season.

Learn more about CanvasHQ Gift Cards.

band.it

This innovative little gadget might not look like much, but trust me, it very well could be one of the most useful tools in a photographer's kit.

It's called band.it, and it not only helps photographers find the focus or zoom ring more quickly to get the shots they need, but it also helps improve grip on the lens.

That means photographers can hold their camera and lens more steadily, resulting in sharper photos.

But that's not all...

Having band.it on the focus or zoom ring also protects it from damage, so for less than $25, you can help prevent the $200 (or more) lens rings from getting damaged.

The soft, elastomer band fits any camera lens - the photographer on your list need only stretch it out, put it in place on the zoom or focus ring on their lens, and they're good to go!

This ingenious gizmo even helps prevent lens creep, which can occur when the lens is pointed up or down at a steep angle.

So, if you want to give the photographer on your list a gift that's practical, functional, and can help them take better photos at the same time, get them band.it.

Learn more about band.it.

Peak Design Anchor Links

If the photographer in your life has a neck strap that they really, really love, but they don't love its functionality, then these Peak Design Anchor Links are the solution.

These quick connectors can be placed on the ends of any standard camera neck strap, allowing photographers a much faster and secure way of attaching and detaching the neck strap from their camera.

The low-profile anchors feature slim hardware that stays out of the way, yet is highly durable at the same time.

Learn more about the Peak Design Anchor Links.

MPB 8GB SDHC Memory Card

A fast memory card is a must for today's photographer, and the 8GB SDHC Class 10 card from MPB fits the bill.

With read speeds of up to 70MB/second, your favorite photographer can quickly store and review the images they take, speeding up their shooting process while giving them the confidence that they have a high-quality card on which to store their photos.

This is an especially great gift idea for new photographers that don't need a ton of storage on their cards but want something with blazing speed.

And at just $16, it's an ideal stocking-stuffer idea!

Learn more about the MPB 8GB SDHC Memory Card.

Fotodiox Pro 42" 5-in-1 Reflector

A reflector is one of the most useful gifts for photographers that take portraits.

This 5-in-1 reflector pack offers even more versatility with a translucent diffuser to filter light and a black anti-reflector to block light or change the contrast of light on the subject.

Additionally, there's a soft white reflector to reduce shadows, soft silver for brightening the image and increasing contrast, and a soft gold reflector that warms up light in the portrait.

In other words, the photographer on your list can reflect light, diffuse it or even block it!

The reflector pack collapses into itself for easy transport in the accompanying carrying case too.

Learn more about the Fotodiox 5-in-1 Reflector.

Amazon Basics Wireless Camera Remote

The great thing about having a wireless remote for a camera is that it allows photographers to set up their camera and trigger the shutter without having to touch the camera.

That means less camera shake and sharper final images...

And with the Amazon Basics Wireless Remote, your favorite photographer can step out from behind the lens and join group shots or even take selfies while they're at it.

Perhaps best of all for you, this remote is a bargain price at just $8.50!

It's a great stocking-stuffer idea for any photographer on your list.

Learn more about the Amazon Basics Wireless Remote for Canon or Nikon cameras.

Giottos Rocket Air Blaster

Every photographer needs the proper tools to clean their gear.

This holiday season, give the gift of a Giottos Rocket Air Blaster so your favorite photographer can keep their camera's sensor free of dust and debris.

The 7.5-inch-long blaster has a 2.5-inch nozzle that produces a large blast of clean air to get rid of particles on the camera's sensor.

The one-way valve brings in clean air instead of sucking up dust that it's just dislodged, too.

It's easy to carry, durable, and invaluable for keeping photography gear operating at its best!

Learn more about the Giottos Rocket Air Blaster.

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With Black Friday shopping just a couple of days away, I thought a list of awesome Black Friday photography deals was in order.

Whether you're looking for gifts for a photographer on your list or you just want some cool gear for yourself, the deals I've found below are sure to tantalize!

Have a quick look and see what fun gear you can pick up while saving some money, too.

Syrp Genie Mini

When it comes to creating time-lapse videos, there isn't a better motion control device than the Syrp Genie Mini.

This rig is compact, portable, and easy to use, so even if you or your loved one isn't an expert videographer, you can still create professional-looking smooth panning time-lapses (and real-time video, too!).

It's designed to mount to a tripod and then your camera mounts to the Genie.

With its internal motor, Genie can rotate 360-degrees with cameras that weigh up to 8.8 pounds.

You can wirelessly connect to the Genie Mini using the Syrp Genie App for a quick and easy set up of smooth panning or tilting time-lapse and video.

Treat yourself to a pocket-sized motion controller this year with the Genie Mini! Get 10% off this Black Friday!

Sew Trendy

Get some beautiful maternity photography accessories on Black Friday at huge discounts from Sew Trendy.

In fact, it's not just their maternity wear and accessories that are on sale. You can enjoy 30-40% off girls dresses, floral crowns, newborn props, and more all weekend long!

Not only that, but Sew Trendy is also offering a huge giveaway for Black Friday.

Each day between Black Friday and Cyber Monday, one lucky customer will get their order FREE.

Add to that Doorbuster sales running all weekend and exclusive deals on made-to-order maternity gowns like the Jessica Gown, and you have a recipe for big savings!

Holdfast

Holdfast makes all sorts of awesome photography gear, from top-of-the-line camera straps to gorgeous and functional camera bags.

Made right here in the USA to the highest of quality, Holdfast products are among the best you can buy on the market today.

And to celebrate Black Friday, Holdfast is offering 10% off everything on their site from November 24-27, 2017.

That means you can snag a MoneyMaker dual camera strap, a Roamographer camera bag, a Sightseer Backpack, or other goodies and save some money at the same time.

Just enter the promo code BlackFriday2017 to get your discount!

DJI Spark

How about a drone for Christmas?

The DJI Spark is a palm-sized mini drone that has a 12-megapixel camera and 2-axis gimbal for taking awesome aerial photos and videos.

Not only that, this little guy is packed with awesome technology that makes takeoff and landing a breeze. It has intelligent flight modes, too, including TapFly, which lets you tap anywhere on your phone to fly the Spark.

It even tracks moving subjects from the front, back, or side for awesome cinematic videography.

Best of all, the DJI Spark is $100 off from Thanksgiving day until the end of Cyber Monday, and then again from December 10th until the end of the year.

You can also get a $1 freebie bag and 25% off Drone World brand accessories, too!

Sew Trendy

Sew Trendy has so many deals this weekend that we had to separate them into two different slots on our list!

Black Friday through Cyber Monday, customers will enjoy 20% off their orders with the order code BFCM1720.

And if you're a photographer, you get an even sweeter deal - 30% off your orders with the code BFCM17PH (terms apply).

Additionally, all ready-to-ship women's gowns will be marked down 10% and you can enjoy 10% off on certain products, like the floral print collection and the winter gown collection.

Check out all the deals at Sew Trendy this weekend and get outfitted for maternity photography, mommy and me shoots, newborn photography, and more!

DJI Mavic Pro

If you're looking for a larger drone than the DJI Spark, perhaps the DJI Mavic Pro is up your alley.

The Mavic Pro comes packed with features that ever drone lover will appreciate, including the ability to transmit full HD video up to 4.3 miles away and a top speed of 40 mph!

Its FlightAutonomy system can detect obstacles up to 49 feet away, giving you peace of mind while flying.

The 4K camera with 3-axis mechanical gimbal isn't bad either, snapping gorgeously sharp photos and smooth 4K video up to 30fps.

The Mavic Pro boasts phenomenal endurance too, allowing you to fly up to 27 minutes at a time.

It's on sale, too! Save $100 on the Mavic ProThanksgiving Day until the end of Cyber Monday, and then again from December 10th until the end of the year.

You can also get a $1 freebie bag, $150 off Fly More and Higher End Kits, and a free mini drone with a drone kit order.

On top of all that, Drone World is offering 25% off Drone World brand accessories, too!

MrStarGuy

MrStarGuy has some great deals going on for telescopes binoculars, mounts, and jewelry - something for everyone on your list!

That includes $100 off the Vixen R130Sf and Porta II Mount shown above.

The Vixen Nature Eye Telescope is on sale for $19.95 (a savings of $20) and the Space Eye 70 Complete Telescope is $70 off!

For an even bigger deal, you can save $600 on the Vixen R200SS Reflector Telescope or save $700 on the Vixen NA14OSS Telescope. You can save $700 on the Vixen Sphinx SX2 mount as well.

That's not to mention great deals on binoculars (up to $149 off!) and even deals on jewelry that features constellations, stars, and images of the universe.

These awesome deals at MrStarGuy start on Thanksgiving day and run through November 30th.

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When you venture out on your own to start a business, it's scary. I should know; I've done it multiple times!

Along the way, I've learned some very valuable lessons from people much smarter than I am - lessons of what to do to grow your business (and what not to do as well).

I've outlined a few of my top suggestions below in the hopes that it helps you get on track to building a successful photography business.

Important: You Need a Portfolio

And I mean a real portfolio here...

Don't point people to Flickr or Instagram. Instead, have a professional-looking portfolio that not only highlights your images (thereby highlighting your talent as a photographer) but also shows off how much of a professional you are.

That means creating a portfolio that is easy to navigate, cleanly designed, and beautifully structured.

What's more, your portfolio needs to have things like your contact information, a contact form, and an about me section so people can get to know you.

Think of your portfolio as your business card - it needs to be short and to the point, but also highly impactful so that it can help you turn potential clients into paying customers.

Additionally, your portfolio needs to be easy to find on the web.

You can do that with the domain name that you choose.

Today's .com and .net domains are overridden with websites, not to mention that a .com or .net domain name says nothing about who you are and what you do.

That's why I recommend a .photo or .pics domain from Uniregistry for your photography portfolio or website.

Not only do these domains immediately tell people what you're all about, but they're also specifically offered to photographers.

That gives you a highly professional domain that allows you to shorten up your portfolio's URL. For example, instead of jacksmithphotography.com, you can get jacksmith.photo.

With a shorter URL, more people are more likely to remember it, and you can squeeze it into tight spaces like your business card.

In other words, having a professional portfolio with a credible URL that points to it is critical for your success.

If you want to build a strong business, you need to start on the ground floor with a beautiful, professional web presence and domain name!

Learn More:

• Get More Details on .photo and .pics Domain Names
• Critical Mistakes You're Making With Your Photography Website

Not Important: Your Competition

It's only natural to want to see what your competitors are doing.

However, the more time you spend worrying about what other photographers in your area are doing, the less time you have to worry about what you're doing.

There are simply too many photographers today to concern yourself with competing with them directly.

What's more, focusing on what other people are doing takes time away from setting goals for yourself and working toward them.

Instead, you need to focus on who you are, what you do well, and how to translate that into a unique marketing proposition that will draw clients your way.

Set aside time each week to establish some short-term and long-term goals, and then analyze how you're progressing toward meeting those goals.

In the long-run, maintaining your attention on your business, your marketing plan, your pricing structure, and your clients will serve you much better than concerning yourself with what everyone else is doing with their photography business.

Learn More:

• How to Attract Clients to Your New Photography Business
• This is How to Increase Your Profits as a Photographer

Important: Customer Service Skills

Here's a news flash - if you're a photographer, you can't just rely on your artistic abilities to build your business.

In addition to that, you need to have the customer service savvy that keeps clients happy, keeps them coming back time and time again, and encourages them to refer their friends and family to you.

In that regard, customer service is equally as important as your photography skills.

Unfortunately, some photographers feel like they just don't have the customer service experience that's required.

If that's you, you need to take measures to learn how to give people not just the photos they want, but the experience they want, too.

Whether that's taking a business class at a local college, attending a seminar offered by the Chamber of Commerce, reading tutorials like this, or catching a YouTube video on the subject (like the one above by Creative Live), any little thing you can do to improve the experience of your clients will only make you a more successful businessperson.

Here's a quick hint - be nice, be engaged, ask questions, joke around, be friendly. If a problem arises, take responsibility and take swift action to rectify it. If a client isn't sure what they want, be patient. If a client is late with their payment, give them a gentle reminder, not a collection notice.

In the end, a photography business is not unlike a relationship. If you do your part and make your clients feel good, they'll come back over and over again!

Learn More:

• 3 Tips for Improving Your Photography Business in 2018
• How to Attract Clients to Your New Photography Business

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I've started a number of businesses in my life, and I can tell you firsthand that it is much more difficult than it looks.

Of course, back in the day when I started my first company, the internet wasn't really a thing yet, so I didn't have tons of photography business guides, tutorials, and YouTube videos to help me out.

Things have changed, though...

Today, starting a photography business is easier than it used to be, but don't be fooled - it's still a lot of work.

To help you get started on the right path, here's a few photography business tips regarding things you should worry about and things you can let go.

When Starting a Photography Business, Worry About Clearly Defining What You Do

One of the most common photography business mistakes that people make is not being absolutely clear about what kind of photographer you want to be.

You aren't just a photographer; instead, you need to identify yourself as something more specific like a portrait photographer, a wedding photographer, or a fine art landscape photographer.

But beyond that, you also need to clearly define your personal photography style. That is, what sets your portraits or landscapes apart from what all the other portrait and landscape photographers do?

By drilling down to a specific niche and formulating your personal style, you'll do a couple of very important things.

First, you communicate to clients that you have expertise in this specific area. If you advertise yourself as a "do-it-all" photographer, that's a much more difficult task. People want expert photographers, not just some guy that's got a camera and calls himself a photographer.

Secondly, by developing your personal style, you not only have a means of differentiating yourself from the crowd, but the chances are good that doing so also helps you iron out your post-processing workflow.

By having your Lightroom or Photoshop strategy nailed down, you'll have a much more consistent look to your photos (and post-processing won't take as long, either).

Learn More:

• Six Ways You've Set Up Your Photography Business All Wrong
• How to Make Money With Photography

Don't Worry About Gear 

If you want to know how to start a photography business, you need to understand that putting your money towards new gear is not the way to do it.

Sure, a brand new Nikon D850 would be a great rig to have, but if your Nikon D810 still works, why not use it?

Gear, as you're likely acutely aware, is very expensive, and when you're just starting a photography business, you need to keep as much cash on hand to pay for vital things like studio space, photography insurance, and advertising, among other things.

Resist the urge to splurge on new gear, and instead work with what you've got or find other ways to save like buying pre-owned gear or simply renting specialized equipment when the need arises.

The point is that most new businesses fail because of a lack of money. That means that whatever money you have on hand right now needs to last until clients start coming knocking.

Worry About Your Online Presence

Having a solid online presence is an absolute must in today's world.

And that doesn't just mean having a Facebook page and a Twitter account, either...

Instead, you need a top-flight website that highlights the work you do and makes it easy for potential clients to contact you.

A large part of making yourself visible online is your website URL, so be sure not to neglect that.

I've seen many photographers use free URLs that have impossibly long strings of words with assorted periods or dashes mixed in.

Not only does that look completely unprofessional, but such long URLs are also extremely difficult to remember (and spell).

The solution here is to get a URL that's specifically for photographers like .pics or .photo from Uniregistry.

Clearly, the advantage of doing so is twofold - your website URL is short and easy to remember while also being professional.

Additionally, these URLs are relatively new, so there's much less worry about getting the specific URL you want than if you opt for a .com or .net address.

And as if that isn't enough, Uniregistry offers these URLs exclusively to photographers at a great price.

That means that you can build an incredible website that shows off your work, is easy for clients to find and remember, all without breaking the bank.

I switched to Uniregistry a few months ago, and I haven't regretted the move in the least. The service is great, the prices are even better, and unlike other domain providers, they're actually helpful when you have a question or problem!

The same goes for my hosting company, OVH.

I switched to OVH three years ago after many, many years of putting up with expensive, unreliable hosting from other companies.

OVH promises 99.9% uptime, and so far, they've certainly delivered on that promise.

It's so nice waking up each morning confident that PhotographyTalk will be live for all to see - and that's thanks to the reliability of OVH.

When you put your blood, sweat, and tears into building a photography business, you want to be sure that people will be able to find you online.

That means not only having a killer website but also having killer hosting too!

Learn More:

• Advantages and Disadvantages of a Home-Based Business
• How to Attract Clients to Your New Photography Business

Don't Worry About What Other People are Doing

Though there is a need to understand what the market is like and what other photographers in your area are doing, it shouldn't be something that you obsess over all the time.

That's because the more time you spend Facebook stalking your competition, the less time you'll have to work on becoming a better photographer and businessperson.

So, that being said, keep feelers out there to see what the competition is doing (i.e., pricing), but don't fall into the photography business mistake of worrying about the competition all the time.

At the end of the day, what will get people in your door is what you do, not what your competitors are or are not doing!

For a few more insights into starting a photography business, check out the video above by Kristy Dickerson.

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