Step 1. Purchase the right equipment
To stand out as a contender in the photography industry, you need the best equipment possible. A professional studio requires not only a camera, but also lights, reflectors, and a backdrop. Wedding photographers and nature photographers should invest in very high quality cameras and accessories due to the more spontaneous nature of their subjects.
Top cameras cost thousands of dollars, while individual lenses can cost up to $1,000 depending on niche use. You'll also need a memory card and possibly an external backup drive to safely store your images, which can cost around $100 each. To get started, it's important to make a list of everything you need and decide on a price.
In addition to the camera, you will need to purchase a license for photo editing software. Adobe Photoshop is the most well-known, so most people start there. Photo files can be very large, so you also need a computer with high bandwidth and storage capacity. Being able to store, edit, and process all these photos is important for sending to clients.
If you're a film photographer, you'll need a completely different set of equipment, including access to a darkroom. Before you spend more, research the materials you need and price them to best meet your needs during the early stages of business growth.
Step 2. Consider your niche
While purchasing equipment, you need to know your niche. Even if you offer a full-service photography studio, you need to know who your ideal client is. If you only want to take headshots, you'll need to set up your space and equipment in a way that's appropriate for that niche.
Quality wedding photographers are also always in high demand. If you're marketing to engaged couples, you might want to reach out to established wedding service brands like Zola or The Knot and apply to be featured on their vendor list. Follow businesses that serve the audience you want to reach.
There are many talented photographers out there, but you can gain an edge in your photography business by offering services that other businesses can't offer. For example, if you run a headshot studio, you might want to partner with a makeup artist who can provide touch-ups to clients as they complete their portraits.
Step 3. Conduct market research
Before you start accepting customers, decide on your rates and how you'll bill them. If you want to bill by the hour, make sure you're being compensated fairly for your time. Offering flat rates is also good for your customers. We can offer different packages to our clients so they know exactly what they are getting and you know exactly what kind of work is expected of you.
To know about your competitors in the photography business field, you need to research their products and see what they are missing. Filling gaps in the market is always a new business possibility. If you are very talented at editing, or have a nice studio space compared to other photographers, or specialize in action shots, you can choose to charge a premium fee for these services .
Photography businesses must also set fees if customers request additional edits. Time is at a premium, especially since photo editing takes time. You need to make it clear to your customers that you respect the time and attention they put into this creative work.
Step 4. Establish an online presence
Before someone hires you, they will want to see examples of your work. Use a portfolio website builder to showcase images that best demonstrate your skills, and make sure your contact information and pricing are clearly displayed. Photography is clearly a visual industry, so creating a professional website is important to make a positive impression on potential clients even before you meet them.
If you want your clients to be able to contact you through your website, be sure to find a compatible customer relationship management (CRM) software that makes it easy to maintain contact with your clients through each step of the process. Some products are compatible with digital invoicing software to help ensure you receive payments on time.
