When you’re first starting out, consider purchasing a used camera and other equipment you might need to help keep costs down. Depending on what type of photography you plan to specialize in, you may also need lights, diffusers, and reflectors to ensure that the lighting is right for your photos. While your camera comes with a lens, you may want to purchase additional lenses, such as a wide zoom or pancake, to allow you to vary your shots. In order to edit your photos, you’ll also need access to a computer and photo editing software.
If you’re not in college, consider taking some photography courses at your local community college or vocational school. If you can’t find any local photography classes, many online school offer courses that can help your refine your skills. Art classes can also be helpful to a photographer because they can teach you how to develop a better eye and allow you to work on your composition. If you’re going to be running your own freelance business, you may want to take some business, marketing, and accounting classes too.
All of your on-the-job training doesn’t necessarily have to be paid. You can offer your photography services to friends and family who are having special events, such as anniversary parties or graduations, and get experience that way.
If you aren’t aware of any local photography contests, do an online search. You’ll find a wide array of national and international competitions that you may be interested in.
If you can’t find a club in your area, consider starting your own. Ask other photographers that you know if they’d be willing to meet on a weekly or monthly basis to critique one another’s work. Online photography groups or communities are another option if you can’t find a group locally. You post your photos online, and other members can provide feedback. You can do an online search, but Google+ and Lightstalking are too good places to start.
If you don’t know much about building a website, WordPress is a good place to start because they have templates and themes designed specifically for photography. It’s a good idea to incorporate a blog into your website. Post a new photo with entry, so clients can see what you’ve been up to recently.
Include links to all of your social media accounts on your website, so potential clients can easily find them.
Create a distinct look for your business cards by including one of your photos on it. It can be a self-portrait so clients remember you specifically or a photo that you’re particularly proud of and showcases your skills. Make sure that your cards contain all of your contact information, including your web address. You want potential clients to be able to find your online portfolio.
If you’re interested in working as a commercial or product photograph, you might try to find a contact at a marketing or public relations firm.
You may also want to consider holding sessions where you don’t charge for the session itself. Instead, the clients only pay if they decide to purchase prints from you. That can be an effective way to lure new customers in and still make some money. Make sure to ask all of your free clients for testimonials after you take the photos. If they’re positive, you can use them in your promotional materials or as references for potential clients. If your free clients have any criticisms of your work, use them to improve your skills and services.
Event photography typically means taking photos at weddings, parties, graduations, and other special events. If you specialize in portrait photography, you’ll be taking photos of individuals, which often means families, children, and even pets. Commercial and product photography usually involves taking photos of products, properties, and other items to help a business market themselves. Stock photography refers to photos that are taken for the sole purpose of being sold. You can sell your photos through a stock photo agency, where individuals and businesses who need a photo of a certain object or situation can purchase them. News photographers take pictures of noteworthy events and people. While it can be an exciting job, it’s extremely difficult to break into the field as freelancer if you don’t have previous experience.
If you’re unsure what license(s) you need in your area or how to obtain them, you can find more information on the Small Business Administration’s website (SBA. gov).
Try to find an accountant who specializes in small businesses, so you can trust that they’re up to date on all the tax codes and benefits that will affect you. You can also ask your accountant for advice on what type of structure your business should take. Most photography businesses are usually sole proprietorships, meaning they’re owned by a single person who receives all of the profits.
There are various types of software, such as fotoQuote and BlinkBid, that help you estimate the costs involved in photography projects and create invoices for your customers.
If you want to accept credit cards for your photography services, there apps and dongles that make it possible to process them from your tablet or smartphone. You can also have your website set up to accept some type of online credit card payments.
Remember to consider your audience when you’re building your portfolio. For example, if you plan to market yourself as a wedding and event photographer, don’t fill your portfolio with nothing but product shots. If possible, create both a digital and hard copy of your portfolio. Some clients may enjoy the convenience of looking at your photos online or through a link, while others are more impressed with actual photographs.
