We all dream of turning our favorite hobby into a living. Photographers are no different. However, there are many different factors to be taken into account when planning to run a business. Your photography talent just may not be enough to guarantee success. Whether you are currently running a photography related business or simply dreaming of taking this step in the future, here are a few tips for ensuring that your love of your hobby and your financial needs are both fulfilled by your small business.

Know Your Hobby

It’s not enough to be somewhat talented when you are thinking about going into business. You must know for a fact that you have a unique vision, a high level of creativity, and the technical skills to turn these into reality. Until you have these, no amount of business sense can help you. Ask the people around you for an honest evaluation of your work. It is critical that these people be both brutally honest and have a good idea of what a professional photographer’s work looks like. Your mom, your spouse, and your best friends simply will not be able to give you an honest idea of your true skill level, so don’t even ask these people.

Learn about Small Business

Regardless of your photography skills, you will find that no business can be successful without the set of skills unique to entrepreneurs. This is why banks and other lending organizations are more likely to give those rare small business loans to people who have experience in these areas. If you have never worked in a small business, you may want to try it—just to find out if you are really cut out for the job. Also, talk to a few entrepreneurs, preferably ones in the photography business or related fields. Find out what their day to day schedules look like so you can decide if this is a the right career choice for you.

Sales, marketing, self-promotion, managing employees, and keeping records are just a few of the many skills that entrepreneurs need and even use on a daily basis. If you are falling short in any of these areas, you will need to make the effort to develop critical skills.

Do You Have the Personality Type?

While almost anyone can learn the skills needed to run a service-oriented business such as photography, there are many people who still would not be happy or successful doing so. Effective small business people tend to have a certain personality type. They are usually outgoing and enjoy dealing with the general public on a daily basis. Moreover, good businesspeople are usually people pleasers with a desire to give good service and a sixth sense that clues them in to their customers’ true wants and needs. The ability to listen and understand another person’s point of view is mandatory here. If you don’t have this type of personality, you may find that your days as a small business owner are miserable and highly unsuccessful.

Can You Go the Distance?

While we all hear stories of small business owners who stepped into instant success, this is not the entrepreneurial norm. Most small business owners work very hard in the early days and even years of their business with no reward whatsoever. As Benjamin Franklin wisely pointed out, genius is 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration. In order to make it through these early days, weeks, and months, you must have a sense of vision and the perseverance to work tirelessly with no reward in sight—that is, inspiration and perspiration both. The reward will come eventually—if you are doing everything else right—but you will never know success if you can’t stick it out through the hard times. Patience and perseverance are crucial skills for entrepreneurs. If you haven’t had a chance to test these qualities in yourself, it is best to do so before your financial future depends on them.

Get a Plan

If you are sure that you have what it takes, the next step is to make a plan for success. You can probably picture what a successful photography business would look like, but now you need to use your creativity and good business sense to imagine how you will get there. This document describes what you hope to accomplish, the phases your  business will go through on your way to this accomplishment, and what resources you have that will help you along this path. Not only is your business plan essential in helping you to plan and make good business decisions, it also will be important in getting funding and other types of support from outside agencies and people.

Spread Your Vision

Now is the time to bring together your vision and your long hours of practice and planning. With all of the skills listed above as well as a well written business plan, you now will be able to find partners, financing, or other funding options. You also will want to share your vision with potential customers and even local media outlets. Open social networking websites and begin getting the word out about your new small business. If you have an impressive portfolio, you will be sure to get a few clients and soon have your business well on its way to the success you have always desired.

Keep Going

Many small businesses have a slow start, but in artistic businesses there seems to be a very different curve. Often, these businesses begin with a full booking of clients only to see work slow to a trickle as time passes. When you hit this plateau, don’t give up. Keep marketing yourself and your small business aggressively and reaching out to new clients. Although it seems counterintuitive, it sometimes takes more work to keep momentum moving than it does to get it going in the first place. But if you believe in your photography business dream, the effort will be well worth it.

Photo Credit

In almost all aspects of modern life there are legal issues to consider. We cannot drive and schoolchildren cannot go on school field trip without legal advice to make sure no one suffers a violation of their legal rights. Whether you are an amateur or a professional photographer, there are a few legal matters that you should be aware of. The following are the most common legal issues that photographers run into.

• Get releases.

  Anytime that you are photographing someone for a purpose other than your own personal memory book, you should have them sign a release. People have the right to dictate where and when their photos should be displayed and who makes money off them. Don’t violate this right; have models for any potentially commercial work or work that you show others sign a release that details the rights of both parties. Similarly, you should also get a release signed by the property owner any time that you photograph their property. These and other sample releases can be printed for free from the Professional Photographers of America website.

• Get a contract.

  You should never make a business deal without a contract—no matter how simple the job or how well you know the people involved. Your contract should at the very least detail the place, date, and time; the amount, type, and size of photos to be delivered and when; and who owns what rights to the photographs. If you are photographing a larger event, you should also specify whether you will be the exclusive event photographer or whether there will be others, as well as who owns media rights to the resulting photos.

  There is a different type of contract used when you are taking pictures of models or aspiring models. Called a TFP, or Time for Print contract, these detail that the model is exchanging their time and skills in modeling for you for the prints resulting from your photo shoot. These can come with a variety of clauses; the important thing is that you agree on them ahead of time.

• Be clear about fees.

  When you are being paid to photograph an event, it is important that you establish all fees and charges upfront and in writing. Collect a retainer and specify the time frame for payment. You can add to this tally if your employers decide that they need more photos, but, again, get these addendums in writing. The key to getting paid on a consistent agreement is to be very specific about costs and to get everything in writing.

• Consider carrying a pocket release.

  These documents usually fit on a small index card and have the basic legal rights regarding a photograph without all of the fine print. These can be kept in your photography bag and pulled out when you are unsure about how you will use an impromptu photograph. While they don’t cover ever possible situation, they offer a reasonable amount of legal protection for everyone involved.

• Talk to venue owners and managers before shooting.

  Due to fear of theft, terrorism and other crimes, many people are inclined to assume the worst of anyone lurking around public. If you want to avoid issues with Homeland Security, it is probably best to make your purpose completely clear. Carry a recognizable computer bag, a light meter, and other accessories associated with photographers. However, even these may not clear you of suspicion. To avoid any unpleasant complications, you may want to speak to the building manager or owner and explain your purpose.

• Negotiate copyright ahead of time.

    When you are shooting with the intent to sell the photographs, you should take the time to educate yourself about copyright. There is a difference between selling a photo for onetime use and completely giving up the copyright. There are also shades of gray between these two extremes; get to know the legalese involved in photography before jumping into any contracts.

• Show care when photographing children or their surroundings.

  Imagine how distraught a parent would be if their child came home reporting that a man at the park had taken pictures of them. Because there are many people who photograph children with less than pristine motives, parents are quick to jump to conclusions. You may find yourself explaining your cause to the police—or worse yet, ducking punches from an irate father—if you don’t stay clear of children except when their parents have explicitly given permission for their pictures to be taken. The same goes for shooting parks, playgrounds, and anywhere that children tend to play; choose a time when there are fewer people around.

Similarly, if you actually want to photograph a child, you should get a release similar to your modelling release signed by the custodial parent. Children are not allowed to make legal decisions or sign contracts on their own in the United States, so good communication with the parents is crucial. You may have better luck getting parents to agree if they are allowed to see and approve photographs before they are used.

Public property is usually fair play. If there are interesting sites on public property and no signs disallowing you from entering or photographing them, you are probably safe in photographing them. This includes large national monuments and skylines. Public property is usually just that—property owned by the taxpayers, including you. These can be resold without any special permission as well. However, you should remember that the free and public nature of these sites makes them very attractive to other photographers. You will have to work hard to bring a new perspective to these subjects and settings!

These are just generalities; for instance, there are exceptions to the rules for journalism and private use. However, it is important to be very vigilant in protecting yourself from legal problems wherever possible. If you have no reason to need a certain shot and it might be legally questionable, be sure to err on the side of caution. This will ensure that your photography hobby—or career—can last for years.

Many people are interested in photography but wonder if there is a market for their talents. Can you make a living from a hobby such as this? We are all touched by photography, but few people manage to make it big in the field.

Why Choose a Career in Photography?

There are a variety of ways to make money as a photographer. In fact, the sky is truly the limit in this area. Photography is one of the broadest types of art in existence, and it is constantly expanding.

Further, there are other benefits to being a photographer as well. In many cases, this career has very flexible hours. You can choose to work a normal, 9-5 schedule or to work mainly on evenings and weekends. You can be extremely formal or rather casual. You can choose your specialty and thus where you will be working as well. There are so many types of photographer that you will be sure to find a niche that suits you.

Choose Your Specialty

There are a variety of photography genres, but you don’t need to be good at all of them. In fact, most successful photographers specialize in just one or two sub-genres. Some people specialize in wedding portraits, while others make pet photography their area. Most photographers specialize in one area because it takes a lot of time and energy to keep up with and master trends, not to mention a considerable investment in equipment. Look at what photography careers are most lucrative in your area and begin exploring what it would really mean to work full time in these fields.

Whatever the genre you choose, it’s important to pick one that you really can feel a passion for. You will be spending a lot of time—the majority of your waking hours in most cases—in this profession, so make sure it is right for you.

Finding the Right Job

Many photographers work for themselves as a freelancer or the owner of their own studio. However, this is not the only way to make photography a career. Some people get their big break doing overflow work for a photographer friend or by working in a large commercial studio. You can also apply for jobs that you find on job websites or other forums. Before you apply, make sure you have a resume and a considerable portfolio of work.

One way of getting work is to offer your services for a onetime event at a low charge or no charge at all to a large business in your area. If they are pleased with your work (they are sure to be pleased with the price!), then you will have one very prominent name on your list of references.

Often, freelancing offers a way to break into the field. There are many photography websites where you can put up photographs for sale. Friends and family also may hire you to give you the big break you need. However, not all ‘big breaks’ involve a paycheck. There are a variety of ‘gallery’ sites that allow you to display work without worrying about whether it will sell. These allow you to create a name for yourself and begin making money from your art. Last, contests run through websites and magazines allow you a chance to get your name out there. Even if you don’t win first place or a monetary prize, it is best to have as many credentials as possible, and placing in a contest is better than nothing.

For many professional photographers, the transition from a hobbyist to a professional was gradual. It is often unwise to quit your day job before you know that you have enough work to support yourself.

Build Up Equipment

You probably already know that photography equipment requires a considerable investment of money. Further, learning to use it requires an equally large investment of time. This is why many people trying to “break in” to the field do so slowly. You can slowly collect a large range of photography equipment and supplies by buying things as you need them and when you find good deals.

Not only will this slow amassing of goods mean less upfront expense, it will give you a chance to get to know the ins and outs of each thing you buy. An expensive piece of equipment that you can’t use effectively is as good as useless. It’s important to know how to use all of your accessories in a way that helps you get full value from each one.

Further, there is value in waiting to buy something until you need it because it allows you to ask around and find out what other professionals are using. Most photographers will be happy to enlighten you about their experiences with different brands and items. Sometimes there are even low or no cost alternatives that can be improvised.

Get Involved in Your Field

Let’s face it: most photographers eat, breath, and live their art. They read photography magazines, visit industry websites, and make friends with other people in their line of work. This not only provides them with support from people who understand the unique challenges of the field, it also helps them keep up with the latest industry trends and technological advancements.

Photographers often borrow equipment from friends in the industry or refer clients to people that they personally know. These are just two good reasons to get involved with the photography community in your area. You will find that the collective identity and the advantages of having other photographer friends greatly outweigh the amount of time it takes to maintain these ties.

If you are an amateur photographer thinking of going pro, there is no better time. More and more people are turning to photography as a way of recording some of the most significant events and moments of our lives. While you may have to put a little thought and time into beginning your career, it is an investment that will pay off with a fun, lucrative, and satisfying career.

Photo Credit

Be at the right place at the right time

There are hundreds of different places to go were people want pictures taken but have forgotten their cameras.

Fishing contests are a great example of this. Very few fishermen bring their cameras to a contest, but everyone wants a picture of their prized fish. Be ready at the end of the contest and offer a professionally done photograph to remember their big catch.

Graduations can also be excellent photographic opportunity. You don’t need to sit with the family so you can simply position yourself for the best view of the stage. You can choose to just offer a great pic of the graduating senior crossing the stage or offer a set of pictures include the student by themselves, with family, friends, or instructors.

Families also love to have mementos of parades they have been in or watched. Preparing to be a crowd is a very hectic experience and you seldom remember to get that perfect shot off before the parade, so offer your services. You will be doing these families a favor and making some money at the same time. If you can get releases from everyone in your pics you can make a little extra money on the side by selling extra photos to local papers.

Offer you services to special groups

Finding customers can often be the biggest challenge to a professional photographer. By marketing to very specific groups and having a portfolio that shows off your skills in creating these special pictures, you can find a great clientele that will pass the word along to their family and friends.

Every new parent wants the most beautiful pictures of their newborns. If you like working with parents and children this can be a great niche market. You can speak with local hospitals, and OB doctors, and they can often include your name and number in all of their newborn packages.

Pet photography is becoming a very popular market and because it requires a special touch with our furred and feathered friends, it is not yet a crowded market. It is very easy to advertise at grooming salons and pet stores.

Used car dealerships are slowly getting a larger web presence. Many of these business owners still do not have website and high quality photographs of their cars. If you also have web design skills this could be the perfect market for you. You can offer to build and maintain a website for local businesses and take pictures daily or weekly of the cars that are currently for sale.

If you have a popular landmark or tourist spot locally, you can offer your services to visitors. Even those visitors with their own cameras may not have digital cameras to verify the quality of their photographs. Another idea is to offer to follow them around to different scenic areas and create a package of souvenir photographs.

There are two key points to making money with photography. The first is to find your interests; you can only work so long in an area that doesn’t excite you. The second is to find your clientele. The longer you work as a photographer the easier it becomes to find clients as you create both a return custom base and receive referrals from former clients. I believe everyone can make a living with photography if they put their minds to it.