How to Market Your Photography Business Using the Internet

Have you ever received numerous compliments on the pictures you casually take? Have you been designated by your friends as the photographer because your pictures come out better than anyone else’s? Do you feel drawn to bring your camera wherever you go? If so, you might want to consider either a career change—or at least a hobby change. Freelance photography can be very lucrative and not all that time-consuming. Plus, if you enjoy taking pictures it might be a great release. In the digital age, equipment is light in weight and not to too expensive (once you make the initial big purchase of the camera). Now you’ve decided to take some pictures on the side, what do you do now? How do you get your work known? Following these steps will have you well on your way to having a successful photography business.

Things You'll Need

• Business Plan
• Computer
• Internet
• Credit Card
• Domain Name
• Digital Camera and downloading equipment
• Digital memory card
• Digital Camera Printer
• Photography Printer Paper
• Folder

Instructions

1. First you need to decide on a business plan. That is, what kind of photos will you take—will you limit yourself to only taking pictures of nature, objects, or landscapes? Or will you also take photographs of people? Next ask yourself what kind of film—black and white or color? Or will you use sepia tones? Will you digitally alter your photos to make them more artistic or will they be very accurate?

2. Now you want to sign up for and purchase a domain name. You can get a domain name from any major search engine for a reasonable fee. Once you’ve purchased your domain name, start taking pictures. Take a variety to showcase all of your different skills. Be sure to date and describe each photo so you know the context of it. You might even want to name each photograph.

3. Once you have taken several photos you will want to download them onto the computer using the camera equipment. Arrange your pictures on the website and include your email address so that people can contact you if they like your work.

4. Begin running searches on the internet for any photography contests offered by magazines and newspapers. These are great ways to take advantage of free advertising and if you win (and sometimes there is even a prize involved).

5. Lastly, print your photos using a digital camera printer. Choose a sampling of a variety of different ones) to showcase your different photographic talents. Then place these in a folder to show future customers on request.

Tips & Warnings

• Now get out there and take some pictures!