Starting a photography business can be a thrilling and rewarding journey, especially if you’ve always dreamed of turning your passion into a profitable career. This blog post will walk you through the essential steps to make your business official, choose the right equipment, find your niche, and attract your first clients. These are the steps that I took to quit my full time job and become my own boss within 2 years of starting my photography business. Let’s dive in!

Make Your Photography Business Legal

Check your state’s Secretary of State website for how to create a photography business

The first step in launching your photography business is ensuring it’s legally established. Visit your state’s Secretary of State website to follow the steps to form your photography business. Typically, this involves selecting a business name, choosing a business structure (e.g., sole proprietorship, LLC, or corporation), and registering your business. You’ll also need to obtain any required permits or licenses to operate legally.

Which business type is for me?

Each business type has its pros and cons. For many photographers, forming an LLC is a popular choice because it provides liability protection while being relatively simple to manage. However, sole proprietorships may be an easier entry point for those just starting out. If you’re unsure, consulting a business mentor or legal professional can help you make the best decision for your photography business.

Get business insurance

Photography equipment can be costly, accidents can happen, and you want to make sure your business is covered if something were to go wrong. Protect your investment by securing business insurance. This can cover your equipment, liability for client injuries during a shoot, and even errors or omissions that could arise in your work or during a photo shoot. Research options and choose a policy that best fits your needs.

Equipment to Start Your Photography Business

Starting a Website

A professional website is vital for showcasing your portfolio and attracting clients. Platforms like SquareSpace or ShowIt make it easy to create a visually appealing site. Ensure your website includes an “About” page, contact form, and a blog to share your expertise and build SEO so you can increase your business’ credibility. SquareSpace is easy to use and but doesn’t allow for much customization. ShowIt is a website host that was created specifically for photographers. There are hundreds of templates you can purchase and customize them to your hearts content. If you want to dive deep into creating your website, use this code to get your first month of ShowIt for free!

Mirrorless or DSLR camera?

Your camera is the cornerstone of your photography business. Whether you choose a DSLR or a mirrorless model depends on your preferences and budget. Mirrorless cameras are generally lighter and offer advanced features that save you a lot of editing time, while DSLRs often provide longer battery life and a more extensive range of compatible lenses. Consider starting with a mid-range model to balance cost and quality.

Laptop

A reliable laptop is essential for editing photos, managing your website, and handling business operations. Look for one with a fast processor, plenty of RAM, and a high-quality display to ensure accurate color representation when editing for your photography business.

Software

Invest in professional-grade editing software like Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop. These tools will enable you to enhance your images and deliver polished results to clients. Additionally, consider using a client management system (CRM) like Dubsado or HoneyBook to streamline your business operations. If you’re looking for a top-notch CRM, then use this code for 20% off your first month or year with Dubsado.

Gallery Delivery Service

As a photographer, you want to deliver your client’s photos through a professional and easy-to-use website. Pic-Time is the ultimate online gallery delivery superhero, with a user-friendly interface that keeps both you and your clients happy. There’s even a print store attached to your client’s gallery, where they can purchase all kinds of print products. You can run a sale for whatever occasion (Black Friday, holiday, mother’s day, etc.) and you can watch your income soar through the roof!

Pic-Time is the perfect way to give your photography business that extra professional boost. You can choose from various gallery templates to match your brand and even set up an email template to save yourself time on gallery delivery. You can even reuse the same gallery for your loyal customers, giving them access to every snapshot you’ve ever taken of their family!

If you’re just starting out, don’t worry! There’s a free plan! Once you’ve got more clients than you know what to do with, you’ll want to upgrade to the unlimited plan so you can keep all your client’s photos safe and sound. Use this coupon code when you’re ready to upgrade and get your first month of Pic-Time for free!

Find Your Niche and Target Market

Photography has many different niches

From weddings to families, high school seniors, and even product and branding photography, the possibilities are endless. Reflect on your interests and skills to determine which niche excites you the most. Specializing can set you apart in a crowded market and attract clients looking for your specific expertise. When you’re first starting out in your photography business, it’s normal to take whatever job comes your way. As you hone your skills and get your name out there, you’ll want to niche down to provide services that speak to you the most. 

Finding your target audience

Understanding your ideal client is crucial to marketing your services effectively. Consider factors like location, lifestyle, and preferences. Are they outdoorsy families or stylish seniors who prefer urban settings? Build a detailed profile of your target audience to tailor your messaging and focus your marketing efforts where they’ll have the most impact.

Find a Photography Business Mentor

Finding a mentor can be a game-changer when starting your photography business. Many successful photographers credit their mentors for helping them navigate the challenges of launching a photography business. A mentor can provide guidance on technical skills, business operations, marketing strategies, and so much more.

I transitioned my love of photography from a hobby to a full-time professional family and senior photography business within 2 years of starting my own business. I had 3 mentors my first year, and each taught me something new and valuable about what it’s like to run a photography business.

Now that I’ve been in business for almost five years, I would love to help others make their dream of owning their own photography business become a reality. If you’re just starting out, I offer a 6-8 week mentorship program to help you take your business from ground zero to booking your first few clients. We’ll have bi-weekly meetings where we discuss everything from creating a website to how to keep track of your income and expenses. I’ll also take your headshots so you’ll have plenty of photos to share on social media and on your “About” page.

If you already have an established photography business but are looking for ways to make your business better, I offer different mentoring packages. There’s an in-person or virtual chat where you can ask questions about anything business related. I also offer a mentor package where you shadow me during a photo shoot so you can see how I work and afterwards you can ask questions about my editing techniques. If you’d like a second set of eyes to review your website, I also offer a package for website and SEO review to ensure your website is properly set up and formatted so your clients can find you on Google. 

I know asking for help and investing money into your photography business can be a challenge, but that help and investment can really make a difference in your business. The only limit is the one you set yourself. Get out of your comfort zone and get ready to watch your dreams come true!