Josiedev Loc: Phoenix, AZ

I am at the point where I feel comfortable with attempting to start a small photography business - shooting family & child portraits, landscapes, & such - any advice in how to even begin to get myself out there would be appreciated.

Thanks!

Papa Joe Loc: Midwest U.S.

Make and share examples of your work and develop a firm price base (for everyone). But, don't quit your day job.

Cdouthitt Loc: Traverse City, MI

Got a name for your business? A website with your portfolio? A facebook page (a way to connect with people)? Make sure you copyright/watermark your photos (not too large), so that people don't get distracted by it. Consider a daily/weekly blog to reach out to people.

As a graphic designer, I tend to shy away from anything that doens't look professional (business logo). If you'd like some design help, pop me a PM, I've done a few photography business logos for friends over the last few years.

Josiedev Loc: Phoenix, AZ

Thanks, Papa Joe, I've started sharing my pics & definitely would not quit my day job. Thanks for the great advice.

Josiedev Loc: Phoenix, AZ

I've named my business Desert Mountain Photography since I live in the desert on the mountain. Business cards were professionally done w picture of mountain & sun setting behind it - indicative of where I live. I don't have a webpage yet & am in the process of setting up a FB page. I like the idea of a blog - hadn't thought of that. I appreciate your advice - any info is appreciated - thank you!

Cdouthitt Loc: Traverse City, MI

No problem...this is one of the websites that my friend uses. While she does have a blog here, most of her posts are done through facebook. I'm sure you could look her up there to see what she how she does it. Her portfolio is driven by Smugmug, and it is incorporated into her website.

http://momentscapturedbyanna.com/

I'm a huge fan of smugmug. It's a great way of hosting images (and being able to lock them down). Here's a coupon code for 20% off if you're interested:
KxZ9FVYs09Y0A

My smumgmug site is in my profile...keep in mind, mine is only for my family and friends.

JohnSwanda Loc: San Francisco

you'll have to make sure you have all the legal matters down - business license, fictitious business name, sales tax, etc. Your local city government probably has resources to get everything you need.

DavidPine Loc: Fredericksburg, TX

One of the things you should consider is to join the PPA and look for a local state chapter. The APPA (in Austin) is active and very helpful. I was with several last evening at a Meetup event and they were active in helping each other. They even backup each other with events.

LFingar Loc: Claverack, NY

I wish you well and hope you are successful, but just the same I hope you keep in mind the old saying:
You can make a small fortune in (insert catagory) provided you start with a large one.
Good luck!

BHC Loc: Strawberry Valley, JF, USA

I don't care whether you're a photographer, a CPA, a clothier or a grocer. All of the business schools today say the same thing about starting a business.

START WITH A WRITTEN BUSINESS PLAN!

You can find out how to do so on-line or at your local library or you can even hire someone to help you with it. Once you have a proper business plan, you will have all your questions answered for you. All you have to do then is make it work. And yes, some business plans will lead you to roadblocks, but a good business plan will give you alternatives and ways around roadblocks. Business plans can be laid out as a written plan or as a (complicated) flow chart. But, either way, you will be introduced to aspects of business that some people have never heard of: branding, start-up capital, depreciation, replacement reserves and on and on. One of my jobs was working for a large company starting smaller companies for them. And before I ever visited the site, I had to present a draft of a business plan that included all of the above aspects plus a two year budget, consumer interest, a depreciation schedule and a reserve replacement schedule. Sometimes I hated the boring research, but my bosses knew what they were doing. Not one business failed to meet its initial goals, and that wasn't my good management, but my building a practical business plan and following it.

Yooper 2 Loc: Ironwood, MI

A business plan should be your first step. Then research your market area. Show a portfolio of your best photos to people you hope to do business with. Include your hourly rates and set prices for photos. You will need a Federal tax ID number. Also State tax ID's if applicable for the states you expect to do business in. I would have a lawyer form an LLC as a sole proprietorship to protect your personal assets from a potential law suit. When you work with the public anything can happen, and usually does. Liability insurance is usually required when shooting events in places like wedding halls or public buildings.
Lastly it's exposure, exposure, exposure to show your photographic abilities to as many people as possible. Facebook, photo sharing websites, a personal Web page, a blog, etc. The more people that see what you can do the better your chances are of having a successful business. Good luck with your endeavor.

Chaostrain Loc: Hillsboro, Oregon

I would suggest going to the Small Business Administration (http://www.sba.gov/) web site. They have all the information on starting and managing a small business including links to states, loans, grants, training, so on and so forth. I'd recommend exploring the site before looking for anything specific.

PhotoGator Loc: Florida

Check out CreativeLive.com has great video trainings.

https://www.creativelive.com/catalog/category/photography?qt=tags&price=0&sort=1&page=1&qd=business

chapjohn Loc: Tigard, Oregon

Creating a portfolio is a major process and should be done with care. I attended a workshop on this subject with Laura Valenti Jelen (http://valentijelen.com/). She does an online class on creating portfolio's that you might do well to consider.

billybob40

DO NOT quit your day job.
I'm 74 I've seen a lot of business come and go, and photography business is one that is on the way out.
THINK about it every one has a camera today.
I do photography as a fun thing some to do in my old age. I started a business 5 years ago Novelty PHOTO Booth setting up at events and fairs. Could make over $1,000 for a 3 day week end. NOW I'm lucky if I make my set up fee. I have over $20,000 in this business, will I get it back NO but it something to do.
If your going to go a head with a business. Play with it first. Appointment after your day job and week ends to see if you can make a living for you and family. Try it for a year if you do well GO FOR.
There's a lot of good info on youtube use it. A lot of people will tell you your the best, think can I pay my bills doing this. Good luck anGODbless