8 Photography Business Tips For Beginners
When I expressed an interest in starting my own photography business I was told that it’s an over saturated market, therefore it’s difficult to become successful. I’m here to tell you that it’s totally doable. I have compiled a list of tips for new business owners or anyone who wants to build their own photography business.
#1 Figure out what you’re good at
Find your niche. Is it family photography? Is it weddings? Do you prefer to do real estate or boudoir? Whatever it is, figure out what gives you drive and stick to it. On the flip side of that, you don’t have to stick to one niche in order to run a successful business but it is important to make sure you are really good at one area and stick to it in the beginning. I specialize in family photography and lifestyle portraits but somehow I ended up doing headshots and real estate too. I advertise myself as a family and lifestyle photographer though because those are the things that I’m the best at.
#2 Don’t compare yourself to other artists
Even if you’re unaware of it, repeatedly watching other photographers online subconsciously makes you think that you’re not good enough because you’ll compare yourself to more seasoned photographers (Or at least, that’s what happened to me). Notice how I don’t say “better” photographers? You have to get it out of your head that you’re not as good as other photographers or I promise you, you’ve already killed your own dream. Art is subjective. Nobody is better than you. We all bring different sets of skills to the photography table. Sure, you want to be as successful and as skilled as these other photographers but in the end watching them on a daily basis will make you start to doubt yourself until you find excuses not to try. By all means use other artists as inspiration if that’s what gives you drive, but never compare yourself. Focus on your own journey and your own path and I promise you, you’ll succeed. When I stopped comparing myself, I started to book more clients and I became a better and more confident photographer. You don’t need the approval of other photographers. I promise you they aren’t sat judging your photos in a negative way.
#3 - Focus on your website, not social media
Your website is your biggest business tool other than word of mouth. Your website is far more valuable than social media ever will be. Social media is not where your money is. Don’t get confused with the creators who have a large following on social media and make pocket change off it. That probably isn’t their main source of income and that isn’t what you should be focusing on if you want to become a paid photographer. Many of these photographers who are famous on social media already had a photography career before social media, hence why they are so skilled. Likes don’t pay the bills. Work on your website, learn SEO. Make your website your baby. Put your heart and soul into it and I guarantee it will pay off.
Tip: Work on words over images. Google pics up words, not photos, so if you want your website to be seen on Google, put wording on every single one of your pages. I will create a new blog post soon with tips on how to set up your website.
#4 - Word of mouth is your best friend
Clients are more likely to book with you when they hear that other people have had a great experience with you. If you don’t have any past clients, don’t worry. Ask family members and friends to put in a good word for you. Give them an incentive if you feel like that’s something you want to do. I’m currently offering and incentive of $25 per booking to anyone who refers clients to me. Even if you don’t have a ton of friends, you’ll be surprised at how many people do want to see you succeed. I rely heavily on word of mouth.
#5 - Join Facebook groups
But you just told us not to rely on social media? That’s true. Don’t think that sitting on social media all day is going to pay out because it won’t, but you can go fishing for clients and it does prove to be successful. I do it every morning. Join mom groups, parent groups, yard sale groups, stuff like that. Post an ad once a week (Depending on the rules of the group) and take a scroll down the page once a day. You’ll be surprised at how many people ask for recommendations on photographers.
#6 - Ask your friends to model in order to build your portfolio
Don’t be afraid to ask for help. You’d be surprised who jumps to model for you. Sell the idea that you’ll give them free social media content and watch what happens.
#7 - Work on your social skills
Photography is a game of socializing and if you lack those social skills, you’re going to have to work on them in order to run a successful business. You are going to have to learn good customer service skills and you are going to have to be the friendliest you’ve ever been no matter what mood you’re in pre-shoot, no matter what’s going on in your personal life that day. If you’ve ever been in front of the camera you’ll know how terrifying it can be. How vulnerable it makes you feel. Your job is to guide your clients and make them feel good about themselves. Your job is to create a positive experience for your clients. Remember, your business will rely heavily on word of mouth.
#8 - Push for success and believe in yourself
Photography can be a very inconsistent way of making a living, especially at the beginning. Your efforts won’t be immediately rewarded but don’t be discouraged. If you stick to it and refuse to give up, you will succeed. The universe will reward you for your hard work and once those first few bookings come in, you’ll get that drive to book more. My biggest piece of advice is to believe in yourself and believe that you deserve success. It really is a game of energy. When my energy is off, I don’t book as many clients. When my energy is good, I attract business. Hard work and positive energy will help you succeed.
Good luck. Remember to believe in yourself. You can do it. I’ll be back with more tips soon.