Starting a small scale business - Photographer

By Linda Irabor 

It is often said that if you want a moment last forever, take a picture. This is very true and this one of the reasons people love to either take people’s  or have their pictures taken. 

This love of taking pictures has led to the art of photography being a lucrative business.  For many people, photography is simply a passion for making special moments last forever. They just love photographing.

In the same line, there are people who line the potentials in the art and so, are interested in how to make this passion of theirs into a lucrative enterprise.

If you are one of those who have this interest or intention, what is stopping you?  Nothing should as the business is simple to start and does not entail much financially.  Apart from this you are sure of bringing in a steady income with it.

One of the great thing about this business is that it can be done part time while holding down another job or schooling.   Most of today’s professional photographers will tell you that they started their careers either part-time or as a hobby.  

But just having the passion for photography is not enough criteria to push you into starting the business, it entails more.  

You need to be very imaginative, industrious, and patient as well as have an in-depth knowledge of cameras as par the different angles and where and when they are most appropriate.  In a nutshell, you need to be well schooled in the art of photography.

 You may decide to go to a professional school to polish your skills or do as many people do, learn on the job (which is not always the best way to go). This is because the industry is very competitive. It is a place where the most skilful and determined succeed.

Hence, the need for you to polish your skills and be ready to compete with other photographers, who not only have the talent and artistic vision but also the competitive edge, business and technical know-how.

HERE IS HOW TO GO ABOUT STARTING THIS BUSINESS:

- choose your specialty

 Decide what type of photos you want to be taking or love doing because there are many options to pick from. Your choices include fashion, wedding, portraiture, stock photography and many other options

- organize the business

Write a business plan as well as register your business. These are vital in giving your venture some sort of legality as well as focus. There is no way you can run your business successfully without these.   

There are institutions like the Corporate Affairs Commission, CAC, set with the mandate of registering such businesses.

Writing a business plan is a good idea when starting a business, whether big or small. 

The plan is essential to determining things like pricing, scheduling of photo shoots, payment styles i.e. are you going to work on part or full payment basis?

- buy the necessary equipment

When buying the necessary equipment, there a need for you to keep your priorities in mind.  Figure out what pieces will be essential to your photography business and invest in high-quality items.

A good way of knowing what to buy is to inquire from those already in the business though you will basically need cameras, tripods, lights, lenses.  

- market your business

Marketing is an essential aspect of any business.                 

It entails building a sound and excellent reputation as well as researching and locating potential clients. Progressive entrepreneurs are expected to allocate time to market their businesses.

Doing this is going to be a key factor to your success. In fact, the early days of your business should be dedicated to getting word out about its existence. Events like weddings, birthday parties, conferences, funerals etc are places you can advertise your skills at photography. 

Apart from the conventional platforms like handbills, television, radio etc, social networking platforms, like Facebook, Badoo etc are an effective means also.  

Taking a shot in the water

A good idea is to have an up- to- date portfolio containing samples of previous work. Clients, at times, need to see what you have done in order to be convinced about your creative and technical abilities.

- choose your company name

This is how your clients will identify you, so it is an important component of starting this and any other kind of business.

Many photographers choose to use their name. This strategy is great if you are planning on branding yourself.  Though you should have a name that is catchy and easy to remember-this is vital to staying afloat in this highly competitive industry.

Here are some of the types of photography you can decide to specialise on:

While there are various types of photographic activity, professional photography can be broadly divided into two categories: assignment photography and stock photography.

- Assignment Photography is any photography commissioned by a client. It covers different spheres: from advertisements to portraits, weddings, school functions and many others.  

Most photographers prefer this type as it provides lower financial risk for them.  With this, they are sure they will get paid either before the event or after the contract has been satisfactorily completed.

- Stock Photography is photography shot on speculation, in advance of being sold.  What is done with this type of photography get different unique and staged pictures and offer them for sale either on the internet or to clients for their personal use.

 Outcomes of this type of photography are abound on the internet where people simply Google pictures to use them for different purposes.   Most these pictures are usually staged by models.

 There is no fear of if you will get patronage as there will always be people who will need your services in making their special moments last forever. There will always be weddings, birthday parties, beauty pageants, business conferences etc, so do not fret. 

 Starting a small business can be exciting, but it is also entails a lot of work, hard one at that.  When you know that you are ready to take on the challenges of owning your own photography business, go for it!