I've been trying to think about what to write about and it's kind of hard. Finally I think I've decided to write about how to build a audience and get people to let me take their pictures. Trying to start a photography business is differently not the easiest thing to do. If you want to start a business where you make something and then sell it you can start by making what ever it is and then trying to sell it online. We all know how many online stores are out there to sell things on. It's harder to try to get people to pay you to take pictures that they can't actually see before hand. So how did I get this all started?
Well you start by begging and pleading and forcing your friends to be your models. Most people are more then happy to do this, especially if you are good, because it means they get free pictures. You need to do this for many different people!! You can't do two shoots and then say ok this is good now I can start charging people that doesn't work. Even though they aren't paying you to take their pictures usually because you are friends you can work something out with them were they will tell their friends and family about you and show them the pictures. This is where actually being good at photography comes in because if the pictures are good you start to build an audience and people will want to come to you for pictures.
I have a few really close pictures that I have taken pictures for on multiple occasions but have never charged. I think of it as one of the perks of being my friend and sticking by me through thick and thin is you then get free pictures. I don't know if this is really important to the success of starting a photography business but I like doing it.
The next really important thing is to keep your cost low!! Yes professional already established photography studios charge hundred of dollars, but for one they are already established. Two these people usually have studios that they have to pay rent, electric, and water on. They usually have a lot of props that they must replace every so often, computers they have to keep up to date, multiple camera and lens that they will have to replace or get fixed from using almost every day. I don't really have any of this yet. All of my pictures are done outside, I use the laptop my mom bought me for college, and I don't have any props of my own. So this is reflected in my price.
When you are working with less equipment it is important to make sure your pictures really stick out. You don't have everything that the established studios do so make sure your pictures still look just as good as someone could get there and make your price so that its more affordable. Some day you'll be able to raise the price and buy all of the things you need but for now it's about getting your name out their and building an audience.
Facebook is also a great tool to use! Make a facebook business page to post pictures to and so people can follow you. By the way go check out my page at facebook.com/mydreamsphotography and be sure to like it!! All those pictures you took for free you can post them on here and tag the people in the pictures it helps to get your name out there and let people know that you can take some great pictures.
One of the most important things to remember is to not get discouraged when you don't become an over night success. Anything that is worth having is worth working for!! I've been doing this for almost 3 years now and I'm just now getting to the point where I have more people coming to me and paying for pictures. I've also been working on graduating first high school and now college at the same time so photography hasn't always been the first thing on my mind. But if it's something you really love then don't give up as long as you put work into it it will pay off for you.
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