How to Start a Small Photography Business

Starting a photography business requires a combination of savvy business skills and a good artistic eye. From choosing the right equipment to learning to deal with paperwork, you will need to follow a few steps in order to start a successful business as a photographer.

Things You'll Need

• Professional digital camera
• Lenses and high-quality zoom
• Business paperwork (needed for tax filing and incorporation)
• Plastic folder or portfolio

Instructions

1. Choose an area of specialization. If you want to keep your business small but still build an impressive portfolio, you will need to decide on one or two niches: wedding photography, portraits and commercial shots tend to be the most profitable ones.

2. Invest in high-quality equipment. Lots of photographers have gone digital. If you choose the same route, keep in mind you will still need a professional camera, complete with zoom, lenses and a powerful resolution (10 megapixels or more). Other basic equipment you will need to get started includes studio lights, photo retouching software and a variety of filters.

3. Build a portfolio. This is especially important for new businesses, which don’t have the budget to invest in promotion and must rely on a print portfolio to showcase their abilities. Simply make copies of your best work and store it in a folder with plastic sleeves.

4. Look into grants or loans. The Small Business Administration offers assistance to those just starting or wishing to expand a company. If you’re looking to buy a lot of equipment or rent a commercial space for your business, financial assistance makes a lot of sense.

5. Keep up with the industry. Attend photography workshops and exhibitions and subscribe to industry magazines so you’re aware of new trends and developments in equipment and design.

6. Find out the tax implications of starting a photography business. Depending on where you live, you will need to earn a minimum per year in order to qualify as a business; otherwise, you would fall under the classification of hobbyst. You will also need to decide whether you will be filing taxes as a sole proprietorship, a partnership or a limited liability company (LLC), as the paperwork needed is quite different for each.

Tips & Warnings

• Don’t forget to check zoning restrictions in your area if you’re running a business out of your home.