How to Start a Landscape Photography Business
Deciding to make the jump from amateur to professional landscape photography is a big step. Along with bringing in money from your hobby comes the adjustment of having to run a small business. A professional landscape photography business has some special needs, such as equipment, insurance and marketing. Creating a business plan before rushing out to begin your new career will help you to organize your business and makes for smoother transitions and expansions later.
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Instructions
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Determine how you would like to sell your landscape photographs. Opportunities for landscape photographers include fine art, sales of prints, stock photographs and advertising. Your eventual goal in this area can help you decide what type of business you will set up and how you create your marketing and advertising campaigns.
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Decide what type of business model is right for your landscape photography needs. Sole proprietorship, C corporations and S corporations are all possibilities for a landscape photography business. The type of business you set up will determine details such as how you pay your taxes. Discuss these options with a business accountant if necessary, since this will affect your revenue.
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Purchase both equipment and backup equipment. Many landscape photographers work in large-format film due to the increased dynamic range and flexible aspect ratio. If you are planning on selling your work to an agency or third party, you may wish to discuss their submission requirements for format before purchasing any new equipment. At minimum, you will need a camera body, a wide-angle lens and backups of each piece of critical equipment.
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Purchase insurance for both yourself and your equipment. While landscape photographers may not be working crowded events, certain locations such as national parks or landmarks may require professional photographers to carry liability insurance. Equipment insurance will help if your equipment is damaged, stolen or lost. Review your policy with an insurance agent to determine what is covered---you may need to purchase specific carrying cases or meet other requirements for your policy to be valid.
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Determine whether you will be paid per piece or by the hour, and set your acceptable rates for both types of work. When calculating a rate, you will need to include equipment, overhead, your salary and any profit. A rate calculator such as the one on FreelanceSwitch.com can help you determine what is a realistic rate for your business to remain solvent.
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Plan a marketing campaign. Begin by visualizing your ideal client, and work to put yourself in front of that person. Your advertising campaign may include printed ads, fliers, business cards, in-person meetings with target agencies or clients, and radio, Internet and television advertising. You may choose one or all of the above; targeting your ideal landscape photography client may take some trial and error. If you are stuck, then consider hiring a media agency or advertising firm to represent your business and create a campaign for you.
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