Starting a photography business - what needs to be done?

Hi
I am thinking of starting a photography business, mainly for products, I think.
I was wondering how to go about it. I have some equipment, but not everything I would need and I was wondering if I should start with what I have, or take a loan and by the best equipment out there, in order to properly impress and gain the trust of customers.
Also, what needs to be done legally?

What equipment do you have currently? Photo equipment can get very expensive very quick when you are trying to impress people. The ironic thing is the more equipment you have the less likely you are to impress with your skills. Your pictures need to be what you concentrate on right now.

What types of products are you planning on working with? Right off hand I would suggest that you get a light tent, some tungsten lights, and something to use as a backdrop. The camera is not as crucial unless the clients will be wanting large prints. If this is for web work, even the low end point and shoots might be sufficient.

Give us some more detail about what exactly you are wanting to accomplish and what is your skill level (be honest please)?

Hi Gladys,

As Greg said, the equipment isn't what impresses the clients, it's the finished images. It's also the way in which you conduct yourself around the client and how you meet deadlines.

In product photography, postproduction skills are probably as important as photographic skills.

Sign up here for a regular membership, stick around and tell us more about what you've got in the way of equipment and facilities, who your clientele will likely be, where you're located, and what your experience is in photography and business. You'll get plenty of advice from a variety of people here.

commercial clients will expect hi-end images and fast turnaround, so work on technique and not fuss about equipment
u can look thru magazines with like products and take note on lighting & backgrounds