Start Your Own Photography Business , livre ebook

START YOUR OWN
PHOTOGRAPHY BUSINESS
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START YOUR OWN
PHOTOGRAPHY BUSINESS
Third Edition
YOUR STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE TO SUCCESS
The Staff of Entrepreneur Media, Inc. Jason R. Rich
Entrepreneur Press
Publisher: Entrepreneur Press
Cover Design: Andrew Welyczko
Production and Composition: Eliot House Productions
2019 by Entrepreneur Media, Inc.
All rights reserved.
Reproduction or translation of any part of this work beyond that permitted by Section 107 or 108 of the 1976 United States Copyright Act without permission of the copyright owner is unlawful. Requests for permission or further information should be addressed Entrepreneur Media Inc. Attn: Legal Department, 18061 Fitch, Irvine, CA 92614.
This publication is designed to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter covered. It is sold with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting, or other professional services. If legal advice or other expert assistance is required, the services of a competent professional person should be sought.
Entrepreneur Press is a registered trademark of Entrepreneur Media, Inc.
ebook ISBN: 978-1-61308-413-7
Contents
Preface
Chapter 1
Welcome to the Wonderful World of Photography
Learning Where You Fit
Learning to Monetize
Building Your Skill Set
Learn from the Pros
Looking Ahead
Chapter 2
Make Things Click by Finding Your Niche
Photographer Specialty Areas
Fine Art Photography
Photojournalism
Wedding and Special Event Photography
Portraiture
Pet Photography
Special Occasion (Noncorporate) Event Photography
Additional Niche Photography Fields
Market Research
Chapter 3
Taking Stock or Working on Assignment
How Stock Work Is Managed and Monetized
How Profitable Is Stock Photography?
Working on Assignment
Chapter 4
The Digital Revolution
Plan Your Camera Equipment Budget Intelligently
Consider All Your Supplementary Photography Equipment and Gear Needs
Embrace Technology
Chapter 5
Focusing on the Right Path
Be a Fan of the Plan
Start with a Clear Mission Statement
Time to Write the Plan
Know Your Craft
Go Back to School
Distance Learning (Online Education)
Workshops and Seminars
Reading Materials
Online Learning Opportunities
Become a Photography Assistant
Chapter 6
Shoot for Accessibility: Choosing Your Location
Home Sweet Studio
Choosing a Commercial Location
Commercial Leases
Sharing Space
Should You Franchise?
How Franchising Works
The Cons
Buying an Existing Business
Chapter 7
Business Structure: A Blueprint for Success
A Name to Remember
Getting Creative
Make It Legal
Register Your Domain ASAP
Build Your Brand with a Logo
Structure It Legally
Licenses and Permits
Covering Your Assets
People You Should Know
Chapter 8
Business Equipment for the Photographer
The Photographer s Case
Equipping Your Office with the Right Stuff
Burglar-Proof Your Business
Chapter 9
Help Wanted: Staffing Your Studio
The Hiring Process
Building Your Dream Team
Independent Contractors
Short-Term Solutions
Chapter 10
Marketing Made Easy
Marketing in the Real World and Online
Network, Network, Network!
Join Professional Associations
Get on Your Soap Box
Advertising and Public Relations
Direct Mail
Replace Yellow Pages with Online Maps
Business Cards
Press Releases
Television/Radio
Magazine and Publication Ads
Designing and Publishing Your Website
Don t Underestimate the Power of Online Social Networking
Portfolios
Art Shows and Galleries
The Initial Process
On the Circuit
The Appearance of Your Booth Is Important
Galleries
Kill Em with Kindness
Chapter 11
Crunching the Numbers: Finances and Taxes
Startup Funds
Financial Management
Tax Matters
How Will You Get Paid?
Accepting Credit and Debit Cards
Accepting Checks
What s in the Forecast?
Chapter 12
The Price Is Right: Knowing the Value of Your Art
Pricing Strategies
Expenses
Bids, Estimates, and Deposits
Crunching Numbers Is an Important Part of the Job
Chapter 13
Photographer Beware: Legal Issues in the Industry
Copyright Issues
Handle with Care
Protective Measures
When Do You Need Permission?
Get It in Writing
Chapter 14
More Expert Advice from Experienced Pros
More Wisdom from Experienced Professional Photographers
Meet Molly McCauley, Owner/Lead Photographer at Molly + Co.
Get Acquainted with Celebrity Photographer Michael Grecco
Learn More About Wedding and Event Photography from Rob Grant
Photographers Daniel and Laura Pinckard Share Their Wisdom
Photographer Mark Campbell Offers Some Words of Wisdom
Appendix
Resources
Photography Associations
Photography Franchise Resources
Photo Product Sales Sites
Web and Portfolio Design
Products and Services for Professionals
Camera Equipment and Rentals
Stock Agencies
Education and Training
Scholarships
General Business Planning Software
Glossary
Index
Preface
I n some respects, transforming your passion as an amateur photographer into a lucrative career as a professional photographer has never been easier. High-end digital cameras are more powerful than ever, plus there are endless marketing and advertising possibilities available on the internet that make it easier to showcase your work and potentially attract paying customers or clients.
The moment you decide to take that leap from amateur or semiprofessional photographer to professional photographer, however, you ll immediately be taking on a wide range of additional responsibilities that go well beyond tapping your creative talents so you can consistently take eye-catching and emotion-provoking photos.
For many, becoming a professional photographer means operating a legal business entity as an entrepreneur and small-business owner. This requires you to handle many business-related tasks, such as sales, bookkeeping/accounting, advertising, marketing, and customer relations.
For example, you ll need to set up and maintain an office, gallery, and/or photo studio, and make sure you have the proper insurance based on the type of work you re doing. As a photographer, you ll also need to take, edit, print, organize, and sell your photographs, and manage that complete work flow, while maintaining your photography equipment and related gear.
Plus, in today s world, it s essential for photographers to create and maintain a professional-looking web presence with a website and online portfolio to showcase their work. You ll likely find it necessary to become professionally active on social media (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, and LinkedIn, for example), to find and interact with potential clients, and for marketing and showcasing your work online.
It will also be necessary to ramp up your level of technical expertise. Today s professionallevel digital cameras and accessories are complex, and you ll need to become a pro when it comes to understanding and using your equipment. In addition, once images are shot, they need to