Photo Business Startup

[photobyronnie]

Have been seriouly into photography for a little over three years. Interested in starting an photography businees, but really don't know a lot of people in Houston. Any one has any suggestion on how to get an photography business started.

[Ph0t0g]

I havent attended but I hear that WPPI has a really good startup course at their annual get together, I'm sure PPA also offers one. It would be a good investment.

[eswist]

First of all, sit down and put a business plan together. Figure in expenses, expected income, taxes etc. Remember, you're probably not going to be profitable right out of the gate, so make sure you have savings, small biz loan etc.

Also, find your niche in photography. What do you provide that sets you apart from everyone else out there, that's the thing that you need to market the most. Trying to cover all the bases (weddings, sports, events, commercial etc.) does nothing but stretch you out in so many different directions. Finding your niche will save you money in the end. Your equipment, software, hardware etc. will all be geared towards that type of photography.

Make sure as well that you join as many professional organizations as you can, register your business with the state (S corp), create a seperate bank account for your business and make sure you get your equipment insured.

Hope all of this is of some help....

[akimartymar]

"Make sure as well that you join as many professional organizations as you can"


What difference does it really make if you belong to as many professional organizations as possible?