CaptainDon130

I am starting a college course in the fall called Business of Photography. During the course we must produce a business plan of how to start a new photography company. I have been tossing around a number of ideas and have come to the conclusion that it is not possible to sustain a company today when everyone has a camera in their back pocket. The traditional niches like weddings and commercial photographers are full and I do not feel a new company would survive very long. I am thinking of making my thesis on the basis that there is no business of photography in the future. I would appreciate your comments.

dsmeltz Loc: Philadelphia

I do not think that a thesis which amounts to "I give up" will score well in a business course.

CaltechNerd Loc: Whittier, CA, USA

You are absolutely right that cellphones change everything. So, what can a talented and professional photographer add that a cellphone can't? How do you successfully sell that?

CaptainDon130

I don't think it is a "I give up" suggestion; it is a look for another field of work. This approach is dangerous for a good class mark as you suggest which is why I am looking for some guidance in this area. What photo business would you recommend?

Wuligal Loc: Slippery Rock, Pa.

Have you considered "school photography?". I have a close friend that has done very well in her business by doing everything from first grade soccer teams to senior proms. Now that she's established she gets tons of senior year book pictures. Hey....it's keeping a roof over her head and bread on the table.

CaptainDon130

Wuligal, that is one of these areas I considered but from what I hear it is a pretty competitive area and the profit margins are not great. Is she making her living selling additional images from the school shoot or just from the school boards?

WillieC

Until the cell phone comes any where near the quality of a 35mm or medium format there will always be a need. Plus there are so many other things that are part of a photographer's job besides taking pictures.

CaptainDon130

You are asking the same question as I am! :-) Don't get me wrong there is still a need for professional quality photographers in niche markets. I just cannot figure out one that would have a chance to succeed in today's world. What can you suggest?

CaptainDon130

WillieC. I do not think it will be very long before the quality of a cellphone photo approaches that of a DSLR. Yes, the DSLR will always be more accurate and have more flexibility but which markets will this be necessary. Take business card images. With an image that small the current resolution of a cell phone is more than adequate. would you please explain what the other parts of a photographer's job you are referring to?

DWU2 Loc: Phoenix Arizona area

Give some thought to the fact that there's billions of picture-taking cell phones out there. Is there some niche in that market that you can exploit?

wdross Loc: Castle Rock, Colorado

People open photography businesses all the time. Yes, it is a tough business to get into, but not impossible. I know that there was a previous thread that one of our professional members outlined a business plan and requirements. He had the business accurately stated which is why he is still a working professional. Go search through the threads again and see what what you can find from previous comments about the business.

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

Don, welcome to the Hog!
Are you thinking of starting a photo business? Is that why you're taking the class?
I suggest you follow that class up with classes on photography itself. Start at the beginning and go to the end.
The key to succeeding in any business is being able to reach your prospective customers and then being as good and preferably BETTER than the competition at what they are doing. Be it because you are more talented or your technical skills are better and preferably both.
Then you also have to have the personal ability to sell yourself. Your customers have to believe in you and embrace what you are selling them.
Many photographers start in a niche where they have an interest and are knowledgeable of the subject matter.
IF you are professionally trained, you will already be leaning toward areas of interest and know how you will approach them. That's the advantage to being formally trained, you will have an extreme advantage over most any amateur.
If we have to be recommending areas of business, you are probably not ready to take this on yet.
It's like asking, " what franchise should I buy that will make me successful"??
Good luck with your class!!
Again, welcome to the Hog!
SS

Pepsiman Loc: New York City

[quote=CaltechNerd]You are absolutely right that cellphones change everything. So, what can a talented and professional photographer add that a cellphone can't?

Sharp photos, correct white balance, ect.

Firstdance_2000

Ideas transported through the lens and on to someone's wall be it in their office, home, or on-line, can always constitute an income. How much of one will depend on the individuals skill, creativity, and willingness to give him or herself a raise any day they want to by promoting both product and a desire for that product to the public. Therein lies the challenge.

My questions to your class would be posed as follows...
1. What kind of job supports your love for photography until you can grow that into your main source of income or, can you? :)
2. What makes you different and a more desirable photographer in your field of interest hence, more viable?

My 2 mites :)

dsmeltz Loc: Philadelphia

If you want it as your vocation, first ask yourself what you like to do besides photography. Then see if there is a photographic niche connected with whatever that is. Then build your plan.

But if you are looking for a type of photography that involves high pay quickly for little effort, then "I give up" is the way to go.