If you’re thinking about turning your photography passion into a business, you likely have a few questions about how to get started.
How much money do you need to get off the ground?
Will it pay off financially? What equipment will you need?
Where can you find clients? And how do you keep track of your taxes?
We’re here to answer all of these questions and more!
Tips for Launching Your Own Photography Business:
Here’s a quick-start guide to help you become professional with your photography passion.
Assemble Your Equipment
Professional photography equipment can be expensive. Make sure you know how much this will cost you! You’ll need a professional camera, lenses, flashes, a tripod, a carrying case, lighting, props, and a reliable vehicle for transporting all this equipment.
Depending on your photography type, you might also need studio space and backdrops for portraits. Remember that you should also have a reliable computer and editing software.
Unless you already have these items, you can expect to spend several thousand dollars to assemble all the necessary equipment.
Of course, you can also rent equipment, split the cost with a business partner, or borrow equipment from someone you know—this is a great way to get started with a minimal upfront cost!
Form an LLC
Next, you’ll need to choose a business structure and register your business. Consider forming an LLC right out of the gate. Starting your business as an LLC will provide you with personal liability protection, meaning your assets will be safe from business-related debts and lawsuits.
You can hire a lawyer to help you register your LLC, but the DIY route is far more affordable. Look for a reliable online LLC formation service that will take care of your paperwork for a low cost. Click here for more information!
Create a Business Plan
According to ExpertPhotography.com, writing a photography business plan is vital in launching your own business. Creating a business plan will force you to conduct market research and determine a niche you can fill.
You’ll also outline all the costs involved in your startup, how you plan to cover the costs, and how much you intend to charge your clients. Essentially, business planning ensures you understand all the steps you need to take to achieve your business goals.
Get Your Business in Order
There’s just one last step to tackle before you go out and start looking for clients. Getting your business in order will ensure you’re ready to handle everything from accounting to contact management.
Set up a system for invoicing clients, keeping track of your contacts, and storing receipts for tax time. You may also want to establish an online scheduling system that links with a personal calendar so your clients can book sessions online.
This is an excellent time to set up all the digital tools and apps you intend to use to manage your business as a one-person operation.
Find Your First Clients
Finally, it’s time to land your first clients! Social media is ideal for advertising local photography businesses.
As Splento.com explains, using visual social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok is an excellent way to showcase your work and the behind-the-scenes process of snapping and editing photos.
You can also try offline marketing strategies like handing out business cards at networking events. If you produce business cards, include a QR code with a link to your website so potential clients can look you up quickly.
Conclusion
Starting a photography business is a great way to turn your passion into a lucrative venture. Get started by acquiring the right equipment, forming an LLC, writing a business plan, and setting up all the systems you need for your business to run smoothly.
Once you produce some great pictures for your first clients, your business will start taking off!
