There are a lot of things to consider when starting a photography business. First, determine if you want to associate your name with your brand or create a separate business entity.
Choosing the right legal structure will have a big impact on your tax obligations, how you handle payments and more.
Start Small
In an era when camera equipment is affordable and consumer-friendly, it’s easy for anyone to call themselves a photographer. But there’s much more to being a professional photographer than pointing your smartphone camera at a scene and slapping on a filter.
To be a successful business, you’ll need to register your business with your local government and get a business license. This process varies from country to country. In the United States, you’ll likely need to choose whether to register your business as a limited liability company or as a sole proprietorship. You’ll also need to get an EIN, which is the business equivalent of a Social Security Number.
You’ll also need to develop a business plan to guide your efforts. This will help you define your goals, stay on track and attract clients. The plan will also help you determine what equipment you need and how to charge for your services. This is an important step for any new business owner, no matter what industry they’re in.
Build a Website
With cameras becoming more affordable and easy to use, everyone wants to turn their hobby into a career. With some guidance, research, and help, it’s not impossible to turn photography into a profitable business.
Start by setting goals and defining your business’s mission. It’s also helpful to decide what sort of photography you’d like to specialize in — weddings, portraits, or boudoir, for example. Choosing a niche will influence how you market yourself and can make you easier to find on Google.
Next, build a website to showcase your work and define your brand. It’s a good idea to have a booking solution that helps you manage payments and scheduling, as well as provide clients with a smooth experience from beginning to end. It’s also worth getting a dedicated credit card to separate business expenses from personal ones, as this will improve your chances of securing a business loan later on. The best way to find clients is through word-of-mouth and positive referrals, which can be facilitated by a solid online presence.
Get a Business License
If you have a larger goal in mind, or plan to rent a studio space, speak with local city officials about obtaining a business license. This will typically involve a fee, and may also require you to have insurance and liability coverage.
This is another aspect that many photographers forget about, but it’s vital for your legal foundation. Without a license, you could be in violation of zoning and other laws that aren’t good for your business.
Plus, it will help clients take you seriously. Getting your business license and charging taxes shows that you are serious about your photography, and it will make clients feel more comfortable working with you. It’s worth working with an expert for this process as they can help streamline the process and ensure that you are complying with all laws and regulations. They can also help with your marketing and branding. This can save you a lot of time and frustration down the road.
Market Your Business
There’s a lot more to photography than pointing a camera at an image and spamming the “capture” button. It’s about finding that perfect shot, capturing emotion and creating art. It’s also about promoting, managing and growing your business.
To help with this, it’s a good idea to have a well-designed website that showcases your work and helps you connect with clients. And while it may be tempting to buy the best equipment you can afford, remember that many new businesses are able to start with less expensive equipment and upgrade over time.
Another helpful marketing tool is to create a blog and share behind-the-scenes photos and videos of your shoots. This is especially effective if you want to reach potential customers who may be unfamiliar with your brand. This is also a great way to build trust with customers. And don’t forget about social media, which can be a free marketing tool for your business.
