So why do you want to have your own photography business? Do you like the thought of having more spare time? How about just working the hours that you want? Having a holiday whenever you feel like it? Having freedom? Making a great income? Working the hours that you want?
When you become a professional photographer, you are no longer just a photographer! You are a marketer, salesperson, accountant, Photoshop and Lightroom expert, copywriter, customer relations person and business owner.
Your destiny is well and truly in your hands!
Photography is becoming increasingly competitive, so it’s essential to be savvy with your marketing to keep a constant flow of customers coming in the door.
Many people think they’re a professional photographer, but they cannot manage to maintain a steady flow of income.
Having creative talent is just not enough – there are too many struggling photographers, because photography can be a tough and competitive business.
Photography, like any business, requires a good marketing plan, expertise in handling customers and have good sales skills.
I have owned a photography studio specialising in weddings and portraits, for over 40 years, and now I am an International Photography Business Coach.
I feel that today’s photographers trying to break into the industry, do so without learning the basic business principles needed to succeed.
So many people pick up a camera and with little or no experience in the photography industry call themselves professional photographers, simply because someone commented on Facebook that they take amazing photos and could make money from it.
To experienced professionals, this is one of the leading causes of frustration as it creates a lack of respect for the industry.
There are many different ways that photographers operate their businesses. It may be from a commercial property or from home, but the principles for business success remains the same.
A solid business foundation is vital if you are starting a photography business if it’s to be successful in the long run.
So what are the materials that we have to gather to build that foundation for a successful business in photography?
You should have a simple structured price list that leads the customer to buy your core products, which in turn will help maximise your sales.
Forget what you would like the customer to buy. Let them decide on what they want based on the information that you have given them.
Do not prejudge what the customer can or cannot afford. Don’t think that the customer doesn’t have the money to invest a lot in photography. This is a big mistake. I have known a customer deprive themselves of a new car, choosing rather to spend thousands with me, on family photographs.
By not prejudging a customer, you can open your mind to the possibility that this customer will come back again and again over the years. Let your presentation be carried by this excitement, enthusiasm, and belief.
If you dress for success, the customer is more likely to take your higher prices seriously. I don’t mean over the top, but I do mean that you should dress professionally. Whether you are male or female dress appropriately at all times. It will have a positive effect on you, your business and your value.
You must practice your selling system. I used to role-play with friends or staff members, to perfect my presentation, right up to getting the money. You must build your confidence before you present yourself to your customers.
In my own business I developed a very effective yet simple Soft Sell System, which I now as a photography business coach, I teach my clients around the world with fantastic sales results.
A holistic approach is necessary because a photographers success depends on a multitude of factors all being present at the same time.
GRAB MY FREE BOOK HERE “The Ultimate Guide To Starting a Photography Business.”
