Read This Before You Start A Photography Business
When I first decided to go from amateur photographer to professional photographer, I didnt have a clue what it would take to be successful. I knew what business was, but, I didnt understand the photography business or what it took to be successful in business. I was in the photography business for over three years before I heard of the term marketing and how significant photography marketing is for the success of any size photography business.
My photography was as good as most of what was being sold and published by other photographers. My photography enthusiasm and my excellent customer service skills were my advantages. Other than those two assets, I didn’t give full thought to what it takes to successfully run a photography business – even part-time. Not only was I ‘not ready’ to start a photography business, I had ‘no clue’ that I wasn’t ready.
To be a successful photographer, you have to want to be a photographer. You have to truly enjoy photography. A now-and-then photographer produces so-so work. Quality photographs arent a result of luck. You will have to shoot a great number of images to develop your skills to a proficient level. And, you will have to shoot still more images to have the confidence needed to navigate the turbulent, chaotic and exciting world of professional photography.
Professional photography requires lots of time, effort and work. Many photo hobbyists and amateurs dream about entering the world of professional photography and reaping all the luxurious trappings ” As seen on TV. They dont know about the stress of deadlines, the unknown terror of failed equipment, the changing appetite of customers or the unseen costs of having no business or photography marketing plans.
Part-time photography is a good entry when starting a photography business. Being a part-time photographer doesn’t mean amateurish. Nor does being a part-time photography business mean low-balling prices to get work. Of course, part-time photography is no excuse for poor quality photography.
When practicing photography and shooting for fun, we shoot anything and everything. But, targeting a specific niche is critical to be successful in starting a photo business. Target a photography niche that you shoot well and that is narrow enough to allow you a good share of the market. Also, choose a niche that fits the limited time that you have available.
Marketing basics: 1.) find a target audience; 2.) find out what your targeted audience wants; 3.) give it to them. Learn that formula; practice it; success will follow. Your photography marketing message should inform your targeted audience that “value” of them doing business with you and paying your prices.
Photography marketing is needed because photos don’t sell themselves. There are many very good, effective, inexpensive marketing strategies. Marketing is not advertising alone. Marketing is a process – it never ends. Whether you are considering a full-time or a part-time photography business, learning and using photography marketing is a must for your success.
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