Do you like to capture things on film? Maybe you love experimenting with angles, shooting at different times of day, and getting just the right image to take home with you? Then you could very well open up a photography business and make good money off of it.
But taking your hobby to this next level can be a complicated thing, and even quite intimidating when you look at it. We can help to allay fears like that with the recommendations below. If a career in the photography world sounds like just the thing for you, take ideas like these into your own hands.
Demonstrate Your Skill
This is where a portfolio comes in handy, but don’t just throw up every single image you’ve taken that you’re proud of. Think about curating your portfolio in such a way that showcases the length and breadth of your skill instead.
For example, if you offer various types or techniques of photography via your website, make sure your portfolio has two to three examples of each one. Show off what you’re capable of, and make it easy for a client to decide that you’re the right person to handle their wedding video, anniversary party pictures, or to capture their beloved pet’s best side.
Invest in Scanning Tech
Using tech within a photography business is a given, seeing as you’ll be creating digital proofs and records of people’s lives. However, there’s a lot more tech out there than you’d think! That’s why investing in the right toolkit for your photography career plans will make it a lot easier to turn a profit.
Take a negative scanner as a great example here; if you like to use older camera tech in your job, or a client has asked for this specifically, you’ll be able to take the negatives of the shoot and upload them directly to your computer and/or editing suite.
Another great bit of kit you can invest in is a mini printer that connects to your phone, or even your camera, and allows you to fully develop and print pictures in an instant. This is a popular service option amongst the party crowd, as people love getting their picture to take home whilst they’re still at the party!
Offer More Than Just Photos
Getting paid to take photos will be the main bulk of your work, of course, but you can supplement this income by offering merchandise to your clients as well.
If they can order a full photography package from you, that includes a photo album, mugs and coasters, badges, magnets, t-shirts, cushions, or teddy bears wearing little printed shirts of their own, you could make at least 50% more profit on top.
Price packages at different levels, and ensure they contain different things, to cover the widest margin of what clients may want to pay for all in one go.
Love photography? Turn it into a money making machine! Demonstrate skill, get tech, and then diversify.