Tips for a Successful Photography Business

A good deal of money can be earned with photographs but you should have a plan. You must love photography and have a reasonable understanding of some fundamental techniques.

Here are some of the guidelines that will help a long way toward building a successful photography business.

*Research so that you understand the pros and cons involved. Subscribe to a good magazine related to the photographic industry such as Professional Photographer, Camera Arts, Photo District News, PopPhoto or Shutterbug. The internet is the biggest source of information and can provide you with an abundance of career opportunities and more information on starting a photography business.


*It is very important to decide what kind of photography business you want so that the relevant requirements and finance can be muscled up.


*You will need to consider carefully your main tool - the camera, either digital or film. You must also consider a reliable, high-quality PC and good relevant photo software. If the business is being undertaken on a massive scale then maybe a developing lab needs to be planned and established.



*Start with the photography field you enjoy the most and diversify later. Become known as a master photograper in that field such as weddings, photojournalist or portraiture.

*Your portfolio must contain a collection of pertinent photographic work your best work. Your portfolio must be able to impress the client in the very first meeting. There are rarely any second chance.

*Keep your only your best work.

*Showcase spontaneous photos that you believe are of good quality. You’d be surprised how many people respond favorably to peoples expressions when they are good shots.

*Backgrounds. A navy, black or white, canvas background of at minimum 7-9 foot and good quality strobes.

*Photo-editing software such as Photoshop; Photoshop Light room, iPhoto, i View Multimedia, MediaPro, ACDSee, Corel and Picasa.

*Create backups of all images to CD, DVDs or an online agency such as Smugmug.

*Constantly upgrade and maintain your website so that each time people come across your website, they will find fine something new and interesting.

*Copyright your photographs

*Business cards. A clever impressive graphic or a picture of yourself with your equipment is best. Your contact number or email must be easy to read. Make your phone number the largest thing on the card - that’s what most people will use it for.
You can upload and design your own business cards at Zazzle or PrintBusinessCards.

*Craft Fairs and Art shows are the perfect platform from where your creativity and work will be really appreciated because at such places you will find some niche customers that have a sharp eye for real talent. Do a Google search for “photography art show".

*At first do not don’t charge high amounts. Tread slowly. Research other photographers to get an idea of what they are charging and base your prices accordingly.

*Market your work. Search for suitable local markets and get the snaps printed in a local journal or newspaper and always display your contact number prominently.

*Develop a website to promote your photography business. Include a testimonial section and gauge the response of the people visiting your website. Let them make comments.


There are many more jobs also related to photography than there ever were previously and because of the diversity and flexibility of digital photography