Everything You Need to Start a Photography Business

Pick up a camera and shoot as much as possible.

If you want to start a photography business, that’s the baseline; with experience and an extensive portfolio, you don’t have to be worried about getting at least some clients.

However, if you’re looking for some more concrete advice for starting a photography business, we’ve gathered the most valuable tips here for you. Read on to find out what editing software, editing tools, and photography equipment you’ll need to get your business off the ground.

A Photography Business is 75% Business and 25% Photography

Remember that. A photography business is 75% business and 25% business. Even if photography is your passion, it goes without saying that at some point you’ll need to master the business end of things to book clients.

What does “business” mean?

It means advertising yourself, communicating with clients, working on your customer service, building your niche, etc.

The most important part is client communication and customer service. Your reputation can go down the drain fast if none of your clients like working with you.

A Website Pays Dividends

Not just a website, but any sort of social media. Use platforms like Instagram, Youtube, or Tiktok to get yourself out there. Create useful content that people share in their social circles.

From your social media channels, you redirect people to your website portfolio, and that’s how your clients will contact you.

Don’t underestimate the power of having a high-quality website portfolio. These days, it’s super easy to buy a custom domain name and set up a WordPress website. You don’t have to be tech savvy to have a sleek and polished website.

Proper Equipment

As a photographer, you can’t get by without the right equipment.

You probably already have a camera. You probably have some sort of editing software.

Later on, when you start booking more clients, you can upgrade your equipment.

Honestly, though, don’t get bogged down in the fancy equipment. If you want to start a business, customer service and client communication are the most important.

If you feel like your arsenal is truly lacking, though, here are some beginner equipment recommendations.

Diversify Your Income

If photography is going to be your sole source of income somewhere down the line, you’ll want to have a niche.

This will help you book higher-paying clients later on and keep you in business when the market becomes saturated.

Have an inkling of what that niche is; wedding photos, portraits, film photography. All of that works.

If you don’t have a niche yet, you can offer some side services with high-profit margins to supplement your income. For example, some people might want you to remove background from an image. It’s easy, but some people are willing to pay for the service rather than figure it out themselves.

Remember: Clients Come First!

The most important thing for a starting photography business is to value your client’s opinion. Even if you think their opinion sucks, they’re telling you something about what people want and are willing to pay for.

And if they’re willing to pay for it, you’ll make a profitable business in no time. It’s all about finding a balance between what you can do for them and what they’ll pay you to do.

For more information about succeeding with a small business, check out our blog!