I want to hear your story

[sugargirl342]

Hi guys, I am a photography student in college. Since I was little I have loved to take pictures of things and people. Now that I am in college I have decided that I want to be a photographer and have my own studio. I just wanted to hear your story, how you got started what your doing now ect. I'm curious how everyone has done it. If you have any tips that could help me get closer to my goal I would appreciate it. Just hearing your story will be cool too. Thanks, Meg. :D

[12345Michael54321]

If you want a really good tip, that'll get you closer to your goal of running a successful photography studio, it would be this -

Take fewer photography classes, and more classes in accounting, business management, marketing, business law, etc.

I'm not saying that photography classes aren't important, but running a photography business is about more than just photography - it's also about running a successful business. You can be the most talented photographer in your region of the country, but if you lack necessary business skills, your studio will probably fail within the first 18 months.

And especially when starting out, you can't rely on hired professionals to handle everything for you. At the very, very least, you have to know enough to handle routine business matters, and to knowledgeably discuss more complex business and financial matters with the experts.

BTW, this advice applies not just to people looking to run a successful photography studio. It applies with equal force to would-be chefs who dream of owning their own restaurant, writers who want to start their own magazine, mechanics who want to open their own auto repair business, etc.

Oh, and this advice is usually ignored. And the business typically fails.

[IndyJeff]

I once read or heard at a conference that something like 20% of all small business failures are caused by poor accounting practices which lead to tax problems.

I will say this, he is right about learning the business side. If you are a good photographer but lack any accounting skills, take a course or two on business management and tax law.

Of course the best way to do it would be to have the capital to hire a CPA who can help you set the business up and do the accounting for you. He/she will only be as good as the information you give them tho, i.e. receipts, bank deposit receipts etc. They can be expensive but can also save you a ton of money in taxes if you follow their advice.

You also have to have a marketing plan. The best images, and great accounting will not mean anything if you don't have a good market for your photos. Try to identify who your market will be, news organizations, youth sports (parents), real estate, stock, senior pictures, weddings etc, etc.
When I set up my photogaphy business, it took me about 3 months before I was ready to start prospecting for clients. Surprisingly enough I had my first job booked for about a week away on my first round of contacts. I wasn't nearly as prepared as I thought I was. My marketing plan was horrible. I made some money but, about 1/3 of what I should have. I got a better plan and the next tournament sales improved by about 50%.
I am dedicating the winter, and probably $1000 or so, towards marketing for next year.

So the moral of the story here is....
1. Get a marketing plan first.
2. Learn how to keep the books or hire a guy to do it.

[sugargirl342]

I realize that the buisness classes will come in handy. I plan on take those classes next year. Right now I'm taking the basic photography classes learning the darkroom and things like that.

I actuallly work at a small photography studio and just from working there I have learnt a lot about how to do somethings and things not to do. Thanks Meg :D

[sugargirl342]

I know I have a lot of things to look at and decide before i go and jump into anything right away. thanks for the advice and anything else you have that could help in the right way will always be appreciated. Thanks Meg :D

[IndyJeff]

Meg, what type of photography interests you the most?

Hopefully it is more than just one area. Get the yellow pages out and look under PHOTOGRAPHERS and see how many are listed in your field of interest. That may give you a clue as to how competitive that particular field may be. You could also go to the local libraby and see if the have past editions of the yellow pages. Compare about every 3 years and see who was in business and who is still in business.

Do you go to school in your home town or are you away from home? If your not a local, you might contact a local photographer and ask about an assistant position. Be sure to tell him you are from Any City USA and only here for school adn would like to start a studio back home. One guy I know who is a studio photographer told me he doesn't like to hire assistants who are from the area as they tend to learn from him and then become competitors. You may learn more in a year on the job with him/her than you will in 4 years of school.

[sugargirl342]

I think I'm interested in studio work seniors family ect... but yet modleing and magazine work would be fun as well. still trying to figure it all out.
I am still at home and work with the local photographer but I like the idea for when I go away, see if I can do something with someone new.