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07/14/2006 01:10:57 PM · #1 |
Hey all. First let me tell you how thankful I am for YOU at DPC. I would have never learned nearly as much if I had taken a photography class in school or something. You are all my mentors and friends! THANK YOU!
And because of this, I'm going into business. I had done some little things here and there for friends of my sister's aunt's cousin's dog (a few engagements, a few babies, a wedding or two etc) but now I'm going to get serious and pursue the heck out of it and teaming up with my boyfriend to really get things done.
I have a few questions, which are as follows (please, please, PLEASE be brutally honest, no sugar coatings!):
1. What do you think? Bad idea? Good idea?
Do I stand a chance against other Utah Photographers?
2. How can we market ourselves best?
I have set up a sort of website with smugmug: www.jkphotography.smugmug.com. Not sure how to do all the cool personalized things so if anyone could help me out with that, that would be fantastic.
Also, I made a business card:
Bad? Good?
3. Do you know of legal precautions we have to take?
4. What's the first equipment we should buy?
5. Any advice?
Especially those who are doing it professionally now- If you could do it over, what would you do different?
If I have more questions I'll post 'em up later. Thanks again everyone! Comments will be given :)
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07/14/2006 01:25:12 PM · #2 |
| Business card looks really good. Maybe just try a version with a black background? |
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07/14/2006 01:27:24 PM · #3 |
1. Do you stand a chance...? EVERYONE "stands a chance"; there are good photographers and not-so-good photographers on that list. In general, you can't make an equation between how good you are and how well you do. Some of the most financially successful photographers I have known weren't really that "good", but they had business skills; and really, that's where it is at.
2. Hard to advise on marketing without some sort of a statement from you as to who your target group is. It's important for you to identify your target and gear up to reach that particular group with your promotion.
3. According to your profile, you are 18 years old. Are you still a dependent on your parents' tax return? 18 is legally an adult in most (if not all) states, but if you are still on your parents' tax return they may be exposed to liability for your actions. I'm not sure about this, it needs to be checked into. In general, you need to be aware that as an individual you are personally liable for anything that happens as a result of your actions. Photographers in general need liability insurance, as indeed does anyone who is "in business".
4. We can't advise on what you need to buy without knowing your specific goals, what kind of shooting you will do, what gear you have available, and what budget you have for getting more gear.
5. I'd advise creating a well thought-out business plan, and sticking to it. Your success, or lack of same, will derive more from your business skills (marketing, financial management, customer service, and so forth) than it will from the quality of your work. I mean, you DO need to do competent, professional work of course, but that's like a given, you know? It's how you manage the business that will determine your success, in the end.
Robt.
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07/14/2006 01:27:46 PM · #4 |
I would love to know how you go about this. What your prices and services will be? I live in utah and I feel like everyone here is so freakin cheap (it drives me crazy) that I could never make a decent living on photography. I also feel like most everyone likes the same ol same ol and creativity goes unappriecated. I am probably wrong.
Message edited by author 2006-07-14 13:29:50. |
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07/14/2006 01:30:56 PM · #5 |
First of all, it's great to see someone your age have the courage to start their own business, that's wonderful.
You're a great photographer, so I wouldn't be too scared about comparing yourself to others. Some people will like your style of photography, some won't and will choose someone else who they like better. That's normal for any photographer.
Word of mouth and doing jobs for people is a great way to get started. Do you have a small, local paper for your town? You could put an advertisement there, or even see if they could do a story about your new business. Our paper does that here.
You could also have large post-card sized cards made up with some of your images and contact info ( like a huge business card) and ask local businesses if you can leave a stack of them around.
Equipment wise, I assume you'll be doing mostly non-studio type shots? If so, good fast glass should be your first concern I think. Then a decent flash system.
In terms of the legal issues, if this is a business you are starting together where you'll both share the profits and responsibilities and the purchasing of equipment, find a good accountant and have them tell you about all the different options open to you.
Best of luck! |
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07/14/2006 01:33:44 PM · #6 |
While I'm certainly not a pro, a few things came to mind while reading your post.
1. Your business card looks very good. I would wait to get it printed however, because...
2. You don't have your own domain name. It looks a lot more professional if your website is www.jkphotography.com, instead of www.jkphotography.smugmug.com. There are lots of places on the web to buy domains. Just do a google search.
3. I think you definitely stand a chance against other Utah photographers. You have a very impressive portfolio and thats what counts.
4. So far in my very little experiece, I've noticed that the best way by far to get business is by word of the mouth. I photographed two of my younger brother's soccer games and gave a disk of about 80 images to each kid on the team. Attached was a letter about myself and my photography, and a print order form in case any of the kids (or parents) or interested in buying prints. While I didn't get one single order, one of the kids parents emailed me and asked for a quote to shoot their kid's Bar Mitzvah in November. Thus, I landed my first job.
So basically what I'm trying to say (and Skip Rowland knows this better than anyone, you should definitely send him a PM) is that a little good will goes a long way. While it may seem that doing something has no return in the short run, in many cases ends up very profitable for you.
5. With regards to legal precautions I wouldn't worry too much. Just for anything you shoot, such as weddings, bar mitzvahs, events, make sure you have a signed argeement in writing to make sure they hold up there end of the bargain. Also make sure you get paid half of it upfront before you even do anything. One of the great parts about living in the US is that you don't have to get a businesss license to call yourself a pro photographer. However, if this is really what you think you are going to do as a profession, that I think it would probably be worth it to look into getting one...
6. With regards to gear: You already have two bodies which is great. I'd say look into getting a fast standard zoom lens. The Canon 24-70 f/2.8L would be ideal, but since it runs at about $1000 the Tamron 28-75 f/2.8 (about $360) might be a little more practical. Some people feel that neither of these lens are wide enough for indoor work such as a wedding, and if you feel that way too, you might want to look into the Sigma 17-50. You will also need a fast, good telephoto. The Canon EF 70-200 f/2.8L IS would be ideal, but at $1600, its pretty pricy. Without the IS its about $1000, and if you want to go cheaper the canon EF 70-200 f/4L is very good and about $600. You will also need a flash for each body. There's always going to be stuff to get, the most important thing is figuring out what you need most and soonest taking it from there.
Well, that turned into a very long response. Seeing as I am trying to do the exact same thing you are I've been doing a lot of research and reading so I thought I'd share. I hope this was helpful and if you have any questions PM me.
-Charles
Message edited by author 2006-07-14 13:35:00. |
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07/14/2006 01:38:37 PM · #7 |
My only comment is that you absolutey need your own domain name. Unfortunately, jkphotography.com is already taken, so you'll have to come up with something else.
It's exciting starting your own venture, and though it's a lot of hard work, it's very rewarding. Good luck! |
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07/14/2006 02:35:10 PM · #8 |
I wish you the best of good fortune in your venture NightShy, I've always liked your images here.
I'll offer you a tip that I picked up from one of the websites of another dpc'er, mystical_princess, who is in the photo business with her spouse, Travis99. In their pitch for wedding shooting business they mention that the wedding will be covered by a two person team that includes a woman photographer. This would be an attractive feature if the bride would like some shots taken where men are not allowed to go in the time leading up to the ceremony, as in when she is donning her gown.
Message edited by author 2006-07-14 14:35:46.
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07/14/2006 06:21:36 PM · #9 |
@ Raziel: We decided brown because everyone does black…and I’m a huge fan of brown. :)
@ Bear: The biggest demographic in Utah is defiantly engagements and weddings. But I’ve also done babies/children, headshots, and big family reunion type shots. My strongest point in selling myself is that, like serinanielson said, everyone is about the same in Utah are far as creativity goes…there is none. But, I have found that people have really liked the idea of not having to have the same ol’ same ol’ sears shots every year for a family picture and that they look pretty good in an artistic light. All in all, its mostly a family-ish stuff that we will be shooting.
I also think that a strong point is that I’m personable and I’m not just an ‘act’ when I’m shooting. I understand that no one wants to be in front of the camera except that porn star aunt. I feel like most of the photographers I’ve seen at weddings are so fake and everything is so generic. I defiantly don’t want that.
As for the legal stuff, I’m not sure if I’m still under my parents or not. I’m going to ask them about that when they get back in town.
Thank you for the awesome advice, Bear!
@ serinanielson: We are currently looking over how we are going to price things. It will probably be priced in the mid-upper range. ($300-$800 for weddings depending on packages and such, $100 for families, $50 for headshots blah blah blah) I agree that Utah is ridiculously cheap and I’d rather eat my eyeballs than be a wedding photog the rest of my life. When I do go pro for my lifetime profession, I’m defiantly moving. :)
@coolhar: That is a great thing to remember, thank you! I would have never thought of that.
As for the website/domain problem: I will eventually have my own website with my own domain, but because I’ve already paid for smugmug, its going to have to do until I have enough to get a better site up.
Thanks again everyone! Your comments are a’commin’!
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07/14/2006 07:05:49 PM · #10 |
Originally posted by NightShy:
As for the website/domain problem: I will eventually have my own website with my own domain, but because I’ve already paid for smugmug, its going to have to do until I have enough to get a better site up. |
I use smugmug -and- my own domain. You can see it here:
//www.dterryphotography.com
All you need is to purchase your own domain and have the "pro" smugmug account. Then it's a simple matter of setting things up so that the domain points to your smugmug account.
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07/14/2006 07:11:36 PM · #11 |
In some states, it is illegal to give out your card or represent yourself as a business unless you have tax ID's and have set yourself up as an LLC or Sole/Dual Proprietor.
I just found that out on monday, oops. :(
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07/15/2006 12:16:58 PM · #12 |
While I appreciate the idea that you are going to be "defiantly" this or that (so rebellious!), I suspect you'd get further with "definitely"... :-)
R.
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07/15/2006 12:21:43 PM · #13 |
hate to say this, but some clients may automatically write you off as a professional based on your age. but your portfolio is great and i say go for it, the clients that do choose you will pass along the good word.
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07/15/2006 12:59:40 PM · #14 |
Originally posted by rscorp:
First of all, it's great to see someone your age have the courage to start their own business, that's wonderful.
You're a great photographer, so I wouldn't be too scared about comparing yourself to others. Some people will like your style of photography, some won't and will choose someone else who they like better. That's normal for any photographer.
Word of mouth and doing jobs for people is a great way to get started. Do you have a small, local paper for your town? You could put an advertisement there, or even see if they could do a story about your new business. Our paper does that here.
You could also have large post-card sized cards made up with some of your images and contact info ( like a huge business card) and ask local businesses if you can leave a stack of them around.
Equipment wise, I assume you'll be doing mostly non-studio type shots? If so, good fast glass should be your first concern I think. Then a decent flash system.
In terms of the legal issues, if this is a business you are starting together where you'll both share the profits and responsibilities and the purchasing of equipment, find a good accountant and have them tell you about all the different options open to you.
Best of luck! |
This is all great advice, but the last point bears repeating... find an accountant (and maybe even an attorney). I have two friends who went into business with friends/boyfriends, and the relationships soured and they were left with a huge mess. I'm not saying this happens to everyone, but be smart with your talent-- you've got it-- and protect what you work for. I know this is advice you might roll your eyes at, but you said no sugar coating, and you might as well hear about things like this just to keep it in the back of your mind. :) That being said, GOOD LUCK to both of you. I really think you've got a good future ahead of you!!
I also really like the postcard idea.
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07/15/2006 01:21:40 PM · #15 |
Originally posted by NightShy:
...everyone is about the same in Utah are far as creativity goes…there is none... |
I get it.....I suck.....off to sell the gear now..
:D
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