How to Start a Photo Studio
Your snapshots are so great that everyone says you'll miss your calling if you don't get into the photography business. The desire is there and you've amassed some professional equipment, so what's stopping you? Maybe all you need is a gentle push plus some tips that promise to get your photo studio up and running so you can focus on the future.
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Instructions
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Choose between general photography and a specialty. You'll want to take any job that comes long when you launch your photo studio, but choosing a specialty like weddings, tabletop/commercial, kids, pets, boudoir, glamour, outdoor or another niche market will help you approach your photo studio enterprise with a specific goal in mind.
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Decide between home-based and studio rental. Many newbies start their photo business from home if there's enough room to do the job right, but if cash and circumstances warrant the separate space, you'll be happy you had the option. One great room with plenty of space is all you need to get started.
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Invest in equipment that's missing from your personal inventory. You'll need basics like digital SLR camera body(s) or a point-and-shoot camera with a high mega pixel count. Purchase at least one digital light meter, a variety of lenses, strobes/hot lights, umbrellas or softboxes, paper sweeps, reflectors and tripods. Buy dark curtains to cover windows so you can control the light. Keep a supply of memory cards on hand. Chairs and stools for posing groups plus props (optional) should provide the basics.
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Set up the business end of your photo studio. Survey competitors to determine your pricing structure. Set up a bank account in the name of the studio and have a brochure made as a leave-behind marketing tool. Don't include pricing in the brochure. Instead, make your own price lists, and insert them into the brochure so revising your fees won't mean a complete reprint of the brochure. Set up a website with samples of your best work and don't forget to put your contact information on home, landing and drop down pages so potential clients don't have to work to find you. Choose a good insurance package to cover potential liability issues and keep plenty of model releases on hand.
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Publicize your photo studio by volunteering your services at community events. While you're snapping for charity, hand out brochures so people can contact you after each event for their weddings, family portraits and other photography needs. Put into place a referral incentive by offering a discount if a client's referral gets you a job.
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Consider joining the Professional Photographers of America. The PPA is the oldest professional organization around and the benefits are plentiful: discounts, insurance, financial help, access to check recovery services, legal documents and wholesale supply deals. The PPA helps members with copyright issues and even lobbies Congress on behalf of members. They'll help you get schooling and certification, too.
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References
- Photo Credit AG Studios, UK
