starting a business???

[dlopez89]

Ok, so I want to take my photography and turn it into a business. It started in college when I took it for ****s n giggles as a class. It turned into me being a photographer n reporter for the college paper the "American River Current". I have had two offers from friends one a wedding the other a prom. I have an extencive list of equipment from my cannon, two extra batteries and several 2 gig memory cards, and a makeshift backdrop lol... I have let them know full well that i am an amiture and am going to be using these shots for my portfolieo, but what should I do to make it go further. I hope to oneday have my own studieo with seprate rooms set up for spicifick shots such as one for child pics, another set up for glams, ect. I red the post about not selling myself for free... can you expierenced guys help?

Thank you so much

(pardon my spelling my spell check is not working for some reason)

[tim]

Wow, no spell check indeed.

The Wedding FAQ (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=255604) will help. Just be aware that photography is a really, really hard way to make a living unless you're really good, a fantastic business person, and really freaking smart and driven.

[Lens Lenders]

Ok, so I want to take my photography and turn it into a business. It started in college when I took it for ****s n giggles as a class. It turned into me being a photographer n reporter for the college paper the "American River Current". I have had two offers from friends one a wedding the other a prom. I have an extencive list of equipment from my cannon, two extra batteries and several 2 gig memory cards, and a makeshift backdrop lol... I have let them know full well that i am an amiture and am going to be using these shots for my portfolieo, but what should I do to make it go further. I hope to oneday have my own studieo with seprate rooms set up for spicifick shots such as one for child pics, another set up for glams, ect. I red the post about not selling myself for free... can you expierenced guys help?

Thank you so much

(pardon my spelling my spell check is not working for some reason)
Do you have a written business plan? Do you have a plan of exactly how you will LOSE money in your first year and pay the bills to survive to profit in future years?

Every business idea requires a business plan to challenge it before getting $1 of money spent on it.

The process of researching and writing a plan should take you months.

You may discover while researching the business plan that your idea does not stand up. This is a legitimate conclusion to reach while writing a business plan and is, in fact, one of it's purposes.

[dlopez89]

First off I'm not good... I'm fantastic. thus far I have had to compete with everyone else with close to nothing in regards to equipment. Skill is all I have rite now and in order to build my portfolio and eventually gain clients I have to be the best. I know this and so I work everyday to capture that moment that can never been seen again in the same light, priceless.

In terms of my business plan I am in the process. I've been doing some research in my area at the various photographers, what they offer the quality of service, ect... so that I can do better. But also too, that is where I have been running into problems. How do I make those predictions? How can I determine how much my costs will be for 5 or 10 years?

For the most part I was planning on using my first paying jobs to cover basic equipment (a proper backdrop, lighting, a better camera, lenses) I will have to have a job to cover the bills obliviously, and I know that for a long time I wont be making any profit from my photography. That’s ok. I just love being able to sit with my daughter and listen to her remember the events that I shot...

Every business has to have someone who can weather the harshest of storms to see their business grow. I am one of those people. otherwise I wouldn't be on here now, asking the people who have more experience than me for advice. I'm not stupid (despite my spelling) that I don't know when I'm over my head and should seek guidance... im not in any of your areas (hopefully) so I’m not any competition. So? any useful hints or tricks?

[PMCphotography]

Your grammar and punctuation is terrible, spell check or no spell check. A HUGE part of running a business is communicating with clients, creditors, and peers.

There's a big hint.

[Lightchaser]

First off I'm not good... I'm fantastic.

Awesome! Can we see?

[zelseman]

Two things:
1. Spell check is not a substitute for proper spelling. Learn to spell.
2. There is a fine line between cocky and confident. Make sure you don't mistake "your pictures are great" comments from friends and family with reality.

I want to see some shots too! Post them up!

[35mmNewbie]

Looks like everything has been covered so far. I would say you have the determination to do it, just don't be let down when things don't immediately go your way. Do you have a site where you post your pictures?

[Cosha]

If the Op suffers from Dyslexia like myself - you can't just 'learn to spell'

Just like you cant learn some manors'

Learn to use the spell checker, yes i agree with that! I have to put all my words down in a word document first and then post!

'dyslexic people tend to be more creative and might think of more possibilities. So maybe there was something wrong with the question, not with anyone's brains. Maybe the part of the brain that the researchers called overactive was the imagination'


After being thrown under busses from bullies, spat on, urinated on in public, hair set on fire, limbs broken and 10 years of hell i turned to photoshop/graphics and photography as a way out to express myself!

Ill take creativity over spelling anyday!

[Frugal]

Ill take creativity over spelling anyday!Usually clients see your spelling before they give you the opportunity to exercise your creativity. And most take your ability to spell as a barometer of your other abilities.

[Karl Johnston]

Richard Branson was dyslexic and bad in school. Just sayin'.

Creativity (in every sector) and service wins over everything, and having a good back end accountant/business consultant.

Confidence is paramount, way more important than being humble.

This will help you out here:
In terms of my business plan I am in the process. I've been doing some research in my area at the various photographers, what they offer the quality of service, ect... so that I can do better. But also too, that is where I have been running into problems. How do I make those predictions? How can I determine how much my costs will be for 5 or 10 years?

For the most part I was planning on using my first paying jobs to cover basic equipment (a proper backdrop, lighting, a better camera, lenses) I will have to have a job to cover the bills obliviously, and I know that for a long time I wont be making any profit from my photography. That’s ok. I just love being able to sit with my daughter and listen to her remember the events that I shot...


http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=853041

[MCB]

I'm not a pro, but have heard from a lot of pros that times are pretty tough right now. Business is down. It really seems like a bad time to be trying to start a business. As others have already said, photography is a tough business when it comes to paying the bills. There is an awful lot of competition out there with a lot of experience. A friend of mine is trying to start up a photography business right now and it is looking pretty grim.

I'm not saying not to go for it. If this is the one and only thing you want to do, then do it. In that case nothing anyone here says will change your mind anyway. But if you have something that is already paying the bills, stick with it and build that portfolio in your spare time. You can slowly pick up more equipment here and there, get better at post processing, get an even better idea about the market in your area, set up a great website to showcase your work, etc.

Good luck!

[Cosha]

Usually clients see your spelling before they give you the opportunity to exercise your creativity. And most take your ability to spell as a barometer of your other abilities.


Yea, i forgot that an online gallery full of my 'Pictures' is a sure way for people to test my spelling abilities - Im such a moron, i knew i should of put a novel on my Photography webpage instead! d'oh :rolleyes:

[amfoto1]

I bet Richard Branson hires people to craft his letters perfectly, so that he communicates very effectively.

Nothing wrong with being confident and goin' for it...

You do need to temper things with a small dose of reality, though. For example, no photographer should ever show up at a wedding with just one camera. That would be irresponsible. If anything goes wrong (and that's where it tends to do so), there are no do-overs. You are dealing with someone's once-in-a-lifetime event. Screw it up and you'll get the kind of reputation that kills businesses off in a hurry. If you aren't equipped for it and can't beg, borrow or steal the extra equipment, you should refer the B&G to a photog who is ready to meet their needs (and who might hire you as a second shooter).

It is quite true, too, that most successful people try and fail 100 times for ever time they succeed. Any startup business will be an expense to you the first couple years, as you nurture and build it. Many people have worked boring second jobs and put in horrendously long hours to achieve their dreams. There are no shortcuts or easy turn-key solutions. Don't expect to make a profit for one, two, or even more years. Art Morris (www.birdsasart.com) tells how it took him ten years before he truly felt his business was established and comfortably "in the black". Something like 7 out of 10 new businesses don't survive into their third year of existence. In photography, I'd bet it's more like 9 out of 10.

The best photographer in the world, lacking an ounce of business sense will doom their professional career long before it even starts. Stop being concerned about taking great photos (since you say that's not a problem) and start being concerned about all the business considerations such as making a profit, gearing up appropriately and adequately to meet customers' needs, biz communication, accounting skills, record keeping for taxes, business licenses, insurance and such, plus all the other ugly little necessities that are utterly boring to most "creative types". If you let these things slide, you won't be in business very long.

The problem is that a lot of great photographers... creative types... are really poor at the business side of things. Maybe it's a right-brain, left-brain thing. In order to make a reasonable living as a professional paid photographer, you have to find a way balance things, you have to apply yourself to and concentrate on the areas where you are weakest. Unfortunately, a rather mediocre photographer who hasn't got a shred of creativity, but is a real whiz in business, marketing, self-promotion, etc. is far more likely to succeed.

There are a number of ways we all can make up for our shortcomings, while emphasizing our strengths. Some people get into partnerships - even marriages - where each person complements the other by bringing a different skill set to the equation. Alternative is to buy into an established successful biz model (a franchise, for example) or go work for one that's already successful (an employer/mentor or internship, so to speak). There's always a way, just look for one that makes sense for you.

The reason Richard Branson was so successful at a very young age was because he had a very strong passion for business. Right time and right place with the right idea also were key. He also said that to become a millionaire airline owner (referencing Virgin Air when it was just starting up), it helps a great deal if you start out as a billionaire.

Yes, today's economy has everyone crying the blues. It's not easy, but as Jim Cramer says, "There's always a bull market somewhere." The trick is finding it.

Excuse me now... I'm going to go work on learnin' some manners, back at my manor. ;)

[Cosha]

Excuse me now... I'm going to go work on learnin' some manners, back at my manor. ;)


Shame, your post was full of great information, and then you had to spoil it! Congratulations, i bet that felt good!

[Frugal]

Yea, i forgot that an online gallery full of my 'Pictures' is a sure way for people to test my spelling abilities - Im such a moron, i knew i should of put a novel on my Photography webpage instead! d'oh

No one is going to give you a job just by looking at your pictures. There will be emails, correspondence, contracts, price lists.

ALL you have to do is use a spell checker - I don't know why that's so complicated.

[dlopez89]

Usually clients see your spelling before they give you the opportunity to exercise your creativity. And most take your ability to spell as a barometer of your other abilities.

Do you give a client an unedited picture? Sorry if I sound rude but that’s rather idiotic isn't, not to mention how unprofessional. To give a client anything without making sure everything is in order?

No I don't have any learning disorders. I had top marks in everything except spelling when I was in school. I've even gone so far as to memorize 10 words a day, but soon I would just forget how to spell it. I don't know why, just call it my Achilles heel. and I didn't thing my spelling and grammar would be the highlight of this thread. Also, I thought I would be talking about... I don't know... photography, bouncing ideas off of each other maybe.

[dlopez89]

Amfoto 1,

Lots of great informaion. I really appreatate you'r angle (ie, you'r not condecending but there is the reality aspect that can never be forgotten yet always does, plus you'r not harping on my spelling, granted I set myself up for that one lol)

[sam80]

Determination is something that will build after each failure in your life and coming straight out of school, you probably won't have enough of it. Don't accept any excuse or compromise from yourself or your kit. Other people won't wait for your excuses before they judge you and bad spelling will make you appear stupid regardless of the reality.


I found that the best way to improve my English was to read books (on anything you want) and the best way to improve my spelling was to attempt to spell the word rather than relying on spell checker.


See this as encouragement, not criticism. I'm not saying you can't do it, I'm just saying that it will be worth it to take your time and prepare. It will be a lot harder to do the second time around if you fail first time.

[Shawn_BS]

dlopez, post up some pics so we can see your talent!!

[sodabiscuit12345]

Hey Diopez,

I cant believe how harsh people on this forum can be. Also, it almost feels like some are trying to talk you out of it even before you even begin.

Look, if you are dead broke, with limited time, and tons of bills to pay, becoming a photographer with limited experience may be a bad idea.

But from your posts, it seems like you are fresh out of college, have a lot of ambition, a fair bit of time on your hands, and want to be a photographer? If that is the case, you will succeed and the worst case scenario is that you will have bought some extra camera gear that will then be tax deductible for your small business.

Some people make things sound so freaking complicated.

This does not have to be a do or die decision.

-Open a small business (few hundred bucks)
-Go shoot at your friends wedding.
-while there meet some people, hand out business cards.
-Ask your friends if they know anyone getting married. network.
-Maybe this summer you will have 10 shoots, maybe you'll have 20?
Maybe you'll find out you suck and your spelling has ruined your life forever.

Who knows but I think you should try and feel things out. If you're great with people and have a knack for finding clients, you'll start making more money, and you'll be able to get more gear.

Basically my advice is to go out and try. If it fails, you'll still be young, you'll still be ambitious and hopefully you have a nice camera that you passed off as a company expense.

good luck

[reelly1]

It is a shame that somany people get blasted for wanting to start a photography business. It is tough I am sure like any other business. But this is a photography forum so I imagine there will be a lot of people wanting to start a photography business on a photography forum.

I say if you have the time and as good as you say you are, take sodabiscuits advice and go for it! If you dont at least try you will always wonder "what if?".

[PhotosGuy]

I cant believe how harsh people on this forum can be. Also, it almost feels like some are trying to talk you out of it even before you even begin.
Personally, I'd rather see that than a bunch of "Yr pics r great!" comments? (Which BTW, the OP hasn't posted a link to yet?) ;)

So. You want to become a professional photographer? (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=773521)

The 10 Myths Of Freelancing (And What It’s Really Like) (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=688331)

How did you become a pro (or semi-pro)? (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=41194)

Starting Your Photo Biz… Part 1: You Sure ‘Bout That? (http://photojojo.com/content/photojojo-original/starting-photo-business/)

Lots of links here:
Getting a business license as Sole Proprietor or LLC (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=478815)

[PMCphotography]

Hey Diopez,

I cant believe how harsh people on this forum can be. Also, it almost feels like some are trying to talk you out of it even before you even begin.



It is a shame that somany people get blasted for wanting to start a photography business. It is tough I am sure like any other business. But this is a photography forum so I imagine there will be a lot of people wanting to start a photography business on a photography forum.


The problem here is that running/owning a photography business has very little to do with photography.

Huh? How can that be?

There are lots of people out there who can take better pictures than you, better than me, better than everyone. A successful photography business involves marketing, branding, advertising, networking, and communicating- NOT just a bunch of pretty pictures. If you can't come across as even moderately well spoken, you're at a severe disadvantage right from the start. So before you start buying gear, printing business cards, and getting price lists and counting the cash you think you'll make, invest in some Writing classes/lessons. Take a public speaking course. If you meet someone and tell "i'm a wedding photographer" and you stutter and stammer and sound like your mouth is full of marbles, as good as your photos are, you'll have a hard time convincing them to hire you.

Your grammar and spelling are bad. That reflects badly on you. Even if your photos are spectacular.

[James Robert Gratiot]

American River... are you based in Sacramento?

[HappySnapper90]

Ok, so I want to take my photography and turn it into a business. It started in college when I took it for ****s n giggles as a class. It turned into me being a photographer n reporter for the college paper the "American River Current". I have had two offers from friends one a wedding the other a prom. I have an extencive list of equipment from my cannon, two extra batteries and several 2 gig memory cards
(pardon my spelling my spell check is not working for some reason)

An extensive list of equipment, which includes batteries and memory cards? What else? What kind of "cannon"? Hmm. And where is the portfolio you speak of so we can see your ability? Kind of sounds like a MWAC (mom with a camera) wanting to make money with a camera that sounds so common these days.

P.S. My browser comes with a spell check add-on installed. :)

[Jon Foster]

Sorry if this has been pointed out already (I just fast scanned the thread). Starting your own business can and will be very stressful. No matter how well prepared you think you are, something will come up and blind side you. No wait, there will be several things that blind side you. I can't tell you how many nights I've lost sleep because of stressful situations. Some turn out to be nothing while others can stop you dead in your tracks.

I think being able to take good pictures is great but being able to take good pictures and handle the daily requirements of running a successful business are very difficult. At best it's a carefully choreographed balancing act.

Jon.