Sep 8 2009

Photography Business: 5 Tips for Starting Your Own Portrait Studio

Posted by photosup in Marketing, Money, Niche Photography, Photography, Photography Business
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Here are some helpful hints when starting a photography business, portrait photography tips that will help you get started and be successful:

1. Find Your Market

Everyone has their own market around them.

People they interact with on a daily basis, family, friends, friends children, childrens friends and their families etc.

All it takes is a little thought, and a handful of confidence to find your market, and get your photography business off to a great start.

2. Specialise!

This one may come as a surprise to many budding photographers out there. When I started out as a photographer, I started by trying to do as many different types of photography as possible.

My reasoning behind this was that I wanted to get work.

After all, more work equals more money right?

But what I failed to realise, that by being jack of all trades, I was not in a position to master any of them. It is by mastering your favourite niche that you end up getting the referrals and repeat work that you so richly deserve.

When starting a photography business it is important to remember this, so that you can build a name for yourself and ultimately brand recognition.

3. Stop Looking at your photos as YOU. Think like your clients.

Here’s an example. Family A sees Family B’s photographs, and like them. They contact you for a photoshoot.

If you were the photographer who did Family B’s photographs – then you’re in luck, because you know your own style, and Family A is likely to be happy with the results.

So the lesson here is to find out WHAT kind of photography your new clients like, and WANT rather than just assuming they will like your work. So in a nutshell, satisfy your market, in order to get a positive result.

The first thing you may want to find out is if they want their portrait taken in a traditional portrait photography studio setting, or if they are happy with natural light portraits.

4. The KISS Strategy (Keep It Simple Stupid)

Have a list of poses, or guides to help you in your photoshoot, it will help things run more smoothly than if you simply try and run things off the cuff.

Plan out your time that has been booked with the family and give them an idea of what is expected of them before you arrive. Suggest outfits, suggest 1 or 2 wardrobe changes (and include the time for this) and at least 2 locations (unless this is a photography studio shoot – in which case suggest suitable attire).

These are just small portrait photography tips that can make a very big difference! Remember props can come in handy! A ribbon for a preggy tum, some blocks for a baby, or a textured blanket for a newborn. Use your imagination and BE prepared.

5. Get your Pricing Right!

Often people make the mistake from the start, and charge too little for their services. If you are confident that you take good photographs, and have gotten good feedback from family and friends, then phone around some other photographers for quotes. It is standard industry practice to find out what others charge, and I have no problem telling other photographers my rates.

If you charge too little, in an attempt to get new business, you are telling people that you think your own work is cheap. You should be proud of your work, but not ridiculous.

Middle ground is a good place to start, and then when your work is in demand, you can begin to charge premium rates.

Remember, you are going to have to be upgrading your equipment at least every 2 years, maybe more often, depending on what the market requires. Then there’s photo editing software to think of. Don’t sell yourself short.

Now go forth and be productive and creative!

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