Starting Up A Business?

[bcornett72]

Hello All!

I am new to the photography world somewhat, and was interested in starting up a business. I am looking for any advice, direction/guidance into this idea of mine. As of right now I work a full-time job, but would like to does this part-time to get more experience and make some extra money. Of course, if things kicked off I would like to do it full-time.

I have been doing art of some kind all my life (painting, drawing, etc.), and have done well at selling those. So, with that all said, if anyone has any advice on this subject or any website, books, etc. that might help me in this venture, I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you all in advance for all the help, and have a blessed and wonderful day.

[Phisch]

Hi Brian!

I've only been doing this myself for a short while. I hope these links will be helpful to you.

Information on starting a business in Texas: Business Start-Up Information

To file to collect sales taxes, you complete the state comptroller's form here: https://ecpa.cpa.state.tx.us/webtaxfee/welcomeAction.do

What sort of photography are you planning on doing? If you primarily do artwork rather than commercial, you'll have different ways to do your marketing. Different again for things like event or wedding photography vs. portraiture.

Share a little about your work and I'm sure there are folks here who can steer you in the right direction about marketing, running your business, etc.

[WarrenG]

Brian,

There is a plethora of information on this forum, so you would do well do scour the business section and read the many threads on the subject for some additional insight.

Unlike many businesses, being a great photographer does not assure you business, but it does assure that you will not have business without it. To be somewhat successful at this you need thick skin, great business prowess, and exceptional sales skills.

Day to day this job is about 20% photography.

Good luck.

W

[d2creative]

Originally Posted by bcornett72

I am new to the photography world somewhat.... As of right now I work a full-time job, but would like to does this part-time to get more experience and make some extra money.

I suggest you get the experience and learn as much as you can BEFORE you start a business. I believe there is a saying about a horse and a cart...

[Ernst-Ulrich Schafer]

Learn all you can, not only as a photographer but also as a business person. Get some good quality in your images before hanging out your shingle. Ask yourself where do you want to be in your market? Always value who you are and the talent you have. Don't hurt yourself and this industry. Remember the word Profit!!!!!

[ttruelove]

Brian,

I was in your position just 3 short years ago and I'm still shooting part-time. Here are a few items I wish I did before starting the business:

1. I wish I would have been a second shooter for an established photographer. I learned many important lessons the hard way by trial and error. Formal Wedding Pictures anyone?

2. I wish I knew the essential equipment I needed for the job BEFORE I started. I spent a lot of money on stuff I thought I needed and realized I didn't.

3. I wish I knew my client better. My wife and I shoot mostly weddings and we are just now getting to a point where we understand the types of brides we want and how to get them.

4. I wish I wasn't so cheap in the beginning. I did not value my service in the early days since I felt my experience directly reflected the price I would charge. This is not true in the least. You don't have to be an awesome photographer to market a successful business.

5. I wish I would have developed my technique. Experience does say a lot, however, in creating your personal identity and style. Just now starting to get handle on what sets me apart from others.

6. I wish I would have gone to more meetups, group events, PPA meetings, etc. Learning from experienced photographers is a gold mine and could have helped me much, much more in the long run.

I'm still a ways away from going full-time, but there's nothing wrong with laying the foundations for a strong company while you still have a solid income. At some point you will need to make the decision of what you really want to do. It's not an easy decision sometimes.

I hope this helps. Good luck and keep up posted on your progress.

[bcornett72]

I just want to thank everyone so far who has posted advice and help on this subject. I have owned a couple of businesses before, and know the struggle that comes with starting up on especially. I just figured that I might as well do something I truly enjoy and try and make a living at it than slave for someone else the rest of my life. Like I said, I do plan on starting out just part-time keeping the solid income coming in.

Again, thanks for all the advice and direction here. Have to say that this is a valuable forum for anyone that is into photography. I will keep you all up to date on where I am going with this, and if I need any further assist I wont hesitate to post.

Blessings,
Brian

[Ernst-Ulrich Schafer]

Brian, What Tim said as to professional organzations. Become a member of your state's Professional Photographers and start attending everything they offer to their members. Texas School was last month I believe and if I lived in Texas I know I would be attending that school every chance I had. Always invest in your education as it's the best money you can spend for the future. I myself have been photographing for well over 30 years, it's only been the last 10 years I've been involved in portraiture, it's so FRICK'N exciting. In Aug I'm attending a 5 day class put on by Darton Drake and Sam Gardner in Port Townsend, WA. The class is $645 and for me it's worth every penny!

[bcornett72]

Thanks for the advice EUS. I have been checking out what is offered in my area, and as you am always interesting in furthering my education. To me it's the best way to better yourself. Of course, I don't just consider classes put on by some organization or person to be the only way to educate myself. I do a lot of reading (internet, books, mags, etc), as well as, getting the hand son practice it takes to better ones self. I firmly believe that you can take all the classes you want, read all the information out there there is on your subject, but until you get into the field and start putting that stuff to use, you are just spinning your wheels.

Again, thanks for the advice and encouragement. I will surely keep at it.

[StevenGWebb]

I hope I'm not too late to the party, but what kind of photography business are you considering? So many times we hear the words, "professional photographer" and assume one of a handful kinds. There may be suggestions out there specific you your endeavor, rather than the generic general business and general education advice.

Steven