By Chinenye Anuforo
Photography is a popular profession and a hobby to many. The possibility of making daily income from it is there. The business of photography, though a bit stressful, is profitable.
Photography as business puts to test your creativity and love for art. Your creativity and passion for art come into play in terms of choosing the right colour of clothes to fit your client, and choosing the right background to match with the colours. Thirdly, there is the capacity to blend the background and context well with the prevailing situation.
You cannot just begin practicing photography business or photo studio business when you know next to nothing about the business.
Read our simple guide on how to start a photography business so you can develop your creative skillset while making a side income or launching a full-time career.
1. Learn the skills
This you can do by enrolling for at least six months apprenticeship with a good photo studio in town. To understand the business fully, you could stay there up to two years and learn the nitty-gritty of the business.
Alternatively, you can enroll in a photography school where you can equally learn this business. At the end of your programme (whether under apprenticeship or from a photography school), obtain a good certificate.
This will attest to your proficiency in the photography business and photo studio management generally.
2. Set up a startup capital
At least N500,000 will get you started. A good SLR Camera (N300,000 +) and laptop with a high RAM (N200,000) is all you need for a start. The idea is that you take photographs at events and occasions, edit them on your laptop and process at a digital lab operator. Do not be discouraged if you don’t have enough funds to set up a studio yet. Through hard work and diligence, you will get there in no time.
3. Choose a digital photography niche
Find your photography niche, and conquer it. Photographers face a lot of competition every day, one of the best business decisions you can make is to specialize in a particular type of photography.
There are many types of digital photography niches in which you can choose to specialize but choosing a specialization, such as wedding photography, event photography, etc, is the best way of distinguishing yourself from other professional photographers.
4. Buy the right photography equipment
Your device is an important, long-term investment in your new photography business. For starters, you’ll need to get the most satisfactory gadget in the marketplace you could afford.
Because you are in a digital photography business, you may also want a PC and software program to edit your pics. Here is a listing of endorsed equipment for a start: Prime lens, digital camera, camera tripod, external flash, camera bag, sd memory cards, extra batteries and cleaning kits.
5. Choose a suitable business location
In every business, your location matters a lot. Where you locate your business can attract more customers, or make you lose customers.
In photo studio business, your location should be easily accessible, perhaps along a major road in town or walkway. It must not be hidden from passersby.
Remember, it is a business for everybody and not for a few people. Do not be a sit-tight photo studio businessman or businesswoman. Go out there and scout for jobs at events also. You could direct your clients to your photo studio thereafter.
6. Craft a stunning photography portfolio
A professional photography portfolio is something that every photographer should invest in. It’s a great way to showcase your work and create interest in your art or business. A beautiful and complete photography portfolio is your #1 asset as a photographer of the 21st century.
Today, you can create an online photography website that can be accessed by clients on their tablets, smartphone or laptop instead of using a photo book.
7. Create a business plan
Creating a business plan is as simple as searching “Business plan for photography business” on Google. Download a business plan template that work for you and fill it up with your own business information.
It is very important to have a workable plan for how you are going to be successful. This plan will change over time as you become more experienced and learn more about what is possible and what is not.
8. Register your business with CAC
In Nigeria, every business is a legal entity that needs to be registered as a Business Name (BN) or a Private Limited Company (LTD). The government institution responsible for the registration of new businesses in Nigeria is the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).
Even if you are running a business from your home, you still have to register the business. Having your business registered also affords you the ability to do certain things such as opening a bank account for your business, filing tax returns and much more.
9. Develop a digital advertising plan
As well as being a professional photographer you will want to analyze all about digital advertising and social media control to sell your services. If you discover it hard to do it all yourself, then making an investment in a month-to-month contract with a digital advertising and marketing business will truly be well worth it.
The key to achievement in a photography business is advertising. Use your non-public and expert networks to spread the phrase about your business. Attend wedding ceremony parties and occasions geared in the direction of your marketplace.
10. Build and grow your client relationships
The one aspect you cannot underestimate is building lasting client relationships. Finding the first few clients to hire and pay you for photography assignments is always a challenge.
As you get more and more clients contacting your photography business, there will be a considerable amount to keep track off. More than you can do in your head; implement a system to keep all your clients sorted out.