Opening a Business

I have had it with working for others and making them money only to be told I am no longer needed.

I've been a hobbist since high school (30 years) but just recently stepped back in with a Canon Powershot S5 IS. Just couldn't afford the D80 I wanted. It is a good camera except for low lighting situations. Anyway, any advice on getting started without much of a portfolio right now. I did a few weddings a few years ago -- all film. How are any of you professionals utilizing the internet effectively. Basically, I am strong in all aspects of business except for sales/marketing.

Thanx.

gadkins, Welcome to the board, I had to move the post to "The Business of photography" area you should get more input here.

As to your post.

I have had it with working for others and making them money only to be told I am no longer needed.

I totally understand, I've been there and done that. More Power to you!!! The hardest or scariest part is that it feels like stepping off a cliff not knowing how far that cliff gos. It may be just speed bumps or a jump out of a airplane. Either way if you set your mind to it and work really hard you can do anything.

First thing I would point out.
Weddings are a once in a life time, low light, fast action, stress full, etc.. Photo shoot. It could be a real headache if you don't have the skills. I would tell you if you are just starting out try to stick to non-weddings, like portrait work. Where you have time to set the shot the way you want it, where you can do it over etc...

You really need to have a good portfolio. If people can't see what you can do they will go to someone that they can see. Start building a portfolio. Mix it up as much as you want but less is more.

utilizing the internet:
Well this is a big one. After getting a good Portfolio you start showing your stuff to everyone. If your portfolio is not good don't do it, it can harm you more than help you. (post some images we can help) Take some classes (photo and marketing etc) (not knowing your photo skills this is good for everyone) Online ad can cost you $1000's each year with no promise of any return. So start slow, start marketing yourself off line first (maybe have your port online if you would like)

As for your camera:
I will leave this to a Canon guy, but I don't think it is up to par for what you want to do.

And like John said "this huge competitive business" don't sell yourself short but remember that there are 1000's of photographer and more every day trying to make it. Stand out! Be different, What makes a customer pick you over others? Don't make the mistake that a lot of newbies do and under cut prices, You don't want them to like you just because your prices but your skills. Plus cutting prices can lead to "He's not that good", "Give me everything for nothing", "I'll just copy them" etc.

Hope This helps.

I'm not sure why Johns post didn't show, I can only see it before hitting the submit button so here is a copy of what he wrote, just in case you can't see it too.

john101477
umm. u shot a wedding with a powershot?
interesting!
As far as the internet being an effective tool. presentastion of your photos (to a customer) is almost as important as the photos themselves, BUT, lets face it, if your photos are no good they will just plain not sell. some of us do well with our sites and some do not. For me, I am still just trying to create a name in this huge competitive business.

Excellent advice from Stari.

Weddings are a once in a life time, low light, fast action, stress full, etc.. Photo shoot. It could be a real headache if you don't have the skills.

Lack of skills can get you SUED in wedding photography. It's why PPA offers wedding photographers a different insurance package than they do for other photographers. Bridezillas. Motherzillas. Once in a lifetime events. Brrr!

His other advice was equally excellent.

Find a niche and become topflight in it. It does you no good to have great architectural or sports photos when you're trying to sell yourself as a wedding photographer.

Shoot, shoot, shoot. And shoot some more. Build that portfolio and develop your skills.

If sales and marketing are your weaknesses, let others do some of that marketing for you. In my case (high school senior portraits), I'm giving senior packages to a few select students on the condition they take the pics to school and show them off. The students also get a bird-dog fee for each paying customer they refer. (while the parents light up at the thought of a free or discounted portrait st, the kids light up at the thought of earning mad-money.) In addition to ads in school papers, the kids can penetrate the market in a way only they can do. You could consider doing the same thing in your business: referral fees or credits. For wedding work, introduce yourself to the proprietors of tux- and wedding-gown-rental businesses. Have them do your marketing for you.

I have a canon and I will be honest, the lowest I would ever consider is an rebel xti. An xsi is the next step. The 30 40 and 50d are all great choices that give u plenty of options. Let's face it- you need an SLR

What Stari said about pricing.


After being way too generous with my clients, I learned a dictum the hard way this year:
PEOPLE LOVE A BARGAIN, BUT THEY NEVER RESPECT A BARGAIN.

I don't know about the rest of you, but I'm starting to get a little sick of these selfish "drive-by" posters. Post a question, then never follow up with so little as a thank-you for the helpful, thoughtful effort someone like Starimage gave.

"Thanks in advance" doesn't count if you're not going to bother being part of the conversation.

hmmm, Bankrupt already?

Maybe they thought "Oh man, no one told me that it would take "work" when I bought my camera last week".

Bob, I would just like to take this time to Thank you.

Backatcha, Stari. You're a good man.

The info ya'll have given has been great. I am soaking up every word. But I too have sold myself short but offering cheap photos to get the business. But it ends up costing me. I do like the suggestions of letting the kids advertise for me by showing my work of them. Great Idea.

I am still trying find my nech. I love shooting kids, babies and families.

i know your pain J. everytime i think i found a spot in this buisness i see problems. a big problem i have is follow through and money. every place i have visited likes my images, but i have to frame them, which cost money, and i rarely end up going back. i need to get out and network more, and follow through, to reach my goal

John, follow through!!! no mater what!
If you don't you will make a bad name for yourself. Then what is the point in the first place.
I'm here to push you. How much money are you talking about for frames? Are you looking at frames price at retail or wholesale? What are your goals? How are you going to get the goals done? Write them down. Do them! You can dream all day, but until you take action they are just dreams.

Jaqlyn, your nech? do what you love, do it with your full heart, the business will come if you build it. Build it and they will come.

As Jaqlyn said, I, too, am soaking up every word of advice! I am learning from the advice you guys give out. I read it. I use it and I keep it in my memory bank to fall back on. I want to get into the Photography biz and start making money; but I'm not quite there yet. I know I still have alot to learn; but thanks to all of you, I'm getting there.
From me....a great big thank you for all of the great advice!!

If you find a niche that is either ignored or very thinly covered, you can make a killing (so long as the market "is" really there).
In example, my niche in my area (eastern, Pa.) is photography for the erotic industry.
I have like one photographer as competition and literally hundreds of clients with high image turnover.
If you live in or near an affluent neighbourhood, try offering your talents to the locals as an auto photographer. Take great images of their autos, print them frame them and let them hang them on the wall.
Pride can be a very "financially" satisfying tool.

Gary
The Fashion Attic