1. I started like many others in the business doing it very casually on the side for a number of years. Once I started to get referred to people that were not family or friends was when I knew it was time to actually start a legal business, not only for the prestige of being established, but for my protection. If I had to say what I think the most important part of starting is, that would be to do it properly and legally, but be prepared for how much work that actually is!? Speak with an attorney and figure out if you should be a sole proprietorship, or more formal with an LLC.? Do you need to register with your state, county, and municipality for taxes?? Do you need to have a license or a DBA/Assumed Name registration? What about a Tax ID Number (TIN)? Ask that attorney for pricing to draw up contracts, while you’re discussing legal matters!? I think far too often a mistake I see many photographers make is they just assume you can create a name, come up with a cute logo, and buy a website and you are a business, but if you forget the legal aspect of it you can really find yourself in hot water down the road, whether it be with the IRS, a client that is unhappy and talking about suing, or even the new photographer down the street that is using your company name because they actually registered it, and you didn’t!? I have seen it all. ?-Philip Hegel Photography

 

2. So much more goes into starting a photography business then just being able to take great photographs.? My first bit of advice to anyone wanting to become professional is to learn their craft, take classes, study online, mentor under an established photographer, whatever you can do to learn photography and your camera do it.? Photographers never stop learning, there is always more to know, a new way to edit, or a different lighting technique.? Secondly I would say is to learn about the business side, this is where most photographers falter a bit, taking pictures as a hobby and taking pictures professionally are two completely different things and you want to make sure you market and price yourself to be profitable.? Taxes, insurance, business plans, social media, marketing, referrals, model releases and so much more are just some of the things that go into a photography business (whether you are working out of the home or renting a studio).? Educating yourself on how to run a business from the beginning will lead you to many years of success. – Kimberly Teebagy/ Studio 860 Photography

3. I have been in business for over six years, and the biggest thing that helped me to start my business and have people become aware of my work was volunteering. Volunteer somewhere that you are happy, that you will be at anyway.? You will get back so much more in return than you will ever give.? I started at my son’s swim and dive meets, and I still post and distribute those photos for free to this day ?However, the meets allowed me to hone my skills in a safe environment, where there was no pressure to post anything that I was unhappy posting.? By giving freely, I established good will with so many people.who have hired me, supported my social media sites, and/or spread my name to the point that I have never had to advertise my business.? In addition, I have also made many new friends and acquaintances. – Cynthia Schoettker Photography

 

4. Exciting as it is to start a new business, there are a few pitfalls that new and eager to succeed photographers may not know about. Firstly, photography skills matter, but if you want to win your clients and outrun the competition you must be even better at running the business. Secondly, find what you like photographing best and stick to it. Its better to be great at one thing than mediocre in three. Last but not least – remember about your personal projects. Those will allow you to grow, gain new skills and not get bored with what you love to do. –Gordon Baxter Photography

 

 

 

5. Treat your business like a business rather than a hobby.? Have a business plan, insurance, business license, backup equipment, resale certificate & whatever else is required for you to operate your business legally.

Believe in yourself.? If you’re ready to make the jump from hobbyist to pro, behave like a pro.? Never put yourself down when you’re with clients by saying things like “I’m not sure?”? or “I’m just starting out…” Clients will lose faith in you if you don’t have faith in yourself.

Seek a mentor – either locally or online.? Find someone who will be encouraging yet honest in critiquing your work. –Debbie Lund Photo

6. Invest in learning! We all know that investing in gear is super important but it’s equally important to invest in your education. Set aside some money from each shoot that you only use for education. I wish I had done this sooner in my business! Every time I’ve invested in my education it has been a huge help to my business.

–Katelyn Swanson Photography