You want to start a photography business. What are the first steps you should take?

Aunque los fotógrafos somos bastante trasversales y podemos abarcar varios géneros, dedícate comercialmente a uno solo, a los prospectos y clientes le gusta saber que eres un especialista en ese nicho en particular y están dispuestos a pagar más que a uno que hace de todo.

Knowing the market is essential. Everyone has a camera on their mobile phone. Start by studying the market and how much they need for the service you will provide, then determine your field of work

Step one which is the most useful one read well about the industry before investing anything. 2. Make sure you enjoy doing it. 3. Why your doing it ! 4. What's your strength 💪 are you going to promote your business or your work will promote itself. 5. What's your digital strategy to promote it. 6.through which channels ! 7. Find your people. 8. Start with small investment choose the right camera. Have a great day.

Research and practice are truly the fundamentals to figuring out what inspires you. Choosing the right niche is just as important as choosing which camera to buy.

Have a vision. There are a so many photographers and photo businesses out there that you will start to feel like you will get lost in the noise. Your vision is and will always be your vision. There can be 100 photographers taking the same photo but each photo will look different because it will be what you see. People will be drawn to you because of YOUR style/vision.

Creating a website is one of the most rewarding parts. You get to showcase the best of the best. You give them a glimpse of who you are as a photographer.

Less is more when it comes to your website and/or portfolio. You don't want to be putting every picture you've ever taken online as this is distracting and shows a lack of focus. If you're doing headshots, then only show off your best 10 images. Don't upload anything that you think is iffy. I'd suggest not saying you want to do everything. A website with wedding photography, corporate headshots, architectural photography and baby photos is confusing to everyone. If you really want to do everything then I'd suggest setting up different websites - one for domestic (baby's weddings, families etc) and one for commercial work.

You should be constantly evaluating and updating your portfolio. But, the portfolio is not what gets you the job. You are what gets you the job; who you are and the relationships you build. Your porfolio demonstrates that you can actually do the work.

Registering your business sets apart the amateurs and professionals. Just about everyone has a camera or a phone and is a photographer these days. Being a licensed business creates trust.

In the UK, get in touch with HMRC and get registered. Not only will this mean you have to pay taxes (booo!) but it will make you feel like you've started a real business and give you the boost you need to be a success (hurrah!!!) Then get insurance for your gear.

Separate your business from your personal life. At a minimum, you should have a separate checking account for your business. Better to register your business and create a separate entity. If you do not separate the two, it becomes very difficult to tell if the business is truely making money or if it's just a subsidized hobby.

here is a reality, say you want to open a restaurant, is the stove expensive? Yeah it is actually, but that is the least of it isn’t it? You need the knowledge and that is very expensive. Then there is the equipment and that is expensive also, and then there is finding the clients and that is expensive as well. So the simple answer is you cannot start a photography business when the camera is very expensive...

Find a photo studio to work for. Or an event photographer you can help with shoots. Even if it is just weekends at first. You can learn what equipment you will need. Then buy used equipment a little at a time.

You don't need all the fancy equipment to start. Gradually buy the equipment you need or want. Most States have rental equipment to test out different equipment to try before you invest. Equipment is an investment and it's worth it. But so is proper cleaning and maintenance.

Only buy equipment that will make you money. The tools of the trade improve every year. And, while it's nice to have the latest equpment, you only need gear that is good enough to get the job done and produce a product that the client is happy with. Your education and experience are the most valuable tools you have. Too many photographers try to solve problems by purchasing new equipment. Get good! The fundamental principles of photography have not changed in a century. The equipment has changed, but the concepts and techniques have not changed very much.

Portfolio Development: Build a strong portfolio by taking a variety of high-quality photos. This will showcase your skills to potential clients. Set Pricing: Determine your pricing strategy. Research competitors' rates and factor in your costs, desired profit margin, and the local market. Website and Marketing: Create a professional website to showcase your portfolio and services. Develop a marketing plan that includes social media, SEO, and advertising. Business Branding: Design a memorable logo and establish a consistent brand identity for your photography business Networking: Build relationships with other professionals in the industry, such as event planners, makeup artists, and models, to generate referrals.

In my experience it's best to start small, slowly and organically and do a great job every time. People hire people and word of mouth will get around if: 1) you're a good person to be with on the shoot 2) you do a good job 3) your prices are relative to your experience Business networking is invaluable as you can get yourself known. Meet and collaborate with other photographers as at times you'll need to share work around.

Tell everyone that you are a photographer. I mean it. Tell absolutely everyone! You could have the best portfolio in the world, but if nobody knows that it exists, then nobody will look at it.

Si estás comenzando en este negocio recuerda que tu trabajo será tu carta de presentación. Cómo sea siempre, siempre entrega un trabajo de calidad. Que tus clientes reciban más de las expectativas debe ser tu misión!

Here's an odd one but something I feel is important. I often see photographers dressed really inappropriately when they turn up to shoots in a professional environment. Quite often they're in scruffy jeans and trainers and a t-shirt. My tip is to dress to fit your environment. If you're shooting in an office, then shirt and trousers; if you're shooting a muddy obstacle course event then boots and waterproofs. There is no harm in being well dressed (or over dressed) in a professional setting. No one will ever say 'that photographer was over-dressed!'