Thinking of starting my own... - DPChallenge Forums

Sony 24-70mm F4 Vario-Tessar T* FE OSS

06/26/2010 11:52:22 AM · #1

Hi gang...I finally came up with a name for my photography business, should I ever finally start one: Sand Prairie Photography. The name comes from a place I used to play as a kid in Michigan. We called it the Sand Prairie, and I've recently purchased the property and hope to put a little house on it someday. And yes, I've reserved sandprairiephotography.com.

Been doing a little "grazing" over at Craigslist, and have checked out some of the photos and prices, etc. I was stunned, sort of, to see that a good deal of the photography wasn't so hot, or at least what I would consider "average." And many were willing to really undercut pricing. There were some really good photographs, too. I don't want to sound hyper-critical. Point is, when I see that, I think that I might be able to make photos as well as any there.

So, little by little, I'm getting closer to jumping in. I don't even know how to set up a website. I get a lot of comments from colleagues about the pictures I have in my office, and have picked up a job from that. Any advice or thoughts?

Bear_Music

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

06/26/2010 12:31:11 PM · #2

Emily, it's sort of weird to be thinking of advising you on this and to realize we can't even SEE any of your pictures... How about posting up in a portfolio?

R.

fldave

Pentax K5II

Pentax DA 18-135mm F3.5-5.6ED AL [IF] WR DC

06/26/2010 01:23:30 PM · #3

Originally posted by Bear_Music:

... How about posting up in a portfolio?
R.

Agreed - registered for 9 months and no portfolio? I am sure you could amass much advice, critique, and information if we could see your work... maybe even enter some challenges and improve your shooting as you start / grow the business.

Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-120 f/4 S

06/26/2010 01:28:08 PM · #4

You're right...I'll work on putting together some of my stuff. Should have done that a long time ago! Sorry.

bassbone

Nikon Z8

06/26/2010 01:30:12 PM · #5

Originally posted by PuppyDogMom:

You're right...I'll work on putting together some of my stuff. Should have done that a long time ago! Sorry.

Cool - can't wait to see some more new work around here. Not sure your experience with posting shots online, but if you need any tips to really make the web versions pop, you can give me a shout.

Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-120 f/4 S

06/26/2010 02:16:14 PM · #6

I've posted a few...would be very interested in comments/critique. There are a bunch more that I could add, and I will get to it.

bassbone

Nikon Z8

06/26/2010 04:24:28 PM · #7

Originally posted by PuppyDogMom:

I've posted a few...would be very interested in comments/critique. There are a bunch more that I could add, and I will get to it.

Left you some comments - I hope you find them helpful

Skip

Canon EOS-1D X

Canon EF 300mm f/2.8L IS USM

06/27/2010 06:29:38 AM · #8

craigslist isn't really the best place to figure out the business of photography. you'd be better off spending time in a library studying business books. in reality, the business of photography isn't as much about 'taking pictures' as it is about 'running a business'. that's why most small, start up businesses fail: the owner can do the work, but can't run a business. even if you want to ease into it, you'll find yourself pretty quickly doing a lot more than just taking pictures...

Originally posted by me in another thread:

this is the main thing, barry. most people get into this because of the results they get with their gear and the fact that other people are willing to spend some money on good pictures.

the problem is that there is SO MUCH MORE to this than just taking the pictures. a lot of people start out and end up bailing, often leaving customers frustrated and highly dissatisfied, simply because they aren't prepared to handle the production and administrative parts of the business.

keep it simple, don't over-extend yourself, and you'll be fine. the main thing is to develop a workflow that works for you so that you can handle all the details in an organized manner without overwhelming yourself.

good luck!