Often times I think most of us start photography because we love it. One thing or another sparked this idea that we could start a photography business just based on our love for it. I jumped into the photography world with no clue where to start or what I was doing. I was clueless to all the talent out there and I definitely did not know anything of workshops. Looking back, I see how silly this idea was. That I would jump into this photography world, take pictures and get paid for something I love. Who doesn't want to make a living from doing something they love to do, right?!
Well, when your talents are based on being a mommy photographer and your experience is just family and friends, that doesn't say a whole lot. Here is an image from one of my earlier sessions. I cringe looking at it. I see so many things I could have done differently as far as the shot and the edit. My prices were very cheap too. I was one of those $50-$75 shoots with all images on a disk included cheap photographers.
Well, when your talents are based on being a mommy photographer and your experience is just family and friends, that doesn't say a whole lot. Here is an image from one of my earlier sessions. I cringe looking at it. I see so many things I could have done differently as far as the shot and the edit. My prices were very cheap too. I was one of those $50-$75 shoots with all images on a disk included cheap photographers.
When I started this business these are a few things I wish I would have known:
Definition of a business- is "an occupation, profession, or trade. The purchase and sale of goods in an attempt to make a profit".
It's extremely hard trying to run a photography business charging low rates. I was working hard for little money. In a sense that sounds impossible and awful but I truley was. I was getting on average a little over $1 per hour. Thats not even taking in consideration for the time there at the shoot, gas, editing time and etc.
Not much of a "business" is there?
Giveaways and Freebies- I love giveaways and freebies! Winning or giving is always fun in my eyes but I know now how I feel doesn't matter because everyone has there own opinion and perspective. I learned the hard way that I have a large group of followers on my Facebook page that were there just to win something free. Pathetic isn't it! I had this idea that since I love to do games and give things away that It would help me boost my business adn others would appreciate me being so giving and hire me. WORNG! Not sure were I got that idea but people don't think that way. They see free as in free and nothign further. Free isn't free! I, the business owner, is losing money to give you something free. What a mess that was. No bookings, but yet I had many who would question about the next giveaway. I knew I did something wrong when I was being contacted more about giveaways and freebies than I was session bookings. I fixed that issue real quick.
Now that I learned that lesson, sure I will giveaway something but in return you must book a session. I will just you a gift certificate for $20 off your session or a 10x10 canvas print. Easy as that is seperated those who were seriously in my work and who actually wanted to book a session with me.
Full Time or Part Time- This is complicated for me. I still not sure what my time is considered. I return emails, phone calls and messages weekly. I edit weekly and I shoot on the weekends. Time management is a must. For myself the combination between homeschooling, photography and my regular mom duties it becomes overwhelming. I personally don't see how being a photographer is a part time job. I spend on average 7 hours a day between editing, designing templates for client orders, ordering products and returning contacts... thats on average 35 hours per week. Top that with homeschooling and regular duties... I need a vacation.
I don't care if you work a regular full time job beyond photography but I can't see photography being a part time job. Running your own business is a lot more than that hour shoot on Saturday.
Mistakes- gahh.
Who doesn't make mistakes?! I tend to have to learn the hard way due to my stubbornness. In this line of business mistakes can easily be made.
I once had a lady contact me for a wedding service. This is when I never had done a weddign so I was was open to doing this wedding almost free. I recieved very little info other than this wedding was 1 1/2 away from where I lived and who the bride was. I quickly quoted this person $200. Never thought about it, shows my experience. ;)
I never had a contract between this person and I. Mistake number one.
I never took a deposit. Mistake number two.
A month away from the wedding I had already done a wedding, learned about needing a contract to ensure everything was agreed and all that legal junk.
This person contacts me for an update and assumes expectations like adding in that I must be there for 6 hours and all the litle details rather than speaking to me. Mistake number three.
3 mistakes that could have easily been avoided IF I knew enough at the beginning to know that a contract is a must. Not just to protect me but to ensure the client and myself were both aware of the details and what they were getting and that the client knows that what to expect from me.
With me not doing this those 3 BIG mistakes cost me. I had very bad things said about me and that I think hurt my feelings more than anything. Those mistakes forced me to grow, I never do anything without a contract now. Lessoned learned! I lost a client and more experience but in return I learned that I am worth more than 6 hours at a wedding for $200 with a 3 hour drive to and from. I learned I had a voice and was not going to be stepped on.
Easy to get into- When I jumped into the idea of starting my own photography business I never once considered the costs. Photography as a hobby or business is not cheap. Between the camera body, lenses, flashes, diffuses, reflectors, a computer to edit, editing software like Photoshop, actions, website, domain, workshops, studios need lighting like backgrounds, props, business license, all the legal documents and paperwork. I'm sure I have missed many other things that are needed but just with this list could cost you at least several grand. Did I say at least several thousand?! Don't assume photography is a cheap business to get into because you will soon find out the little costs.
You're more than a photographer- I have had to find a way to coordinate between marketing, being the photographer, being an editor and being a receptionist/secretary. Thats just the business part of it all... if you are in my situation beyond work you have to manage cleaning house, being a mom, being a teacher and so on. You get the idea.
Editing/Style- The process of trying to figure out what our style and editing is can take time. It took me starting our with bright vibrant editing with not a clue on how an image should be done. I know one thing is I do not always do is follow the photography rules, though these rules are there for a reason but more of a guideline to assist rather than direct. The rules like composition, rule of thirds and so on. I view photography as an art. Each of us have a different perception on art and how it should look. Why conform to be like each other when we can be different? I choose to shot my style and that style may not be everyones cup of tea and that's ok with me.
I also have heard negative connotation about photoshop editing. Opinions like actions over photoshop, your not a real photographer if you photoshop is just plain ignorance. The thing is, I am going to edit the way I feel free to edit. This is again... my business, I steer the direction of my business and it is based on my idea of art.
One of the many great things about photography is being able to meet someone new and taking pictures of them through your eyes and your idea of art and beauty. Taking those images home and processing them into either a clean edit or over the top image that isn't even realistic. That is why they hire though... for your photography view.
Successes- My definition of success is different from yours. Dictionary.com defines success as "the favorable or prosperous termination of attempts or endeavors; the accomplishment of one's goals". Success to me is knowing I have managed to work out this combination between a mom, a teacher and a photographer all into one. That I can still keep clients coming to me for sessions and still manage to teach my children the importance of life, love, God, math, english and so on. Success to me isn't on how many weddings can I get this year or how many sessions can I get. It's more of mainting a duable amount of sessions without hurting my children's education. What is success to you? This should help guide you to where you need to be in the future.
TKP 3 year anniversary is coming up. It's exciting to know how far along I've came. Here is an image from a recent session.
Definition of a business- is "an occupation, profession, or trade. The purchase and sale of goods in an attempt to make a profit".
It's extremely hard trying to run a photography business charging low rates. I was working hard for little money. In a sense that sounds impossible and awful but I truley was. I was getting on average a little over $1 per hour. Thats not even taking in consideration for the time there at the shoot, gas, editing time and etc.
Not much of a "business" is there?
Giveaways and Freebies- I love giveaways and freebies! Winning or giving is always fun in my eyes but I know now how I feel doesn't matter because everyone has there own opinion and perspective. I learned the hard way that I have a large group of followers on my Facebook page that were there just to win something free. Pathetic isn't it! I had this idea that since I love to do games and give things away that It would help me boost my business adn others would appreciate me being so giving and hire me. WORNG! Not sure were I got that idea but people don't think that way. They see free as in free and nothign further. Free isn't free! I, the business owner, is losing money to give you something free. What a mess that was. No bookings, but yet I had many who would question about the next giveaway. I knew I did something wrong when I was being contacted more about giveaways and freebies than I was session bookings. I fixed that issue real quick.
Now that I learned that lesson, sure I will giveaway something but in return you must book a session. I will just you a gift certificate for $20 off your session or a 10x10 canvas print. Easy as that is seperated those who were seriously in my work and who actually wanted to book a session with me.
Full Time or Part Time- This is complicated for me. I still not sure what my time is considered. I return emails, phone calls and messages weekly. I edit weekly and I shoot on the weekends. Time management is a must. For myself the combination between homeschooling, photography and my regular mom duties it becomes overwhelming. I personally don't see how being a photographer is a part time job. I spend on average 7 hours a day between editing, designing templates for client orders, ordering products and returning contacts... thats on average 35 hours per week. Top that with homeschooling and regular duties... I need a vacation.
I don't care if you work a regular full time job beyond photography but I can't see photography being a part time job. Running your own business is a lot more than that hour shoot on Saturday.
Mistakes- gahh.
Who doesn't make mistakes?! I tend to have to learn the hard way due to my stubbornness. In this line of business mistakes can easily be made.
I once had a lady contact me for a wedding service. This is when I never had done a weddign so I was was open to doing this wedding almost free. I recieved very little info other than this wedding was 1 1/2 away from where I lived and who the bride was. I quickly quoted this person $200. Never thought about it, shows my experience. ;)
I never had a contract between this person and I. Mistake number one.
I never took a deposit. Mistake number two.
A month away from the wedding I had already done a wedding, learned about needing a contract to ensure everything was agreed and all that legal junk.
This person contacts me for an update and assumes expectations like adding in that I must be there for 6 hours and all the litle details rather than speaking to me. Mistake number three.
3 mistakes that could have easily been avoided IF I knew enough at the beginning to know that a contract is a must. Not just to protect me but to ensure the client and myself were both aware of the details and what they were getting and that the client knows that what to expect from me.
With me not doing this those 3 BIG mistakes cost me. I had very bad things said about me and that I think hurt my feelings more than anything. Those mistakes forced me to grow, I never do anything without a contract now. Lessoned learned! I lost a client and more experience but in return I learned that I am worth more than 6 hours at a wedding for $200 with a 3 hour drive to and from. I learned I had a voice and was not going to be stepped on.
Easy to get into- When I jumped into the idea of starting my own photography business I never once considered the costs. Photography as a hobby or business is not cheap. Between the camera body, lenses, flashes, diffuses, reflectors, a computer to edit, editing software like Photoshop, actions, website, domain, workshops, studios need lighting like backgrounds, props, business license, all the legal documents and paperwork. I'm sure I have missed many other things that are needed but just with this list could cost you at least several grand. Did I say at least several thousand?! Don't assume photography is a cheap business to get into because you will soon find out the little costs.
You're more than a photographer- I have had to find a way to coordinate between marketing, being the photographer, being an editor and being a receptionist/secretary. Thats just the business part of it all... if you are in my situation beyond work you have to manage cleaning house, being a mom, being a teacher and so on. You get the idea.
Editing/Style- The process of trying to figure out what our style and editing is can take time. It took me starting our with bright vibrant editing with not a clue on how an image should be done. I know one thing is I do not always do is follow the photography rules, though these rules are there for a reason but more of a guideline to assist rather than direct. The rules like composition, rule of thirds and so on. I view photography as an art. Each of us have a different perception on art and how it should look. Why conform to be like each other when we can be different? I choose to shot my style and that style may not be everyones cup of tea and that's ok with me.
I also have heard negative connotation about photoshop editing. Opinions like actions over photoshop, your not a real photographer if you photoshop is just plain ignorance. The thing is, I am going to edit the way I feel free to edit. This is again... my business, I steer the direction of my business and it is based on my idea of art.
One of the many great things about photography is being able to meet someone new and taking pictures of them through your eyes and your idea of art and beauty. Taking those images home and processing them into either a clean edit or over the top image that isn't even realistic. That is why they hire though... for your photography view.
Successes- My definition of success is different from yours. Dictionary.com defines success as "the favorable or prosperous termination of attempts or endeavors; the accomplishment of one's goals". Success to me is knowing I have managed to work out this combination between a mom, a teacher and a photographer all into one. That I can still keep clients coming to me for sessions and still manage to teach my children the importance of life, love, God, math, english and so on. Success to me isn't on how many weddings can I get this year or how many sessions can I get. It's more of mainting a duable amount of sessions without hurting my children's education. What is success to you? This should help guide you to where you need to be in the future.
TKP 3 year anniversary is coming up. It's exciting to know how far along I've came. Here is an image from a recent session.
Never Sell Yourself Short...
I remember being told this when I was little. Little like still in elementary school little. It always stuck in my head and more than ever does this 4 word statement mean so much. As a photographer we need to value ourselves. We need to value ourselves to know or worth and to respect one another in our community. As photographers we should build each other up... not try to destroy their reputation because you fear them. We should help each, teach other and join forces. We struggle with the same issues, we love the same thing, we have at least one interest in common and we should respect each other. I know I have gone off topic with the statement but it starts with us being a photographer in general to know that we are all in the small business trade and investing every second to improve ourselves. Value each other, value yourself. Don't charge cut rate prices to get more business, charge based on your talent and your time.
Your selling yourself short by charging $50-$75 per session and giving a disk with all the images. I'm sure you are worth more that measley $1 per hour as I did a couple years ago.
I value the time I put into one photograph to get the image exactly how I want it rather than editing 3 images for the time of one now without a clue of a direction and editing just to edit.
I believe in helping each other out. For the sake of clients needing a photographer and for the sake of the photography industry. We need photographers that give quality work and clients who recieve nothing but the best from each of us. Reach out to other photographers, take classes, join workshops, improve your skills and value yourself enough to know that in this work enviroment learning is a must. Never settle for second best. Be your best!
What's your value? What's your worth? Maybe this will quide you now, to help you get to where you want to be as a photographer.
I remember being told this when I was little. Little like still in elementary school little. It always stuck in my head and more than ever does this 4 word statement mean so much. As a photographer we need to value ourselves. We need to value ourselves to know or worth and to respect one another in our community. As photographers we should build each other up... not try to destroy their reputation because you fear them. We should help each, teach other and join forces. We struggle with the same issues, we love the same thing, we have at least one interest in common and we should respect each other. I know I have gone off topic with the statement but it starts with us being a photographer in general to know that we are all in the small business trade and investing every second to improve ourselves. Value each other, value yourself. Don't charge cut rate prices to get more business, charge based on your talent and your time.
Your selling yourself short by charging $50-$75 per session and giving a disk with all the images. I'm sure you are worth more that measley $1 per hour as I did a couple years ago.
I value the time I put into one photograph to get the image exactly how I want it rather than editing 3 images for the time of one now without a clue of a direction and editing just to edit.
I believe in helping each other out. For the sake of clients needing a photographer and for the sake of the photography industry. We need photographers that give quality work and clients who recieve nothing but the best from each of us. Reach out to other photographers, take classes, join workshops, improve your skills and value yourself enough to know that in this work enviroment learning is a must. Never settle for second best. Be your best!
What's your value? What's your worth? Maybe this will quide you now, to help you get to where you want to be as a photographer.