5 Essential Things to Have in Place for Your New Photography Business
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Loading... - Farid Slimani
- 11 Apr 2023
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Before you start your photography business, there are a few essential things you need to have in place. Utilize this as a checklist to tell yourself that you’re ready to launch.
#1. Website, Portfolio, and Email Address
Think of this trio as the alternative to a storefront. For a brick-and-mortar business, you need a location for your customers to go and a way for them to purchase your goods or services. There’s an expectation with most modern businesses that you’re going to have a website to share with potential clients and a way for them to contact you through that website.
Additionally, as a photographer, you should have some sort of portfolio. Your portfolio doesn’t have to be perfect when you’re starting out but the quality of your portfolio may reflect the quality of work that you’re able to book. Similarly, the type of work you show might impact the type of work you attract.
Don’t get hung up on having the perfect portfolio or website as you’ll refind them repeatedly over time anyway. However, you can always plan some portfolio-building photoshoots so that you have work to showcase. If all your work is portraiture and you’re building a real estate business, for example, you’ll want to create some sample images to showcase at least enough to get that first gig.
#2. Insurance, Business License, and Permits
This second trio consists of the official things you’ll need to put in place to be legit. Some small-time friends/clients might not care if you’re a licensed and insured photographer but when you’re ready to start your business you’ll need to take care of business. The other thing that might apply is permits, specifically if you’re shooting at locations that require a permit to conduct business.
A quick internet search for your state will provide you with the simple steps to getting a business license. Luckily photography permits are becoming easier to understand, track down, and acquire for various locations. Your local regulations will indicate if you need a license for your city, county, or state and how often you have to renew. When it comes to insurance, there’s equipment coverage and liability. Read More…
