Photography

So, you want to finally follow your passion and start a photography business like a professional. Trust me, there could not be any other thing as fulfilling as doing what you have always wanted to do. However, the decision to start a business by following your passion in photography could be somewhat overwhelming. It is also at this stage that most newbies in the game start off on the wrong foot.

In this article, I have provided a step by step guide to help you hit the ground running as regards running your own successful photography business.

#1: First sit down and have a deep thought about it

The first thing you should do is to sit down and count your costs. Do you really want to build a business around photography? You need to be doubly sure that this is the path you want to travel down on, probably for the rest of your life. You will not become an overnight success in this business – such a thing only happens in Hollywood movies, my friend – but if you put in the hard work, you will be a success. It is a freeing and rewarding venture, one that continually builds your confidence with every action that you take.

You also need to determine your preferred photography interest like landscape or portraits, etc. Remember the “jack of all trades” thingy? Being niche-focused enhances your value and authority in your chosen field, therefore, make up your mind on the way to go before you launch out into the deep.

#2: Get Equipped for the Business

If you are confused about the type of lens and camera you should buy at this stage, it is perfectly understandable. Most professional and highly successful photographers walked this path as well. You do not need to break the bank just because you want to launch your photography business.

If you own a camera already or can borrow one from a friend, then that is good enough to start with. The good thing about cameras is that you can get high-quality ones for cheap from neighbors or friends around you.

Funnily enough, some people will want to divest themselves of their cameras when they need money. You can ask your friends, families, neighbors or even go online (e.g., eBay, etc.) to search for these practically brand-new, yet low-priced cameras.

List of the most essentials to get you started on your journey into photography:

  • Camera
  • Lens
  • SD Card
  • A computer which is necessary for editing pictures

Then, you should start practicing. Practice, they say, makes perfect, so practice as much as you can to perfect your shots, angles, etc.

#3: Take Random Shots Everywhere You Go

This follows where we left off in the previous tip. You should go out every day and capture random moments of the day. Not only will this help you sharpen your photographic skills or edge but will also help in boosting your confidence. This is perhaps, the number one factor that every budding photographer needs in truckloads.

By taking shots, you try out the different settings on your camera, composition techniques, angles, etc. Don’t be afraid to take pictures of friends or lovebirds roving in the park, but remember to ask for their permission, of course. And when you start learning the rope, the next thing you should learn is how to use some essential photo editing software. Trust me, you will be amazed at the type of quality and beautiful photos you can have by just using some good photo color editor.

#4: Take Time to Learn the Basics

Taking your camera everywhere you go also gives you the additional opportunity of learning the basics about the camera you are making use of. It is crucial for you to be able to change the settings or control every aspect of photography equipment, though it is not too important. Learning the basics at this period before you get swamped with massive orders is crucial since your output, in the end, will show you off as a professional.

It’s Christmas season and you may start getting the order to shoot some photos soon. Why not get prepared for that by learning some basic rules for shooting Christmas Scenes.

#5: Get and Register A Business Name

Choosing a business name may be a bit difficult for you since you are not sure whether or not you should go with your personal name or a catchy designation. There are advantages and disadvantages of choosing and using either a personal name or great appellation for business. This is a crucial move or step that must not be taken with levity since your name will virtually become your brand and what you are known for.

If you have a mentor or follow someone who is a success at photography, check them out and determine why they chose the name they bear for their photography business.

#6: Start Building Your Local Network by Volunteering Your Time

Okay, the truth is, people will not magically appear at your doorstep to ask or hire you for your photographic skills. The best way to become known in any field of endeavor – especially photography in this case – is to start volunteering some of your time by taking photographs of others. This is important, especially if you decide to focus on family photography or portrait business.

Start volunteering and showing up at local events like the school sports competition, community festivals, etc. and take photos of friends, families, etc. You can take it a step further by offering your services to a local business in your area.

#7: Use Social Media to Your Advantage

You will agree that social media has transformed the world in more ways than anyone can count. This is why many organizations have an online presence in some of the most popular social media platforms today.

There is no better place to build and grow your portfolio than on Facebook and Instagram. First of all, both platforms are free to use, and secondly, most of your friends, relatives, family, etc. already have several accounts on these platforms.

#8: Create A Photography Blog

Blogging has evolved since the first one popped up on the internet a few years ago. It is an excellent way to keep you busy taking breathtaking pictures and posting them regularly.

Blogging further cements your online presence by showing how dedicated you are in your field. It helps to keep you on track while building faithful followers or audience who will be interested in your success.