Starting a Photography Business!?!?! HELP

Question

I want to start a side business taking pictures. I have an eye for great pictures, but there are a lot of things I don't have: digital SLR/studio space/word-of-mouth/confidence/experienc... I know these things can come with time, but I need some fresh ideas - something I haven't thought of already. I would just LOVE to do weddings/senior pictures on weekends. Thanks in advance!!!

Answer 1

1) Don't overbuy equipment.

This is the #1 way beginning studio owners hurt themselves.

You need two kits to do weddings so one can go south without stopping your service.

Do not buy 10 lenses.

Do not buy "top of the line" accessories like B&W or Heilopan filters etc. Your client will not be able to tell you paid double for your accessories.

Get two wide range brand name zooms, 18mm-200mm, and use them for everything.

2) Have an e-commerce web site to sell prints.

You lose big bucks twin checking prints for ordering and then deciphering Aunt Betty's order.



This also allows you good upselling advantages for the relatives.

3) Offer additional services.

Banners and signage, custom bound high quality art paper photo books, large canvas and laminated prints.

4) Get a printer

Having a 24" printer can be a good profit center, I have a 44" and it definitely pays for itself.

5) Get a powerful portable flash 400-800ws with one or more heads.

6) Get 42" and 60" 5 in one light disks.

The flash and light disks allow you to do environmental portraits.

7) Master photoshop.

Or you will work too hard doing simple tasks.

8) Expect years of hard work to see a livable return, your photo income should pretty much double each year until you have saturated your market.

Answer 2

Create a portfolio of photos you have taken and use this as your resume for prospective clients.

Call your local high school and talk to the yearbook adviser.  See if you can donate some of your time and photos.  This will get you and your work out to the community and the teenagers.  

Advertise in your local paper offering a large discount to the first 5 seniors who have their photos done.  Then use them for a referral base.  (You actually want to do this now since most have their photos done in summer or early fall!)

If you attend church see if you can do some samples shots in the church.  Check with other local business that are in related fields (local florist, local wedding gown shop, local tux shop, local beauty shop) and see if they will donate flowers, a wedding gown, someone they know who can model, etc. and take photos.  Give the businesses that help you copies of the photos with your business card for them to place at their business and then you also take cards or literature from them to give to the people you meet.