How to Run a Glamour Photography Business
Glamour photography is the art of taking the average person and turning her into the superstar/glamour model she envisions herself to be. It is a more specialized field than simple portrait photography. Glamour photos require a relaxed setting and a competent staff who can provide a total makeover for each client to get him ready for the photo shoot of his life. Providing a memorable experience, taking professional pictures and doing the touch-ups that magazine photographer's do to their finished products is what glamour photography is all about.
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Things You'll Need
- Studio
- Camera with accessories, lighting and backdrops
- Computer with photography manipulation and spreadsheet software
- Office equipment
- Hair stylist's equipment and supplies
- Makeup artist's supplies
- Various articles of clothing in different sizes
Instructions
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Split your studio into six areas. Place the reception area near the front entrance. Spread the hair salon, wardrobe, makeup, portrait studio and office around the available space. Stock each area with the equipment and supplies you will need.
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Hire someone personable and professional to work in the reception area. Have the receptionist make and track the appointments. Be sure the receptionist meets each client as soon as she arrives and gets her started with her session by alerting you of the client's presence.
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Hire a licensed hair stylist. Keep your hair stylist fully equipped with everything she needs to do her job. Have the stylist give each client the time and attention that he needs to give him a memorable experience.
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Hire a fashion professional to meet with each client to help her choose something from the wardrobe area to wear for her photo shoot. Give your fashion expert a wide variety of clothing in the wardrobe on hand as well as an expense account to purchase more wardrobe options as necessary.
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Hire a licensed cosmetologist to work in your makeup area. Keep her fully supplied and give her plenty of time to spend with each client. Check with your make-up artist daily to be sure she has everything she needs to provide the client with the best possible makeover.
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Meet with each client after her transformation is complete. Talk with her to get a feel for who she is and what expectations she has for her glamour photography session. Take 30-40 shots of the client with your digital camera using different poses, lighting and settings on your camera. Review the shots with your client and have her choose the 5 shots she likes the best. Give the client the option to purchase more of the shots if she so desires.
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Manipulate and clean up the shots the client chose using the photo manipulation software on your computer. Take your time and make each of the shots as clean as possible. Print out the final pictures as many times, in as many sizes as necessary to fill the client's order. Have the finished pictures waiting for the client at the reception desk before the promised time of delivery.
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Track income, bills and payroll on a spreadsheet. Keep contracts and other hard-copy documents in your files for at least ten years. Use your spreadsheet to track your company's finances. Make adjustments where necessary to improve the bottom line.
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Tips & Warnings
Advertise online, with fliers and in the local newspaper to bring in more clients.
Providing a comfortable session with well-trained professionals will give you the satisfied clients you need for return business and word-of-mouth advertising.
Starting a photography business correctly is expensive. Be sure you have complete start-up costs before you begin. Poorly managed businesses shut down quickly as word spreads that you do not have everything you need to run a competitive business.
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
