When I started my career as a photographer, I didn’t have a clear idea of where I was going. I just imagined living a cool life, but with no plan on how to get there. Definitely not enough to aim high, or even just to float miserably! I loved taking photos passionately, but navigating the commercial side was a different challenge, a nightmare. I had no business or marketing knowledge at all, and no one among the people I knew could give me any suggestions. I made mistake after mistake and eventually realized that running a business is a critical part of photography that many of us would prefer to ignore.
To make a living from photography, taking photos is not enough. I’ve learned the hard way that while artistic talent is vital, so is business sense. If you’re thinking of turning your love for photography into your job, listen to some advice from someone who’s already been through it and learned the hard way. You have a talent for capturing the perfect shot, great, but can you also capture a market? That’s just as important.
Decide what you’ll be recognized for. Whatever your focus, identify yourself and make sure people see you that way. That’s your brand. Keep it consistent across all your work, on your website, social media, and in your interactions with clients and the public.
Write your plan down. Ideas in your mind get confused and lost, but written down they remain. I’m not talking about a 50-page business plan that no one will read. Business plans are not for creating binders to gather dust; they are for charting a simple map to reach your goals. So set your short-term and long-term goals, and then start with the basics: who you are, what you do, who your potential clients are – imagine them, it will help you reach them – what your costs are, and how you will get your work known.
Manage your finances well. If you feel the urge to buy a high-end camera, stop. Especially if you’re just starting out and on a limited budget, don’t spend everything on high-end equipment. It’s a big mistake. There’s no camera that will make you a better and successful photographer. Instead, invest your money in your personal growth to hone your photographic skills. Take courses at reputable photography schools, attend workshops held by serious photographers – not those model-sharing ones! – and keep practicing.
At the same time, invest time in learning the basics of business. Become knowledgeable in marketing, customer relations, and even the legal aspects of contracts. Your skills as a photographer will only take you so far. You also need to be a savvy entrepreneur. And when it comes to setting your prices, remember they are not just numbers; they say something about the quality of your work. Know your worth and don’t be afraid to ask for it. Manage your money wisely, because the line between a profitable month and a disaster can be thin.
Along the way, you’ll make mistakes. Clients will leave. Campaigns will fail. Take the hits and learn from them. They are not failures, but reflection points to learn and improve. On the other hand, when you succeed, reward yourself.
Being a photographer is not a solo job. It’s not just you and your camera against the world. You’re an entrepreneur, and this involves its own set of rules. It’s not just about being good with a camera; it’s about being good with people, smart with money, and strategic with opportunities. Network. That’s how business gets done. Share advice, offer referrals, and seek collaboration opportunities. The photography world is very tight-knit; make friends, not enemies.
If you succeed in all this, you’re not just an artist; you’re a successful entrepreneur. So keep shooting, but also keep growing your business. Both are part of the same picture.
