Tips for setting up your own photography business

1 Research the industry
Taking your photography from a hobby and turning it into a business is a big step and, as such, it is vital that you thoroughly research the industry before taking the leap. When doing your research you need to find out exactly what income the average photographer makes, how long it took them to start making a profit from their business, what type of photography you’re planning to specialise in, and what the market is like for this type of photography. As well as this, you need to research your local area, looking at how many other photographers already operate in your area and what makes you and your photography unique.

If you’ve done your research properly you will have a clear idea of what type of photography you need to be offering, how much you can expect to earn, how long it will take you to start making a profit and whether or not your photography business has a chance of long-term success in your area.

2 Sign up for courses and training
Once you’ve done your research it can be tempting to jump straight in and start setting up your photography business, however it might be a good idea to take a step back and sign up for extra courses and training. Signing up to photography courses and training will help you gain accreditation or qualifications that will help you to succeed as a professional photographer, improve your skills, while also helping you to make contacts within the industry. Along with photography courses, consider signing up for business training as well. Once you start your photography business you will not only be a professional photographer but a business owner as well, so it is essential that you have a good grounding in business knowledge. The Barrett & Coe courses cover both photography and the business aspects of setting up a photography operation.

3 Get help from a franchise
If you’re unsure about the business aspect of going professional, or simply would like to know that you have support from a large company, consider becoming a franchisee. By joining a photography franchise you will gain the support, training and experience of a reputable and established company, along with the expertise and support of seasoned professionals, but you will also have the satisfaction and independence of owning your own photography business. Prior to joining a franchise, however, you should thoroughly research the company and decide if the brand is the right choice for you, as neither you nor the franchisor would want to enter into a partnership that wasn’t the right fit for both parties involved.

4 Be professional at all times
While photography is your passion and you would happily do it for free, once you turn professional you must remember that you are just that – a professional photographer – and, as such, you need to act like a professional. This means turning up on time for shoots, ensuring that you have the correct equipment with you, dealing with your customers in a friendly and efficient manner, dressing appropriately, ensuring that your invoices are paid on time and that you pay yours as well.

5 Utilise social media
Marketing will go a long way into helping potential customers know about you and your business, so it is something you should invest a significant amount of resources into getting right. While traditional marketing initiatives are still important, it is also a good idea to utilise social media. Having a professional and attractive website is a must, as many potential customers will find your business through searching online; however it is also important to have a presence on Facebook and Twitter and ensure that you update your social media profiles regularly. Pinterest is another vital social media platform for photographers, as this will enable you to showcase your work to a wide audience and help you to build your reputation as a photographer.

Contact us today for details on how our training can help you start your own business