This post provides a unique collection of hand-picked resources that you can access anytime.
The articles are written by various authors, giving you a broad overview of what it’s like to start and run a photography business. You could use these resources during the startup phase, and once the business is up and running.
Before you reach the resources further down the page, let’s go over a few considerations related to starting your business.
The Type of Person Suited for This Type of Opportunity
People with a creative flair, have an eye for detail, is patient, and has excellent people skills, may do well in this business. Also, you need to have an entrepreneurial spirit. The good news is you can learn the skills and build on the character traits you don’t have.
What you do need are dedication and passion. When you’re passionate about the business you’re considering, you’ll have the drive needed to improve your success rate.
Pros and Cons
PROS:
- You are The boss.
- You have creative control.
- Most events you’ll be covering are celebrations, and the mood is positive.
- When business is slow, you can always build your portfolio.
- You meet a lot of people.
- If you like celebrations, you could be attending a lot of them.
CONS:
- You can’t miss or be late to an event you booked, no matter what.
- Revenue can be sporadic.
- You can only handle one event at a time unless you have a crew.
- You’ll probably be busier during spring and summer compared to the winter months.
- If you make a mistake during an event, you can’t undo it, for example, missing that important shot at a wedding.
For more see, The Pros and Cons of Owning Your Own Business.
Getting Inside Information
Here’s a tip to get inside information about this business. You can search for photography businesses for sale. Contact the owners and go over how the business operates, the profitability, the customer base, etc. Naturally, you would have a list of pre-written questions to ask.
This technique has two benefits.
1. You will get inside information from someone that has experience. You’ll gain tips and insights that are hard to come by.
2. You may find a business that is a good opportunity, and it may be better for you to purchase a profitable business that comes with a customer base and ready for you to take over.
You can also contact business owners to interview. When taking this approach, you need to find a business that you won’t compete with. For more on getting inside information, see An Inside Look Into The Business, You’re Considering.
The Competition
You need to research the region you’re planning to operate in and review the competition. If there is no competition, you may have hit the jackpot, or more likely, there isn’t a demand for photographers in the area. If there is no demand, you may need to operate somewhere else.
If there are many photographers in the area, you may be dealing with a saturated market, with no room for newcomers. If you plan to enter a saturated market, you need to improve or bring something new to the market to compete.
For more on this topic, see, What Is the Demand for Your Products and Services.
Cost Considerations
Your startup cost can’t be determined until you have a clear plan on how you will operate. You may be planning on a one-person operation. Or you have plans to hire a crew and create a studio and cover a large area.
You need to plan first then start to research your startup cost. For more see, Estimating Startup Costs – Are You Missing Anything?
Legalization
Your business registration and stationary can cost you anywhere from a couple hundred to a couple of thousand dollars, depending on how you plan to operate. You can operate as a sole proprietor or as a corporation or an LLC.
There are pros and cons to each type of company you create. The simplest is a sole proprietorship. Corporations and Partnerships are more complicated. No matter what you choose, you must register correctly to avoid legal troubles; for more see, How to Register Your Business Using These Resources.
Insurance
With any business, you must have the right insurance. Whether you operate from home or a commercial location, once you have clients coming and going, you need to be insured in case of an accident.
Insurance competition is high, and that gives you many plans to choose from that are affordable. See the resources further down the page to get the right business insurance.
Equipment Considerations
Your gear is where a lot of your startup budget will be used. It’s important to keep your costs down as much as possible, especially during the startup phase, because you don’t have any revenue coming in.
Many businesses fail during the first few years because they don’t have enough revenue to keep the doors open until they are profitable.
Unless you have unlimited funds, you need to purchase equipment that will do the job effectively and nothing more. You can always upgrade your gear once your business is up and running. Another benefit to upgrading later is you’ll better understand what you need and what will work best for you.
Do some research to help you get the right equipment during the startup stage.
Add-ons
Will, you focus strictly on photography only, or do you plan to offer other services? For example, video coverage, along with photos, is a good match. You would need help to do this. You can’t be shooting a video and taking photos at the same time.
Many businesses that offer photography also offer video. In the early stages, you can even hire a videographer to cover the events with you.
If you plan to use a drone to enhance your photos, see How To Start A Drone Photography Business.
A few more ideas that come to mind for add-ons are:
PhotoBooth
Offering a photo booth for events where guests can use props and take some memorable photos.
Online Photo Gallery
You could also create a site or a Facebook page for the wedding and other events. You could create a few professional templates and allow your clients to choose the template they want.
You would then customize it and add content. This is also a good idea to build and show off your portfolio. Naturally, you would need permission to show other clients these pages.
Summary Presentation
Another add on is to create a summary of the event using a blend of the photos and video. You could use a program like PowerPoint, Keynote, or Adobe Premier. You would highlight the most important parts of the event and be short and sweet with tasteful transitions. This is great for those that don’t want to spend the time to see the full version.
Getting the Word Out and Getting Customers
How will you get clients during the startup phase? Getting those first few clients is always the toughest. You don’t have referrals. You don’t have a strong portfolio yet, and people may be reluctant to hire you because of a lack of experience.
You can do a few things to get started. The first thing you need to do is build a portfolio of your work. You can also cover a few events free of charge to get some experience and build up your portfolio.
During these events, you have to give it your best and play mind games because, in reality, you are getting paid! It’s something worth more than cash. It’s experience and a reputation.
You can also search for a wedding planner in the area and set up some meetings. You could show them your portfolio and offer your services. You could even cover a couple of weddings for free to prove yourself. This can be a great opportunity to build a long term business relationship. You could also refer their services when an opportunity comes up.
Will You Operate From Home or a Commercial Location
This type of business can easily be run out of your home. If your business expands to the point where you may need a studio and need to hire employees, you have the option to expand to a commercial location.
Operating from home can keep your monthly expenses to a minimum, which is important, especially during the early days of starting your business.
What Pricing Will You Set For your Photography Services?
It’s important to set up your pricing properly. If you set your prices too high, you may make more profit but have fewer clients. If you set your pricing too; low, you can harm your work’s perceived value and come off as an amateur.
Your prices have to be in range with the market in your area. Focus on Value. Customers want to make the right decision, and price does come into play, though the value they receive will affect the decision.
For more on pricing your products and services see, How To Set Prices To Improve Sales, Revenue, and Profits.
A Collection of Hand-picked Resources Related to a Photography Business
Below you’ll find the resources that were mentioned at the beginning of this post. It took time to find and organize these resources. Spend as much time as you can to get the information that will make a difference. Remember you can come back anytime you need to use them.
Good luck!
Types of Photography Businesses You Can Start
Examples of Photography Business Ideas
21 Profitable Types of Freelance Photography
TOP 6 Most Profitable Photography styles • Eat, Sleep, Wander
15 Types of Photography Genres to Pursue as a Professional Photographer
TOP 6 Most Profitable Photography businesses | by Dragan Tapshanov | Medium
30 Types of Photographers Exposed – Which One Are You? – Photodoto
What To Know Before Starting a Photography Business
26 Things I Wish I’d Known Before Starting My Photography Business Pt 1
7 Things I Wish I Knew When I Started My Photography Business
14 Things You’ll Want to Know Before Starting a Photography Business
5 Things to Know Before You Start a Photography Business | Fstoppers
How to Start a Photography Business
Guide: How to Start a Successful Photography Business
How to Start a Photography Business – businessnewsdaily.com
How to Start a Home-Based Photography Business
How to Start a Photography Business – The Ultimate Handbook
How To Start A Photography Business: 7 Simple Steps to Success
How to Start a Photography Business: Your Complete Guide – ShootProof Blog
How to Start a Photography Business in Four Simple Steps
How to Start a Photography Business: The Ultimate Guide
Start A Photography Business: The 2020 ‘How To’ Guide
How to Start a Photography Business
How to Start a Photography Business from Home
What to Consider Before You Start
Reasons for Getting Into Your Own Business
The Pros and Cons of Owning Your Own Business
10 Questions You Must Ask Before Starting a Business
Passion – An Important Key You Need to Succeed in Business
Steps and Considerations
Over 21 Steps and Considerations When Starting Your Business
Getting Inside Information
An Inside Look Into The Business You’re Considering
A Simple Guide To Starting A Business
How to Start A Business – Making a Complex Topic Simple
How to Finance Your Business
Small Business Loans for Photography Business | SmartBiz Loans
Securing Startup Funds for your Photography Business
Personal Assistant Photography Company Business Loans- Crestmont Capital
Everything You Need To Know About Business Loans
How To Register a Business
How to Register Your Business Using These Resources
Do Freelance Photographers Need a Business License? – Young Photopreneur
Licenses for Photographers: Start your business without getting sued! – Improve Photography
Photography License – What Is It and When Do You Need One
Photography Business Name Ideas
Selecting a Good Name for Your Business
50 Creative Photography Name Ideas – FeltMagnet – Crafts
400+ Creative Photography Business Names – Starter Story
1,000+ Photography Company Business Name Ideas + Availability Check
Photography Business Names: 300+ Clever Photography Studio Names
Photography Business Names: 400+ Elegant Names for Photography
Business Plan
How to Write a Business Plan Using This Unique Collection of Resources
How to Write a Marketing Plan Using These Select Resources
10 Key Steps for Writing Your Photography Business Plan
How to Write a Photography Business Plan
Build A Solid Photography Business Plan In 11 Simple Steps
How to Write a Photography Business Plan and Nail It
How to Create a Photography Marketing Plan
3 Questions to Start Your Photography Marketing Plan: Joy of Marketing
How to Make a Great Photography Marketing Plan – ShootProof Blog
Trends and Statistics
Photography in the US – Industry Data, Trends, Stats | IBISWorld
2020 Photography Industry Statistics & Market Research Report – AnythingResearch
2020 Commercial Photography Industry Statistics & Market Research Report – AnythingResearch
An Overview of the Photography Industry – SPLENTO Blog
Photographers & Photography Studios – Industry Analysis, Trends, Statistics …
Profitability and Revenue
Estimating the Profitability and Revenue for a New Business
The truth about earning a living from your photography
What Does It Take to Make a Photography Business Profitable? | Insureon
How To Be An Affordable AND Profitable Photographer
How I spread my photography business for maximum profitability
How to Create Pricing for Wedding Photographers — Tony Wodarck
Startup and Operating Costs
Estimating Startup Costs – Are You Missing Anything?
Photography Business Startup Cost – businessnewsdaily.com
How Much does it Cost to Start a Photography Business?
How Much Does It Cost To Start a Photography Business?
Photography Business: Start-Up Cost – Click it Up a Notch
How Much Does it Cost to Start a Photography Business?
How Much Does It Cost to Start a Photography Business?
Equipment
Essential Office Equipment You May Need to Run Your Business
25 Things You Need to Start a Photography Business – Small Business Trends
What Equipment Do You Need to Start a Photography Business?
What Equipment Is Needed to Start a Photography Business | Small Business – Chron.com
Most Important Equipment When Starting a Photography Business
What Gear Do You Really Need To Start A Photography Business?
Top 8 Essential Things to Buy When Starting a Photography Business
66 Must-Have Tools for Building a Six-Figure Photography Business: Joy of Marketing
How Much Equipment Do I Need To Start A Photography Business? • Biblino
Insurance
Here’s Everything You Need To Know About Business Insurance
5 Insurance Options for Protecting Your Business and Gear as a Photographer
5 Types of Insurance Every Photographer Needs
Photographer Insurance – Liability Insurance for Photographers | Hiscox
General Liability Insurance for Photographers & Videographers | Insureon
Photography Insurance | The Hartford
Photographer Insurance | Progressive Commercial
Camera Insurance and Photography Insurance – Nationwide
Employee Considerations
The Pros and Cons of Running a One-Person Business
How and When to Hire a New Employee
Common Jobs Needed for Running a Business
Hiring an Employee VS Subcontracting
Business Cards
How to Design Business Cards That Draw Attention
Photography Business Cards | Business Card for Photographers | MOO | MOO (United States)
20+ Best Photography Business Card Designs (2019 Creative Ideas & Examples)
20 Coolest Photography Business Cards Ideas
40 Creative Photography Business Card Designs for Inspiration
Latest Image Search Results Related to Photography Business Cards
Logo
How to Create an Impressive Logo
Photography Logo Maker – Create a Logo Design in Minutes | Tailor Brands
Photographer Logo Maker | Online Logo Maker | Placeit
Free Photography Logo Maker, Creator & Logo Generator Online
Photography Logo Ideas: Make Your Own Photography Logo – Looka
33 photography logos you’ll actually remember – Designer Blog
Photography logo design | Etsy
Free Photography Logo Design – Make Photography Logos in Minutes
Free Photography Logo Design – Make Photography Logos in Minutes
Latest Image Search Results Related to Photography Business Logos
Software
Best Photography Studio Software 2020 | Reviews of the Most Popular Tools & Systems
8 Best Studio Management Software for Photographers
20 Amazing Photography Studio Management Software
Photography Studio Management Software Guide for 2019 (Updated)
The 5 Best CRMs for Photographers [2020 Edition] | Bloom
Photography Studio Software Reviews & Ranking for 2020 | GetApp®
Photography Studio Software 2020 – Best Application Comparison | GetApp®
5 Best Photography Business Management Software Apps
Best Photography Studio Software – 2020 Reviews & Comparison
Business For Sale
Buy A Business or Build one From Scratch?
An Inside Look Into The Business You’re Considering
Photography Businesses for Sale | Buy Photography Businesses at BizQuest
Service Businesses For Sale – BizBuySell
Photographic Service Businesses For Sale in the US, 6 Available To Buy Now
Art Photography Businesses for Sale BusinessBrokernet
Photography Studios For Sale, 12 Available Worldwide
Latest Search Results Related to Photography Business For Sale
Franchise Opportunities
The Ins and Outs of Owning A Franchise
Photography Franchise Opportunities – Franchising.com
Best Photography Franchise | Spoiled Rotten Photography
Photography Franchises for Sale – 35 Opportunities
The 6 Best Photography Franchise Opportunities For Sale
Photography & Video Franchises | Goldstein Law Firm
Established Photography Business
Top Photography Agencies – Reviews 2020 | GoodFirms
Top Rated Photography Companies on Trustpilot
Marketing Tips
13 Expert Photography Marketing Ideas : Joy of Marketing
15 Easy Photography Marketing Strategies (That Really Work!)
5 Amazing Photography Marketing Ideas To Grow Your Business | StrategyBeam
Effective Photography Marketing Ideas
52 Photography Marketing Ideas for Your Photography Business – Magazine Mama
10 Ways to Promote Your Portrait Photography Business
5 Top Tips for Marketing Your Photography Business Successfully
How to Market Your Photography Business
15+ Proven Ways to Promote Your Photography Business – ShootProof Blog
11 Photography Marketing Ideas That Work Like Crazy | Contrastly
Article Mix
Top Shots From the 2020 International Landscape Photographer of the Year – The Atlantic
5 Tips for Running your Photography Business like a Business – Improve Photography
The Complete Guide to Running a Photography Business: 65 Tips
The Essential Legal Guide to Running a Photography Business
The Business of Photography, how to make money
Top 10 Photography Business Issues You Can Overcome
The Challenges Of Starting Out In The Photography Business
Opportunities and Challenges in the Photography Industry – SPLENTO Blog
Risks of Owning a Photography Business | Small Business – Chron.com
Photography Business Challenges Ahead – Bernie Griffiths
The Dark Side of Starting a Photography Business – Improve Photography
19 Tasks When Starting A New Photography Business • Biblino
Benefits And Challenges Of Photography As A Small Business
Business Mistakes Every Photographer Makes at Least Once
Top Mistakes by Photography Business Owners
Don’t Make These 5 Mistakes When Starting A Photography Business
7 Common Mistakes That Every Photography Business Needs to Avoid
Five photography business mistakes to avoid
Don’t Make These Silly Photography Business Mistakes
5 Business Mistakes Photographers Make and What You Can Do About Them
Running a Business
How to Run a Business – A Quick Look Into Skills You’ll Need
Publications
18 Best Photography Magazines You Should Read in 2020
Top 10 U.S. Photography Magazines
20 Best Photography Magazines to Read in 2020
The 30 Best Photography Magazines of 2020 | Light Stalking
15 Best Photography Magazines in 2020
Best Photography Magazines – Our Top 30 Picks for 2020
30 Photography Blogs You Must Follow as a Photographer
The Best Photography Blogs: The Ultimate List!
35 Best Photography Blogs You Should Check Out in 2020
47 Best Photography Blogs in the World
Top 10 Must-Read Blogs for Photographers
23 Photography Blogs To Bookmark Right Now
Terminology
25 Common Photography Terms Beginners Need to Know
Photography Terminology: A Glossary of 71 Photographic Terms
A Glossary of Digital Photography Terms | B&H Explora
Books
Books from Amazon Related to Starting a Photography Business
Google Book Search Related to Starting a Photography Business
The Latest about Starting a Photography Business
Google Searches
Latest Search Results Related to Starting a Photography Business
Latest Scholar Search Results Related to Starting a Photography Business
Latest Image Search Results Related to Starting a Photography Business
News
Latest News Related to Starting a Photography Business
Tweets Related to Starting a Photography Business
YouTube
Videos Related to Starting a Photography Business