Going into any new business venture can be fairly intimidating, and that’s why it’s important to fully understand the business that you are going into. Our photography instructor and business owner, Joe Dallas, offers some tips that can help set you on the path to a successful photography business. If you are serious about starting a business with your photography skills, here are a few things you want to be sure of:
You need to be sure your skills match your price.
“You are probably ready to go into business once your photography skills (technically and artistically) have grown to the point that you are able to consistently produce good images. You also need to be able to reproduce those same types of images under less than ideal circumstances. When potential clients look at your portfolio, they are going to expect you to produce those same types of images for them. When you can do that, then you may start to consider what to charge for your services.”
Understand what it takes to run a business.
“You will spend more and more time running the business aspect than you will ever imagine. Proportionately, the time you will spend behind the camera will be very small compared to all the time you will spend taking care of all the other aspects of the business. Make sure you hire a good accountant and a good lawyer, get a business license, get insurance, develop a business plan and etc.”
Develop a customer base
“Marketing is the one thing you must spend a great deal of time on. Social media, blogs, and networking are the main ways to attract clients now. If you use social media it cannot be just about promoting your business, it must contain content that has meaning to your target market. The same goes for blog posts, it can’t be just your photos, you must feed content. Networking with other photographers and being a part of the community as a whole will make people aware of your business. If your main intent is to help others, and it must be sincere, then people will help you market your business. It is something that takes time to build. Advertising through print or network media is usually not a great way to spend your money when you are first starting, mainly because it is difficult to track and target your specific market.”
If you are contemplating a photography business, Joe’s class is the perfect place to start. You will cover these topics and others in further detail to help you start your business off on the right foot. Classes are starting soon! Visit www.ColumbusState.edu/CE or call 706.507.8070 to register.
-Kindra Hunter & Joe Dallas
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