West Australia

Hi,

I have been thinking of moving to west Australia ''Perth'' for a while now, but I have always wondered wondered about the photography business scene there.

Would any West Australian Photographers recommend Moving over there.

I can also start an export business if my photography business doesn't take off immediately.

Any Advice is appreciated!

Never did much photography there, but I LOVE the place!

No west Australian photographers on POTN?

I'm in Albany 500 kilometres away from the main city of Perth. I think there are plenty of photographers working up there, I'm unsure of what the industry is like

Brody Butler is on POTN. Not sure of his user name but he is Perth based.

aladyforty wrote in post #15871988
I'm in Albany 500 kilometres away from the main city of Perth. I think there are plenty of photographers working up there, I'm unsure of what the industry is like

That's a long way, but I will request all the info I can get. I hope you don't mind.

What are the living costs and rents like? Is it likely to be very expensive? especially for a startup.

@ 1000d, lets hope he sees the thread.

I guess it depends on what you class as expensive

here is a link to some info on property

http://reiwa.com.au …es/Market-indicators.aspx

cost of living

http://www.numbeo.com …ntry=Australia&​city=Perth

there are a lot of photographers in Perth, not sure what the market would be like to break into

There is a lot of photographers in perth, but i may see the numbers differently as i work with a lot of them.
Photographers range from the $500 - all images on a cd, find me on craigslist, to guys who are charging massive amounts of money - but produce some incredible work.
As for rent and cost of living - its pretty pricey - a cheap rent is $300 a week, typically further from the city, and in a "dodgier" area - they go up the closer you get to the city.


I havent had any trouble getting photographic work here - but i dont depend on weddings and portraits to live, i work for a newspaper, and do the ocassional wedding on the side.


If you do move - there are 3 good professional camera shops - Pra Imaging, Camera Electronic and Team Digital (along with a bunch of little overpriced ones, typically a Camera House branded store)

I am a massive fan of PRA Imaging - they have always been helpful, friendly and have looked after me.

What genres are you thinking about doing? If it is the domestic market then you can expect a lot of competition. One of thing to bear in mind is that Perth is one of the most remote cities in the world with a population in excess of one million (Its nearest city of at least one million population is Adelaide, 2,139 kilometres (air travel distance)). What that means is dependant on your genre your market may be limited... or rather there is only so much pie to go around.

I'm not sure if you are in Australia or not already but there are a few things to be aware of about the photography industry in Australia in general. Of those who start up a photography business only about 5% make it past the first 3 years. I believe this drops to around 3% still in business after 5 years. There is a large proportion of those working as photographers who are part time and the average income from memory isn't much more than $40k per year. There are those who make a good living out of it but in the grand scheme of things they are in the minority.

If you are planning on setting up a photography business realistically expect to have to have a secondary income for your first few years in business. In the domestic market be prepared for the fact that you may struggle getting enough work to transition from part time to full time.

The cost of living is relatively high (depending on where you are coming from). In fact some of the common jokes about Perth relate to asking why some things are so expensive. Cost of living is all relative though as to what you are used to and what your requirements are.

Echo63 wrote in post #15874242
There is a lot of photographers in perth, but i may see the numbers differently as i work with a lot of them.
Photographers range from the $500 - all images on a cd, find me on craigslist, to guys who are charging massive amounts of money - but produce some incredible work.
As for rent and cost of living - its pretty pricey - a cheap rent is $300 a week, typically further from the city, and in a "dodgier" area - they go up the closer you get to the city.


I havent had any trouble getting photographic work here - but i dont depend on weddings and portraits to live, i work for a newspaper, and do the ocassional wedding on the side.


If you do move - there are 3 good professional camera shops - Pra Imaging, Camera Electronic and Team Digital (along with a bunch of little overpriced ones, typically a Camera House branded store)

I am a massive fan of PRA Imaging - they have always been helpful, friendly and have looked after me.

memoriesoftomorrow wrote in post #15874323
What genres are you thinking about doing? If it is the domestic market then you can expect a lot of competition. One of thing to bear in mind is that Perth is one of the most remote cities in the world with a population in excess of one million (Its nearest city of at least one million population is Adelaide, 2,139 kilometres (air travel distance)). What that means is dependant on your genre your market may be limited... or rather there is only so much pie to go around.

I'm not sure if you are in Australia or not already but there are a few things to be aware of about the photography industry in Australia in general. Of those who start up a photography business only about 5% make it past the first 3 years. I believe this drops to around 3% still in business after 5 years. There is a large proportion of those working as photographers who are part time and the average income from memory isn't much more than $40k per year. There are those who make a good living out of it but in the grand scheme of things they are in the minority.

If you are planning on setting up a photography business realistically expect to have to have a secondary income for your first few years in business. In the domestic market be prepared for the fact that you may struggle getting enough work to transition from part time to full time.

The cost of living is relatively high (depending on where you are coming from). In fact some of the common jokes about Perth relate to asking why some things are so expensive. Cost of living is all relative though as to what you are used to and what your requirements are.

My main genre is portraits and product photography, that being said, if given the opportunity I am not afraid of traveling to the neighbouring cities for destination weddings . I have thought a few beginner photography courses so that could also be an option, no? I am not sure if there is a Market for it in perth though.

I am also a 3D artist and Architectural Visualiser....so there is that too.

I live in london right now and the rent for a a small 4 bedroom house is around £576-£700 Per week, Not cheap by any standard.


Thank you the ifor everyone. It is much appreciated.

Also are there many Photoframe sellers in Pert? In fact, what percentage of your customers have ended up ordering photo frames that you are aware of?

I have no idea as I don't sell prints. I've seen a lot of framing companies going out of business though.

I've never been to Perth, but Australia in general is an amazing continent to start a photography business! Stay near a beach!