Starting a Business

[tukaniray]

So ... My question is a bit of business ... but also more of a getting to know everyone and discussion to learn for those of us who have recently started one or are thinking about getting into one.


QUESTIONS:
- How did you guys get into the Biz of Still Photography??
- How did you get your knick to start a Biz??

-Ray-

[dracula02]

Originally Posted by tukaniray

QUESTIONS:
- How did you guys get into the Biz of Still Photography??
- How did you get your knick to start a Biz??

1. Painting still life took way too long
2. I was bored with "the man" getting all the reward of my hard work

[tukaniray]

You know I didn't post mine ...

1) Aerospace Engineering wasn't my thing in College ... had a friend that did video and Photo freelance and fell in.
2) Noticed many people that were doing it as a Doing A Business as a Sole person ... and decided to take a dive.

[bondarnes]

Well, for me it was either become a photographer or get a "real job". Back then (1970's) you learned your craft and then you went into business. Now it seems to be the other way around. Folks are going into business without a clue as to the craft of photography or how to run a successful business. I predict that in a couple of years the market will be flooded with slightly used Alien Bees and semi-pro camera gear.

[HotHolly]

Originally Posted by bondarnes

Now it seems to be the other way around. Folks are going onto business without a clue as to the craft of photography or how to run a successful business.

I think thats why most newBs have burn out in 6 months. They have no idea what they are doing/ getting into and end up belly up and burned out. And like you said - photography is only 10% of this business. Example - today I sat doing taxes all day. Tomorrow Im updating my price lists and marketing pieces.

And ya know the - if you build it, they will come - that only happens on TV. Everything Ive done has been a lot of work, learning, and constantly striving to do/make things better.

My goal this year is to make my businesses less reliant on me. Ive noticed that I need about 32 hours in a day...or to rework what I do and what everyone else does. So hey...a new intern and more assistants are in the works.

1st year - I would identify your products, prices, niche market (b/c I think you MUST have one), target demographic, and refine your skill set. Be a sponge. Learn everything you can. (I elaborated some of this on my blog).

[tukaniray]

Originally Posted by bondarnes

I predict that in a couple of years the market will be flooded with slightly used Alien Bees and semi-pro camera gear.

And that's where we, who have kept on the passion of the biz, get our incentives.

I've met several people that have decided to buy a nice SLR for the sake of having one ... or for bragging rights and in a couple of months want to get rid of it.

And HotHolly, I love your "Be a Sponge" quote ... I received a similar talk when I was going through Film/Broadcast School back in 04, from my professors.

-Ray-

[Robin Binder]

Originally Posted by tukaniray

QUESTIONS:
- How did you guys get into the Biz of Still Photography??
- How did you get your knick to start a Biz??

-Ray-

Great way to get to know everyone.

Still photography? I shoot people so my subject is constantly moving at time depending on the age. Years ago, I started in photography, since my oldest did modeling, it was to my best interest to learn it to save money in photographers fee. Hey who knew that I spent more in the equipt then I could have in just paying for the photographers photos. lol
I feel into this because after you go to one million auditions, product shoot, commericals, photo session and so on; you learn what not to do. Hence my experience of what not to do at a photo shoot. I took some classes, workshops and learn all the lastest software. I'm already a graphic designer so it was very easy to learn.

Getting your niche is like getting a nick name. You just have to try a whole lot of stuff before finding your fit. ruling out what I don't do, like and so on... you find your niche. I shoot people. My niche is I host (look me up - I can't advertise due to rules) that help everyone find their niche. Been doing it since 2005.

[grp318]

Photography is getting harder and harder to get into. Back in the days, people knew what they were doing and build there skills before ever thinking about "going pro". Now days Suzie Q goes to Best Buy and gets a DSLR kit for her birthday. After a few months of shooting she started advertising to her friends. Yes, she might get a few good shots here and there. Every dog gets a bone sometime.

With this said, it hurts the pros out here. We are extremely under cut on prices, The new standard is "sell the images".... All they know is to put there camera on the AUTO setting and fire away.... GRRRRRRR

My advise is to study the craft, take classes, and joining the PPA is a must. They offer all types of webinars, classes, and more out reach to people all over the world in your shoes.... Good luck...

Sorry for venting....

[valdesp03]

Originally Posted by grp318

Photography is getting harder and harder to get into. Back in the days, people knew what they were doing and build there skills before ever thinking about "going pro". Now days Suzie Q goes to Best Buy and gets a DSLR kit for her birthday. After a few months of shooting she started advertising to her friends. Yes, she might get a few good shots here and there. Every dog gets a bone sometime.

With this said, it hurts the pros out here. We are extremely under cut on prices, The new standard is "sell the images".... All they know is to put there camera on the AUTO setting and fire away.... GRRRRRRR

My advise is to study the craft, take classes, and joining the PPA is a must. They offer all types of webinars, classes, and more out reach to people all over the world in your shoes.... Good luck...

Sorry for venting....

I feel your pain.

As a Graphic designer, I see many people getting photoshop and doing the same thing you mentioned.

[Clint_Smith]

Originally Posted by bondarnes

I predict that in a couple of years the market will be flooded with slightly used Alien Bees and semi-pro camera gear.

SWEET...cause I am a used lighting fiend!

[TheFantasticG]

Did you just advertise a data entry job on this thread?

I think you did...