Business
How to Get Your Photography Business off the Ground
TL;DR Focus on consistently delivering high-quality work and exceeding client expectations.
It is never too late to get your photography business off the ground. New ideas keep changing with the times. You may have been following the latest trends, and now it’s time to take advantage of them. Read on for a few tips on how to get your photography business off the ground.
Have a New Idea?
What is the best idea that you have? Try something new, maybe you know someone who has done something similar before. Whether you can bring it to reality or not is up to you. If you can, then get to work. Every time you have a new idea, whether it be a book or a subscription website, try to publish it or sell it. See what happens.
Getting involved in a book club or any other type of group where you can have professional photographers as members is an excellent way to connect with others in the field. It is also a great way to establish yourself as a great teacher. Not only can you provide high-quality images to your group, but you can also provide updates and show how you’re helping people with your business.
If you feel that the business opportunity you want to get into is something artistic, and not in something like a wedding or business niche, then work hard to get your foot in the door. There are many artists in this kind of field, so get to know those people in the industry. If you’re lucky, you may find you already have an established friend in this area of photography.
Get Involved With People
Look for photographers in the same area that you are looking to get into the business with. Talk to them and get to know them. You may have a talent that they need, though you may not be close with them and that is fine. You should be able to relate to those photographers and learn from them on a professional level.
Get involved in local groups or organizations. Maybe you know someone at work who may need a photographer for a presentation. You could show up to the event wearing a business suit, and they may overlook the fact that you may be less experienced than other photographers.
Also, you don’t need a big network yet. Just ask around and get some referrals from friends and people that you know. You will find that many people are happy to refer you to someone who needs your services. Start the communication and don’t overthink it.
Consider Hosting a Show
This one is a little trickier. How much do the event pictures cost? If you get something special together, such as with a whole team, another photographer, or event staff, then you will be able to collect a percentage and see more of the benefits of sponsorship.
What about people who are interested in the photography business? Ask them if they would like to be part of a group. You could even ask someone to write an article announcing the event. In this way, you can create a viral presence for the event.
Use Your Article Writing Skills
Much of marketing is about articles. Use them to promote your company and get in front of the readers in a particular niche. If you can talk about readers’ issues, their problems, and how you’re trying to solve them, they will see you as an expert. From there, you will open up an avenue of communication that you never thought possible.
Even though writing articles for content marketing doesn’t directly take from photography, it’s important to realize that not everything has to be so simple. Be creative in your marketing and you will soar to new heights, which many photographers only dream of. Make it a reality.
Using a Website
It’s important to have a place to put your portfolio, such as a website. If you just have your portfolio on social media, then it’s likely you don’t have full control over your portfolio. These platforms drastically change over the years, and you never know what’s going to happen next.
Additionally, a website is a great way to get into the minds of your potential customers. Through email and comment exchanges, you will learn about what they like and what they don’t like. This includes, how you can help with their problems and come up with solutions.
A website is a great place for you to showcase your work and get in touch with people who need your services. You probably don’t need to read about the many other benefits of having your website because you probably know them already.
Bringing It Together
You can easily get your photography business off the ground if you think creatively and have an open mind. Take your time and don’t forget that every project you take is an opportunity to grow. Even though you need to pay the bills, don’t just look at what you’re getting paid; focus on avenues of growth.