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06/15/2004 02:31:53 PM · #1 |
| Im really would like to start up a small photography business, taking pictures of dog & cats, etc. (peoples pets) I have a Canon Digital Rebel, 550EX flash, and 6 lenses (wide angle to zoom) What other equipment will I need and hoe do I go about getting started? I also thought I should build a portfolio before hand. Any advice on the subject? |
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06/15/2004 02:38:04 PM · #2 |
I'm certainly no expert and I'm sure there will be others willing to offer advice. What experience do you have shooting pets? Usually you have to decide if you are going to shoot at their location or yours, and if yours do you have a studio set up? Backcloths, strobes, distraction toys, props - that kind of thing. Then it would be a matter of building up a portfolio with the shots you've taken, advertise at pet shops and the like, and hope word of mouth gets around.
Good luck!
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06/15/2004 03:34:47 PM · #3 |
A business plan would sound like a good addition too.
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06/15/2004 04:06:07 PM · #4 |
Ditto the business plan. Write an in-depth and detailed business plan if you want to make some money at it. Talk to some target customers (and not just friends) and investigate your competition.
Also, don't forget about lighting, lighting, and lighting. |
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06/15/2004 04:41:35 PM · #5 |
Business plan is a must do. Also a tri-pod. Next talk to your accountant or tax preparer for an insight into "allowable" deductions and those most likely to get "scrutinized". Then don't forget the record keeping.....detailed, detailed, detailed.
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06/15/2004 04:54:15 PM · #6 |
Go to //www.editorialphoto.com/ and check out things like copyright, pricing, and forms. There is also a site about the business of photography which I'm trying to find...I'll post it when and if I find it. Good luck!
Found it... try //nppa.org/professional_development/business_practices/. Although it's for press photographers, it might contain some useful information.
Message edited by author 2004-06-15 16:58:12. |
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06/15/2004 05:23:46 PM · #7 |
| I had a friend who photographed show dogs and cats. Lighting is a HUGE concern. If you shoot Spot and Fluffy, all you need is the aforementioned tripod, "backdrops, strobes, distraction toys" and a good eye. If you want to shoot SHOW animals, study the shots done by the handful of expensive pros - it's quite a unique world. And it is MONDO lucrative! |
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06/15/2004 05:37:19 PM · #8 |
About the business plan: only two reasons for one. Raise money and get organized. Make sure you know why you're writing one, if you in fact do.
M
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06/15/2004 05:49:39 PM · #9 |
Originally posted by mavrik:
About the business plan: only two reasons for one. Raise money and get organized. Make sure you know why you're writing one, if you in fact do.
M |
Third reason: know if you are making any money or not and if you are on track for being profitable. (well, sort of your second one)
The best way to make a small fortune in photography seems to be to start with a large one after all...
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06/15/2004 06:30:28 PM · #10 |
Talk to an account first...
Remember, once you do schedule C, you have to pay a ton of taxes (like 40%ish).
Also, get something else otehr than the digital rebel. You show up to an event with an amateurish camera (even though you can make great images from it...), the clients would think you're not a professional.
Check out //www.digitalweddingforum.com sign up for 30 day membership and ask around. They're a professional digital photographers' forum, it's actually a very complex thing to start the business.
Message edited by author 2004-06-15 18:40:40. |
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06/15/2004 06:56:31 PM · #11 |
Originally posted by paganini:
Also, get something else otehr than the digital rebel. You show up to an event with an amateurish camera (even though you can make great images from it...), the clients would think you're not a professional. |
I'm sorry, but I think this is a little ridiculous. The only thing that ultimately matters is the quality of the image. The last thing he needs to worry about in starting his own business is upgrading his camera body (there are many more important things to sink money into). IMHO, the thing that is most likely to cause one to seem unprofessional is the conduct of the person behind the camera.
Message edited by author 2004-06-15 18:56:54. |
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06/15/2004 07:04:54 PM · #12 |
Originally posted by bledford:
Originally posted by paganini:
Also, get something else otehr than the digital rebel. You show up to an event with an amateurish camera (even though you can make great images from it...), the clients would think you're not a professional. |
I'm sorry, but I think this is a little ridiculous. The only thing that ultimately matters is the quality of the image. The last thing he needs to worry about in starting his own business is upgrading his camera body (there are many more important things to sink money into). IMHO, the thing that is most likely to cause one to seem unprofessional is the conduct of the person behind the camera. |
You would think that the end product and the professionalism of the photographer would be all that mattered, but it is not so. Your opinion is correct, but biased because you understand that the equipment does not create the image. Others do not share this understanding.
I would just suggest that you will need at least one backup camera, and that you consider purchasing a 10D, 1D, 1DmkII or other Canon DSLR as a primary body. The one thing that will kill any appearance of professionalism you might have is if your camera malfunctions and you do not have a backup. A so-called prosumer cam (even an 8MP one)is not really a viable backup for a pro.
Message edited by author 2004-06-15 19:14:05.
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06/15/2004 07:05:56 PM · #13 |
| My sister is a vet and someone in her neck of the woods paints portraits of pets. He offered to paint a portrait of my sister's dog for free and it hangs in the waiting room with his business cards. I don't know if he makes any money but the portrait was lovely, and done from a photo. |
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06/15/2004 07:07:57 PM · #14 |
I've dealt with a few pros at various sports events, and from my experience it really doesn't help having a 300D. :-(
It's not necessarily right, but the 300D just isn't a respected camera. Unfortunately it's incredibly easy to spot a 300D because of the colour.
Good example - go to SportsShooters.com - the 300D isn't even listed, even though the D30 and D60 are, not to mention the G2, G3 and G5.
Don't get me wrong - I love my 300D - I just don't expect to win an brownie points in the Big Boy's club with it. Luckily I have an L-range for that. ;-) |
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06/15/2004 07:22:33 PM · #15 |
Penises and cameras! I knew they were related!
Bigger is better?
The color matters, too?
Doesn't matter the size, color, or looks...it's how ya use it!
Oh yeah...I have an "above average camera." MUWahAHHAHAHA
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06/15/2004 07:29:35 PM · #16 |
No, maybe it's just lens envy...you guys have looked at that thread with the 1200mm Canon lens too much, methinks... ;o)
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06/15/2004 07:38:43 PM · #17 |
My motto: If you fail to plan, you plan to fail.
True dat. You have to figure out why you do a business plan. As a commercial banker, I see business plans made for the banker (the bad kind) and the business plan which is really well thought out.
Many communities have business development centres with people willing to give free advice and help you with with your plan.
Originally posted by mavrik:
About the business plan: only two reasons for one. Raise money and get organized. Make sure you know why you're writing one, if you in fact do.
M |
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06/15/2004 08:18:08 PM · #18 |
Good luck -- if you don't like my opinion, you'll find out later on the field :)
Similarly pricing your fees too low will get the same response, weird enough. If you price low, you'll have a hardtime later pricing higher. However, the catch is that if you don't have an established portfolio, it'd be hard to price high.
In photography, as in any other business, what matters is MARKETING and PRESENTATION, not necessarily the end products. Just check out your local photographers' websites. A lot of them are very average-looking quality wise, but they're still successful. you should spend more time on marketing than the actual shooting, btw. What people see you use, is what they perceive what you're good at. It's the same perception that they have when you show them your print "It must be the camera". Use that to your advantage.
A glitzy looking website (lots of music, sounds, moving graphics, etc. that eats up bandwidth) with average photos is much better than an average website (boring design) with great photos.
From what i read on the digital wedding forum, the typical investment for a wedding photography business is around $30k -- $10k for equipment, $20k for marketing is the norm. And you would not believe how much taxes there is.... someone posted that he grossed $120k last year, 40% goes to uncle sam (various taxes, and being self employed, you pay 12% of social security), 20% goes to equipment upgrades, 20% goes to other expenses. All in all, he takes home only $30k....) A pro on there transitioned from commercial photography by spending $10k on new equipment, $20k on marketing materials, shot 5-6 FREE weddings to get his portfolio built (and before the FREE weddings, he hired models to shoot so that he'll at least have SOME wedding related images) and earned $100k gross last year (much less after taxes, etc.) but that's considered VERY successful for the first year.
I'd expect similar investment for a portraiture studio. Now, keep in mind that most wedding photogs don't have a studio (one that you walk into), but most portrait photogs need one. That alone would add a huge cost in addition to marketing, etc.
Be sure to talk to an accountant. Seriously. Whether you're earning $20k or $200k for the year, you need an accountant. Schedule C is a real mess compared to something like Schedule D (stock and bond sales) in tax terms...
Originally posted by bledford:
Originally posted by paganini:
Also, get something else otehr than the digital rebel. You show up to an event with an amateurish camera (even though you can make great images from it...), the clients would think you're not a professional. |
I'm sorry, but I think this is a little ridiculous. The only thing that ultimately matters is the quality of the image. The last thing he needs to worry about in starting his own business is upgrading his camera body (there are many more important things to sink money into). IMHO, the thing that is most likely to cause one to seem unprofessional is the conduct of the person behind the camera. |
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06/15/2004 08:20:33 PM · #19 |
Originally posted by Gordon:
Third reason: know if you are making any money or not and if you are on track for being profitable. (well, sort of your second one) |
Yes, by getting organized I mean set up your accounting methods, your income, expenses, assets, etc. I do not advocate blowing off the business plan. I'm in the process of writing one and I strongly advocate their use. I am just saying what Jacko said - know WHY you're doing one. Not knowing why is nearly as bad as not having a plan to begin with.
As far as the Rebel not being seen as "professional" - by whom? Other pros? So? I have yet to have a bride say "oh, you're only using a silver body D300? Jeez, I mean I know it's the same sensor, but you can't capture my kiss picture at 9 fps with that! What kind of pro are you!??" I have already paid for my Rebel, my lenses and all accessories just by the weddings I've done so far and nobody has thought they were horrible (yet). As far as Paul's "pros at sports events" most don't own the camera they are shooting with. *grin*
M
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06/15/2004 08:29:40 PM · #20 |
Originally posted by paganini:
Good luck -- if you don't like my opinion, you'll find out later on the field :) |
Again, I don't think pros will be at most weddings I shoot - if the couple knows another pro, likely they are shooting the wedding, not me.
Originally posted by paganini:
In photography, as in any other business, what matters is MARKETING and PRESENTATION, not necessarily the end products. |
Both. Especially if you're selling the product at the end to people other than the bride and groom.
Originally posted by paganini:
A glitzy looking website (lots of music, sounds, moving graphics, etc. that eats up bandwidth) with average photos is much better than an average website (boring design) with great photos. |
Unless they are on dialup. Most of my page hits have been on an 800x600 IE browser. They are usually default users. I'm not shooting for DPC'ers. lol Even DPC'ers on broadband.
Otherwise I agree.
M
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06/15/2004 08:58:06 PM · #21 |
There's a vast amount of quality reference books for people starting/running businesses available through Nolo Press. Most include forms to copy, and I think some forms and pamphlets are available for free download.
Be sure to check out The Lawyer Joke Emporium. (Or maybe not, if you yourself are an attorney ...) |
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06/15/2004 09:51:09 PM · #22 |
It all depends on the market you're going after. Low end market -- maybe they won't care, but i can assure you if you were to charge at the high end (note: i don't list the price because high end in Austin is different than high end in Kansas, price wise), they would care about the nitty gritty. It's all about presentation, plastic body cameras that their grandmother owns just won't cut it.
Originally posted by mavrik:
As far as the Rebel not being seen as "professional" - by whom? Other pros? So? I have yet to have a bride say "oh, you're only using a silver body D300? Jeez, I mean I know it's the same sensor, but you can't capture my kiss picture at 9 fps with that! What kind of pro are you!??" I have already paid for my Rebel, my lenses and all accessories just by the weddings I've done so far and nobody has thought they were horrible (yet). As far as Paul's "pros at sports events" most don't own the camera they are shooting with. *grin*
M |
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06/15/2004 10:02:51 PM · #23 |
Originally posted by paganini:
A glitzy looking website (lots of music, sounds, moving graphics, etc. that eats up bandwidth) with average photos is much better than an average website (boring design) with great photos.
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Whoa there, cowboy! Nothing screams AMATEUR more than websites with anything that whirls, twirls, or otherwise distracts from the point. Take a look at some pro websites... They are clean, elegant, and most importantly, easy to navigate. The images should and have to be the attraction - not some irritating midi playing in the background.
Now, I'm not trying to flame you - please understand that. Yes, presentation is important. As is professionalism and love for the work.
As for the camera, do you know why I notice a pro's camera? Because I'm into photography and I like to look at their gear. Your average individual who's looking to have their pet photographed is going to be a heck of alot more interested in the final image and probably wouldn't give the camera a second look. And if they did, they'd probably comment on what a professional looking 'silver' camera you have. |
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06/15/2004 10:17:32 PM · #24 |
Originally posted by digistoune:
As for the camera, do you know why I notice a pro's camera? Because I'm into photography and I like to look at their gear. Your average individual who's looking to have their pet photographed is going to be a heck of alot more interested in the final image and probably wouldn't give the camera a second look. And if they did, they'd probably comment on what a professional looking 'silver' camera you have. |
You are certainly free to do as you wish, but what about the client who is into photography?
Regardless, as a pro, you need a backup camera that has most, if not all, of the capability to produce the same quality and variety of images that your primary camera does. What are you going to tell your client who is depending on you to deliver on time if your DRebel locks up/gets dropped/gets peed on by the previous client's dog and shorts out/or is otherwise rendered useless? Even if that backup is a film camera, you need to have one. If you need a backup, why not get a more professional DSLR model and have the DRebel as a backup? You can deduct the depreciation on it (as well as all your other gear).
Message edited by author 2004-06-15 22:20:41.
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06/15/2004 10:32:22 PM · #25 |
Originally posted by Spazmo99:
You are certainly free to do as you wish, but what about the client who is into photography?
Regardless, as a pro, you need a backup camera that has most, if not all, of the capability to produce the same quality and variety of images that your primary camera does. What are you going to tell your client who is depending on you to deliver on time if your DRebel locks up/gets dropped/gets peed on by the previous client's dog and shorts out/or is otherwise rendered useless? Even if that backup is a film camera, you need to have one. If you need a backup, why not get a more professional DSLR model and have the DRebel as a backup? You can deduct the depreciation on it (as well as all your other gear). |
Yes, I do agree that a back-up is a good idea and an EOS film body would be a cheap but excellent way to ensure that you could keep on clicking. As for the "pro" client... well there must be some reason why the pro isn't taking the photo himself/herself. Maybe he's not as good with animal portraits and wants to hire a pro to capture that gleam in Fluffy's eye. Furthermore, the pro probably remembers when they were first starting out in the business with less than the best equipment and will therefore understand the use of the dRebel. And if asked, our pro pet photographer could explain that utilizing his very capable but less expensive dRebel allows him to pass significant savings on to his clients without sacrificing image quality. Customers LOVE to hear stuff like that and they also love receiving a good value.
Of course, if that silver body is really such a horrible thing, paint it black! I read somewhere that some guy did that. |
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