snowbear

Here's an online CODB calculator to help you get closer to that studio:
http://www.nppa.org/professional_development/business_practices/cdb/cdbcalc.cfm

A couple more things for your to-do list before you open the studio:
1. Get a lawyer - you'll want someone that can heck the wording on contracts and releases, as well as advise you in the case of law suits or copyright issues.
2. Get proper insurance - Equipment can get stolen or broken. A light stand could topple over and injure a client. Make sure you are covered.
3. Get any licenses your state, county or city may require. Government budgets are lean: increased licensing enforcement is often a way to make sure they are getting money.

Good luck.

Emjem Loc: Perth australia

What I did was call the local wedding photographers and ask if I could be an assistant without pay. i was 55years old at the time. I gained valuable experience and went on to run a successful business for many years. It took me 12 months to get to the point where I felt confident to start out on my own. Go for it and i wish you every success.

Keithmphoto Loc: Seattle area

I really liked the book " The Joy of Photography". It gives you a basic understanding of how to use a camera with predictable results. It gives you experiments to try and examples of what each "technique" will look like. A very good photography course, and I'm sure you can get the book at a used book store. Good luck.

jfrrn117 Loc: chicago

Too old to go to school? I beg to disagree!I went to nursing school at 44, as a wife and mother of 4. I graduated among the top 10 in my class. The top ten consisted of students who were all over 35 and going for second careers. As an adult learner, you know why you're there, are better able to manage your time, are more focused and it's your money your spending on the instruction......
Go for it, even if it's not for a degree....

Judy

Larrie Loc: NE Ohio

If you are an enrolled student at even a junior college you can get a huge discount on Photoshop

Victoria1233 Loc: Melbourne, AUSTRALIA

if you are on 'entry level' only, I'm not sure how much photography you've done.

If you want to be a professional photographer, you need to be able to take a technically good photo or in other words know how to use your camera.

If you want to be successful and gain client work, I would have said you need to develop a good photographer's eye - know what draws the client in to admire your work to the point where they want to hire you (over another professional photographer in the area).

It is foolhardy to attempt to set up a business of any kind without the knowledge of how to RUN a small business. You need business skills. You need to know the laws regarding this type of work too. You need a budget and an ability to do accounts & understand how to cost your work. From all I have read, you need enough money to set up your business and run it for a certain amount of time before you will start to make a profit. It's essential to do a 'small business course', preferably through a local college or school.

You need to know what type of insurance to take out for both you, your property and your clients. You may not make any profit for the first year, so you need to have enough funds to support you (and your family) while you build your business. You probably need to budget for advertising and hidden costs (which is part of the reason why you need to do a recognised course). Anyone can read a book or do an internet course online, but that doesn't mean to say they have understand what they've read. It's better to do an proper recognised business course, where you have a tutor and fellow students. The interaction and ablitiy to listen to other's points of view & experience is invaluable. Unless you have the experience and skills already, you may need to pay a lawyer and accountant.

But most importantly, you need to be able to take a pleasing image that clients will want. You can't just take a 'family holiday happy snap". Depending on the type of photography - portrait, wedding, child, family, event or whatever, you need experience taking that type of photo.

Try and find a mentor or working professional photographer who is willing to take you on (perhaps unpaid even) as an assistant. Join a camera club or spend time with other photographers so you can learn by their experience.

'Learn the Ropes' so to speak. Learn how to take a good portrait and learn how to do indoor studio work (if you don't already know how). When you have spare time, research reknown photographes on the internet. Observe the examples that you like or dislike. Work out why you like their image. Read about what makes their images commercially viable. Read about their experiences and how they got to be (where they are today - successful).

Practise every available minute of every day. Learn to anticipate and work around the unexpected. Have spare equipment in case your main equipment fails during the client session.

Start off small. Small jobs, small fees/small profit, small results. But always, always believe in yourself, your work and your potential.

Be confident. Be resourceful. Be educated.

Photography, like any creative art, needs some degree of skill & creative vision.

Renoir, Picaso, Ansel Adams, David du Chemin, Steve McCurry etc didn't become great overnight. They did the hard work first.

If you are asking the question.......

"I have Canon 7D camera with two lenses Canon EF-S 18-200mm and Canon 50mm 1:18 II. What can I do with this and what else is necessary to buy from start?" you really do not have the knowledge to start a photography business.

You should already know what studio equipment you need and you should also have the experience using it, you should have already read the manuals, books and know how to use editing software etc

I apologise if I have mis-read your post, but to be honest you really need to gain some experience is your desired type of photography you anticipate using in your prospective studio business. You can't just rent a studio, open the door and press a shutter button. You really do need to know HOW to run a business and fulfill your prospective client's requirements. You might be a great photographer, but you need to be able to fulfill what your client wants, not what you want (or like).

Having said that, some photographers are greatly sought after because of their 'style' or 'creative vision'. Their clients want the type of photographic result that the professional photographer is reknown for.

As I said, I apologise if I have mis-read or mis-interpreted your question.

BboH Loc: s of 2/21, Ellicott City, MD

Two thoughts occur to me
1. Develop some skill and start your business before giving up your full time paying job. Will also give you the opportunity to see if you have the mind-set to run your own business - I don't and I'm quite glad I found that out before "jumping in".
2. Try everything - street, casual events, formal events, landscape, people, sports (including huigh-school) - the whole nine yards to see what you seem to have a natural tendency for - then look into developing your business around that first then continue to extend and expand your horizon.

Erv Loc: Medina Ohio

All good info here. I started being a Pro early and then quit to make money> :) The only thing I didn't see meantioned is gear. You have to have backup for everything. Have to get the shot no mater what. :) I am glad you are trying to do this! The other thing is, when you think you are ready to go out into the real world.. go into a dark room and do a pre set camera setting. If you can do that you are ready to fly, if you can't,you need to know your camera better. My first pro I worked with made me do this. :) Was a good leason, I thought I knew my camera till then. I am getting close with my D300s, but I am still learning the darn thing. :)
Erv

NegativeBLUR Loc: Dallas, Tx

Welcome, Paatashb. I too am 42 and a year ago decided to turn my passion into a career. I asked the advice of the owner of the shop I buy my gear at, and he said to get a job assisting an established photographer...so I did. I have been assisting him for a year now and believe I have learned much I never would have in class, as I see how those lessons translate in a real working studio. Managing workflow, storage and managing the photos, how to get and keep clients...there is so much to learn from someone who has been doing it for years other than the obvious...how to take a great photograph. I now know, however, that as I am only learning HIS techniques and studying HIS style, that I need to get out and take classes to fill in the gaps and to learn things he may not be able to teach me. A combination of these two is the best way to learn...assisting a pro AND classes. You are not too old to go to school any more than you are too old to change careers! I agree with all those who have said to get out and shoot for free...it gives you valuable experience and you learn from trial and error. Doing it for free takes some of the pressure off as well as if you do a horrible job it's not so bad if money didn't exchange hands! Check out meetups.com and see if it exists in your area. There are TONS of meetup groups geared to photography...many with beginning models who want to build a portfolio and will model for free for your free photography-practice and portfolio building for you both. There are other types of groups (photographing kids, animals, landscape, etc) for you to figure out what you ENJOY photographing. In my job for example, I found I do not enjoy working with young children...the most difficult to photograph. I also found that the traditional posing and photography my employer does doesn't excite me and I prefer dramatic lighting and portraits as I am more creative in nature. Just knowing you want to be a photographer is only the start of what you have to learn....you must learn what you want to photograph and to develop your own style to set yourself apart from all the rest. Only practice will help you learn those things.

As far as equipment, you have a good start. I would recommend a 24-105mm lens and a good flash to start. I can't tell you how important lighting is to a professional photograph and there is MUCH to learn. It is what will set you apart from someone that just has a nice camera. You must know how to position it for the best effect and in a way that will flatter your particular subject the best. An off camera secondary light is your next step (lightstand and softbox). A cheap reflector is also a must, but hard to use without an assistant!

Sorry for the long rant, but we are somewhat in the same place in life so I have much advice to give! Feel free to send me a message if you have other questions, and GOOD LUCK!!!

katbandit Loc: new york city

what i want to ask first is ..how much do you love doing photography?? is it a passion for you..you say that you are on an entry level..if so then go for it..i did pro work back in the 80s and 90s and i learned by first being an assistant to the pro at weddings and other functions..then i ventured out on my own...learned to do darkroom work back then too..be prepared to go into a business knowing that it will be a lot more to it than just having a few pieces of equipment ..you will need to have people skills too..love what you are doing..be able to deal with stressful situations..such as weddings..if you are going to do journalistic type of photography then try freelance first and get a feel for it ..see if there is a way to make a living at it..you are only 42 years old..try to do photography as a second job to offset your unhappiness with your present for now..you may find that this could help you be happier or you may find out that it may be a bit more than you thought it would be ..i gave up pro work on photography because i found it didn't give me the benefits that i have now in my retirement from the full time job that i kept..keep in mind that the economy is very bad right now and lots of studios are having a really tough time of it..right now i just enjoy doing photography as a hobby and love it ..occassionally i have my work posted from local events that i go to and they give me credit..oh and lastly you are never too old to go to college..i'm in my 60s and am considering some courses ..there is so much to still learn about in this field...give your idea a try ..don't get discouraged .but keep in mind that you need to hold on to something stable till you get on your feet with a new field..

bkyser Loc: Fly over country in Indiana

It is an investment, but I would suggest New York Institute of Photography. They have updated their curriculum so it is more about digital, but still covers film. (after all, light is light, and composition is composition.), they also cover business practices, various other fields that you may not have considered, other than just portraits or weddings. I took this course years ago, and recently took the updated one as a refresher. I do NOT work for them, but it is an excellent program.

DennisK Loc: Pickle City,Illinois

If possible,I would suggest the help of a professional willing to help a new person;maybe one far enough away that he/she wouldn't think he was training competition.I, for sure ain't close to being a pro,but am lucky enough to have a "retired" pro portrait photog who goes to my church and is willing to help me.I had one 2 hour session with him,and my portrait photography has improved 100%.What he was able to explain to me just "clicked" unlike reading it from a book.

Msmith59

Bill,
I have taken camera courses at a photography studio 30 minutes from where I live. They have professional photographers that teach these classes from beginners to advanced. You can start where you need to.
I'm sure theres one in your area.
Take a look at their website just to see what I'm talking about and classes they offer.
You will also need to decide on photoshop software. I'm taking a class on that soon!
Asapphoto.com. Greenville. NC.

hope this helps... I'm in the same stages with you!

brokeweb Loc: Philadelphia

Hello Brother From Another Mother,

http://digital-photography-school.com

I am not a professional photographer. I have often thought about attempting professional photography. The Digital photography school offers some great e-books, one that puts things in perspective the transition from Amature to Pro.

billwassmann Loc: Emerson, NJ

Read. Go to the library, go to Barnes & Noble, subscribe to photo magazines. Look at the photos in every kind of magazine to learn how they do it. Ask questions of photographers you meet. There is no single source of knowledge. Finally, practice, practice, practice and listen to the criticism.