When you consider the effects the coronavirus pandemic has had on jobs and businesses worldwide, you might not think it’s the best time to set up your own company. Government restrictions are changing all the time and it’s potentially a huge risk. But the world is moving in the right direction, and the vaccines are providing us with a way out. The future is brighter, and the new year offers a fresh start to change your life and move onto new things.
As long as your business is one that can be run from home and you can operate safely and legally amidst government restrictions, then there is no reason why you shouldn’t go for it. And one such business is professional photography. Whether you take pictures of landscapes, animals, or people, it can usually be done in a Covid-safe way, and you can do all the editing and business admin from the comfort of your own home.
Running a photography business is a fantastic way to work for yourself and use your artistic talents to your advantage. It’s a hugely versatile career, as there are so many different avenues you could go down. You can sell your photos to stock websites, pitch to magazines, display in galleries, or offer photoshoots to paying customers. The opportunities are endless.
If this sounds like the right move for you, here are four tips for setting up a photography business.
Find your niche
A few decades ago, serious photography was a specialist area of expertise that took a lot of time, money, and effort to become good at. But nowadays, everyone has a high-quality camera on their smartphone. As a result, the world of photography has become wildly competitive. To find success, you’ll need to have a particular niche in order to stand out. This should be a fairly easy decision as it is likely to match your interests and skills. Your area of focus could be sports, weddings, portraits, or wildlife, to name just a few.
Get the right equipment
To sell your photos, you don’t need to splash out thousands on the most expensive camera on the market. It is entirely possible to take high-quality pictures without breaking the bank. But what is important is that you are comfortable with your equipment and know how to use it. In addition to a camera, you will need some editing software, a reliable computer, and possibly dedicated servers for storing your vast collection of photos.
Build your portfolio
If you’re ready to set up a business, you will no doubt be an accomplished photographer with an immense collection of photos. Your portfolio is essential for establishing yourself in the industry, as it is what potential clients and customers will use to determine whether or not to work with you. Take some time to build this up with your best photos and display it on your website.
Keep learning
No matter how good you are at photography, there is always room for improvement. The industry is constantly changing, with new techniques, equipment, and styles emerging all the time. The more effort you put into your continual development, the better you will be at your craft.
