photography business essay

HOW TO WRITE THE ULTIMATE PHOTOGRAPHY BUSINESS PLAN

Table of contents, 1. summarise your services and products, 2. describe your target market, 3. analyse your competitors, 4. conduct a swot analysis, 5. outline your marketing plan, 6. outline your operations plan, 7. work out your finances, 8. set goals and create systems, 9. write an executive summary.

What is your main photography service?

List any other photography services your offer, how do your photography services complement each other, describe the products you provide to clients.

Sum up your ideal client in one sentence

What are the top 3 desires you can help with, what are the top 3 pain points you can help with, what will connect you and your ideal client, 3. analyse your competitors.

List 2 or 3 of your closest competitors

Describe their services and products, who are they appealing to, what is their price point and position, what are they doing well, what could they be doing better, write 3-5 adjective to describe their brand, 4. conduct a swot analysis.

Make a list of your strengths

Acknowledge your weaknesses, where are the opportunities, are there any potential threats, 5. outline your marketing plan.

What makes your business stand out?

Write your elevator pitch, write your big, bold statement (tagline), define your brand personality and tone of voice, what content are you going to create, which social media platform will you use and how, will you do any face-to-face marketing, will you seek publicity for your business, how will you generate and nurture leads, how will you create loyalty and encourage referrals, 6. outline your operations plan.

Describe the enquiry and conversion process

Describe the booking and onboarding process, describe the shoot or wedding process, describe the post-shoot/wedding process, describe the product sales process, describe the order fulfilment process, describe the process beyond order fulfilment, 7. work out the finances.

Summarise your CODB and salary aims

Where are you positioned in terms of price, which pricing model is right for you, 8. set goals and create systems.

Decide on your financial goal

Map out your systems, what needs to happen for your systems to work, 9. create an executive summary.

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This article was updated on December 2, 2022

Starting a successful photography business involves more than having a camera and a keen eye for beauty. As a business owner, you must also have a solid business plan.

Without one, your professional photography business may have no legs (or tripods) to stand on. 

Creating a photography business plan is simple. This complete guide will cover all you need to know about writing a comprehensive business plan—from executive summaries to competitive analyses. 

What to include in a photography business plan:

• Write an executive summary
• Describe your photography business
• Outline your products and services
• Analyze your finances and list out business expenses
• Understand your competition and the photography industry
• Devise a sales and marketing strategy
• Set operations logistics and management structure
• Perform customer and market analysis
• Establish a timeline and exit strategy
• Round out your business plan with Nextdoor

1. Write an executive summary

Perhaps you’ve been dreaming of running your own photography business since the day you picked up your first disposable camera, or maybe you just started outlining your vision in recent months. Whatever the case may be, you’ll need to match those dreams with quantifiable business goals and a clear course of action. 

Defining your mission is one of the most important aspects of a strong business plan and almost always comprises the first section. In the executive summary, you will explain your business details such as your business name, and a summary of your business plan in a few sentences.

When defining your business as a professional photographer, it’s crucial to cover two key components: the executive summary and the business description.

2. Describe your photography business

Following the executive summary, the business description section is the place where you'll describe the ins and outs of your business.

Effective photography business descriptions usually contain the following information:

• A history of your business
• An overview of your business structure

Let's break down these two essential components further.

As a professional photographer, your business's history is more than just a summary of facts. It's your unique story . Your passion for what you do should come through in every line.

Include life and color into your business plan by detailing the following:

• Your personal relationship with photography
• Your professional work experience
• The origins of your business and the values you intend to uphold

Describing your history with photography not only gives potential stakeholders an inside look at your motivations but also gives you an outline for an "About" section on your future website.

REAL BUSINESS EXAMPLE: Johnson City, Tennessee's Hunter Kittrell Photography is a business that knows the power of storytelling. Their website's "About" section mentions how the business's founder, Hunter Kittrell, got his start in photography after college and how his love of adventure inspires his work. Look to this small business as a model for your own and add in all of your business's unique details to compel potential clients to work with you.

Business structure

Few business descriptions are complete without an outline of the business structure. To define your business structure, consider the following:

• Type - Is your business a sole proprietorship or an LLC? A partnership or corporation? If you're just starting out, there's a good chance your photography business will be a sole proprietorship. However, if you're thinking of future growth (and outside funding), it may be wise to consider an LLC. Whichever business type you choose, providing this information in your business plan will help you think through the management and other logistical structures.
• Management and business operations - Most U.S. photography businesses have less than two employees . However, if you're planning on employing more people and/or having a detailed managerial structure, it may be wise to include this in your business description. Furthermore, it may be helpful to include details about business hours and studio location(s).

While businesses, especially startups, can experience a number of operational changes during the first couple of years, outlining your initial business structure is a smart way to set up your photography business for continued success.

3. Outline your products and services

The best business plans clearly specify the business's products and photography services. As you draft your plan include the following details:

• Photography type - Will your business specialize in commercial photography, marketing photography, landscape photography, portrait photography, pet photography, or wedding photography? Will you mainly shoot individual portraits or family portraits? Identifying your niche in the photography industry in your business plan will allow you to structure other elements of your business model around that particular focus.
• Pricing model - When it comes to the financial aspects of your business, few details are more important than your business's pricing model. Will you charge by the hour or by the photoshoot (regardless of time)? Is photo editing included in the package or is there an additional cos t ? Look at other photographers for example pricing; likely event photography pricing is structured differently than landscape photography. You would also need to consider your business expenses and budget when setting your rates. Being as specific as possible about your pricing model will help you estimate your income and also p rovide a clear outline of your rates for potential clients.

REAL BUSINESS EXAMPLE: Based in Manchester, New Hampshire, Image of Home Real Estate Photography is a small business with a big-time, three-tier pricing model. Their website states that they charge by the square foot and offer the additional benefit of same-day image delivery. This pricing model was, more than likely, hashed out in the business plan. Settle on the pricing specifics for your business and be sure to share them on your online platforms so that they are clearly visible to the public.

4. Analyze your finances

When it comes to financial planning, the more you can foresee, the better. This will keep you from overextending your budget in terms of expenses or overestimating your revenue in your first year. 

To adequately plan for finances, detail the following in your business plan:

• Expenses – Expenses include everything from ordering business cards to the cost of equipment to your studio space. Make a list of everything you’ll need to pay for to get your business up and running. Doing so will also help you budget for the unknown, such as buying an extra lens in case one breaks or hiring an assistant to lend a hand on a particular photo shoot.
• Projected revenue – To stay afloat in the long run, you’ll need to bring in more revenue than you’re spending. As a result, it’s wise to calculate your projected revenue alongside your expenses in your business plan—especially in the first year. These calculations will allow you to budget properly and change your strategy should your financial situation change.
• Set up bank accounts and EIN - Most professional photographers tend to work independently or work by case. Therefore, it is better to separate your work bank accounts and credit cards from your personal accounts to manage your finances. Further, even if this is a small business, you still need to apply for an EIN (employee identification number) from the IRS for legal purposes.

In addition, figuring out where you stand financially will enable you to find room in your budget for marketing strategies and competitive analysis metrics.

5.  Understand your competition

An often overlooked, yet highly important, section of most business plans is the competitive analysis section. 

Researching your competition is beneficial for many reasons. Not only will you better understand your competition’s pricing models and services, but you’ll also learn how you can set yourself apart from competitors. Given the fact that there are more than 40,000 professional photographers in the U.S. , knowing how to stand out in the industry will make sure your one-of-a-kind business doesn’t get lost in the shuffle. 

When writing your competitive analysis section, it’s helpful to answer the following questions:

• How many photographers are located in my area?
• Am I fulfilling a specific niche (i.e. landscape, portrait, etc.)?
• What are my competitor’s pricing models?
• What are their marketing strategies?
• What are my competitors doing well? What could they improve upon?
• Who are my potential client pods and are they overlapping other existing photography businesses?
• How will I provide a necessary and unique photography service?

Of course, there are many more questions you could ask when thinking about your competition, but these should help you get started.

6. Devise a sales and marketing strategy

Good business plans almost always focus on business growth. But to grow your business and attract new clientele, you need to market yourself. 

Detailing your marketing strategy is, therefore, a crucial component of a strong business plan. If you’re wondering how to get photography clients, you’ll want to employ a number of different marketing tactics.

When writing the marketing section, it’s helpful to think of the following strategies:

• Social media marketing – Given that social media is a major conduit of ideas and information, it’s important to develop a social media strategy for your photography business. As a photographer, your portfolio and past works are the best marketing materials. Image-sharing platforms make the most sense, but you’ll want to consider the potential of other platforms, too. For example, if you want to attract local clientele , the best way to connect with your neighborhood is on Nextdoor. This community-minded platform allows you to set up custom business ads or create a Business Page where you can showcase important aspects of your business—from operating hours to services.
• Email marketing – In your business plan, detail how you intend to use email to market yourself. Will you send around a quarterly email discussing new trends in the photography world? Will you deliver special holiday emails urging your target audience to take advantage of discounted holiday shoots? Generating an email list is an effective way to keep clients in the loop about what’s happening with your business.
• SEO marketing – SEO, or search engine optimization, is a critical strategy that will help drive potential customers to your website. To improve the quality of your site, you’ll want to decide which type of keywords are important to your business and build content around them to make your website more discoverable by Google and other search engines. You can do this by adding informational content to different pages on your website, as well as creating a photography blog with helpful tips and information for users. For example, if you are a portrait photographer, you can add keywords such as family pictures or graduation portfolio photos.

7. Set operation logistics and management structure

This section gives you the opportunity to first think through the details of your business workflow then define how you will manage the logistics of your day to day operations. A major part of your photography business will likely be post processing and photo editing before final delivery. Spend time defining how long editing will take after a shoot. How many days afte r a shoot will you promise delivery to your customers? What methods of payment are you planning to accept? Other topics to address in this section may include:

• Primary and backup suppliers
• Equipment inventory
• Transportation expenses
• Management and staff structure if applicable

8. Perform customer and market analysis

C ustomer and market analysis is a critical part of your photography business plan; it helps define the size of the market needing your service as well as your ideal client. Here you will justify your target market and specify niche segments within that market. To do this answer the following:

• What is your dream client - age range, gender, location, demographics, and style of photo shoot. Will you specialize in high end weddings, aerial photography, sports photography, or something else? 
• What are the needs of these customers
• how your services address these needs. 
• What is the growth potential of your market segment? Including considerations such as the number of potential customers, their annual income, frequency of photography style needs

9. Establish a timeline and exit strategy

This later section describes your timeline for the goals and objectives outlined earlier in the business plan. Describe how soon you plan to become profitable, within what timeframe do you plan to meet your revenue objectives, or even when you might plan to hire employees to help grow your business. While it may seem far off, planning how you may want to exit your business years down the road may open up questions and considerations that can have a big impact near term. For some, selling their business to a larger investor is the end goal, for others, keeping photography as a small side gig to pass to their children is the exit strategy - no matter your desired path, document it here. 

10. Round out your business plan with Nextdoor

Developing a strong photography business plan is often the first step in running a successful business. Now that you’re equipped with all the tools to execute it like a pro, you’ll be well-prepared for a promising future ahead. 

But no plan is truly complete without Nextdoor — the neighborhood hub that connects you with your local community so that your photography business can flourish.

Claim a Nextdoor Business Page today to simplify the process of building your brand. That way, you can get back to what truly matters—working your magic behind the camera.

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Creating a Successful Photography Business Plan

Starting a photography business can be an exciting adventure, but it's important to have a solid plan in place to ensure your success. In this article, we will explore the key elements of creating a photography business plan and how they contribute to your overall success. We will delve into understanding the basics of a business plan and its importance in the photography industry, as well as the process of defining your photography business and identifying your niche. Additionally, we will discuss market analysis, developing a marketing strategy, and financial planning. So let's dive in and uncover the secrets to creating a successful photography business plan!

Understanding the Basics of a Business Plan

A business plan serves as a roadmap for your photography business. It outlines your goals, strategies, and financial projections. A well-crafted business plan not only helps you stay focused but also acts as a valuable tool when seeking funding or partnerships. It provides a clear direction, identifies potential challenges, and highlights opportunities for growth.

When starting a photography business, it is essential to have a comprehensive business plan that covers all aspects of your venture. This plan will serve as a blueprint for success and guide you through the various stages of your business's development.

As a photography business owner, your business plan should include sections such as an executive summary, company description, market analysis, marketing strategy, financial projections, and an action plan. These elements work together to create a cohesive and strategic plan that will help you achieve your business goals.

Importance of a Business Plan in Photography

A photography business plan is crucial for establishing a solid foundation for your venture. It helps you define your objectives and understand your target audience, enabling you to tailor your services to meet their needs. With a well-researched and thought-out plan, you can position your photography business as a unique and valuable offering in the market.

Furthermore, a business plan acts as a roadmap for growth and expansion. It allows you to identify potential challenges and develop strategies to overcome them. By analyzing the market and understanding your competition, you can identify opportunities for differentiation and capitalize on them.

Additionally, a well-prepared business plan is essential when seeking financing or attracting potential investors or partners. It demonstrates your professionalism, commitment, and understanding of the industry. Investors and lenders will be more likely to support your photography business if they can see a clear plan for success.

Key Elements of a Business Plan

• Executive Summary: This section provides an overview of your photography business, highlighting its unique selling points and summarizing the key points of your plan.
• Company Description: Here, you will provide a detailed description of your photography business, including its mission, vision, and values. You will also outline your legal structure, location, and any relevant industry certifications or affiliations.
• Market Analysis: This section involves conducting thorough research on your target market, including demographics, trends, and competitors. By understanding the market landscape, you can identify gaps and opportunities for your photography business.
• Marketing Strategy: In this section, you will outline your marketing and promotional activities. This includes your branding, pricing strategy, advertising channels, and customer acquisition strategies. A well-defined marketing strategy will help you reach your target audience and differentiate your photography business from competitors.
• Financial Projections: Here, you will present your financial forecasts, including revenue projections, expenses, and profitability. This section demonstrates the financial viability of your photography business and helps you plan for future growth and investment.
• Action Plan: The action plan outlines the specific steps you will take to implement your business strategies. It includes timelines, milestones, and responsibilities. This section ensures that you have a clear roadmap for executing your plan and achieving your business objectives.

By including these key elements in your photography business plan, you will have a comprehensive and strategic document that will guide you towards success. Remember to regularly review and update your plan as your business evolves and new opportunities arise.

Defining Your Photography Business

Before diving into the details of the business plan, it's essential to clearly define your photography business. Start by identifying your photography niche, which will help you differentiate yourself in the market and develop a unique selling proposition.

When it comes to choosing your photography niche, there are various factors to consider. Think about your passion and expertise. What type of photography excites you the most? Are you drawn to capturing the raw emotions of weddings, the beauty of nature, or the creativity of commercial projects? Understanding your niche will not only allow you to focus your skills but also help you stand out from the competition.

Once you have identified your niche, it's time to delve deeper into understanding your target audience. Who are your ideal clients? What are their needs, preferences, and pain points? Conduct market research to gain insights into the demographics, psychographics, and buying behaviors of your target market. This information will enable you to tailor your services and marketing efforts to meet their specific expectations.

Furthermore, setting clear and measurable business goals is vital for the success of your photography business. While it's tempting to have broad goals like "become a successful photographer," it's essential to break them down into specific and achievable objectives.

For example, if you aim to increase your client base, you can set a goal of acquiring a certain number of new clients within a specific timeframe. If expanding into new markets is on your agenda, you can set a goal of entering a specific geographic area or targeting a different industry. Additionally, improving customer satisfaction can be measured by setting goals related to receiving positive feedback, increasing repeat business, or reducing customer complaints.

Defining your goals will provide a clear direction for your photography business. It will help you prioritize your efforts, allocate resources effectively, and measure your progress along the way. Remember to regularly review and adjust your goals as your business evolves and new opportunities arise.

Market Analysis for Your Photography Business

A comprehensive market analysis is crucial to the success of your photography business. By identifying your target audience, you can better understand their needs, preferences, and purchasing behavior. This information will allow you to develop targeted marketing strategies that resonate with your potential clients.

Analyzing your competition is equally important. Identify other photography businesses in your area and assess their strengths and weaknesses. This knowledge will help you position your business effectively, highlight your unique offerings, and develop strategies to stand out in the market.

When conducting a market analysis for your photography business, it is essential to delve deeper into understanding your target audience. Start by identifying the demographics of your potential clients, such as their age, gender, income level, and location. This information will help you tailor your services and marketing efforts to meet their specific needs and preferences.

Furthermore, it is crucial to understand the psychographics of your target audience. This includes their interests, values, attitudes, and lifestyle choices. By gaining insights into their psychographics, you can create a brand identity and messaging that resonates with them on a deeper level, establishing a strong emotional connection.

In addition to understanding your target audience, it is vital to analyze the market trends and industry dynamics. Stay updated on the latest photography trends , technological advancements, and changes in consumer behavior. This knowledge will enable you to adapt your business strategies accordingly and stay ahead of the competition.

When analyzing your competition, consider factors such as their pricing, services offered, customer reviews, and overall brand reputation. By understanding their strengths and weaknesses, you can identify opportunities to differentiate your photography business and offer unique value propositions to your potential clients.

Furthermore, it is essential to assess the marketing strategies employed by your competitors. Look at their online presence, social media engagement, and advertising efforts. This analysis will help you identify gaps in the market and develop innovative marketing campaigns that capture the attention of your target audience.

Remember, a market analysis is an ongoing process. Continuously monitor and evaluate the market trends, consumer preferences, and competitive landscape. This will allow you to adapt your strategies and stay relevant in the ever-evolving photography industry.

Developing Your Marketing Strategy

Once you have analyzed your target audience and competition, it's time to develop a marketing strategy that will help you reach your goals and attract clients. Start by branding your photography business. Choose a name, logo, and visual identity that represents your unique style and resonates with your target audience.

In addition, invest in carefully crafted promotional materials that showcase your work and highlight your strengths. Utilize online platforms, such as social media and a professional website, to showcase your portfolio and engage with potential clients. Networking, participating in industry events, and collaborating with other professionals can also help you expand your reach and build valuable relationships.

Financial Planning for Your Photography Business

Setting a pricing structure is a crucial aspect of financial planning for your photography business. Research industry standards and analyze your costs to determine a pricing strategy that is competitive yet profitable. Remember to consider factors such as equipment costs, marketing expenses, and your expertise when calculating your prices.

Additionally, create a budget and forecast your financial projections for the coming months or years. This will help you understand your revenue streams, expenses, and potential profitability. Regularly review and update your financial plan to ensure you are on track and make necessary adjustments as your business evolves.

In conclusion, creating a successful photography business plan involves understanding the basics of a business plan, defining your photography business, conducting a thorough market analysis, developing a robust marketing strategy, and undertaking financial planning . By investing time and effort into these crucial steps, you will lay a solid foundation for your photography business and increase your chances of long-term success. So start drafting your business plan today and embark on your journey to a thriving photography business!

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How to start a photography business

Your step-by-step roadmap to the exciting journey of launching a new photography business in 2024

The world is hungry for visual storytelling. But amidst the ever-growing sea of aspiring photography business owners, how do you make your mark and build a thriving business that captures both hearts and clients?

Fear not! This guide is your roadmap to the exciting journey of launching a new photography business in 2024. Whether you're a seasoned professional photographer or just starting out, this step-by-step plan will equip you with the essential tools and insights to turn your passion into a successful new business.

Main takeaways from this article

• Starting your own photography business comes with pros (creative freedom, profitability potential, personal fulfillment) and cons (irregular income, competition, need for continuous learning) of starting a photography business. It's crucial to weigh these factors carefully before deciding to embark on this journey.
• Initial investments include photography equipment, lighting, software, and possibly studio space, with ongoing expenses such as website maintenance, insurance, and marketing. Strategic planning and budgeting are essential for managing these costs effectively.
• Key steps include conducting market research, choosing a niche, developing a business plan, deciding between renting or purchasing equipment, selecting a business name, setting up legal and insurance frameworks, establishing a brand and online presence, networking, setting a pricing model, managing finances, and focusing on marketing and promotion.
• Even after starting your business, the journey involves ongoing management and growth, including fostering client relationships, investing in professional development, and possibly expanding your services or entering new markets.
• Platforms like picdrop can streamline post-shoot processes, enhancing the client experience by facilitating easy downloads, favorites marking, and feedback, contributing to more efficient workflow and client satisfaction.

Pros and cons of starting a photography business

The thrill of capturing a perfect moment, the artistic expression, the potential to be your own boss – the allure of starting a photography business is undeniable. However, like any entrepreneurial endeavor, it's crucial to understand both the positives and negatives before taking the plunge.

Pros of starting a photography business

• Creative freedom: Unleash your artistic vision without limitations. Experiment with styles, explore unique niches and capture the world through your own lens. No more conforming to someone else's vision - it's all about your artistic story.
• Profitability potential: Build a business that reflects your worth. Set your own rates, attract high-paying clients, and watch your financial success blossom alongside your skills. Remember, a thriving photography business takes time and dedication , but the potential rewards are substantial.
• Personal fulfillment: Witnessing the joy you bring through your work is unparalleled. From capturing life's precious moments to crafting stunning visuals for businesses, your photography becomes a source of deep personal satisfaction, fueling your passion and purpose.

Cons of starting a photography business

• Irregular income: Photography work often comes in bursts, with busy seasons followed by slower periods. This can make budgeting and financial planning tricky. To overcome this, diversify your income streams (e.g., offer different services, workshops, or sell prints). Create a realistic budget and set aside savings during peak seasons.
• Competition: The photography industry is saturated, especially in popular niches. Standing out can be challenging. To overcome this, develop a unique brand identity and niche specialization. Highlight your strengths and experience. Offer competitive pricing and exceptional customer service.
• Continuous learning & adaptation: Technology and trends evolve rapidly, requiring constant learning and adaptation. To overcome this, stay updated on industry trends and new technologies. Invest in ongoing education through workshops, courses, or online resources. Embrace change and experiment with new techniques to stay ahead of the curve.

Remember, the decision to be a business owner and your own boss is deeply personal. Weigh the pros and cons carefully, assess your resources and motivations, and embark on this exciting journey with a realistic yet optimistic outlook.

Overview of photography business costs

Yes, starting your own photography business does require planning and a calculated investment, especially when it comes to your startup costs and ongoing business-related expenses. But no dream is too big or impossible to achieve. Let's hop into the money matters and dissect them piece by piece.

Initial costs

When stepping into the world of professional photography, ensuring you have the right gear is paramount. Below are some startup costs that you might face:

• Photography equipment: This is the heart of your business. The budget varies depending on your niche. For portraits and events, a versatile full-frame camera body and lenses could start around less than $2,000 and go all the way up to tens of thousands of dollars (if purchased new). From there, you’ll need to add backups, tripods, flashes, and memory cards for a complete setup.
• Lighting: Professional studio lighting kits for portraits or product photography can range from $500-$2,000. Natural light setups cost less but limit flexibility.
• Software: Professional photo editing software like Adobe Lightroom or Photoshop are industry standards (subscriptions around $120/year each). Consider specialized software for specific needs. File transfer solutions like picdrop can be a valuable addition to your software toolkit, for efficient gallery management and client communication.
• Studio space (optional): Renting or purchasing a studio can elevate your professionalism but adds monthly costs. These can vary greatly based on location and size, ranging from a few hundred to several thousand dollars per month. Start by utilizing your own space or collaborating with other professional photographers.

Ongoing business expenses

Besides the upfront costs, keep in mind that there will be ongoing costs to maintain as your photography business grows.

• Website maintenance: A professional website is your online storefront. To keep your site running smoothly, you may need to pay for hosting services, domain name registration, web development, and updates. This might cost around $200-$500 per year.
• Insurance: Think of it as a safety net for any unexpected losses, for instance, equipment damage or theft. The cost will differ based on the coverage you opt for, but generally, you're looking at about $400 - $1200 per year.
• Marketing: From social media advertising to creating marketing materials, your marketing budget varies depending on your strategy. Allocate 5-10% of your revenue for initial marketing efforts.
• These are estimates; research specific gear and services for your needs.
• Consider buying used photography equipment or renting as budget-friendly options.
• Network with other professional photographers to share resources and reduce costs.

By carefully planning and prioritizing your spending, you can create a photography business that thrives within your financial reality. Remember, your talent and business acumen are the true investments that will lead your small business to success.

How to start a photography business step-by-step

Transforming your passion for photography into a thriving new business is an exciting journey, but it's crucial to embark with a solid roadmap. This step-by-step guide equips you with the essential knowledge to navigate the exciting world of a new business owner.

1. Conduct market research

Before embarking on your photography business journey, set aside some time for thorough market research.

Start with competitive research. Analyze established photographers in your area and beyond. What services do they provide? Who is their target market? What are their strengths and weaknesses? By studying their approach, you can identify potential gaps in the local market where you can carve out your own niche.

Don't stop there – actively engage with prospective clients . Talk to individuals you aim to photograph, attend industry events, and participate in online forums. What are their photography needs and preferences? What budget do they have in mind? By actively listening and understanding their perspective, you can tailor your services to address their desires and build trust through genuine empathy.

Remember, market research is not just about competition ; it's about understanding the people you serve . By investing time in this crucial step, you'll gain valuable insights that will guide your business decisions and attract clients who connect with your vision and expertise.

2. Choose a photography niche

While offering diverse photography services might be tempting to many photographers, specializing in a particular area like weddings, portraits, or product photography unlocks numerous benefits.

For starters, clients seeking that specific type of photography will instantly recognize your expertise, allowing you to command premium pricing and build a loyal audience who value your in-depth knowledge and experience.

But the advantages extend beyond financial gain. Imagine crafting a captivating narrative about your wedding photography that resonates with the hopes and dreams of engaged couples or showcasing a portfolio of heartwarming family portrait photography that tugs at the heartstrings of parents seeking treasured memories.

By tailoring your marketing plan, messaging, and photography portfolio to a specific audience, you speak directly to their desires and aspirations. This targeted approach allows you to build trust and create stronger connections, setting you apart from generalist photographers who cater to a wider, less-defined audience.

3. Develop a photography business plan

Your photography business plan is a strategic document outlining your market research findings, financial projections, business goals, and growth strategies. Think of it as your blueprint for success, attracting potential investors, and keeping yourself on track.

Start by incorporating your market research insights. Summarize your competitive analysis, target audience definition, and niche selection rationale. Next, delve into your financial projections—estimate startup costs, including equipment, marketing, and software. Create clear revenue streams based on your chosen services and pricing model. Don't forget operational expenses and factor in potential growth.

But numbers aren't the whole story. Clearly define your short- and long-term goals. Do you aim to build a full-time career or a side hustle? Do you envision specializing in a specific event type or expanding your offerings over time? Articulate your aspirations to guide your decision-making.

Finally, map out your growth strategies. How will you reach your target audience? Will you utilize social media marketing, participate in industry events, or collaborate with other professionals? Be specific about your marketing channels and budget allocation.

Remember, your photography business plan is a living document. Update it regularly to reflect progress, adapt to market changes, and ensure your roadmap remains relevant as your photography business blossoms.

4. Rent or purchase equipment

Whether you rent or purchase equipment depends on your niche, budget, and commitment level.

When you're starting out, rentals allow you to experiment with different cameras and lenses, discovering what aligns with your shooting style and niche. Need high-speed lenses for capturing action sports? Rent them for specific projects.

Once you solidify your niche and equipment preferences, consider purchasing key items . Prioritize gear crucial to your niche, like macro lenses for product photography or telephoto lenses for wildlife. Remember, quality over quantity is key – invest in sturdy, versatile pieces that grow with you.

Beyond the camera, don't forget essentials like lighting equipment (especially for studio portraits or product photography) and sturdy tripods. Affordable options abound, allowing you to build your kit gradually.

Storage and backup solutions are crucial. Invest in reliable memory cards and external hard drives to safeguard your images. Cloud storage and file transfer solutions offer additional peace of mind and convenient file sharing.

5. Choose a business name

Your business name is more than just a label; it's your identity, a beacon attracting clients and encapsulating your brand essence. Selecting the right one requires careful consideration, as it should be memorable, reflect your niche, and resonate with your ideal clients.

Start by introspecting on your niche and brand identity. What kind of photography do you excel at? What emotions do you want to evoke? Are you playful and artistic, or sleek and professional? Brainstorm keywords related to your niche and personality, creating a pool of potential names.

Remember, simplicity is key. Opt for short, easy-to-pronounce names readily available across websites, social media, and domain registrations. Avoid overly trendy names or hidden meanings that might confuse potential clients.

Ultimately, the best name feels right. Test your shortlisted options with friends, family, and even potential clients. Does it spark interest? Does it reflect your brand identity? Choose a name you're proud of that resonates with you and paves the way for a thriving photography business.

6. Legal setup and insurance

Building your own photography business requires not just passion and skill but also responsible legal and ethical practices.

Choosing the right business structure is dependent on local laws and your individual needs. Popular options include sole proprietorships, partnerships, or limited liability companies (LLCs), each offering different levels of asset protection and tax implications. Seek legal advice from a professional familiar with your region's regulations to ensure you choose the most suitable structure for your business.

Don't neglect essential business registration. Obtain business licenses and permits required by your local and state authorities. Secure a tax identification number to comply with tax regulations.

Protecting your business and assets with insurance is vital. Consider general liability insurance to cover accidents or unexpected incidents during shoots. Depending on your equipment value, specific equipment insurance might be wise. Explore professional liability insurance to safeguard against potential negligence or copyright infringement claims.

Be aware of privacy laws applicable to your business, such as the EU's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and California's Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA). Always obtain informed consent from individuals before photographing them, especially concerning the use of their images. Consult an attorney if you have specific questions about compliance.

By laying the legal groundwork and prioritizing informed consent, you'll navigate the exciting world of entrepreneurship with confidence and ensure a bright future for your venture.

7. Branding and online presence

Your brand identity is like your signature.

Craft cohesive branding that reflects your unique style and attracts your ideal clients. Start with a logo that's simple, memorable, and aligns with your chosen niche. Remember, your logo will be your visual calling card, so invest in professional design or utilize online tools wisely.

Next, establish a powerful online presence.

Your website is your digital portfolio, showcasing your best work and providing essential information about your photography services, pricing, and contact details. Ensure a user-friendly design, high-quality images, and clear calls to action that convert visitors into clients.

Social media platforms are invaluable for connecting with potential clients and building brand awareness. Choose platforms relevant to your niche and target audience, like Instagram for weddings or Pinterest for product photography. Create engaging content, interact with your followers, and run targeted ads to reach new audiences.

Remember, consistency is key. Maintain a consistent visual aesthetic across your logo, website, and social media profiles. Share valuable content, showcase your personality, and engage with your community. By building a strong online presence, you'll attract clients who resonate with your brand and vision, setting the stage for a thriving photography business.

8. Networking and client acquisition

Your photography journey doesn't exist in a vacuum. Networking is key to establishing yourself and attracting clients. Start by connecting with other successful photographers in your niche, learning from their experiences, and exploring potential collaborations. Attend industry events like workshops, conferences, and exhibitions – opportunities to showcase your work, meet potential clients and collaborate with established professionals.

Don't underestimate the power of online communities. Join relevant photography forums, groups, and marketplaces. Actively participate in discussions, share your work, and offer helpful advice. This establishes you as an expert and builds trust with potential clients lurking within the community. Online platforms like Thumbtack and Instagram can also be valuable tools for showcasing your work and connecting with clients seeking photographers in your area.

Remember, effective networking goes beyond self-promotion. Offer genuine support to other photographers, collaborate on projects, and actively recommend colleagues when their expertise aligns better with a client's needs. Building genuine connections and fostering a collaborative spirit paves the way for long-term success and a supportive network that fuels your photography business.

9. Set up a pricing model

Finding the sweet spot between competitive and profitable pricing lies in understanding your worth and delivering exceptional value to your clients.

Begin by meticulously calculating your business expenses – equipment, software, marketing, and overhead costs. Factor in the time you invest in pre-shoot consultations, shoot days, editing, and client communication. Don't forget to include the value of your experience and expertise!

Research pricing models used by photographers in your niche and geographical area. Consider offering packages that cater to different client needs and budgets. Hourly rates work well for flexible projects, while flat fees provide certainty for clients and ensure your profitability. Remember, you can always adjust your pricing as your experience and reputation grow.

Licensing your images opens up additional revenue streams but requires clear agreements. Royalty-free licenses grant clients perpetual usage rights for a one-time fee, while rights-managed licenses offer more control and higher fees based on specific usage terms. Carefully consider the scope of usage, exclusivity, and duration when negotiating licensing agreements.

Ultimately, pricing is a balancing act. Don't undervalue your work, but remain competitive. Offer exceptional service, transparent communication , and a unique value proposition that justifies your pricing.

10. Managing finances and accounting

As your photography business blossoms, understanding and managing your finances becomes essential. Think of it as the engine powering your creative journey.

Start by creating a realistic budget outlining your income and expenses. Track all income from client payments, licensing fees, and other sources. Detail your expenses – equipment, software, marketing, taxes, and other business-related costs. Regularly review your budget to identify areas for optimization and ensure your spending aligns with your income.

Invest in accounting software or use simple spreadsheets to track your financial transactions meticulously . Categorize expenses, record invoices, and generate reports to gain valuable insights into your business health. Remember, taxes are an important consideration. Consult a tax professional to understand your obligations and set aside funds for quarterly payments.

Additionally, managing cash flow is crucial. Implement invoicing practices that encourage prompt payments and explore financial solutions to bridge gaps between expenses and incoming revenue.

Remember, financial management is not just about numbers; it's about making informed decisions. By diligently tracking your finances, you gain control over your business's health, identify opportunities for growth, and ensure long-term financial stability, allowing you to focus on what you truly love – capturing stunning visuals and leaving a lasting impression on your clients.

11. Marketing and promotion

Standing out in the crowded photography landscape requires effective marketing strategy and promotion. Use online and offline strategies to reach your target audience and attract ideal clients.

Start by establishing your social media presence. Create engaging content that showcases your best work, shares behind-the-scenes glimpses, and offers valuable tips. Utilize relevant hashtags, run targeted ads, and actively engage with followers to build relationships. Collaborations with other creatives or influencers can further expand your reach.

Don't underestimate the importance of a professional website. Make it your online portfolio, showcasing high-quality images, clear service descriptions, and testimonials from satisfied clients. Optimize your website for search engines to ensure potential clients can easily find you. Run targeted online ads or explore online photography marketplaces to broaden your visibility.

Consider venturing offline as well—network with local businesses complementary to your niche, exploring potential referral partnerships. Participate in industry events, workshops, and community fairs to showcase your work and connect with potential clients face-to-face. Partner with other creatives or small business owners to cross-promote services and reach new audiences.

Remember, consistency is key. Develop a cohesive brand identity across all marketing channels and maintain regular engagement with your audience. Offer valuable content, highlight your unique selling points, and demonstrate your passion for photography. By implementing these strategies, you'll attract clients who resonate with your vision and set your photography business on the path to sustained success.

Ongoing business management and growth

Launching your photography business is just the first exciting chapter. The real magic unfolds in the ongoing journey of managing, refining, and growing your venture. In this next phase, the focus shifts from initial setup to fostering loyal client relationships, continuously honing your craft, and strategically expanding your reach. Let's explore how to navigate these crucial aspects and ensure your photography business blooms into a sustainable and fulfilling long-term success.

First, prioritize building strong client relationships. Mastering the art of communication and exceeding customer expectations becomes paramount. By truly understanding their needs, providing transparent communication, and consistently going the extra mile, you'll secure satisfied clients and cultivate loyal brand advocates who fuel your business growth.

Remember, learning never stops. Invest in your professional development through workshops, online courses, and industry seminars. Stay abreast of technological advancements and emerging trends, and refine your artistic vision. Continuous learning ensures you offer your clients the best possible experience and remain a sought-after photographer in an ever-evolving industry.

As your confidence and expertise grow, consider expanding your horizons. Explore new photography markets, delve into exciting niches, or diversify your services to cater to a wider clientele. Strategic partnerships with complementary businesses can further fuel your growth while targeted marketing efforts attract new clients seeking your unique offerings.

Embark on your photography business journey with picdrop

Congratulations! You've taken the first step towards turning your photography passion into a thriving business. Now, as you navigate the exciting yet intricate world of client management, marketing, and growth, remember that a streamlined workflow is key to your success and well-being.

That's where picdrop comes in. More than just a file-sharing platform, picdrop simplifies the often tedious post-shoot back-and-forth email communications, saving you and your clients precious time and frustration. With picdrop, your clients can:

• Effortlessly download images: No more clunky download links or lost files.
• Mark their favorites: Color-code the images they love with intuitive tools.
• Vote and comment directly: Share their feedback seamlessly within the platform.

picdrop not only streamlines your workflow but also elevates the client experience. Imagine the delight of your clients as they navigate their beautiful gallery, easily selecting and providing feedback in one centralized location. picdrop fosters collaboration and ensures everyone is on the same page, leading to happier clients and repeat business.

Ready to experience the picdrop difference? Start by checking out how it works and signing up today!

How to Start a Successful Photography Business

Lisa Furgison

12 min. read

Updated May 10, 2024

Free Download:  Sample Photography Business Plan Template

If you have some creative photography chops, you might want to  open your own business . You’re not alone in wanting to turn your creative outlet into a money-making venture. Photography is a popular profession and hobby right now—and that’s the problem. As camera gear has become more affordable and consumer-friendly, and almost every smartphone now features a great camera, everyone’s a photographer. 

But, that doesn’t mean you should toss your dreams of owning a photography business aside. It just means you may have to work a little harder to set yourself apart from the flock of amateur shooters.

To help you find your photography foothold, we asked three professional photographers who started their own businesses to share their tips for success.

• 1. Write a photography business plan

For starters, wedding and event  photographer Peggy Farren  says  you need a business plan . Any serious entrepreneur will tell you that you need to organize your thoughts on paper. This detailed document serves as your roadmap, describing what your business is and how it will be profitable. It breaks down things like  cash flow , expenses, ownership, and competition.

“Photography is one of the most competitive businesses out there,” Farren says. “You need to be a very good business person to make a decent living. You’ll get there much more quickly if you start out right.”

Creating a business plan may seem like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be if you have the right tools. Check out this free, downloadable  sample photography business plan . 

• 2. Assess your photography business startup costs

As part of your business planning process, you’ll need to  assess your startup costs . What are the essentials that you’ll need before you can really launch your business?

Camera equipment alone can cost upwards of $10,000, Farren says. You’ll also need  business licenses ,  insurance , a website, and accounting software like  QuickBooks  or  Xero .

What about a studio? 

Do you plan to start with a dedicated studio space or work out of your home? If you need office space, you’ll need to investigate commercial rental properties and figure that monthly cost, along with the cost of utilities, into  your financial plan .

• 3. Secure startup funds

If you have enough money in your bank account to start your business you may not need to borrow money, but many entrepreneurs need assistance. Many people who are starting a business for the first time end up asking family or friends for help, or keeping their day job until their business is self-sustaining. 

Whether you  ask friends and family for financial assistance  or  apply for a bank loan , you’ll need a business plan in place that lays out how you’ll spend the funds and when or how you’ll pay your lenders back. 

• 4. Figure out your personal finances

If you’re just starting out, realize that your business probably isn’t going to be profitable overnight. It took 18 months for Farren’s business to  break even  and make enough money to pay the bills. Like Farren, you might have to work another job to make ends meet until your business is generating enough money.

• 5. Get professional photography experience

You’ll need to show your prospective clients what you can do, and working alongside a professional photographer is a great way to get some experience and start to build a portfolio. Farren worked as a photographer’s assistant while starting her own business. 

Equally important is using that experience to put together a  photography portfolio  that demonstrates your skill. Consider your audience and build the portfolio around what they want to see. Keep it updated, so new potential clients can see current and relevant work.

• 6. Buy camera gear

When it comes to camera gear, Farren says you’ll need two cameras, two high-quality lenses, two flashes, and Photoshop and Lightroom to edit the images. Why two cameras? You need backup equipment. Even new equipment breaks, Farren says.

If you buy used gear, you can get everything for about $5,000, but Farren says $10,000 is more realistic. Of course, you can always upgrade gear as you go.

• 7. Determine your photography business pricing plan

How  much will you charge for your services ? It’s a tough question for every photographer, especially when you’re just starting out. Figure out what one hour of your time is worth. Let’s say your time is worth $50/hour. 

For every hour you spend shooting, you’ll spend about three hours editing. You need to factor that into your pricing. So, in this equation, you would charge $200 for a one-hour photo session. Of course, your pricing structure is your own, this is just a way to come up with a starting point.

• 8. Create a website for your photography business

Once you’ve  come up with a name  for your photography business,  you’ll need a website . There are free website templates out there, but your website is like your storefront. You want it to be impressive, so think about whether it’s better to have your website professionally created.

Your website should, of course, showcase your work. That’s what your clients will want to see. Keep your site organized by breaking your galleries up by category. Include a picture of yourself and a page that describes your background and experience. 

Contact information is also a must. It’s a good idea to list at least some of your prices. This helps manage customer expectations and keeps people from trying to negotiate for a lower price. Here’s what Farren uses as a pricing guide on her website.

Ok, you’ve got everything in place and you’re ready to start shooting pictures. Now, how do you get customers?

• 9. Create your own photography business brand

Jason and JoAnne Marino have a unique brand for their photography business.

You need to set yourself apart from others, according to husband and wife photography duo Jason and Joanne Marino. The pair own  Imagine Photography , a company that attracts couples who are interested in unique wedding pictures, not the conventional altar photos.

“You can’t be everything to everybody or you’ll fail miserably,” Jason Marino says. “To attract customers you must carve out a brand and style.”

Start by identifying your  target market . Do you prefer to do maternity shots? Newborns? Senior portraits for high schoolers? 

Figure out what makes you unique as a photographer and use it to brand your business.

• 10. Network for your photography business

As a photographer and a new business owner, you need to network your heart out, Marino says.

“You can be the greatest photographer in the world, but unless people know about you, it won’t do you any good,” he says. “Join groups, forums, clubs, collectives, whatever you can. Make sure these people know about you and respect you, and you’ll get referrals.”

• 11. Be an approachable photographer

As a photographer, you don’t just need mad composition skills, you need people skills too, Marino says. You want to make sure the client has a great experience. Not only will your client trust you, which results in great shots, but a good experience also means your client will refer you to others.

If appropriate, meet with your clients before the shoot. Wedding photographers set up engagement photo sessions as a way to get to know their clients before the big day. If you’re not offering wedding photography, make sure you sit down and talk with the client before you start snapping pictures. 

Make a little small talk and chat about expectations. Remember, you’re not just selling great pictures—you’re selling an experience.

• 12. Have a friends and family rule

Your friends and family will probably be some of your first customers, which is great. You’ll be extremely grateful for the opportunity and probably feel inclined to give them a discount. There’s nothing wrong with that, but remember, you’re trying to make a living. You should come up with a standard friends and family plan and stick to it.

• 13. Promote your photography business on social media

Social media is a great promotion tool, but it’s best to start out with one or two sites and use them consistently. Facebook might be a good option, but you might want to lean towards one of the more visual social media channels like Instagram. One of the most important pieces of keeping whatever channel you choose to use active and updated.

When the Marinos are working on a shoot, they share teaser pictures on their Facebook page like the example below. It’s a great way to showcase work and keep customers interested.

Grow your photography business

Now that you’ve got the wheels in motion, let’s talk about how to pick up the pace.

• 14. Market your photography business

Jane Goodrich , a New York-based children’s photographer, says one of the best ways to grow your business is to invest more in marketing.

Google ads for your photography business

Goodrich swears by  Google ads.  She uses some of her marketing budget to buy keywords that generate more website traffic. 

Team up with charities

Farren uses other unique techniques to grow her business. For instance, she teams up with charities that run high-end silent auctions.

“Not only are you getting your name in front of wealthy people, but in most cases, the clients will purchase much more than the free prints that come with the package they bought at the auction,” she says.

Generate an email list and add to it constantly

Through the years, Farren has also generated an impressive email list. She uses that list to send clients a monthly newsletter, which she says is her best marketing tool. She credits a lot of her repeat business to the newsletter as it keeps her business top of mind to her customers.

Whenever you’re at an event, set out an email sign-up form for people to opt into your newsletters.

Maintain a blog for your business

A blog is a great way to establish authority in your field. It’s an open platform to showcase your talent, tips, and opinions. Write about your experiences, your work process, your equipment, how you plan the shots, etc. The topics are endless!

15. Manage your photography business’ financials

It takes time to draw profits from your business, and it takes even longer to put a few bucks in the savings account. But saving money should be a priority as you grow your business. No matter what kind of photography you do, you will sooner or later hit a slow month, Goodrich says. Save money when you’re busy so the lean months are easier to handle. This is about paying attention to your  cash flow , or when cash comes into and out of your business. 

On that note, make your payment terms clear. Many photographers will require a deposit upfront and the balance before releasing photos to the client. Whatever your payment terms, make sure your clients know what they are. 

If you do invoice clients after you’ve already done a shoot, make sure you invoice immediately and that you’ve clearly articulated when payment is due. Waiting for clients to pay you can create a cash flow problem, even if you have plenty of business, and on paper, your business is bringing in lots of revenue. Until you have cash in hand, you can’t pay your own bills. 

• 16. Reinvest in your photography business

Once you have at least three months’ worth of income socked away, then you can start thinking about reinvesting it. From new lenses to better editing software, new pieces of technology can improve your product. To make wise decisions, make a list of the items you want. Prioritize the list and shop around for good prices before you spend your hard-earned money.

17. Diversify your photography business’ offerings

In time you’ll be able to add certain elements to the business that will help you diversify your revenue stream. Goodrich, for example, added maternity and newborn photos to her list of services. Rather than generating all of her income from children’s shoots alone, she was able to generate more money by branching out.

• 18. Improve your photography business

One of the best tips Farren says she can offer prospective photographers is to continue improving their skills. Take classes, watch educational videos, or schedule time to go take pictures of something completely unrelated to your career track—anything to keep your skills sharp.

• 19. Hiring help for your photography business

In the beginning, you’ll  wear all the hats . You’ll set up shoots, take the shots, edit the pictures, and place the orders for prints. When you’re just starting out, you can’t afford to multitask. However, once your business is established, it’s not a bad idea to delegate responsibilities, even if it’s on an as-needed basis.

To do this, Joanne Marino says you need to recognize your strengths and weaknesses. Maybe you’re great at taking pictures but not so hot at editing, or you simply don’t enjoy it. If that’s the case, find a freelancer to help in that area. If you don’t know any freelancers, ask a colleague for suggestions or use freelance sites like  Elance  to post an ad.

As with any new business, you’ll have ups and downs, but if you’re committed to your craft and work to give each customer a great experience, you’ll earn a solid reputation as a go-to photographer.

• Next steps for your photography business

If you’re ready to start your own photography business, you can check out our free photography business plan example and template . Best of luck with your new business!

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Lisa Furgison is a multimedia journalist with a passion for writing. She holds a graduate degree in mass communications and spent eight years as a television reporter before moving into the freelance world, where she focuses mainly on content creation and social media strategies. Furgison has crisscrossed the U.S. as a reporter, but now calls Key West, Florida home. When she's not conducting interviews or typing away on her laptop, she loves to travel.

Table of Contents

• 15. Manage your photography business’ financials
• 17. Diversify your photography business’ offerings

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How To Start a Photography Business in 10 Steps (2024)

Turn your passion for photos into a business. Read this guide on how to start a photography business today.

Photography doesn’t have to be a mere hobby. Professional photographers are needed in fields such as journalism, real estate marketing, and travel reporting. If you have a passion for photography and an appetite to start your own business , it’s worth exploring how to merge the two.

It’s a profitable business opportunity for those with the skills. ZipRecruiter reports that freelance photographers earn more than $111,000 per year on average, with photography consultants and instructors earning more. 

Starting a photography business is within your reach. With the right approach, you can draft a business plan , manage startup costs, and start sharing your creative photography services with the world. Here are tips for getting started.

How to start a photography business in 10 steps

Starting a business requires effort and discipline, no matter what field you pursue. You don’t need a formal business education, just a clear plan and determination. Here are the 10 steps that can help you get a photography business up and running:

1. Determine your photography niche

Start your journey with a photography business plan geared toward a target market . Whether you see yourself as an on-set photographer in the film industry or a school photographer traveling from campus to campus, you’ll want to focus on where you fit. You can use a free business plan template to guide your way through the process.

Kaitlin Koleda, a photographer with more than 15 years of experience , explains how specializing in a niche helps you hone your skills and expertise in one area of photography. 

“A clear niche helps in developing a strong brand identity. It enables you to create targeted marketing strategies that speak directly to your ideal clients,” she says. 

“The photography market is saturated, there’s no hiding from it. Having a niche or two helps you stand out from the competition as a go-to specialist. You can build your portfolio and showcase your work so potential clients can envision what you can do for them.”

Read more: How To Find Your Niche in 6 Steps

2. Conduct market research

Once you’ve found your photography niche, it’s time to study the competition and the pool of potential customers. This means diving into market research and market analysis , which may involve third-party reports and industry publications. Analyzing competitors will help you define a unique selling proposition (USP) that makes you stand out.

Free competitor research template

Find a strategic angle to achieve success, uncover your product-market fit, and stand out from the competition with our free template.

3. Choose a business name

The best business names offer clues about your products and services. They may also communicate your style or price point. For instance, Red Lobster and Nobu both serve seafood, but the names convey a very different customer experience—one unpretentious and the other elegant. The same applies to photography business names. 

A photo studio called Actor’s Home Base clearly serves a different client base than Jerry’s Party Pix. Shopify’s business name generator can aid your quest to find the perfect name for your photography business.

4. Legally establish your business

Determine your business structure.

Once you’re ready to establish your business in your state, consider whether you would like to legally establish your business as a limited liability company ( LLC ) or a corporation . Setting up a corporation protects your personal assets (like your home and car) from debt or lawsuits. You may also choose a less formal structure called a sole proprietorship , which doesn’t offer these protections.

In all cases, your state will have specific rules for registering the business, obtaining a business license, collecting and remitting sales tax, and periodically reporting business information. 

Note that, to run your photography business legally, you may not have to collect sales tax on your services, but you might on any retail items you sell, such as photo books or digital images. Shopify offers start-up guides for establishing a business in many states, and these can provide further guidance.

Set up a business account

After you decide on a business structure, you’ll want to get an employer identification number (EIN). It’s free and can be used to open up a business bank account, file your tax returns, and get any licenses. Apply for an EIN on the IRS website .

With your EIN, you can open a business bank account. You want to keep your personal and business finances separate, which simplifies accounting and tax filing. 

5. Choose the right equipment

One might think that you just need a camera and you’re ready. But to start a photography business, you need some more professional equipment to produce quality shoots. 

The right equipment depends on your niche (wedding, portrait, commercial), but there are some core pieces that are useful everywhere.

• Camera: A high-quality DSLR or mirrorless camera is ideal for a new business. These cameras are reliable and versatile. Look for features like a full-frame sensor, good low-light performance, and autofocus. 
• Lenses: You’ll want a variety of lenses to capture different moments. Typically, a wide-angle lens for landscapes and architecture, a fast prime lens for portraits and low light, and a telephoto lens for distant subjects.
• External lighting: Depending on your situation, you’ll need more control over lighting. Consider softboxes, umbrellas, or continuous lights for studio or location lighting. 
• Memory cards: Guarantee you have enough storage for shoots with high-capacity memory cards. You may also want an external hard drive or cloud storage to back up projects and maintain large files. 
• Editing software: Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom are industry standards for photo editing and organization.

Additional accessories, like camera bags and extra batteries, are also helpful to make your job easier. There are more items like filters and reflectors, but it’s wise to start with the essentials and gradually invest in more equipment as your business grows. 

6. Create a business website and post your work

Having a strong photography portfolio can help you attract new clients. To keep up with the competition, create a portfolio website that showcases your best work, along with the breadth of what you can do. 

If you’re on a budget, you can start with a free portfolio website , or use social media platforms such as Instagram or VSCO to showcase your photography. 

7. Market and advertise your business

You can market your business in many ways, from online ads to social media campaigns to word-of-mouth referrals. Here are some examples to follow:

Grow a social media presence

Becoming popular on social media takes consistency. You have to post content regularly on your pages that reflects your style. To start, post only your best work that aligns with your services. This helps attract engaged followers and eventually, the right customers. For example, Jackie Jean does a lot of portrait photography, so her Instagram is full of photos like the one below.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Jackie Jean (@jackiejeanphotography)

Even though you’re a photographer, you’re not limited to just posting photos. Share Reels or TikToks of behind-the-scenes content—how you set up shots, your editing process, the challenges you face. This humanizes your brand and makes your social media a place of education and inspiration. 

Be sure to always respond to comments and interact with your followers. A simple response makes people feel seen, and can help build a community around your brand. 

Develop a strong brand identity

As you promote your brand, develop elements such as your branding design , logo , brand voice , and brand storytelling . When these elements are consistent, they help potential clients draw subconscious associations between your marketing materials and your business.

Experiment with advertising

One easy way to drive traffic to your website is by running ads on Google. You can target ads to reach people looking for your services in your local area.

For example, if you are a wedding photographer near Asheville, North Carolina, you can run Search Ads for the keyword “wedding photographers in asheville nc” or “best wedding photographer asheville.” 

You’ll have to pay, but, as you can see below, you can show up right at the top of the page when people search for the keyword.

8. Build a network of clients

A business is only as strong as its client base. Your biggest job is to meet or exceed customer expectations. This leads to repeat business and new client referrals . 

You can do this by operating with the utmost professionalism whenever you pitch your services, create client contracts, show up to take photos, or deliver your final images. If your clients appear satisfied, ask for referrals and online reviews. 

9. Create contracts and plans for clients

Starting a photography business is more than just taking photos and making them look good. It also includes the legal and financial aspects of starting a business, like contracts and pricing plans.

Before launching, decide on the packages you’ll provide for services. For example, your wedding photography package could offer:

• 8 hours of coverage on the wedding day
• Engagement shoot
• 300 edited digital photos
• Online gallery for sharing with friends and family
• Option to purchase prints

Regardless of your niche, you’ll want to include the basics, like number of edited photos, hours of coverage, and services like prints or digital photo albums. Pricing is important to get right as a photographer, and customizing plans is common.

Garrett Maney, owner of Just A Soul Photography explains that it’s important to understand your market and client’s needs to price events accurately. 

“Too many photographers underprice their a la carte package options because they have not considered the time and effort that is needed to fulfill the client’s vision and create the perfect ambiance. Additionally, photographers must factor in overhead (e.g., the purchase of materials and transportation) and post-event editing and delivery processes, which can be time consuming,” says Garrett. 

When a client orders a package on your website, the next step is sending them a contract that highlights the details and expectations of the project. At a minimum, you want to include:

• Parties involved: Clearly state the names of the photographer (or photography business) and the client.
• Services provided: Detail the specific services you’ll be offering, including the type of photography, hours of coverage, number of photos, and delivery format.
• Pricing and payment terms: Outline your prices, any required deposit, payment schedules, and acceptable payment methods.
• Cancellation and rescheduling policies: Include terms for cancellation by either party, rescheduling policies, and any fees involved.
• Rights and usage: Clarify copyright ownership, usage rights for both parties, and any restrictions on image use.
• Deliverables and timeline: Specify what the client will receive (e.g., digital files, prints) and the expected timeline for delivery.

Take the above package. In your contract, you could add this clause to cover the deliverables above: Client will receive 300 professionally edited digital photos within 8 weeks of the wedding date. Photos will be delivered via an online gallery with the option to download and share .

10. Decide where to sell your photographs

Now that you’ve got your contracts and equipment ready, it’s time to choose your revenue sources, which is just fancy talk for how you’ll make money. 

The first avenue has been covered extensively so far: offering services. But you can also sell photos online to diversify your revenue stream. 

Some popular channels include:

• Stock photography websites: Sites like Shutterstock and Getty Images let you sell to a vast audience without managing a website. But you’ll have to pay various fees, depending on the site. 
• Your own website: A website gives you full control over your branding and presentation. It also lets you sell directly to your audience. Platforms like Shopify allow you you set up an ecommerce store where you can showcase your designs and sell products online. 
• Print-on-demand products. Prints aren’t the only thing you can sell in your photography business. Partner up with a service like Printful to sell your photos on hats, totes, mugs, shirts, and other merchandise—no dealing with inventory or shipping.

Some photographers use a mix of the above channels to maximize sales and exposure. At the end of the day, it’s up to you and the type of business you want to run.

Types of photography businesses

There are lots of different ways to jumpstart a photography career. Explore the following types to find a photography niche that is both artistically fulfilling and financially rewarding:

• Wedding photography. Wedding photographers cover ceremonies and receptions. They may also work with couples at other points, taking engagement and rehearsal dinner photos.
• Portrait photography. Portrait photographers can snap their subjects in a studio (think family portraits) or on-site (think school or workplace photos). Some specialize in one type of portraiture (such as actors’ headshots), while others take on a broad array of projects.
• Real estate photography. These photographers work on behalf of real estate agents, landlords, and sellers. They produce marketing photos that entice someone to buy or rent a property.
• Photojournalism. A photojournalist, or news photographer, covers current events, including breaking news and sports. They specialize in candid shots taken with little notice.
• Food photography. A food photographer may work for a food manufacturer or a restaurant. They may also work in journalism alongside a food critic. They specialize in capturing portraits of food and drink, including both raw ingredients and plated meals.
• Travel photography. Travel photographers journey to destinations around the world and capture scenes on behalf of hotels, magazines, airlines, and other industry clients.
• Nature photography. A nature photographer takes shots of animals, landscapes, and other elements of the natural world. They may work for magazines, travel companies, and real estate businesses.
• Stock photography. A stock photographer creates a photography portfolio that users can license. Depending on the photographer’s specialties, a stock portfolio can include landscapes, portraits, solitary objects, food, and more.

What costs are involved in starting a photography business?

Like any small business owner, a photography entrepreneur can expect a number of expenses as they launch their enterprise. Plan to absorb the following business expenses:

Photography equipment

Clients expect professional photographers to provide all of their own equipment. A high-quality DSLR camera costs roughly $700, plus $300 or more for a lens, and prices go up from there. Many professional cameras cost several thousand dollars. Other expenses can include tripods, flashes, cases, and accessory lenses.

Photo editing software

Some of today’s leading software is sold on a subscription basis. Adobe, maker of Photoshop and Lightroom, offers subscriptions that range from $20 to $55 per month. Photographers on a particularly tight budget may choose to start off with software that comes preinstalled on some computers, such as Apple’s Photos app. 

Legal documents

Depending on your business structure , you may need to enlist a lawyer or use a legal services site to properly establish your photography business in your state. Lawyers typically charge several hundred dollars per hour, although legal services sites tend to charge a small fraction of that.

Business licenses

You may need a business license to operate in your area. The fees and requirements vary by region, so consult your local government resources. Shopify’s start-up guides can also help you navigate these requirements.

Selling photos online requires a well-designed website that functions as a way to offer your services to prospective clients. Your marketing materials will center around a photo portfolio that highlights your best work. Many small business owners start with a tiny marketing budget, which you can increase as your photography business grows.

Pros and cons of starting a photography business

A photography career comes with many rewarding upsides, along with challenges.

The pros of a photography business

Many photography business owners have a passion for taking pictures. Whether you view photography as a side business or a full-time job, you can get paid to do what you love. 

Your photo career can lead to travel opportunities, professional and personal networking, and behind-the-scenes access to exciting industries. You’ll also be able to claim photography equipment, software, and startup costs as business expenses on your taxes.

The cons of a photography business

Photography work often means you can’t count on a stable routine. 

You might go weeks without paid work, and then later have to turn down jobs because you’re already booked. If you’re a wedding photographer or event photographer, you’ll often work nights and weekends. In some cases, you will work for clients who don’t share your artistic vision.

Starting a photography business FAQ

Do i need an llc for my photography business.

You do not need to own an LLC to operate a photography business. Although starting an LLC does offer tax benefits and liability protection, you can also do business as a corporation (with similar benefits but more upkeep) or as a sole proprietor (with fewer benefits but minimal paperwork).

Do you need credentials to be a photographer?

You may need credentials for certain types of photography, particularly photojournalism, which can require access to restricted areas. Other photography niches require no special credentials or certifications, but as a small business owner, you may need business licenses and tax certifications.

Should I specialize in a certain type of photography?

Many photographers specialize in one type of photography because it helps them focus their marketing and networking efforts. Others find fulfillment in bouncing between different photography niches. In some cases, you may have to venture into different areas. For instance, school photographers may be busy during the fall but need other income in the spring, depending on school photo schedules.

Is a photography business profitable?

A photography business can be profitable if you build a broad client base, invest wisely in your equipment, and work efficiently when planning shoots and editing images. You may have to charge lower prices to break into a market, but your rates—and profits—can go up as your photography business grows

What are some mistakes to avoid when starting a photography business?

Be open to new opportunities when you’re starting out. For instance, a job snapping ID photos at an office might lead you to meet someone who wants professional portraits of their family. Avoid getting caught with inadequate gear on a shoot; make sure you have a backup for any piece of equipment that might fail, and that your camera has the necessary capabilities. To avoid spending too much on high-spec gear, ask friends and colleagues for gear recommendations. Read reviews and make prudent purchases as you scale up your business.

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How to Create an Engaging Photo Essay (with Examples)

Photo essays tell a story in pictures. They're a great way to improve at photography and story-telling skills at once. Learn how to do create a great one.

Learn | Photography Guides | By Ana Mireles

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Photography is a medium used to tell stories – sometimes they are told in one picture, sometimes you need a whole series. Those series can be photo essays.

If you’ve never done a photo essay before, or you’re simply struggling to find your next project, this article will be of help. I’ll be showing you what a photo essay is and how to go about doing one.

You’ll also find plenty of photo essay ideas and some famous photo essay examples from recent times that will serve you as inspiration.

If you’re ready to get started, let’s jump right in!

Table of Contents

What is a Photo Essay?

A photo essay is a series of images that share an overarching theme as well as a visual and technical coherence to tell a story. Some people refer to a photo essay as a photo series or a photo story – this often happens in photography competitions.

Photographic history is full of famous photo essays. Think about The Great Depression by Dorothea Lange, Like Brother Like Sister by Wolfgang Tillmans, Gandhi’s funeral by Henri Cartier Bresson, amongst others.

What are the types of photo essay?

Despite popular belief, the type of photo essay doesn’t depend on the type of photography that you do – in other words, journalism, documentary, fine art, or any other photographic genre is not a type of photo essay.

Instead, there are two main types of photo essays: narrative and thematic .

As you have probably already guessed, the thematic one presents images pulled together by a topic – for example, global warming. The images can be about animals and nature as well as natural disasters devastating cities. They can happen all over the world or in the same location, and they can be captured in different moments in time – there’s a lot of flexibility.

A narrative photo essa y, on the other hand, tells the story of a character (human or not), portraying a place or an event. For example, a narrative photo essay on coffee would document the process from the planting and harvesting – to the roasting and grinding until it reaches your morning cup.

What are some of the key elements of a photo essay?

• Tell a unique story – A unique story doesn’t mean that you have to photograph something that nobody has done before – that would be almost impossible! It means that you should consider what you’re bringing to the table on a particular topic.
• Put yourself into the work – One of the best ways to make a compelling photo essay is by adding your point of view, which can only be done with your life experiences and the way you see the world.
• Add depth to the concept – The best photo essays are the ones that go past the obvious and dig deeper in the story, going behind the scenes, or examining a day in the life of the subject matter – that’s what pulls in the spectator.
• Nail the technique – Even if the concept and the story are the most important part of a photo essay, it won’t have the same success if it’s poorly executed.
• Build a structure – A photo essay is about telling a thought-provoking story – so, think about it in a narrative way. Which images are going to introduce the topic? Which ones represent a climax? How is it going to end – how do you want the viewer to feel after seeing your photo series?
• Make strong choices – If you really want to convey an emotion and a unique point of view, you’re going to need to make some hard decisions. Which light are you using? Which lens? How many images will there be in the series? etc., and most importantly for a great photo essay is the why behind those choices.

9 Tips for Creating a Photo Essay

Credit: Laura James

1. Choose something you know

To make a good photo essay, you don’t need to travel to an exotic location or document a civil war – I mean, it’s great if you can, but you can start close to home.

Depending on the type of photography you do and the topic you’re looking for in your photographic essay, you can photograph a local event or visit an abandoned building outside your town.

It will be much easier for you to find a unique perspective and tell a better story if you’re already familiar with the subject. Also, consider that you might have to return a few times to the same location to get all the photos you need.

2. Follow your passion

Most photo essays take dedication and passion. If you choose a subject that might be easy, but you’re not really into it – the results won’t be as exciting. Taking photos will always be easier and more fun if you’re covering something you’re passionate about.

3. Take your time

A great photo essay is not done in a few hours. You need to put in the time to research it, conceptualizing it, editing, etc. That’s why I previously recommended following your passion because it takes a lot of dedication, and if you’re not passionate about it – it’s difficult to push through.

4. Write a summary or statement

Photo essays are always accompanied by some text. You can do this in the form of an introduction, write captions for each photo or write it as a conclusion. That’s up to you and how you want to present the work.

5. Learn from the masters

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Making a photographic essay takes a lot of practice and knowledge. A great way to become a better photographer and improve your storytelling skills is by studying the work of others. You can go to art shows, review books and magazines and look at the winners in photo contests – most of the time, there’s a category for photo series.

6. Get a wide variety of photos

Think about a story – a literary one. It usually tells you where the story is happening, who is the main character, and it gives you a few details to make you engage with it, right?

The same thing happens with a visual story in a photo essay – you can do some wide-angle shots to establish the scenes and some close-ups to show the details. Make a shot list to ensure you cover all the different angles.

Some of your pictures should guide the viewer in, while others are more climatic and regard the experience they are taking out of your photos.

7. Follow a consistent look

Both in style and aesthetics, all the images in your series need to be coherent. You can achieve this in different ways, from the choice of lighting, the mood, the post-processing, etc.

8. Be self-critical

Once you have all the photos, make sure you edit them with a good dose of self-criticism. Not all the pictures that you took belong in the photo essay. Choose only the best ones and make sure they tell the full story.

9. Ask for constructive feedback

Often, when we’re working on a photo essay project for a long time, everything makes perfect sense in our heads. However, someone outside the project might not be getting the idea. It’s important that you get honest and constructive criticism to improve your photography.

How to Create a Photo Essay in 5 Steps

Credit: Quang Nguyen Vinh

1. Choose your topic

This is the first step that you need to take to decide if your photo essay is going to be narrative or thematic. Then, choose what is it going to be about?

Ideally, it should be something that you’re interested in, that you have something to say about it, and it can connect with other people.

2. Research your topic

To tell a good story about something, you need to be familiar with that something. This is especially true when you want to go deeper and make a compelling photo essay. Day in the life photo essays are a popular choice, since often, these can be performed with friends and family, whom you already should know well.

3. Plan your photoshoot

Depending on what you’re photographing, this step can be very different from one project to the next. For a fine art project, you might need to find a location, props, models, a shot list, etc., while a documentary photo essay is about planning the best time to do the photos, what gear to bring with you, finding a local guide, etc.

Every photo essay will need different planning, so before taking pictures, put in the required time to get things right.

4. Experiment

It’s one thing to plan your photo shoot and having a shot list that you have to get, or else the photo essay won’t be complete. It’s another thing to miss out on some amazing photo opportunities that you couldn’t foresee.

So, be prepared but also stay open-minded and experiment with different settings, different perspectives, etc.

5. Make a final selection

Editing your work can be one of the hardest parts of doing a photo essay. Sometimes we can be overly critical, and others, we get attached to bad photos because we put a lot of effort into them or we had a great time doing them.

Try to be as objective as possible, don’t be afraid to ask for opinions and make various revisions before settling down on a final cut.

7 Photo Essay Topics, Ideas & Examples

Credit: Michelle Leman

• Architectural photo essay

Using architecture as your main subject, there are tons of photo essay ideas that you can do. For some inspiration, you can check out the work of Francisco Marin – who was trained as an architect and then turned to photography to “explore a different way to perceive things”.

You can also lookup Luisa Lambri. Amongst her series, you’ll find many photo essay examples in which architecture is the subject she uses to explore the relationship between photography and space.

• Process and transformation photo essay

This is one of the best photo essay topics for beginners because the story tells itself. Pick something that has a beginning and an end, for example, pregnancy, the metamorphosis of a butterfly, the life-cycle of a plant, etc.

Keep in mind that these topics are linear and give you an easy way into the narrative flow – however, it might be difficult to find an interesting perspective and a unique point of view.

• A day in the life of ‘X’ photo essay

There are tons of interesting photo essay ideas in this category – you can follow around a celebrity, a worker, your child, etc. You don’t even have to do it about a human subject – think about doing a photo essay about a day in the life of a racing horse, for example – find something that’s interesting for you.

• Time passing by photo essay

It can be a natural site or a landmark photo essay – whatever is close to you will work best as you’ll need to come back multiple times to capture time passing by. For example, how this place changes throughout the seasons or maybe even over the years.

A fun option if you live with family is to document a birthday party each year, seeing how the subject changes over time. This can be combined with a transformation essay or sorts, documenting the changes in interpersonal relationships over time.

• Travel photo essay

Do you want to make the jump from tourist snapshots into a travel photo essay? Research the place you’re going to be travelling to. Then, choose a topic.

If you’re having trouble with how to do this, check out any travel magazine – National Geographic, for example. They won’t do a generic article about Texas – they do an article about the beach life on the Texas Gulf Coast and another one about the diverse flavors of Texas.

The more specific you get, the deeper you can go with the story.

• Socio-political issues photo essay

This is one of the most popular photo essay examples – it falls under the category of photojournalism or documental photography. They are usually thematic, although it’s also possible to do a narrative one.

Depending on your topic of interest, you can choose topics that involve nature – for example, document the effects of global warming. Another idea is to photograph protests or make an education photo essay.

It doesn’t have to be a big global issue; you can choose something specific to your community – are there too many stray dogs? Make a photo essay about a local animal shelter. The topics are endless.

• Behind the scenes photo essay

A behind-the-scenes always make for a good photo story – people are curious to know what happens and how everything comes together before a show.

Depending on your own interests, this can be a photo essay about a fashion show, a theatre play, a concert, and so on. You’ll probably need to get some permissions, though, not only to shoot but also to showcase or publish those images.

4 Best Photo Essays in Recent times

Now that you know all the techniques about it, it might be helpful to look at some photo essay examples to see how you can put the concept into practice. Here are some famous photo essays from recent times to give you some inspiration.

Habibi by Antonio Faccilongo

This photo essay wan the World Press Photo Story of the Year in 2021. Faccilongo explores a very big conflict from a very specific and intimate point of view – how the Israeli-Palestinian war affects the families.

He chose to use a square format because it allows him to give order to things and eliminate unnecessary elements in his pictures.

With this long-term photo essay, he wanted to highlight the sense of absence and melancholy women and families feel towards their husbands away at war.

The project then became a book edited by Sarah Leen and the graphics of Ramon Pez.

Picture This: New Orleans by Mary Ellen Mark

The last assignment before her passing, Mary Ellen Mark travelled to New Orleans to register the city after a decade after Hurricane Katrina.

The images of the project “bring to life the rebirth and resilience of the people at the heart of this tale”, – says CNNMoney, commissioner of the work.

Each survivor of the hurricane has a story, and Mary Ellen Mark was there to record it. Some of them have heartbreaking stories about everything they had to leave behind.

Others have a story of hope – like Sam and Ben, two eight-year-olds born from frozen embryos kept in a hospital that lost power supply during the hurricane, yet they managed to survive.

Selfie by Cindy Sherman

Cindy Sherman is an American photographer whose work is mainly done through self-portraits. With them, she explores the concept of identity, gender stereotypes, as well as visual and cultural codes.

One of her latest photo essays was a collaboration with W Magazine entitled Selfie. In it, the author explores the concept of planned candid photos (‘plandid’).

The work was made for Instagram, as the platform is well known for the conflict between the ‘real self’ and the one people present online. Sherman started using Facetune, Perfect365 and YouCam to alter her appearance on selfies – in Photoshop, you can modify everything, but these apps were designed specifically to “make things prettier”- she says, and that’s what she wants to explore in this photo essay.

Tokyo Compression by Michael Wolf

Michael Wolf has an interest in the broad-gauge topic Life in Cities. From there, many photo essays have been derived – amongst them – Tokyo Compression .

He was horrified by the way people in Tokyo are forced to move to the suburbs because of the high prices of the city. Therefore, they are required to make long commutes facing 1,5 hours of train to start their 8+ hour workday followed by another 1,5 hours to get back home.

To portray this way of life, he photographed the people inside the train pressed against the windows looking exhausted, angry or simply absent due to this way of life.

You can visit his website to see other photo essays that revolve around the topic of life in megacities.

Final Words

It’s not easy to make photo essays, so don’t expect to be great at it right from your first project.

Start off small by choosing a specific subject that’s interesting to you –  that will come from an honest place, and it will be a great practice for some bigger projects along the line.

Whether you like to shoot still life or you’re a travel photographer, I hope these photo essay tips and photo essay examples can help you get started and grow in your photography.

Let us know which topics you are working on right now – we’ll love to hear from you!

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Ana Mireles is a Mexican researcher that specializes in photography and communications for the arts and culture sector.

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Advice for an Unforgettable Photo Essay

Six steps for turning your images into a memorable photo essay, from curating your best work to crafting a title.

A man sits alone on a chair on the side of the road. We see him from above, surrounded by grey cobblestones neatly placed, a broken plastic chair, and some pylons scattered along the curb. A street cat wanders out of the frame and away from the man. He appears lonely, the only person inhabiting the place in which he seems so comfortably seated. As the eye wanders throughout the frame, however, the viewer discovers more: a vast city cast beyond the street and behind the man’s chair. This image closes Sarah Pannell’s photo essay Sehir , a quiet study of urban life.

Possibilities, discovery, and stories: these are some of the most effective elements of a photo essay. Collections of images can help produce a narrative, evoke emotion, and guide the viewer through one or more perspectives. A well-executed photo essay doesn’t rely on a title or any prior knowledge of its creator; it narrates on its own, moving viewers through sensations, lessons, and reactions.

Famous photo essays like Country Doctor by W. Eugene Smith or Gordon Parks’ The Harlem Family are acclaimed for showing a glimpse into the lives of the sick and impoverished. Other well-made photo essays offer a new way to look at the everyday, such as Peter Funch’s much-reposted photo series 42nd and Vanderbilt , for which Funch photographed the same street corner for nine years. As shown by these photographers’ experiences with the medium, a collection of photos can enliven spaces and attitudes. Strong photo essays can give voice to marginalized individuals and shine a spotlight on previously overlooked experiences.

You don’t necessarily need to be a documentary photographer to create a powerful photo essay. Photo essays can showcase any topic, from nature photography to portraiture to wedding shots. We spoke to a few photographers to get their perspectives on what makes a good photo essay, and their tips for how any photographer can get started in this medium. Here are six steps to follow to create a photo essay that tells a memorable story.

Choose a specific topic or theme for your photo essay.

There are two types of photo essays: the narrative and the thematic. Narrative photo essays focus on a story you’re telling the viewer, while thematic photo essays speak to a specific subject.

The most natural method for choosing a topic or theme for your photo essay is to go with what you know. Photograph what you experience. Whether that includes people, objects, or the things you think about throughout the day, accessibility is key here. Common topics or concepts to start with are emotions (depicting sadness or happiness) or experiences (everyday life, city living).

For photographer Sharon Pannen , planning a photo essay is as simple as “picking out a subject you find interesting or you want to make a statement about.”

From Paper & Stories , a photo series by Sharon Pannen for Schön! Magazine.

Consider your photo subjects.

The subjects of your photographs, whether human or not, will fill the space of your photos and influence the mood or idea you’re trying to depict. The subject can determine whether or not your photos are considered interesting. “I always try to find someone that catches my eye. I especially like to see how the light falls on their face and how a certain aesthetic might add to their persona,” says photographer Victoria Wojtan .

While subjects and their interest factor are, well, subjective, when considering your subjects, you should ask yourself about your audience. Do other people want to see this? Is my subject representative of the larger idea my photo essay is trying to convey? Your projects can involve people you know or people you’ve only just met.

“Most projects I work on involve shooting portraits of strangers, so there’s always a tension in approaching someone for a portrait,” says photographer Taylor Dorrell . For Wojtan, that tension can help build trust with a subject and actually leads to more natural images “If there’s tension it’s usually because the person’s new to being photographed by someone for something that’s outside of a candid moment or selfie, and they need guidance for posing. This gives me the opportunity to make them feel more comfortable and let them be themselves. I tend to have a certain idea in mind, but try to allow for organic moments to happen.”

Aim for a variety of images.

Depending on your theme, there are a few types of photos you’ll want to use to anchor your essay. One or two lead photos should slowly introduce the viewer to your topic. These initial photos will function in a similar way to the introductory paragraph in a written essay or news article.

From there, you should consider further developing your narrative by introducing elements like portraiture, close ups, detail shots, and a carefully selected final photo to leave the viewer with the feeling you set out to produce in your photos. Consider your opening and closing images to be the most important elements of your photo essay, and choose them accordingly. You want your first images to hook the viewer, and you also want your final images to leave a lasting impression and perhaps offer a conclusion to the narrative you’ve developed.

Including different types of photos, shot at different ranges, angles, and perspectives, can help engage your viewer and add more texture to your series.

Says photographer Taylor Dorrell: “After I have a group of images, I tend to think about color, composition, the order the images were taken, the subject material, and relevance to the concept.”

From Taylor Dorrell’s photo essay White Fences : “White Fences is an ongoing photo series that explores the theme of suburban youth in the United States, specifically in the midwest suburb New Albany, Ohio.”

Put your emotions aside.

Self-doubt can easily come into play when working with your own photography. The adage that we are our own worst critics is often true. It can be difficult to objectively select your strongest images when creating a photo essay. This is why putting together photo essays is such a useful practice for developing your curatorial skills.

“The most important part for me is getting outside opinions. I don’t do that enough, and have a bias in selecting images that might not be the most powerful images or the most effective sequence of images,” says Dorrell. Your own perception of a photograph can cloud your ability to judge whether or not it adds to your photo essay. This is especially true when your essay deals with personal subjects. For example, a photo essay about your family may be hard to evaluate, as your own feelings about family members will impact how you take and view the photos. This is where getting feedback from peers can be invaluable to producing a strong series.

Collecting feedback while putting your photo essay together can help you determine the strengths, weaknesses, and gaps within the collection of photos you’ve produced. Ask your friends to tell you their favorites, why they like them, and what they think you’re going for in the work you’ve created. Their opinions can be your guide, not just your own emotions.

Edit your photo selection.

Beyond post-production, the series of photos you select as your essay will determine whether you’ve executed your theme or narrative effectively. Can the photos stand alone, without written words, and tell the story you set out to? Do they make sense together, in a logical sequence? The perfect photo essay will give your audience a full picture of the narrative, theme, or essence you’re looking to capture.

A good method to use to cull your images down is to remove as many as half of your images straight away to see if your narrative is still as strong with fewer photos. Or, perhaps, deciding on a small number you’d like to aim for (maybe just five to ten images) and using this as a method to narrow down to the images that tell your story best.

From Taylor Dorrell’s photo essay Over the Rhine , featured in Vice.

Give your photo essay a title, and add a concise written statement.

Finally, you’ll want to create a title and written statement for your photo essay. This will help position your work and can enable the viewer to fully understand your intention, or at least guide their perspective.

A solid written statement and title will be relevant to your topic, detail your primary objective, and introduce your point of view. It’s an opportunity to clarify your intentions to the viewer and ensure they walk away with a clear interpretation of your work. Depending on your photo essay, you may want to include several paragraphs of text, but even just one or two sentences of background can be enough to expand the viewer’s understanding of your work.

Consider if you’d like to add the written statement at the beginning of your essay to introduce it, or at the end as a conclusion. Either one can be impactful, and it depends how you’d like people to experience your work.

For his photo essay White Fences, excerpted above, Taylor Dorrell wrote only one sentence of introduction. But for his series Over the Rhine, Dorell included a longer written statement to accompany the work, which is “an ongoing photo series that seeks to explore the Cincinnati neighborhood of the same name and its surroundings. The series was started in response to the shooting of Samuel DuBose, an unarmed black man, by officer Ray Tensing of the University of Cincinnati Police, which happened July 19th, 2015.” Dorell’s text goes on to offer more background on the project, setting up the viewer with all the information they need to understand the context of the photo essay.

Depending on the motivations behind your photo essay and what sort of subject it depicts, a longer text may be necessary—or just a few words might be enough.

Looking for a place to share your photo essays with the world? Take a look at our guide to creating a photography website for tips on showcasing your photos online.

Cover image by Taylor Dorrell, from his photo essay Hurricane Over Sugar .

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Photography Spark

Business Education for Photographers

How to Start a Photography Business

Last updated on July 3, 2020 By Zach Prez

** This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Opinions expressed are based on the Author’s own experience.

Congratulations on starting a photography business! This overview of how to get started is perfect for the amateur photographer researching business opportunities, the part-time photographer looking to expand, or a veteran pro who needs to revisit planning and marketing. The tutorial that follows is your roadmap for starting a successful photography business.

Still on the fence about starting your own photography business? To decide, you need to first be able to differentiate between your photography as a hobby you have on the side or your photography as an actual profitable business idea.

When it stays a hobby, no money exchanges hands. In a business, you charge for the services you are providing to a client. Do you have the time to commit to this?

Starting your own photography business takes a lot of time. There are several steps in the process that you must cover from registering with the state and obtaining your business license to finding insurance, setting up your website, finding a good way to invoice people and more.

So, consider what you already have going on in your life. If you feel that you have the time and energy to dedicate growing and nurturing a successful photography business, then read on below for your easy to follow step-by-step guide to get you started.

Note: Find more great resources like this on my Pinterest boards for photographers. Follow Me

Set Business Goals

Starting a business begins with the end. By setting business goals, you will find a clear path to your destination  like breadcrumbs to follow later. My free Vision Statement Workbook is a great resource for this!

Business goals can be general. For example, you may want to work 40 hours a week in photography (replace a full-time job) or establish a group of pregnant moms whose families you can photograph from maternity through seniors.

Let’s begin with client goals.

Choose Your Ideal Client

Starting photographers often feel they have to take on any business that comes their way. Selecting a photography niche and choosing an ideal client up front allows you the comfort and confidence to turn away the client who is too far away from your location, can’t afford you, or is simply a pain to work with.

The audience you choose will greatly impact the necessary time commitment and revenue potential of your new business. An audience can mean any of the following:

• Demographics (age, gender, location, education, family)
• Location (city, venue, distance from home, etc.)
• Income level (luxury, budget)

These specifics begin to build a photography client persona or a fictitious person with qualities to match your ideal client.

Small details will be important later, so be as specific as possible. A bride seeking a luxury destination wedding requires a different marketing strategy than a mom on a budget needing family portraits.

Now take a look at your marketing materials, including your logo, website, social media accounts, and business cards. Do the messages and imagery speak to your ideal client?

For example, a bride will want to see elegant fonts, colors, and wedding photos. She will likely be turned away if her first impression of your brand is newborn photos, pastel colors, or bubbly fonts.

Contrast that with commercial photography , where the technical aspects of your photos (focus, lighting, framing) may be more important.

Set a Budget for Startup Costs

There are several upfront costs you should consider when starting. Things like equipment, business setup expenses, marketing costs, etc. can add up. Some expenses can be deferred, but some are unavoidable.

To learn more, here’s our guide to the cost involved with starting a photography business .

Set Revenue and Schedule Expectations

Begin with the amount of time you want to put toward the business, the amount of money you want to make, or a combination of the two. You can start to see real numbers emerge after doing a little bit of math.

Let’s assume a 40-hour workweek. That could mean one to two portrait sessions per week for 48 weeks (assuming four weeks of vacation) or one wedding session per week for 26 weeks (half the year). Move these numbers up or down depending on how much you want to work and the time required to complete each session.

$50,000 per year in revenue requires $500 – $1,000 per portrait session or $2,000 per wedding.

$75,000 per year in revenue requires $750 – $1,500 per portrait session or $3,000 per wedding.

Once you see the actual numbers, you will be better able to plan the potential of your business. Purchasing some Accounting Software like FreshBooks (affiliate link) is an excellent idea to help with this.

When making these calculations, don’t forget to account for expenses, downtime, seasonality (especially for weddings), and time needed to manage the business (advertising, marketing, office organization, strategic planning, record keeping). Don’t be overly optimistic. Take into account funds for a broken camera, computer crash, or illness.

Average Photographer Salaries (U.S.)

Learn more about how to become a professional photographer .

According to the United States Department of Labor report looking at 124,000 U.S. photographers, the median hourly wage for photographers was $15.24 in 2015. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $9.06, and the top 10 percent earned more than $34.71.

Photographers in the District of Columbia earned the highest hourly median wage, earning $29.57 in May 2015.

About 3 in 5 photographers were self-employed. 3 in 10 worked part time in 2014. Hours often are flexible so they can meet with current and potential clients or visit the sites where they will work. Demand for certain types of photographers may fluctuate with the season. For example, the demand for wedding photographers typically increases in the spring and summer.

Create a Photography Business Plan

When you have goals in hand, begin putting them to work. Creating your business plan is the next step toward successfully achieving your goals.

The Business Planning Cookbook is a guide for envisioning and planning for a successful, sustainable photography business. With over 75 pages, including 10 worksheets and samples from different photography businesses, this guide is a must-have for a photographer serious about running a successful photography business.

Learn More About the Cookbook

Essential parts of a photography business plan include:

Business Summary

Company Description – What do you do? How is your business different than others? What needs does your business serve?

Management and Organization – How is your business structured, legally , and organizationally? Who is part of it? There are a variety of business structures to choose from, including sole proprietor, LLC, and corporation. Each of these choices has a different level of initial investment cost, personal choice of liability, and tax liability.

Liability Protection – Maybe you are considering setting up an LLC to help protect your personal assets, or already have one established. The DIY LLC kit from the LawTog provides important information about establishing your LLC, what forms to file, drafting key documents like an operating agreement, and how to preserve your limited liability protection.

Services and Products – What does your business sell? How does it benefit your clients? What is the story of your product line?

Market Analysis

The U.S. Small Business Administration is a great resource (even for international photographers) for small businesses to understand the market. Attempt to calculate the following:

Industry Description and Outlook – Describe your industry, including its current size and historic growth rate specific to your geography.

Distinguishing Characteristics – What are the critical needs of your potential customers? Are those needs being met? What are the demographics of the group, and where are they located? Are there any seasonal or cyclical purchasing trends that may impact your business?

The Size of the Primary Target Market – In addition to the size of your market, what data can you include regarding the annual purchases your market makes in your industry? What is the forecasted market growth for this group?

How Much Market Share Can You Gain? – What is the market share percentage and number of customers you expect to obtain in a defined geographic area? Explain the logic behind your calculation.

Competitive Analysis – Your competitive analysis should identify your competition by product line or service and market segment.

Marketing Strategy and Planning

One of the biggest aspects when starting any kind of business is learning the best ways to market and grow that business. Photography is no exception. To grow and market your business, you need a plan. Often this plan involves your own personal network, local marketing opportunities, mailing lists, online connections, and your website, to name a few.

Marketing Strategy – How are you going to promote your business? How often are you going to promote it? What different methods will you use? How will you gain exposure?

Advertising Strategy – What are potential advertising opportunities? What is your advertising budget?

View more posts about marketing.

Have you come up with your business financial plan yet? This is an executive summary that serves as the roadmap for your photography business. Not only does it state your goals, it also allows you to outline how you plan to achieve those goals.

If you are looking for investors or partners, this is also something to show them when you need to have those financial discussions.

Forecasts and Budgeting – What are your fixed costs? What costs will you incur every time you make a sale? What major purchases will you make? What workshops will you attend?

Cash Flow – What is your initial investment going to be? When will your busy/slow seasons be? How will you finance any slow periods? How much and how often will you take money from your business?

Many new business owners find it valuable to sit down with an accountant and work through these numerous questions during an initial forecast-and-budget session.

Selling Strategy

Remember, not everyone will be ready to buy immediately. No matter how well your marketing works and your sales efforts shine, every business has three buckets of people: buyers, fence-sitters, and non-buyers. Define paths new people will travel along the purchase cycle. For example: friend referral > Facebook follower > website visitor > newsletter subscriber > interested contact > client.

Sales Planning – How are you going to attract clients? How will you store information about clients? How many clients are you looking to work with? How much do you expect your average client to spend? What products will they buy?

Product Pricing – Define your pricing structure, gross margin levels, and any discount that you plan to use. Do you have different pricing options for different clients?

Getting Paid

How you plan to get money from your customers is something that should not be overlooked. There are systems like Freshbooks that can help with online invoicing, credit card payments straight into your account, and automated invoice reminders.

Learn more about Freshbooks Billing and Invoicing

View more posts about sales.

Develop a Branding Strategy

Putting some thought up front into how you are going to position and brand your business will position you for success. Having clarity around your brand up front will help guide your marketing strategy and pricing structure.

It’s much easier to establish from the start rather than make corrections or ‘rebrand’ after you are established. Think about building your brand to attract the clients you want .

Key Elements of Branding

• What services you provide – the specific type of photography you focus on
• Who your clients are – families, brides, corporate clients, etc.
• How you are different – what makes your services unique

Focus your message – develop your ‘elevator pitch’

You may be thinking, “Why should I limit myself to one type of photography when I’m just starting out. I want as many clients as possible”. The truth is, photography has many niches, and it is hard to master them all. There are differences in equipment required, competition and pay rates, as well as your own personal interests.

An ‘ Elevator Pitch ‘ is a short sales pitch that quickly and simply defines what you have to offer. Think of it this way: if you met someone in an elevator, what would you say to explain your services in a way that makes them remember you and want to follow up with you at a later time. Thinking through how you would handle a chance encounter with a potential client will help clarify your own thoughts about your business and help focus your efforts.

Make it unique to YOU

A nice way to brand your photos is to have an elegant signature logo made and use it when your promotional photos are shared online. It’s not needed for copyright protection on your work, but rather is a way to uniquely associate your brand with your photos. Photologo has a great service that handcrafts beautiful signature logos for photographers for a lot less than you might think.

Register and License Your Business

Now is the time to structure your business for the next three to five years. Change is timely, costly, and can have potential legal implications if not setup legitimately.

Register a Business Name

A business name should be easily remembered, descriptive, and distinctive. You can brand the business with your name or come up with something different and unique. Your decision is a personal one, but here are some tips for researching a business name.

Develop a list of three to five names you love and then get feedback from friends and family. Their unique perspectives may save you from choosing a bad name for your business.

Consider how your business name will be used:

• Search – Will your name be hard to find in Google?
• Social – Is your business name available across all major social networks?
• URL – Is the domain name you want available?
• Trademarks – Does another business have the same name registered?
• Memorability – Is the name easy to remember?
• Logo – Does the name work well with a logo?
• Partners – Will you be the only photographer in your business, or will you take on partners? Will you ever sell the business?

Register your business name to protect from use by others and to aid in establishing financial accounts. Learn more about performing a trademark search at the US Patent and Trademark Office Search page . The Trademark Electronic Search System ( TESS ) allows you to search for existing trademarks, just select ‘Basic Word Mark Search’ from the search page.

It’s also a good idea to perform a web search as well; not all trademarks are registered. Another great resource is the Wall Street Journal article, which contains more information on How to Register US Trademarks .

Create and register your website and social media accounts: Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, Google+, Instagram, and YouTube (even if you don’t plan to use them any or all of them). Don’t spend hours designing them; the point is to secure your identity as quickly as possible.

Register with your local and federal governments for tax, legal, and communication purposes.

Set up banking accounts, business insurance, licenses, and basic record keeping

Having separate business accounts is essential for proper organization and record keeping. The article Are you still using your personal bank account for your business? should help convince you. Don’t forget to connect the bank account to online payment services such as PayPal.

Apply for a business credit card. Many online vendors only accept credit cards, so you will need some way of paying that doesn’t touch your personal accounts. I simply added a debit card to my business bank account — easy!

Business insurance is not cheap and can be a major deterrent for those who are starting out. In the long run, however, it’s more costly to be caught without insurance, so set up business insurance right away.

Business licenses are often required by state or municipal governments. It is a good idea to check with your state licensing board and your local municipal government to see if a Photography Business License is required in your area. The penalties for lacking a business license can be severe: The fines you may be levied can be more than the initial cost of the license, so it is a good idea to check. The U.S. Small Business Administration site has some good information about business licensing as well.

Set up a record keeping system. Even if you have no desire to maintain your own books, you need to have a basic understanding of proper record keeping. There are many low-cost software programs available online that can link directly to your bank accounts. For example, here’s an article describing how to integrate ShootQ successfully.

At the very least, keep printed copies of all your expenses and store them chronologically. Also maintain an electronic spreadsheet that tallies your income and expenses, preferably separated by categories.

Tip – Take photos of receipts with your phone and email them to yourself.

Live by Larry’s advice (he’s my tax dude): Plan time each week to update your records, which is easier and more accurate than saving everything until the end of the year.

Use contracts from the start

Outlining all expectations ahead of time in writing is a great way to keep expectations clear and provides a foundation for optimal customer service.

Portrait Contract and Model Release (affiliate) – This governs the relationship between Client and Photographer. This will lay the foundation for sales by having provisions (if drafted right!) about completion schedules, ordering deadlines, etc.

Final Sale Agreement (affiliate) – This document is done on the ordering session day and acts to inform the client of a final sale and waive any Cooling Off Laws that could allow a client to change their mind – even if just for buyer’s remorse!

Album Design Agreement (affiliate) – This agreement is super important when you are spending lots of cost-of-goods on items, particularly an album that can be hundreds of dollars out of your pocket. I like to have an acceptance of the proof design by clients prior to ordering.

Product Delivery Agreement – This agreement is a written acceptance of all products after the Client has had the opportunity to view them. This is especially helpful to prevent any potential “I didn’t get X product” statements after you have delivered the complete order.

All of these aren’t necessarily needed as it depends on your client’s order and your business policies. Just keep in mind you want to prevent issues instead of trying to fix them later.

Snag a free photography contract from TheLawTog

See more posts about photography law.

Protect your Assets with Business Insurance

There are several types of insurance coverage you should consider, depending on your business.

Professional Liability

Professional liability insurance (sometimes called Errors and Omissions) covers claims related to professional services, such as failure to deliver services as promised. Professional liability policies typically cover claims of negligence, like failing to shoot a particular family member at a wedding, or a faulty memory card causing loss of pictures.

General Liability Insurance

General liability insurance covers claims related to bodily injury or property damage. Maybe you are doing a photo shoot, and light boom falls over and injures someone. Or you somehow accidentally damage the client’s property. General liability will typically cover you.

Business Owners Policy

A business owners policy combines general liability with business property insurance. It’s a good way to protect your photography equipment such as cameras, computers, and lights.

Business insurance can be quite affordable, starting under $300 a year depending on coverage and the state you live in. The peace of mind is worth it.

Learn more about insurance in our post, 5 Types of Insurance Every Photographer Needs .

Learn more about Hiscox, which offers affordable photography business insurance .

Create a Portfolio

It’s hard to get clients if you don’t have sample photos ready and available. That’s where a portfolio comes in, or you can create an online website portfolio for your sample photos.

What is a portfolio?

A portfolio is a representation of your current and best work that reflects personal style, your niche, and — most importantly — the work you want to do . Your portfolio should be minimal and concise so that potential clients get a great introduction to who you are and your style. Keep it simple; you don’t want to overwhelm them.

I’m new. How do I develop a portfolio?

Creating a portfolio can be difficult if you are just starting out. But a portfolio is very important when you are new on the scene. Don’t be afraid to do a few sessions for free in order to create the exact scenes and style you want to showcase in a portfolio for your future clients. You’ll attract your ideal client through images that best represent your style.

But I don’t know what my style is!

As a new photographer, finding your groove can be a bit intimidating. Everyone else seems to have something that screams who they are as an artist. The thing to remember, though, is that successful photographers were at one time new, too. Style won’t jump out and shake your hand on Day #1.

Start by looking for ideas. What do you enjoy viewing? What do you like shooting, and who is your target market? Take those in and go out and practice. Soon, your style will emerge.

Build a Client List

What is client building?

Client building is the process of attracting ideal clients who can hire you. A photography studio doesn’t start with a line at the door; it takes hard work to recruit interested people and website traffic, and then turn those leads into clients.

Building your client list

Build slow and steady, one client at a time. Treat each client like they are your ONLY client (in the beginning, they might be). Treat each client like gold, regardless of how much the person spends.

When starting out, word of mouth and referrals will be your best friend. You want every client to become an evangelist for your business. The client should love the experience with you so much that she or he will freely promote you to all their friends and family. The first few clients are your most important and likely will turn into lifelong, repeat clients.

Develop a system to remember the fine details about each client.

Set up a standardized client inquiry sheet in addition to a standard client workflow process that details everything — from the client’s initial phone call all the way to the delivered product. Note birthdays, anniversaries, favorite colors, taste in music, memorable first dates, or birth weight of children (depending on the type of session). Send each client greeting cards on their anniversary or birthdays. Attention to detail makes you unforgettable to a client.

Online list building can include collecting email addresses or social media followers (especially on Facebook and Pinterest). A combination of great content (like inspiring Pinterest boards) and an incentive (like a free PDF with “What to Wear” advice) will encourage potential clients to trade their contact details for your valuable information. Once you have a person’s contact information, it’s much easier to continue interacting through an email newsletter or social media.

Make a Marketing Plan

It took more than being a good talk show host for Oprah Winfrey to become a media mogul. Her company was a marketing machine that was skilled at developing partnerships and relationships, as well as product delivery. Similarly, it will take more than good photos or an advertising budget to build your business.

Think about the relationships you need to foster over the next year, and how to bring revenue from those relationships.

Creating a 12-month marketing plan

A solid marketing plan keeps you in a proactive mode. You’ll be ready well in advance for family sessions in the fall, the summer wedding season or Christmas holiday sessions. Avoid scrambling to put together packages and marketing pieces after the season is already upon you.

Types of Marketing:

• Advertising (local print publications, Google, Facebook, etc.)
• Online (website, blog, social media, search engines)
• Referrals and word of mouth
• Direct mail
• Events (meetups, trade shows, speaking gigs)

Your marketing efforts should reflect the essence of your business. Most photographers have niche businesses that provide personalized services and products. Your marketing tactics should reflect that. Mass mail campaigns with “Dear Customer” on them may not bring you the right type of client.

Get my free ebook with 80 Marketing Ideas for Photographers .

Relationships, Not Dollar Signs

Whenever you create a marketing piece, write a client newsletter, draft a blog post, or attend a networking event, keep in mind the purpose of your content. You are speaking to past or potential clients: What will be useful for them? Always focus on them and the relationships you want to build.

Good marketing focuses on a customer need (not your need).

For a client, investing in photography is much like buying a house. Remember that sales are based on emotions , first impressions , and relationships . Focus on these three things when formulating every piece of your marketing content, and the look and feel of your website and community presence.

Acquire the Right Tools

A business can’t operate smoothly without the right tools and products. Some will improve the quality of your service; others will improve efficiency. The starting list below shows all the areas where you might need funding. Keep in mind that this isn’t a list of must-haves to be successful. It’s a list of suggestions for items that can help you and your business.

Your needs will vary, and your business can function without some of them. Buy what you need — not what you want — and your budget will be much happier. Affiliate links below.

• Editing software – Adobe Photoshop CC | 1 Year Subscription (Download)
• Macphun’s Luminar 2018 is a powerful photo editor for both Mac and Windows which is easy to use. Use coupon code SPARK2017 for $10 off Luminar .
• lighting: softbox lighting kit , umbrella lighting kit
• backgrounds
• remote triggers

Computer for editing Monitor calibration device – X-Rite i1Display Pro (EODIS3) Basic office productivity programs – Microsoft Office , Apple’s iWork, Open Office Backup storage devices – Drobo , Synology DiskStation , Apple Time Capsule Offsite backup storage devices Professional print labs – ProDPI Professional album creation sites and/or software – Fundy Software , Vision Art , Kiss Website and online presence – Pro Photo Blogs Web Proofing and Photo Storage – Shootproof

For a current list of discounts on some great photography business tools, check out our deals page (opens in a new tab).

Here’s a list of our 13 Must-Have Photography Accessories .

Also, Every year we publish a list of the best photography business products .

Learn from the Pros

Starting your own business can be an exhilarating experience, but this newfound freedom of being your own boss may also seem extremely overwhelming. With a lengthy to-do list, where do you possibly focus your time in your first few years to set your business up for longevity and success?

ShootDotEdit in conjunction with PhotographySpark and Fundy Software, has published a new guide: 16 Things I Wish I Did My First Year as a Photographer.

This free guide contains the insights from 16 pro photographers who reveal personal challenges they faced and what they wish they did in their first year of business to set it up for success. This is the ultimate resource for you to learn from their experiences and figure out how you want to grow your business.

Visit ShootDotEdit to read the free guid e today and set your photography business up for success!

If you are just getting started in your photography business, or want to brush up on your skills, CreativeLive offers free and paid training courses covering all areas of photography. Their Beginner Photography Bundle is a great place to start.

CreativeLive also offers Photography Starter Kit Classes at CreativeLive . Learn the principles of photography and take amazing photos with their great on-demand video lessons.

The basis for any photography business is taking great pictures. To deliver the professional results your clients will expect, you will need to master some essential photography skills such as composition, exposure, lenses, aperture, shutter speed, and more. Share Inspire Create has published an excellent guide called Essential Photography Skills to help get you started.

Now It’s Time to Start the Business

As you can see by the sheer length of this blog post, there are several important factors to consider before starting a photography business. Addressing these topics early on will set you on a path to success.

Take the time to set up everything properly in the beginning, so you aren’t unprepared later. You will present yourself as a professional because you will have taken the right steps to BE a professional business person.

Use this article to create a plan of action — steps that will take you from the idea to the realization. Then work through the plan a little each day. It doesn’t matter if you only have 10 minutes a day to work on it, you can do it. This means taking action. Ideas mean nothing unless they are put into action.

Whether you think you can or think you can’t — you’re probably right. Keeping a positive frame of mind during your growth stage will help you combat burnout, frustration, and self-doubt. It will be hard, and there will be some rough going, but you can do it.

Other Resources

For more great tips, also check out Brendan’s article on starting a photography business at PhotoMBA.

Also, my friends at Pixpa have published a great resource on how you can start your photography business .

About Zach Prez

Zach Prez has helped hundreds of businesses with marketing in the past 15 years. He's a husband and father of three, ninja at Ms Pac Man, and loves books on mountaineering.

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How to Create a Photo Essay

The photographic essay, also called a photo essay or photo story, is a powerful way for photographers to tell a story with their images. If you are interested in creating your own photo essay, this article will guide you through the whole process, from finding a story to shoot to the basics of crafting your first visual narrative.

Table of Contents

What is a photo essay.

A photo essay tells a story visually. Just like the kind you read, the photo essay offers a complete rendering of a subject or situation using a series of carefully crafted and curated images. Photo stories have a theme, and each image backs up that overarching theme which is defined in the photo essay’s title and is sometimes supported with text.

From documentary to narrative to essay, photo stories are designed to move their audience, to inspire a certain action, awareness, or emotion. Photo stories are not just a collection of cool photos. They must use their visual power to capture viewers’ attention and remain unforgettable.

History of the Photo Story

In the “old days”, that is, before 1948, magazines ran photo stories very different from what we know today. They were staged, preconceived by an editor, not a truthful observation of life. Along came a photographer named W. Eugene Smith, who worked for Life magazine.

Deciding to follow a rural doctor for six weeks, he gathered material for a photo essay that really showed what it was like to be in that doctor’s shoes, always on the go to help his scattered patients. Smith’s piece, “ Country Doctor ,” shook other photographers out of their scripted stupor and revolutionized the way photographers report what they see.

From then on, photojournalism gained life and an audience through the lenses of legends like Robert Capa, Dorothea Lange, David “Chim” Seymour, Gordon Parks, Werner Bischof, and Henri Cartier-Bresson. The Vietnam War provided many examples for photo stories as represented by Philip Jones Griffiths, Catherine Leroy, and many more.

More recently, photo stories have found a sturdy home online thanks to the ease of publishing a series of photos digitally versus in print. Lynsey Addario, Peter Essick, and Adam Ferguson represent a few of the photographers pushing visual storytelling today.

Ways to Find Photo Stories and Themes

Photo stories exist all around, right in the midst of everyday life and in the fray of current events. A good place to begin developing a photo essay is by choosing a general theme.

Topics that Interest You

The best expression comes from the heart, so why not choose a topic that interests you. Maybe it’s a social issue, an environmental one, or just something you’re curious about. Find what moves you and share that with the world.

Personal Experiences

The more you’ve lived, the more you have to tell. This doesn’t necessarily mean age, it can also refer to experiences, big and small. If you know a subject better than most, like what it’s like to recover from a car crash, you’re an expert on the matter and therefore you have a story to tell. Also, consider the things you read and see or watch, like news or history, and incorporate that into your search for a story.

Problem/Solution

Problems abound in the world. But so do solutions. Photojournalists can present either, or both. Have a look at something that’s wrong in society and show why it’s a problem. Or find a problem that’s been resolved and show the struggle it took to get there. Even better, take your time shooting your story — sometimes it can take years — and document how a wrong is righted.

Day-in-the-Life

One of the most popular formats, day-in-the-life photo stories present microcosms of life that relate to the bigger picture. In a similar vein, behind-the-scenes photo stories show viewers what life is really like for others, especially in situations that are difficult or impossible to access. Events represent another simple yet powerful theme for documenting and storytelling with a camera.

Types of Photo Stories

Most photo stories concern people. If it’s about something like the environment, for example, the photo story can showcase the people involved. In either case, the impactful photo story will present the challenges and dilemmas of the human condition, viscerally.

There are three general types of photo stories.

Narrative Story

Narrative deals with complications and their resolution, problems, and solutions. If there appears to be no resolution, at least the struggle to find one can provide material for a photo essay. Some sort of narrative thread must push the story from beginning to middle to end, just like what you see in a good movie.

A good story also requires action, which in this case must be visual. Good stories are page-turners, whether they’re a Kerouac tale or a series of photos demonstrating the difficulties of single parenting. Adventure stories are one good example of photographic narrative storytelling.

The term “photo story” is generally used interchangeably with “photo essay”, but some photographers hold that there are subtle differences between the two. The essay type of photo story implies opinion, they argue. Essays make a point. They are the opposite of facts-only news. A photo story essay makes a case for something, like showing the danger and consequences of illegal fireworks or advocating for the preservation of a forest.

Documentary

On the other hand, documentaries lack opinion. Their purpose is to inform without adding judgment. Documentaries present the facts and let viewers decide. They illustrate something that’s occurring but they don’t always include a narrative story or an opinionated approach. Historical places, current events, and unique lifestyles always make for good documentary photo stories.

How to Craft a Photo Essay

Several elements come into play when putting together a photo essay. Once you’ve found a theme, it’s time to give your project a name. While out shooting, jot down titles that come to mind. Consider the title a magazine headline that explains in few words what the whole story is about.

Choose your photos according to whether or not they relate to and support the photo essay’s title. Reject those photos that don’t. If your collection seems to suggest a different angle, a different title, don’t be afraid to rename it. Sometimes stories develop organically. But if your title can’t assemble and define your selection of photos, maybe it’s too vague. Don’t rush it. Identify the theme, take the photos and the photo essay will take shape.

Certain techniques help tell the photo essay.

A photo essay is composed of a diversity of views, angles, and focal lengths. While masters like Henri Cartier-Bresson could capture a photo essay with a single prime lens, in his case a 50mm, the rest of us are wise to rely on multiple focal lengths. Just like what we see in the movies, a story is told with wide shots that set the scene, medium shots that tell the story, and close-ups that reveal character and emotion.

Unique angles make viewers curious and interested, and they break the monotony of standard photography. Consider working black-and-white into your photo essay. The photo essay lends itself well to reportage exclusively in monochrome, as the legends have demonstrated since W. Eugene Smith.

Visual Consistency

The idea of a photo essay is to create a whole, not a bunch of random parts. Think gestalt. The images must interact with each other. Repetition helps achieve this end. Recurring themes, moods, styles, people, things, and perspectives work to unify a project even if the photos tell different parts of the story.

Text can augment the impact of a photo essay. A photo may be worth a thousand words, but it doesn’t always replace them. Captions can be as short as a complete sentence, as long as a paragraph, or longer. Make sure to take notes in case you want to add captions. Some photo stories, however, function just fine without words.

Tell a Story as a Photographer

Few genres of photography have moved people like the photo essay. Since its inception, the art of visual storytelling has captivated audiences. Photo stories show viewers things they had never seen, have moved masses to action, and have inspired video documentaries. Today, photo stories retain their power and place, in part thanks to the internet. Every photographer should experiment with a photo essay or two.

The method of crafting a photo essay is simple yet complicated, just like life. Careful attention must be paid to the selection of images, the choice of title, and the techniques used in shooting. But follow these guidelines and the photo stories will come. Seek issues and experiences that inspire you and go photograph them with the intention of telling a complete story. The viewing world will thank you.

Image credits: Header photo shows the May 13, 1957 story in LIFE magazine titled, “ The Tough Miracle Man of Vietnam .” Stock photos from Depositphotos

Category 12 minutes read

How to start a photography business

Starting a photography business takes a lot more than some skill with the camera (although that is a significant part of it). To be successful, you’ll also need to tap into your entrepreneurial spirit and embrace the business side of the industry. If you’re thinking of turning your passion for photography into a side hustle or full-time gig, you’re in the right place. Read on for a complete breakdown of how to start your own photography business, including the pros and cons of being a small business owner, what you’ll need to get started, and how to create your photography business plan.

Pros and cons of starting a photography business

Turning your love of photography into a full-time (or even part-time) business is a big decision. There’s a pretty significant difference between doing something because you love it and relying on your passion to pay the bills and put food on the table. So, you may want to consider the pros and cons of going from hobby photographer to professional photographer before you make the leap.

Pros of starting your own photography business

• Turn your passion into your dream job. When you start doing professional photography, you get the chance to escape a day job that may not be fulfilling and actually make money doing what you love.
• Be your own boss. Part of being a business photographer means that you get to call all the shots. This gives you the freedom that you may be missing in your nine-to-five job.
• Meet new people and gain new experiences. As a photographer, you’ll get the chance to meet all sorts of people and photograph different events and locations. If you like variety, you can set up your business so that no two days are ever the same.
• Be a part of the magic. Depending on which type of photography you do, you may get the opportunity to capture some of the most special memories in a person’s life, such as weddings and a parent’s first moments with their newborn. As you embark on this journey, you may wonder, “how long does it take to get an LLC approved?” The process can vary depending on the state you’re in, ranging from a few days to a few weeks, but having an LLC can provide legal protection and added credibility to your photography business. Moreover, understanding the LLC cost associated with this process which is also different depending on the state is essential for planning and budgeting effectively.

Cons of starting your own photography business

• It’s more than just photography. When you run a small business, you’re also responsible for marketing, administration, accounting, and other tasks. You’ll need to spend a lot of time researching how to start your own photography business, including your target market’s pricing, packaging, and branding practices.
• There’s less stability. When you’re working for yourself, you won’t have as stable an income as you’d have in a regular full-time job. You may even need to work two jobs while you build up your photography business. Plus, you’ll be in charge of finding your own health insurance and retirement savings accounts.
• You may need to work unconventional hours. If you’re an event photographer, you’ll probably have to work a lot of nights and weekends. This can make it difficult to spend time with friends and family that go to school or work more traditional nine-to-five jobs.
• Impostor syndrome is real. When you’re first starting out, it can take a while to build up confidence in your skills as a photographer and business owner. While you’re getting used to things, you may find it difficult or awkward to market yourself and charge professional rates.
• You turn your passion into work. As a professional photographer, you have to take photos whether you feel inspired or not. When you’re photographing and editing all day for your clients, you may find you have less time and motivation to work on personal photography projects. What’s more, if you’re not sure how to market “you as a brand” online, it can be intimidating to know where to start .

If running a successful photography business was simple and easy, every amateur photographer would do it. However, if this is what you really want to do, you shouldn’t be scared off by a little hard work. You can go far in making your dreams a reality if you’re willing to put in the time and effort.

What do you need to start?

To start your own professional photography business, you’ll need more than just a good camera. Your exact needs will depend on the type of photography that you specialize in, but some general photography must-haves include:

• A camera, back-up camera, and lenses that can capture high-quality photos. Before you buy, make sure that you research which photography equipment is best for the types of pictures you’ll be taking.
• Memory cards and an external hard drive to store your photos.
• A tripod, flashes, and lighting equipment.
• A bag to carry your photography equipment in while you’re on the job.
• Photo editing software, such as Lightroom, Adobe Photoshop, or Picsart.
• A computer or laptop to edit your photos on.
• Backdrops and props. Depending on which type of photography you do, you may also need a studio space or home photography studio .
• A photo printer and quality photo paper (if you’re planning on selling prints of your pictures).

In addition to photography equipment, you’ll also need some general business supplies. These can include:

• A photography website and online portfolio. To increase website traffic , you should look into buying a unique domain name and research best practices for search engine optimization (SEO) for your site.
• Business cards and brochures.
• Professional social media accounts, such as LinkedIn, Instagram, and Pinterest.
• Any business licenses and insurance policies you need to operate a photography business in your state.
• Accounting software and payment systems.
• A business bank account and possibly a business credit card.
• Client contracts (you should be able to find templates online).

Elements of a good photography business plan

If you’re really serious about being a business owner, you’ll want to do everything you can to ensure the success of your new venture. This includes researching your industry and target market to create a plan for your business. Elements that you should have in your photography business plan are:

• Your business name and business type (you’ll probably be a sole proprietor or limited liability corporation when you’re first starting out).
• An executive summary that includes a description of your photography services, business idea, and mission statement.
• A detailed description of your company, including your business goals, the products and services that you intend to sell, and your potential clients.
• An analysis of your market and your competitors. This should include industry demand trends, pricing practices, a summary of local businesses you’ll be competing with, and a description of how your business will stand out from the rest of the pack.
• A description of your costs, including startup costs, marketing materials, and operational costs that you’ll incur while running your business.
• A marketing plan that describes your business branding , how you’ll find new clients, and how you’ll market your products and services to your target audience.
• A financial projection of your expected expenses and revenue during the first year of business.

Doing the research you need to create your business plan can give you valuable insight into how to start your own photography business. Even if you never end up showing this document to someone else, it will still give you the direction you need to operate a successful photography business. Furthermore, if you want to start a photography business, you should consider a membership platform . It streamlines operations, from contract to communication, ensuring growth and retention.

8 ideas for your photography business

A key part of starting your own photography business is putting together ideas for photographs and deciding which type of photography you want to go into. Most successful photographers specialize in one area because it makes it easier to find clients and book jobs (think about it – you’re not going to hire a real estate photographer to take pictures at your wedding.)

This is a big decision because different types of photography will have different startup costs, business hours, and target audiences. To help you brainstorm, here are a few ideas for specialized photography businesses:

Edit your professional photography with Picsart

Now that you’re familiar with the basics of how to start your own photography business, let’s get into how you can edit professional-quality photos using Picsart:

In the app:

1) Open the Picsart app and tap the purple plus sign (+) at the bottom of the screen to upload one of your photos.

2) Tap Tools and Crop in the bottom toolbar to crop any non-essential parts from the image. You can also click Resize to edit the size of your photo. When you’re finished, tap Apply in the top right corner.

3) Tap Adjust in the Tools menu to adjust the brightness, contrast, saturation, hue, highlights, shadows, and temperature of the image. Then, click Apply.

4) Select Effects to add a filter to your photo. Tap on your filter a second time to edit how it’s applied to the image. (Pro Tip: Create your own custom presets and save them as a Picsart replay to easily apply the same edits to every photo in a series.)

5) After you’re finished editing your photo, tap Next on the top right of your screen to save and share your creation.

In the web browser:

1) Open the Picsart photo editor and select a size for your image.

2) In the left-hand toolbar, select Uploads to select the image you want to edit. If you need to, click Fit in the toolbar to adjust the size of your image.

3) A toolbar will pop up above the photo. Click Adjust to alter the brightness, contrast, saturation, hue, highlights, shadows, and temperature of the image.

4) Click on Effects in the left-hand toolbar to add a filter to your photo.

5) After you’re finished editing your photo, tap Export on the top right of your screen to save and share your image.

Create at the Speed of Culture

Picsart is a photo and video editing platform and creative community. A top 20 most downloaded app worldwide with over 150 million monthly active users, its AI-powered tools enable creators of all levels to design, edit, draw, and share content anywhere. The platform has amassed one of the largest open-source content collections in the world, including photos, stickers, backgrounds, templates, and more. Used by consumers, marketers, content creators and businesses , Picsart tools fulfill both personal and professional design needs. Picsart has collaborated with major artists and brands like BLACKPINK, Taylor Swift, Lizzo, Ariana Grande, Warner Bros. Entertainment, iHeartMedia, Condé Nast, and more. Download the app or start editing on web today, and upgrade to Gold for premium perks!

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How to start a photography business.

Industry reports estimate that there are over 200,000 photography businesses in the U.S. and likely even more independent photographers. This creative industry attracts established professionals and newcomers alike.

Whether you have years of experience or are just getting started, founding a business may be a worthwhile pursuit if you’re looking for a creative way to make money on your own. Photography can easily be a casual side hustle you pursue during your free time, or a full-time business.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to start a photography business, as well as some bonus tips for how to take your business to new heights.

Why Start a Photography Business?

Before we get into the how-tos, let’s discuss the benefits of starting a business in the first place. While the ability to make money is certainly one benefit, there are many other advantages that might entice you to take the plunge.

Knowing these benefits can help you stay motivated even when you experience struggles while getting started. Every business owner experiences hurdles, but the payoff is usually worth it.

Benefits of Starting a Photography Business

• Creative outlet: It gives you the opportunity to channel your creativity into something productive that can also generate income at the same time.
• Money: There is a high demand for photographers across a range of industries and you can make a decent living as a business owner. It may also open the door to other employment opportunities.
• Independence: It’s something you can do from anywhere, as long as you have a camera, a computer (for editing) and a Wi-Fi connection. This means you can work from home or travel the world as your own boss.
• Travel: Some professional photographer jobs will take you to other cities, states or countries. You can essentially get paid to travel while doing what you love.
• Job opportunities: Gaining experience as an independent photographer can open the door to other employment opportunities in-house. This often comes with benefits and a certain degree of job security.

There are countless other advantages to starting a career as a professional photographer and they’re worth considering if you’re looking for that added encouragement to get started. With your eye on the prize, you’ll be better able to weather any setbacks and stay working toward your goals.

Can I Start a Photography Business with No Experience?

Yes, you can certainly start a small business with no experience but having experience definitely puts you a few steps ahead. Your clients will expect a certain degree of professionalism and are paying for high-quality work. That said, experience can always be gained.

If you’re starting from zero, don’t worry. Many photographers gain experience by starting their own portfolio or offering free or low-paid work. There are also tutorials and courses available online on sites such as Coursera that will help you fine-tune your photography skills.

Types of Photography Businesses

So you want to start a photography business. First, you will need to decide what type of small business you want to start. In fact, there are over 50 types of services to choose from!

Here are just a few of the many types of services you could specialize in:

• Wedding photography
• Business photography
• Portrait photography
• Fashion photography
• Wildlife or landscape photography
• Photojournalism
• Stock photography
• Event photography
• Travel photography
• Food photography
• Sports photography
• Fine-art photography

Do You Need to Choose a Specialty?

You might decide to be a generalist and not focus on any particular type of photography. However, most professional photographers recommend choosing a specialty, as it makes it easier to establish your brand and market your business to a specific audience.

Know that you can always pivot or change your mind later on down the road. To start, simply focus on the area you are most passionate about and then see how it plays out. You’re likely to learn amazing things along the way.

What’s Needed to Start a Photography Business

While you don’t need to rush out and buy a ton of expensive photography gear, there are a few bare essentials that you’ll need in order to get to work.

It’s OK to start with a basic camera and middle-of-the-road equipment, as you can always invest in higher quality later on. Don’t let your budget hinder you from simply getting started.

Here are a few things you will need:

• Camera: The camera you use will depend on your needs and preferences. We recommend going to an electronics store to compare options and get advice from one of their in-store professionals. You can also check out reviews online.
• Domain and website: You’ll need a place to host your online portfolio. You can buy a domain name at registrars like GoDaddy or Namecheap and set up your business website using a platform like WordPress for only a few dollars per month.
• Computer or laptop: Having a computer is essential if you plan on editing your photos. You don’t need anything fancy to start off with, but it should be able to accommodate basic photo editing software and functions. 
• Adobe Lightroom or Aperture: These photo editing software options are the standard for photographers looking to provide high-quality photos. 
• External hard drive: Your computer will quickly fill up with photos, so you’ll need an external hard drive where you can back up your work. 
• Camera lens: You’ll need at least one good lens besides the lens that came with your camera. This is essential if you want to cover different types of photography projects beyond simple landscapes. 
• Insurance (recommended): Getting insurance on your equipment will protect you if anything breaks, someone gets hurt at your shoot, or if you get hurt on your way to a job. It is an investment, but one that will pay off if you find yourself in a situation where you need it.

Your photography setup could be as basic as a simple DSLR (digital single-lens reflex) camera and a laptop, or as complex as a multi-camera stack and split monitors for editing. When you’re just getting started, it’s OK to keep things simple. You can always grow once the clients start rolling in.

Professional photography equipment can be a significant investment, but as you plan your budget, consider exploring creative tax deductions for small businesses . Many photographers overlook potential write-offs, such as those related to home office expenses, travel for photo shoots, or even educational courses to enhance your skills. Leveraging these deductions can help you optimize your budget and make the most of your initial investment.

How to Start Your Photography Business in 15 Steps

Ready to start a photography business? Now that we’ve covered the basics, it’s time to uncover the 15 steps to establishing your photography business like a pro.

1. Know Your ‘Why’

Earlier we touched on the benefits of starting a photography business because they can work as key motivators to keep you working toward your goal. In the same vein, you’ll want to identify your “why” for starting your photography business.

Your “why” might be something like:

• “I want to quit my full-time job and work for myself”
• “I want to travel the world taking beautiful photos”
• “I want to get more experience and launch my photojournalism career”
• “I want a side hustle to supplement my existing income”
• “I love being creative and I want a way to express myself more”

Whatever your “why” is, establishing this from the beginning will not only help you define your goals but keep you working toward them. That way, you can set tangible milestones and stay focused even when the going gets tough.

As famous photographer Aaron Siskind put it, “Photography is a way of feeling, of touching, of loving. What you have caught on film is captured forever … It remembers little things, long after you have forgotten everything.” What’s your “why”?

2. Research Other Photographers

One of the best ways to figure out how to structure your business is to research photographers who already have thriving businesses. These are people who have already overcome the beginner’s hump and have found success with photography.

While you may be years away from where they are, you’ll get a sense of how you should set up your business. From how they package their offers to how they market themselves online, established photographers can reveal a lot about what it means to succeed.

When researching other photographers, consider:

• Who is their target audience?
• What kinds of services/packages do they offer?
• Do they have a portfolio or website?
• What platforms are they using to market themselves?
• How much are they charging?
• What are their clients saying?

In doing this research, you’ll gain valuable insight into how successful photographers are structuring their businesses and attracting new customers. Then, you can determine how you might want to set up and promote your photography business.

3. Assess Potential Startup Costs

As stated earlier, professional photography equipment is notoriously expensive, so we recommend starting off with the basics until you have more clients coming in. The goal is to get your business up and running so you’ll have more money to invest in higher-quality equipment.

Here is a basic budget for starting your photography business:

• At least one professional camera: $1,500 to $2,000 each
• Camera lense: $1,000+
• Memory cards: $50+ each
• External hard drive: $120+
• Computer or laptop: roughly $2,000
• Business website: $50+ for domain, CMS (content management system) and hosting
• Business license: $150
• Photo editing software: $120 per year
• Business insurance: $500 per year (varies)
• Business cards: $50
• Accounting services: $300+ per year

With this in mind, the expected startup costs for a photography business comes to about $5,000 (assuming you don’t have any of the above items already). This is higher than many other small businesses, which typically require less gear.

Fortunately, there are always ways to cut costs and many of these costs are offset once you get a few clients. With the right gear, you’ll be in business in no time. 

Think you need fancy equipment? Let your business grow organically and opt for better equipment as your budget allows. Otherwise, throwing money at expensive gear too early could wipe you out when you need those funds to fall back on if you happen to have a slow month.

4. Write a Photography Business Plan

Every small business owner should establish at least a rough business plan to lay the foundation for their venture. Doing so will keep your company organized and help you set goals for where you want to take your business.

Your business plan can be as simple as a one-pager or as in-depth as a 30-page strategy. It’s up to you how thorough you want to be, as long as it covers the basics.

Typically, your business plan will define what your business does, who it serves, how the work is delivered and how your business will be marketed. It may also cover market research, how income and expenses will be handled, and more.

Your business plan can serve as an internal document that you reference, but it may also come in handy if you end up partnering with a branding or marketing agency. These professionals will likely want to know more about your business in order to help you grow.

We love this step-by-step guide on how to write a business plan on the Small Business Administration (SBA) website. Get started here to establish your own photography business strategy.

5. Secure Startup Funds

If you already have enough money in your bank account to start your photography business, you’re already ahead of the game. But it’s quite common for new entrepreneurs to need startup funds in order to get their business off the ground.

You have a couple of options if you need financial assistance. For one, you might ask friends and family to support your endeavor, perhaps with a promise to pay them back later. Alternatively, you could keep your current job or take on a side job until you have the extra cash.

Finally, securing a small business loan may be an option. This isn’t typically recommended, though, if you are worried about your ability to pay it off. If you do plan to go this route, avoid taking out more than you need. 

Note that having your business plan mapped out may help you secure funding, as you’ll have a clearly defined concept and a marketing strategy to start generating revenue as quickly as possible.

6. Choose a Business Name

Many photographers choose to go by their own name, but many do not. Some prefer to go with something more creative, whether that’s because their business name is already taken or because they have a certain brand identity in mind.

Going the creative route with your business name can certainly help you stand out, and it makes it easier to expand to a full-on agency down the road. However, if name recognition is what you’re aiming for, running your business under your name should do just fine.

Once you’ve chosen a business name, we recommend securing the domain name for your website or portfolio. You can look to registrars like GoDaddy or Namecheap to do this—usually for just a few dollars—to make sure no one else snags it. 

7. Start Your Photography Portfolio

Assuming you’re starting with no experience, it’s time to get your first photographs to grow your professional portfolio. This is quite easy to do once you have your camera at the ready.

By now you should have an idea of the type of photography you want to focus on. With this in mind, you can begin taking photos that align with that specialty, edit them and publish them on your online portfolio.

You might also want to network with friends, family and other online contacts to offer free or low-paid photography work to get a few samples under your belt. Once you have a portfolio you’re confident in, you can begin charging higher rates.

8. Build an Eye-Catching Website

Where should you post your photography portfolio? Most professional photographers recommend hosting your own professional website.

Platforms like WordPress, Wix, and Squarespace allow you to create beautiful websites for just a few dollars. Choose from a wide range of templates and build your site with drag-and-drop simplicity.

Most portfolio sites have a home page, about page, services page, contact page and portfolio page. You can add your own images to this site, add some enticing web copy and entice visitors to contact you.

Later on, you may decide to hire a professional web designer to build you a website from scratch. This will make it easier to customize the look of your site and optimize your site to attract organic traffic. 

9. Establish a Pricing Plan

Pricing one’s services as a small business owner is always a bit challenging. If you have no experience, you may not be confident enough to charge premium rates. But you also don’t want to underprice yourself.

One of your best options when it comes to setting your pricing is to see what your peers are charging; particularly those with the same experience level. Google and industry-specific Facebook groups are great places to find this information.

Just because you are new doesn’t mean you need to have bottom-of-the-barrel rates. Charge what you feel comfortable with and increase your rates as you gain more experience.

10. Fine-Tune Your Branding

With so many photographers out there, the key to success is your ability to stand out from the crowd. To set yourself apart, you’ll want to establish a unique brand identity.

Consider investing in a professional logo, brand colors and fonts to apply to your website and marketing materials. These should all align with the “feel” of your business and what you think will resonate with your target audience.

You’ll find that each photographer has their own unique style. Your goal is to find yours and make that apparent to potential clients. What kind of personality do you want to portray online and in your work?

11. Define Your Unique Selling Point

Your unique selling point (USP) is what sets you apart from other photographers. This goes beyond physical branding and taps into what you provide that your audience can’t find anywhere else.

For example, you might be an “adventure photographer that helps couples capture their journey into love”. Or, maybe you “help brands stand out online with bold product photos.” What is it that makes you unique?

You will work this USP into your marketing in order to attract clients who are looking for someone just like you. By highlighting what makes you special, you’ll avoid blending into the sea of generalists.

12. Grow Your Network

Many people get their first clients by networking with people they already know. This social approach to client generation is also one of the first people consider, since it can take some time to launch a digital marketing strategy.

Networking can take place in person or online—like on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook groups or other social media platforms. By taking the time to build connections, you give people an idea of who you are and potentially get your foot in the door.

Once you’ve secured a few clients, you can further grow your network by asking for referrals. Photographers also often offer a bonus to people who send new business their way. 

13. Promote Your Business

There are many ways to promote your business. How you promote your business will greatly depend on who your target audience is and where they spend their time searching for photographers.

For example, many couples in need of wedding photography search in their local area using Google. As a result, you’ll want to get started by looking to search engine optimization (SEO) as a means of attracting organic traffic to your site.

Other clients might use Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter or other social media platforms. Know that you don’t need to spend your time trying to be everywhere at once, but you should attempt to master at least one marketing channel to secure work for your business.

A Google search for “marketing for photographers” is sure to yield tons of results. See what other photographers in your niche are doing and then focus your efforts on what you need to secure a steady stream of clients for your business.

To get you started, here are some common marketing strategies:

• Facebook ads
• Email marketing
• Instagram ads
• Referral sites (like The Knot)

14. Create a Marketing Plan

No matter which platform(s) you choose, you’ll need to establish an effective marketing plan to attract new clients to your business. We recommend focusing on a single platform first so you have time to fine-tune your approach until you have a plan that works.

Typically this involves researching your target audience, determining which platforms they use most, posting content that’s relevant to them and then enticing them to contact you. Each platform is a bit different, so you’ll need to test out your approach to secure the best results.

For example, here’s what an effective marketing plan might look like:

• Ask your followers on Facebook what questions they have about hiring a travel photographer
• Create content that answers their questions and provides valuable information about these topics
• Post similar content on your portfolio blog to be shared to social media
• Respond to comments and other posts in your industry to boost engagement
• Direct potential clients to your inbox or website for more information
• Collect client testimonials as social proof to compel more people to work with you
• Optimize your website for search engines to attract organic traffic to your website

The point is, every marketing plan will look slightly different for each photographer. The goal is to find out what works best for you and your audience, make a decision, and then expand to additional platforms when you are ready to grow.

15. Deliver Amazing Work

Finally, the key to success is your ability to deliver amazing results to your clients. Make your clients happy and they are likely to work with you again and also refer new clients to your business.

Consider taking classes to improve your skills or seek out a mentor to help you hone the skills you need. You’ll naturally improve as long as you are willing to make an effort.

Hopefully, people will come to know you as a reputable photographer in your industry, opening the door to even more opportunities.

Tips for Growing Your Photography Business

Starting a photography business is incredibly rewarding and many new photographers are pleasantly surprised by how quickly their businesses took off once they committed to their goals. You can accelerate this growth by constantly learning and also applying new techniques to your business.

With that in mind, here are some bonus tips to help you grow your photography business, fast. 

Invest Back Into Your Business

Once you have revenue coming in, it’s time to manage your finances and make decisions about whether you need to invest back into your business. While photography invoice templates will help you bill your clients with ease, deciding how to manage your funds is a different beast.

First, you’ll want to assess how much revenue is coming in versus how much money is going out due to expenses. Then, a portion of your funds (roughly 30%) will be allocated to taxes and the remainder is your business profit.

Having a photography accounting system in place will make managing your finances much easier. Then, you can make informed decisions about whether you can invest back into your business by opting for things like a new website, branding materials or social media marketing campaigns.

Collect Client Testimonials and Reviews

Client testimonials are a powerful way to show potential clients that you’re great to work with and deliver amazing results. Adding testimonials to your website, business Facebook page, LinkedIn and Google My Business page can help you attract even more clients.

Always ask your happy clients for a review and thank them for working with you. That personal touch can go a long way. 

Grow Your Photography Blog

Keeping up with your blog can attract new visitors and clients to your website. With SEO, you can even get your content to rank for the key terms your audience is searching for when looking for services like yours.

Not only that, but you can share this content on social media and generate traffic that way. New and existing customers will love to see what your business has been up to and how you can help them achieve their goals of getting great, professional photos.

Months into running your photography business, you may realize that you need some help. Photographers regularly hire people like web developers, graphic designers and marketers to help their business grow.

Before you hire someone, do your due diligence to make sure they’re legit. Avoid throwing money at a problem before you have weighed your options. That way, you can avoid ending up in the hole of overspending.

Launch Your Own Photography Business

Launching your own photography career on your terms is exciting. With this guide, hopefully you’ve learned that starting your own business is simple when you have the right steps in place. While there is no single path to success, the key is believing in yourself and paving your own way.

Follow the tips and tricks above to establish your own photography business and attract new clients right away. You’ll be capturing amazing moments in no time. 

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How to start a photography business: your complete guide.

So you’re ready to start a photography business! Here’s everything you need to know to make those big entrepreneur dreams come true.

A quick note about this guide: If you’re wondering just how to start a business in photography, this guide is all you’ll need to go from newbie to pro! Pace yourself—you can’t check every box in a weekend—and remember that building a long-lasting photography business is worth the wait!

The “Small Biz Owner” Mindset

Before you ever launch your website or take new clients, it’s critical that you hone your small photography business owner mindset. Success doesn’t happen overnight for most of us, and it’s the important decisions you make along the way that determine how far your photography business will go.

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The payoff is wonderful, but you must be ready to put in the effort necessary to nurture your photography business into a venture that pays off—financially and professionally.

Andrea Gallucci

How much will it cost to start a photography business?

And what’s a minimum viable business, anyway?

When you’re starting your photography business, you need to think smart with your time and money. The best way to do this is to offer enough services to attract new clients that allow you to grow as you go. This is known as a “minimum viable business” because you’re offering just what it takes to get specific clients interested, with plans to expand services as you gain experience.

Maybe you want to develop long-term relationships with your clients by shooting their engagement + wedding + maternity + family sessions. This is a wonderful goal, but it’s probably not feasible to juggle all those genres initially.

Instead, consider focusing on one or two genres and make a plan to grow slowly.

Working up to offering a full range of session types will allow you to get feedback from clients and make adjustments to your photography business as needed; your shooting, posing, and editing styles will evolve, and so will the photography business and brand decisions you make.

The real cost of starting your photography business involves money—and time!

There’s obviously a financial investment in launching a photography business. The exact amount depends upon what equipment and materials you already own.

Don’t underestimate how much time you’ll pour into this effort.

Does it surprise you to learn that running a successful photography business is usually 90 percent business and 10 percent actual photography?!

There will be office tasks related to your biz that you’ll enjoy and some that aren’t quite as fun (like preparing your taxes!). You’ll pick up a lot of skills along the way, in addition to making lovely photos! This will be a marathon, not a sprint, so dedicate yourself to learning along the way.

Nicole Nero Studio

Gear doesn’t make pretty pictures—you do!

Here’s a little secret: The lovely photographs that you see in magazines and on Instagram are not purely the result of an expensive camera or a top-of-the-line lens.

Those are simply tools that contribute to the final result.

The “secret sauce” behind beautiful images is all of the hard work the professional photographer has poured into her art. It takes years to not only build a solid photography business, but also acquire the posing skills, technical knowledge and ability to put your client at ease during a session (and all of that is really just the tip of the iceberg to running a successful photo biz!).

Before you spend hundreds, or even thousands, on gear, make sure it’s fully worth the investment. Many professional photographers use a crop sensor body before upgrading to a full-frame camera. Your kit lens or the “nifty 50″ 50mm is perfectly acceptable while you’re figuring out what kind of photography you want to pursue.

Once you blow people away with the photos you make on entry-level gear, just think of the magic that will happen when you upgrade! When photography is relatively new, it’s tough to know which camera and lens is best for you and your style.

Empower your clients with gorgeous galleries.

Make it legal: the importance of contracts, model releases, and pandemic waivers..

Talking about making your photography business legal feels like a snore when you’d rather be taking pretty photos! Unfortunately, this is a critical part of life as a photography business owner—you cannot overlook or put off having solid contracts and model releases in place. There are so many advantages to doing this right now!

These legally binding documents serve to protect both you and your clients. A photography contract also helps manage client expectations, which is essential in good customer service.

Leila Brewster

Having a solid contract in place can prevent potentially challenging situations before they arise: what happens if your client wants to cancel their engagement session at the last minute? Do you specifically outline when this is acceptable? Do you retain the deposit if someone (gulp) cancels on you and goes with another wedding photographer?

When touchy things happen (and they will!), you’ll rest easy knowing you have a legal contract in place that backs up how you operate your photography business.

Without a signed contract, sticky situations with clients literally become a game of “he said/she said” with the possibility of your reputation and photography business taking a hit. Your photography business is going to feel like your baby, and you don’t want anything to happen to it that easily could have been prevented with a contract.

Now that we’re living in a world that is hyper-aware of pandemic possibilities, you’d be smart to have a specific waiver and release of liability in place. This waiver spells out exactly what your client can expect in terms of pandemic precautions and also insulates you from legal action down the line should anyone become ill after working with you immediately before, during, or after a photography session.

Getting Technical: What You Need to Get Started

So, what exactly do you need to start a photography business? The most basic items include:

• A good camera. Cost will be a big factor when choosing between a crop sensor or a full-frame body. Do your research so you can narrow down the models that will work best for you.
• Lenses. Will you use primes or zoom lenses to take pictures? Some like a mix of both, while others clearly prefer one kind over the other.
• Lighting. No matter which genre appeals to you, a pop-up flash isn’t going to cut it. Will your style require complicated lighting gear, or would a removable on-camera flash do the job?
• A camera bag. The function will likely take priority over style here because you want something that will help you comfortably manage the weight of your gear and keep everything inside safe.
• A computer that can accommodate photo editing software. Will you edit on the go where a laptop makes sense, or is a desktop better for you? You’ll also need a setup that will allow for a solid backup system so you never experience the heartbreak of losing a client’s edited photos!
• Photo editing software. Most use Adobe Lightroom or Photoshop, or even a mix of both. You’ll want to budget for an Adobe Creative Cloud membership or purchase a similar editing program.
• Studio management software. You’ll need a platform that can deliver contracts and accept payment at a minimum. Some programs can also help you manage your workflow through auto-scheduled email and invoice templates.
• Photo gallery delivery service. ShootProof is a fantastic option even for beginner professional photographers, with a free plan for up to 100 photos, along with paid options to fit any budget.

Invest in Education First

Everything you need to know about how to start a photography business is available online. Hands down, investing in business education is the best advice for new photographers who want to become entrepreneurs.

Mastering the business side of your photography business is critical to your future success. Online and in-person courses help you learn about marketing, accounting, managing social media, blogging, advertising, and more.

And if you’re looking for a real-life learning experience, you can always attend a live retreat or find a pro you admire who offers one-on-one mentoring.

Set a solid foundation for yourself by understanding general photography business best practices, and you’ll likely thrive much sooner than if you don’t.

How to Start a Photography Business Legally

Depending on where you live, there might be some additional requirements in order to establish your business legally, but, in short, you’ll want to check the following boxes:

• Decide on a name and ensure it’s not already in use or trademarked elsewhere.
• Choose between sole proprietorship or an LLC to protect your photography business and personal assets.
• Establish your Employer Identification Number (EIN) through the IRS, which will identify your photography business. Depending on where you live, you might also need a State Tax ID number.
• Set up your photography business finances by opening up applicable accounts with your bank.
• Register to pay state sales tax.
• Determine if you need any special licenses or permits to operate in your area. The Small Business Administration website will help if you live in the U.S.
• Price insurance options for your photography business and go with what makes the most sense for your situation.
• Purchase contracts, model releases and any applicable waivers

While establishing yourself legally may feel like a lot of work, these steps are essential for the future of your biz!

You Need Structure to Function

When you’re in the planning phase of being your own boss, much of it sounds like a dream: you don’t answer to anyone, and you’re free to set your own schedule.

The truth is, any photographer must think about their photography as a business—not a hobby.

It takes structure and discipline when you’re starting your photography business. You’ll likely find that, particularly in the first few years, you’ll hustle harder and longer for yourself than if you were employed by someone else.

Give your photography business the respect it deserves by setting a proper schedule for yourself. Many photographers don’t have traditional nine-to-five schedules because we often serve clients in the evenings or on weekends.

No matter what your day-to-day looks like, set a routine for yourself. A photographer can’t pay the bills if they spend all day on the couch watching Netflix!

3 Costly Mistakes Most New Photographers Make

Let’s cover a few mistakes that you’ll want to avoid.

Mistake #1: They fail to set and anchor prices.

Deciding what to charge is a challenge when you’re starting out. You want to set a price that is worthy of your time and effort, keeping in mind what’s reasonable for your area. Just because you haven’t been in business long doesn’t mean you should charge a super low rate.

Practically speaking, you want to evaluate the other professionals in your area and note the average price for a specific service. What’s the high end for your genre and specific type of session? What is the low end? How long have they been in business? Are they specialists or generalists?

You’ll want to consider your confidence level; are you comfortable with posing people and reacting on the fly when clients request a specific kind of photo? Do unpredictable lighting situations throw you off easily?

Carefully consider your answers to these questions in order to set and anchor your prices. It’s perfectly ok to adjust what you charge as you go; as your popularity grows, you’ll be able to raise your prices as clients fall in love with you and your talent!

The last thing you want to do is pull a number out of the air and charge that because it sounds good or it’s what another person in your town is charging. Back up your session fee by justifying the cost of running a photography business. Take into consideration your overhead, cost of goods, cost of time and labor, and desired profit. All of these factors can help you arrive at a reasonable price for your photography services.

Don’t forget: you can also bring in money by offering products like prints, albums, canvases, and photo gifts. Research professional photo labs and find one or two whose work you stand by; after all, these are the keepsakes that will display your work in clients’ homes! Review what those labs charge for the products you want to offer and figure out what you need to add to that amount to make a profit.

Mistake #2: They don’t embrace content marketing.

If you’re in this for the long haul with your photography business, it’s not enough to simply post photos to a social media account or two. Instead, you’ll need a website where people can learn more about you and your work. Most importantly, you need a blog.

A blog is a perfect way for a photographer to showcase beautiful photos and their expertise as an artist who makes photos. With experience, any photographer will find it simple to advise people on what to wear or suggest a variety of locations for the perfect session. Draw potential clients to your website by establishing yourself as an expert photographer in your genre or specialty through your blog.

The goal is to generate interest in what you offer as a photographer—beautiful photography—without explicitly promoting yourself over and over.

In other words, blog content should feature your photography expertise without you being your own obnoxious cheerleader. Content marketing isn’t about bragging on yourself—let your art do the talking there; instead, demonstrate expertise as a photographer on a variety of subjects related to your genre.

While regular blogging can be a significant time investment, it’s well worth it. Google tends to rank frequently updated websites higher, which puts your name and contact information in front of more potential clients!

Content marketing is also important for photographers because so much of what’s on our websites is visual. The problem is, Google needs words to more fully understand what your website is all about so that it can return the best search results for a particular query. As you publish blog posts, search engines will learn when your website should be included in results for certain keywords.

The more wonderfully written, engaging, valuable content you produce, the better your chance of ranking on page one for your keywords!

Mistake #3: They use the “free shoot” incorrectly.

When you’re just starting, offering sessions at no cost to kickstart your portfolio makes sense.

But free sessions shouldn’t make you wish you had never picked up a camera in the first place. Unfortunately, this is a situation far too many find themselves in because they don’t set proper boundaries regarding no-cost sessions.

Remembering that your time and talent are valuable is crucial when you’re not charging for a session so that you don’t feel taken advantage of. You can easily build a portfolio by offering free sessions without the headache of making use of smart boundaries.

Here’s how this could look:

• The session is free, with a reasonable fee for prints, digital images, or other products.
• The session and a certain number of images are at no cost, but the digitals are sized for posting online only and watermarked. Prints are extra!
• No-cost sessions are reserved only for people with social media accounts; part of the contract requires them to tag your business in any images they post.
• The photo opportunity is limited to immediate family only and is only 30 minutes in length.
• There are no reschedules allowed, so clients can’t cancel at the last minute without losing out on the opportunity.

Without exception, you should have everyone sign a model release giving you permission to use the images for your business.

Also, keep in mind that it’s not just brand new photographers who occasionally offer no-cost sessions; established pros occasionally do too, when they’re experimenting with a different location, lens, camera body or technique.

There are sensible, valuable ways for you to benefit from free sessions as long as you are purposeful in setting guidelines for the people you serve.

The 6 Stages of Starting and Growing Your Photography Business

Here’s your roadmap.

Think of the following six stages as your photography business roadmap. Launching any kind of business is going to look different for every budding entrepreneur, but you’ll want to check the majority of these boxes. It’s important to lay a solid foundation for yourself at the beginning, even though it’s tempting to throw yourself into photography and skip all the initial hard work!

Stage #1: Just Starting Out

You’ve probably heard it said that the best job is one that doesn’t feel like work—and that couldn’t be more true! Settling on a genre of photography that excites you is super important because growing your business is full of ups and downs. If you love what you do, you’ll keep moving forward, even during hard seasons.

It’s also important to know what you don’t like; sometimes, you only learn that through trial and error. Maybe shooting wedding photography sounds like the perfect fit for you, but you’d be wise to second or third-shoot one before you throw yourself into wedding photography and brand yourself as a professional wedding photographer!

When you start, it’s the perfect time to figure out where you want to focus—literally. Try out lots of genres, experiment with different lighting situations, and play around with a variety of editing styles.

Stage #2: Photography Side Hustle

As artists, many of us would be content to take beautiful photos without ever making a dime—but that doesn’t pay the bills! Before your business can fully support you financially, you might have to consider different ways to make money with your photo skills.

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Taking pictures for clients.

This is the most obvious option! Keep in mind there are seasons when particular genres of photography are more sought after. For example, many parents look for family photographers around the holidays and in the spring. Senior photography sessions are scheduled during the fall and early spring; July, August, and December are the most popular months to get engaged.

Keep your eye on the calendar when experimenting with an unfamiliar genre for an idea of who might be looking for your skills!

Teaching Photography

Even if you’re new to professional photography, there are still valuable things you can teach in person or online! Some people learn better in person, so consider mentoring someone else who isn’t as comfortable with their camera. Or, if you’ve developed a few signature Lightroom presets, consider teaching a webinar about your editing techniques.

Selling Your Photos

You may not have clients vying for spots on your calendar just yet, but the images on your hard drive could be more than you think! Think about all of the companies that utilize high-quality photography for business purposes, from large corporations to mom-and-pop shops.

You can sell photos on your own website, which puts you in complete control of pricing and how the images are used. Or, you can partner with sites like Adobe Stock and Shutterstock to make money with your photos!

Stage #3: Starting Your Photo Biz!

You’ve done quite a lot to get to this point, on top of mastering your camera and lenses! Now, it’s time to draft a simple business plan to keep you on track. Don’t get overwhelmed with this step; your business plan can be as simple as the following:

• Business name. Consider a name that’s easy to say and spell!
• Your audience. Who are you going to photograph? What kind of person is your ideal client?
• Services and prices. Will you be a generalist who photographs everything or a specialist in a certain niche? Do you want to work with many clients per month or just a few?
• Your goals. Whether financial, technical or personal, set a benchmark for yourself so you can assess your progress along the way.
• Time commitment. If you have a regular nine-to-five job or you’re juggling children at home, set a reasonable goal. As your business grows, you’ll naturally do more—you don’t have to tackle it all at the beginning!
• Financial resources and costs. You need to know where the money will come from to fund your business until it’s making money.

A business plan is helpful in decision-making as you grow. Whether you’re developing your marketing plan or dreaming up mini-session ideas, every action you take should circle back to your business plan. You can adjust this business plan as you grow, but those changes should be made carefully to maintain consistency in your business and brand.

How to Pick the Right Equipment

If you’re overwhelmed with the thought of selecting the right camera and lenses, take a deep breath. Yes, almost endless options are available—and that’s a good thing! No matter what kind of photography you love, there is a camera out there for you!

Here’s an overview of important camera features:

Perhaps your biggest decision is between a DSLR vs. a mirrorless camera. DSLRs have been around much longer. They use a mirror inside the body to reflect light through the lens and into your viewfinder. Light passes through the lens and onto the image sensor with a mirrorless camera, just like on your iPhone.

Which option is better? Both allow you to change lenses, although there are more options for DSLR bodies. The DSLR body is bigger and heavier, which might affect your decision. Ultimately, this is a personal decision. You can always rent a few camera bodies to find the one you like the most.

A megapixel is one million pixels; this is important because camera resolution is typically measured in megapixels. Simply put, more megapixels give you more detail in photos, but it also equals bigger files.

There are a variety of opinions out there about whether more megapixels equals better photos. It’s pretty safe to assume cameras manufactured in the last couple of years should deliver beautiful photos full of detail as you’re just starting a photography business. You can always upgrade later.

Aperture measures the size of a lens opening. Think about the aperture of a lens like the pupil in your eye. Your pupil enlarges to let in more light, just as you can increase the aperture of a lens to access more light. As you let in more light, the aperture setting decreases. You might also see aperture referred to as the f-stop.

Aperture also controls the depth of field, or zone of sharpness, in an image. When you see a photo with a creamy, blurry background, the photographer used a low aperture number to draw attention to a narrow area. A wide open aperture like 1.4 would give you a very narrow depth of field, meaning only a tiny area is perfectly in focus. Conversely, an aperture of 5.6 would yield a much larger area of focus.

Get clients. Get paid. Get happy.

Shutter speed refers to the length of time the shutter is open. It’s measured in seconds or fractions of a second. A shutter speed of 1/50 is closing at a slow rate, while 1/2000 is closing very quickly. You’d use a fast shutter speed in sports photography to capture the action. A long shutter speed helps show motion, such as photographing speeding cars on a race track.

Some cameras offer in-body image stabilization , which helps ensure a crisp image when you might not have enough light to allow for a fast shutter speed. This feature might come in handy at sunrise, sunset or if you’re photographing indoors in a dim room. With image stabilization enabled, you won’t have to worry about hand shaking affecting your images in low light.

Another hotly debated topic is between prime (fixed focal length) vs. zoom lenses . Some people clearly prefer one over the other; others use both and select their favorite based on the situation or preferred creative direction.

Prime lenses, like a 50mm, have a focal length that cannot be adjusted. You’d “zoom with your feet” using a prime lens, meaning you have to physically move closer to or further away from your subject to adjust what’s in the frame. These lenses often have a wider maximum aperture, which means you can let more light in with a prime lens. That can come in handy if you don’t have access to a lot of light.

The advantage of a zoom lens, like the 24-70mm, is that you don’t have to swap out lenses for an entirely different focal length. Want an up close and a wide shot of your subject? Instead of physically moving yourself, you’d simply adjust the zoom ring. The disadvantage to zoom lenses is cost; they’re often significantly more expensive than primes.

When you’re ready to select your first lens, consider renting a few different zoom and prime lenses before purchasing. This is a budget-friendly way to determine which option works best for you; not only will you get a feel for both kinds of lenses, but you can even narrow down your favorite of both options! Many new photographers fall in love with the “nifty 50″ 50mm when they’re starting a photography business because it’s relatively inexpensive, useful in various situations, and produces lovely images.

Time to cover your business basics!

Let’s cover some basics of how to start your photography business.

Ensure your domain name is available and lock in your business name social media accounts.

This is where brand consistency is especially critical: whatever name you choose should be the same everywhere. For instance, I’ve locked in kristalbeanphotography.com as my domain name; this exact same phrasing carries over to my social media, marketing and advertising materials, business cards, etc. You don’t want to cause confusion by using variations of your small business name in different places!

Claim your Google My Business profile.

Google is the most-used search engine on the planet and they’ll give you a totally free way to get more eyes on your biz by claiming your GMB listing! This is a quick and simple way to share important details about the services you offer, collect reviews, show off photos, and answer FAQs. There is an option to keep your home address invisible if you don’t have a studio, so there’s no reason not to take advantage of this!

Save yourself time by creating templates for everything!

This could include emails, contracts, invoices, quotes, what-to-wear guides, and session timelines. Go the extra mile by setting up email auto-responders for session inquiries; you can BCC yourself as a reminder to follow up with the new lead!

Stage #4: Committing to the Success of Your Photo Biz

It’s time to tell the world about your photography business by building your website and portfolio. You can use a platform like WordPress and purchase a good theme that makes it a snap to get your beautiful website up and going.

Make sure your website navigation is simple and intuitive; prospective clients should know what you offer and how to get in touch with you without having to click around too much.

Select only the very best images for your portfolio. This can be challenging as we pour our hearts into our art and often have an emotional connection to our favorite images. Ask someone you trust to help you narrow down your portfolio, and refresh it often so that your best photos are always on display.

Ready, Set, Start Marketing!

Getting your website and portfolio up is only part of the battle; now, you must start sharing your passion for photography with the world!

Use the social media accounts you created to spread the word about your photography business. Try interacting with other businesses that serve the same types of clients you do and making meaningful connections with them! Also, get active with other new businesses in your community. Be genuine and not self-serving; you want to make valuable connections so that your contacts will feel good about referring people to you.

Join groups for photographers and other related audiences. Don’t be afraid to participate in conversations and share your insight. You don’t have to be a pro with 20 years under your belt to give good advice and join in the conversation! Continue building your portfolio. Show off your latest photos, and don’t shy away from constructive criticism.

Ask for referrals! This isn’t the time to be shy or feel afraid to ask others to tell people about how amazing you are. Whether you’ve offered free or discounted sessions, email those clients and ask them to share your name and website with anyone searching for a photographer.

Under-promise and over-deliver. Delight your clients in big and small ways: promise to deliver their images in two weeks, but get them edited and sent in one. Bring stickers or other parent-approved items to family sessions as rewards for kids. Send your client a handwritten thank you note after the session and include your favorite 4×6 print. These actions will have people buzzing about how thoughtful you are, which will bring in more business!

Collaborate with other small businesses. You can offer to spotlight a local venue on your blog and interview the owner via email for ready-to-publish content for your blog. Or, team up with other local entrepreneurs to offer a big giveaway for an upcoming holiday.

Look for opportunities in your daily life to boost your biz! You can position yourself as the go-to pro on your block or in your apartment complex just by telling people what you do. Keep business cards in your wallet for those occasions when you run into someone who is looking for photo services.

Ask for the sale. It’s not the time to suffer from a lack of self-confidence. You’re the best person to brag about your business! When you have someone interested in scheduling with you, be bold and ask them if they’d like to book.

Stage #5: Lead Your Team and Scale Your Biz to Hit the Big Time!

When your business has exploded, and you’re doing well enough to bring on associate photographers or other pros to help you connect with more people, take your leadership role seriously. Ensure your brand is consistent and that clients have an incredible experience every time with each person on your team.

Things I Wish I’d Known Before I Got Started

• Learn to shoot in manual mode immediately. This allows you to take complete creative control of your images for better photography. Shooting manually means you can fully harness the power of your camera and lenses.
• Remember, you’re not “just a photographer.” As a small business owner, you’ll wear so many hats: marketing, blogging, webmaster, accounting, customer relations, advertising, editor, album designer… and more! It will take time to develop talent in all these areas—and remember you can always hire others to help.
• Be patient! It’s rare to be an overnight success. You might feel envious of the successful photographers in your area whose calendars are consistently booked with clients. Just keep in mind that person was once in your shoes! There’s a good chance the pros near you who are doing well have been working incredibly hard for years to get to that point. You’ll get there, too!
• People skills are the most important skills. You might have amazing technical skills with your camera, but if you can’t set clients at ease during a session or communicate with an upset client with understanding and grace, your business won’t last.
• Branding is important. Stationary is not. In other words, don’t waste your money on things you won’t use. Letterhead and fancy envelopes are likely at the top of this list, at least at first! Business cards are usually a wise investment, though, for those times when you meet potential clients while you’re out and about.
• Get outside inspiration. You should absolutely look outside your genre—or even photography altogether—for a boost of creativity. It’s also a good idea to have interests beyond photography. After all, there’s more to you than what you do!
• Your email list is crazy valuable. New photographers’ biggest mistake is pouring all their time into social media to connect with people. If Facebook or Instagram disappear tomorrow and that’s the only way you interact with followers, how would you find them again? Start building an email list and consider sending out a regular newsletter. This keeps you top-of-mind with people who expressed interest in you without relying on an outside platform.
• Create off-season income. No matter what you photograph, you’re probably going to run into slower months in the beginning. That’s when you pick up sessions you don’t normally offer or sell your images as stock photography to bring in extra cash.
• Don’t box yourself in. Take risks and be daring; street photography might not sound like something you’d enjoy, but why not give it a try? You may find that you love it!
• Think BIG! Running your business can feel amazing and overwhelming all at the same time. Don’t let fear or insecurity keep you from achieving your photo biz dreams! There’s no reason why you can’t be the most sought-after pro in your area or have your photos hanging on museum walls.

Some Final Inspiration and Guidance

All of the professional photographers you admire once stood in your shoes, thinking about what success could look like for them. Now that you’ve got a clear set of directions to follow, get started making your photo business dreams come true!

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Written by KRISTAL BEAN | Photographs by ANDREA GALLUCCI , LEILA BREWSTER , and NICOLE NERO STUDIO

Kristal Bean is a maternity and newborn photographer based in The Woodlands, Texas. Her passion is helping women celebrate the beauty of motherhood with a luxury photography experience. Kristal is married with three young daughters and one goofy golden retriever.

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How to create a photo essay

• Author Picfair
• Level Intermediate
• Reading Time 8 minutes

Cover images by James Gourley

Create a meaningful set of images by producing a photo essay or story

A photographic essay is a deeper and more meaningful way to use your photography than a single image tends to be. Typically associated with documentary and news-gathering, a photo essay doesn’t necessarily have to follow those genres, but can be used as a way to tell a longer or more in-depth story about all manner of subjects. Creating a photo essay however is about more than just taking a set of images and presenting them as one package. They require more forethought, planning and editing than many other forms of photography, but the results are often more rewarding, too. Follow our guide below if it’s something you’d like to consider putting together. ‍ ‍

1 Find a story

The first thing you will need to do is to figure out what you want to do your photo essay on.

"Inspiration can come from anywhere, but a good starting to place is to look at news sources to see if something catches your eye."

Inspiration can come from anywhere, but a good starting to place is to look at news sources to see if something catches your eye. If you’re not sure where to begin, you could start by looking at what’s going on in your local area - if nothing else, it’ll make the practicalities easier. Start jotting down ideas that you can explore and figure out exactly why you want to do it. Try to be as active as you can in discovering what’s going on in the world and eventually something will keep your attention for long enough that it will seem like the right idea.

‍ 2 Do your research

‍ Next, try and find out as much as you can about whatever it is you want to create your photo story on.

"If you find that others have done photo essays on the same or similar subject, then that’s something you should be aware of."

Importantly, you’ll need to see what else already exists out there - if anything - on your story. If you find that others have done photo essays on the same or similar subject, then that’s something you should be aware of. That’s not to say that you can’t also do one, but it pays to be prepared so that you can perhaps approach it in a different way. You’ll also need to do some research into the practicalities that will be required to help you along the way. You’ll need to look into people you should be contacting, how you will get to the destination (if it’s not local), any requirements you need for visiting the location, any restrictions on what you can and cannot shoot and so on. Doing as much research ahead of time as possible will make the project run smoothly when it comes to actually shooting it. ‍

3 Make a structured plan  

Once your research is complete, it’s time to make a detailed and structured plan about how you’re going to go about shooting your photo essay. It doesn’t have to be completely rigid so as to disallow flexibility, but sorting out shoot times, shoot dates, shoot locations will give you something to work with, even if things eventually go off plan. Some photo essays can be shot in an afternoon, others might take several months or even years to complete. Having an idea of how long you want to spend on a particular project can help focus your mind and give you an end date for when you might want to publish the essay. It’s also useful to tell subjects and those involved with the shoot a rough timeline of events. You might find it helpful to organise everything together in one easily accessible place - such as online calendars and spreadsheets, so you can quickly refer to anything you need to.

4 Tell a story

Your photo essay needs to be more than just a set of images on a similar theme.

"...including some introductory or contextualising shots before you get into the heart of the subject matter is a good approach."

Think of it exactly like a story, which usually requires a beginning, a middle and an end. That’s a very simplistic way of putting it, but photographically, including some introductory or contextualising shots before you get into the heart of the subject matter is a good approach. There might not necessarily be a neat “resolution” to whatever story you’re trying to tell, and it might not always be a happy ending, but having that at least in your mind as you go along can help to create a neatly-packaged story that has a definite and well-constructed narrative.

5 Stick with a cohesive style

Exactly how you’re going to shoot your photo essay is entirely up to you, but in order for your story to have a cohesive look, it’s usually best if you stick to the same style throughout.

"With a photo essay, you want the images to hang extremely well together as a set, so keeping things consistent will help you do that..."

That could be as simple as not mixing black and white and colour, always using a particular lens, always shooting in a particular way, or even applying the same post-processing techniques to the finished shots. With a photo essay, you want the images to hang extremely well together as a set, so keeping things consistent will help you do that - that is, unless you’re actively trying to use disparate styles as an artistic or storytelling technique. ‍

5 Create a strong edit

The chances are that in the process of creating your photo essay, you will have shot dozens, if not hundreds of images.

"It can help to step away from your essay for at least a few days if you can to give yourself some distance and perspective - don’t be afraid to be brutal and keep your final selection down to only those that are the strongest or the best."

For the final edit of your photo story, you need to make sure that the images selected to appear are the strongest of the set, with each adding something unique to the finished story. Try to avoid “padding out” your story with too many fillers, even if you think they are strong images on their own. It’s a good idea to avoid too much repetition, and here again you should look to include images that create a strong story arc with a defined beginning, middle and end. It can help to step away from your essay for at least a few days if you can to give yourself some distance and perspective - don’t be afraid to be brutal and keep your final selection down to only those that are the strongest or the best. There’s no defined number for how many images should be included in a final story, but as a general rule, you’ll probably want it to be under 20 for the most impact.  ‍

6 Ask for input

It’s very easy to get so close to your subject and your images that you become blind to any flaws in them, or the structure of your story. Asking for advice and input from somebody you trust can help to tighten up your story even further.

"Asking for advice and input from somebody you trust can help to tighten up your story even further."

In certain situations, it can be helpful to ask the subject of the photographs themselves what they think, to make it more of a collaborative process - but you should be able to determine whether that’s appropriate on a case-by-case basis. If you have any contacts who are photographers, editors or publishers, asking them to cast an eye over your finished story is a good idea, too. ‍

7 Add some text  

It can be a good idea to add some text or individual captions for a photo essay, to give some background information and context to whatever is shown in the pictures. If you’re not a writer, try to keep it as basic as possible - including things such as names, locations and dates. A short introduction to the piece to give some background information is useful, too. Ask somebody you trust to check it over for sense, clarity and mistakes.

8 Get the story seen

Once your story is complete and you’re happy with it, the next stage is to get it seen - also known as, the hard part.

"Once your story is complete and you’re happy with it, the next stage is to get it seen - also known as, the hard part."

A sensible first step is to create an album on your Picfair store which is dedicated to your photo essay. That way, anybody who is looking for that particular piece won’t have to wade through all of your other work to find it. ‍ You can then start sending out information about the work to editors and publishers, including a link to the album on your Picfair page as an easy way for them to look at it.

Editor's tip: ‍ If you're not sure where to begin with pitching to publishers, be sure to check our how to pitch guide .

Expertly crafted guides and tutorials brought to you directly from the Team Picfair.

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5 Tips for Creating a Photo Essay with a Purpose

A Post By: Lynsey Mattingly

As a photographer, you are a storyteller. The nouns are your subject matter; the verbs are the color and contrast that keep the story moving. A cast of characters all working together to get your point across. Instead of proper grammar, you ensure proper exposure. Instead of spelling errors, you watch for tack-sharp focus. For those times when the story is especially important and meaningful, or for when one image doesn’t say it all, there is the photographic essay. With blogging and social media, photo essays are more popular than ever: humorous or emotionally relevant, sparking debate or encouraging compassion, each with a story to tell.

I’ve mentioned before  that taking on a photo project is one of my favorite ways to reignite my love for photography, but beyond that, it’s a great way to get your message across and have your work seen by a larger group. A photo essay is intriguing; it’s something to talk about after people hear that you’re a photographer and want to know about the glitz and glamour of it all. It’s the perfect thing to tell them after you’re done going on and on about all of the red carpets, the celebrities, the fame, and the fortune. It also can be extremely satisfying and kick-start your creative wonderment.

By definition, a photographic essay is a set or series of photographs intended to tell a story or evoke emotions. It can be only images, images with captions, or images with full text. In short, it can be almost anything you want it to be. Which is where I struggle most–when the options are limitless. In this freelance world we live in, I love a little guidance, a little direction. Ideally, someone to tell me exactly what they want and promise to be thrilled with whatever I produce, for my fragile artist ego can’t take any less. While I continue my quest for that, I offer you these 5 tips for creating your own, completely without bounds, photographic essay:

1) Let it evolve on its own

Each time I’ve had a very specific concept in mind before I started shooting, it’s never been the end result. An example: for a hot minute, I offered a “day in the life” session to my clients. I was photographing so many of the same clients year after year that I wanted to be able to offer them a different spin on the portrait sessions I was doing for them. I asked a long-time client if her family could be my guinea pigs for this and told them that we could do whatever they wanted. We went out for ice cream, had a mini dance party in their living room, and I photographed a tooth that had been lost that very morning. Then, very last, I photographed the two young daughters with notes they had written, which to be honest, I’m not even sure how they had come about. I rushed home after the session and edited those last note pictures first just because they were so different from what I usually shoot, and posted them on my personal Facebook page the heading Notes Girls Write .

Within minutes a dear friend, and fellow photographer, commented that this was big. Bigger than just the two pictures. She and I would spend the next year working on a photo essay that became a blog, that in turn became a book entitled Notes Girls Write . We photographed hundreds of women of all ages with their notes, each one later expressing having their portrait taken with their own words was an extremely powerful moment for them. Beyond my beautiful children, the fact that I can make a bed with hospital corners like no one’s business, and the award I won in the 4th grade for “Most Patient”, Notes Girls Write is one of my proudest accomplishments. It evolved on its own, starting from a few similar photographs that struck a cord in viewers and becoming a large and powerful project, one of the biggest markers in my career so far.

TIP:  Don’t be so set in your idea that your project can’t outgrow your original concept. Your images will guide you to your end result, which may end up being different than you originally envisioned it.

2) If you think there’s something there, there’s likely something there

For the last year I have been a “foster mom” with a dog rescue group. Volunteers transport dogs that would otherwise be put down from overpopulated shelters, or seized from terrible situations, to my area, where dog adoption rates are much higher. These dogs live in foster homes while they receive medical care and basic training so that they can be adopted out to loving homes. It’s incredibly rewarding. Especially when I had hardwood floors.

I knew from the first time I met the transport van I wanted to document what it looked like: a van full of dogs that just narrowly escaped death arriving to temporary homes where they will experience a level of love and care which they’ve likely never known. I tear-up every time I see it. I am also put to work every time I am there, so taking photos while holding onto a 100 pound German Shepard is tough. It’s going to take me several trips to have enough images to do anything with, but that’s fine. I have no idea what I will be doing with these photos. I know they will find a home somewhere: maybe with the rescue group to raise awareness, or to help bring in volunteers, or maybe they will do nothing more than document my own story with volunteering, or perhaps something more. I’m not sure yet, but the point is that I have the images, ready for their time, whenever that is.

TIP: If you think there is something to it, there likely is. Even if it’s just a personal passion project. Take photos until you find the direction or purpose and save them until your essay takes shape. You may not end up using all, or any of the images, but in continuing to take photographs, your project will be defined.

3) Shoot every single thing

I’m the “World’s Worst Over-Shooter”. Need one image? Let me take a hundred so we know we have it. Luckily for my bad habit, the photographic essay needs over shooting. Whether you know what your plan is, or have no idea want your end result will look like, the more coverage you have, the better. This is one of the few times I push my luck and ask my subjects to work for me until they never want to see me again (I only photograph people though, so if you are photographing mountains or something, you have the added advantage of not pushing people until they cry or yell). Don’t be shy. Shoot everything you know you don’t need, just in case you need it. Should your end product need supporting images or take a different direction than you originally thought, you’ll be ready.

Take advantage of digital (if that’s how you shoot) and fill a memory card. You may end up trashing everything, or you may not. I had no idea that my Notes Girls Write project would span for as long as it did, but because I didn’t turn down anyone who was interested in the very beginning I ended up with some shots that told complete stories and expanded on the original concept.

TIP:  Think big. If you are shooting an essay where mountains are your subject matter, see the mountain in pieces and photograph the surrounding trees, rocks, and whatever else. This will save you having to return to the beginning of the project for supporting shots, or having to reshoot if your essay takes a different turn than you planned.

4) Ask for help with image selection

I struggle with this one–I let my personal feelings get involved. Throughout our Notes Girls Write project I was constantly picking images based on my personal feelings–the subjects that I had connected with more, and the girls that I knew were most interested in the project. This is where it is so helpful to have someone else help. Someone who has no personal feelings towards the images and will help you pick based only on the strength of the image and not your own feelings. Even if people were not involved as subjects, you tend to have personal feelings toward images that the general public may not see the power behind.

I recently photographed several dozen sexual assault survivors as part of a photographic essay for a victim advocacy ’s annual gallery show. This event is meant to put faces on the survivors and raise awareness, and has been a large local event for years. I was thrilled to be selected to be the exclusive photographer, though this was one of the hardest projects I’ve ever taken on. The photo sessions themselves, whether five minutes or 30, were extremely emotional for the survivors and in the time I spent with them, I often learned a lot about their journey and experience. This made it difficult for me to pick which final images would be used for the show, based only on the power of the image and not my personal feelings. In the end several select friends helped me narrow each survivor’s images down, and the subjects themselves selected which would be the final image used, as ultimately this is their story.

TIP: All creative work is personal, and looking at photographs we take ourselves is incredibly hard to do with clear eyes. We see the mistakes, the personal feelings, the shot that could have been better. It’s impossible to always set these aside so when working on a project that is incredibly important to you, or large in scale. Have others help you decide what images to use for your final pieces. Bring in people who are interested in photography and people that aren’t. People that know about your subject matter and people that don’t understand it at all. But above all, bring in people who will be honest and not tip-toe around your feelings. Lastly, also bring a thick skin.

5) Tell your story, in fact shout it from the rooftops if you can

Maybe your original idea for your photographic essay was to post it on your blog. Awesome, nothing wrong with that, but are you sure it can’t be more? Shop it around, who can it help? Does this benefit a group, an organization, or a person? Could it inspire people? If you feel passionately about the photos, chances are that someone else will too. Your photographic eye doesn’t stop when your shooting is done. If you felt compelled to take the time to create a photographic essay, there are likely “readers” for your story.

TIP: This isn’t the time to be humble. Taking on a photo essay is a large endeavour. While there’s nothing wrong with having it be something you only did for your own personal growth, showing it around can be helpful both in experience and longterm benefit. Post it on social media, find appropriate places your essay could be displayed, and think about how it helped you. Every single photo essay I have done has led to an outstanding connection, or more work, and there is nothing wrong with getting those things along with the personal gain of accomplishing something you’re proud of.

The ideas are truly for a photographic essay are limitless. Truly.

Want a few more ideas for projects, try these?

• Using a Photography Project to Spark your Creativity
• Photography projects that make you feel alive
• Jumpstart Your Photography – Start a 365 Project
• 8 Photo Projects in Your Own Backyard

Have you ever done a photographic essay? What is your experience? Share with in the comments if you have, or have considered it. If you haven’t, what are you waiting for?

Read more from our Tips & Tutorials category

photographs families, kids, couples, and other groups of people who, for whatever reason, kind of like each other. Her portrait work has been featured in People Magazine, Us Weekly, BBC Magazine, and on national TV including CNN, Oprah, and Ellen, but most importantly, in the personal galleries of clients across the country. Her photography can be viewed at www.lynseymattingly.com or on Facebook .

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17 Awesome Photo Essay Examples You Should Try Yourself

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If you’re looking for a photo essay example (or 17!), you’ve come to the right place. But what is the purpose of a photo essay? A photo essay is intended to tell a story or evoke emotion from the viewers through a series of photographs. They allow you to be creative and fully explore an idea. But how do you make one yourself? Here’s a list of photo essay examples. Choose one that you can easily do based on your photographic level and equipment.

Top 17 Photo Essay Examples

Here are some fantastic ideas to get you inspired to create your own photo essays!

17. Photograph a Protest

16. Transformation Photo Essays

15. Photograph the Same Place

14. Create a Photowalk

13. Follow the Change

12. Photograph a Local Event

11. Photograph an Abandoned Building

10. Behind the Scenes of a Photo Shoot

9. Capture Street Fashion

8. Landmark Photo Essay

7. Fathers & Children

6. A Day In the Life

5. Education Photo Essay

4. Fictitious Meals

3. Photograph Coffee Shops Using Cafenol

2. Photograph the Photographers

1. Capture the Neighbors

Photo essays tell stories. And there are plenty of amazingly interesting stories to tell! Photographing photo essays is a great way to practice your photography skills while having fun. You might even learn something! These photo essay examples are here to provide you with the inspiration to go out and tell your own stories through photos!

Popular Content

Winners of the 2024 Natural Landscape Photography Awards

• Alan Taylor

The winning images from the fourth annual Natural Landscape Photography Awards were just announced. The competition was started to “promote the very best landscape photography by digital and film photographers who value realism and authenticity in their work,” with rules set up to prevent deceptive editing techniques. A total of 1,134 photographers entered from 59 countries this year, in categories named “Grand Scenic,” “Intimate Landscapes,” and “Abstract & Details.” Contest organizers were once more kind enough to share their winners and runners-up.

To receive an email notification every time new photo stories are published, sign up here .

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Mountains, Runner-Up. A Patch of Sunlight on Beinn Eighe in Late Autumn . "After a few days of the peaks of Beinn Eighe being hidden, the clouds finally lifted to reveal a light dusting of early snow. The weather was stormy, but occasional breaks in the cloud illuminated tiny patches of the autumnal grasses on the flanks of the mountain." #

Black and White, Third Place. Centre Stage . "The Northern Tasmanian forest is enveloped by the gentle mist of autumn, illuminated by the rising sun. As the leaves on a solitary tree are touched by sunlight, they release water droplets that merge with the surrounding mist, creating a stage for the tree to shine." #

Project, Highly Commended. Space, Stillness, Silence . "During a troubling time for myself and the world, I retreated to the desert backcountry not too far from my home for solace. Through photography, I tried my best to convey the space, stillness, and silence that I found to be so liberating and nourishing." #

Common Places, Winner. Morning Glory . "I was intrigued by the beautiful symmetry of the tree plantation and accordingly, spent a few days exploring what the area might yield photographically. On my final return, I was greeted that morning by a scene bathed in backlit fog simplifying the composition further while providing for a stark silhouette against a muted gradation of light as a backdrop." Taken near Haridwar, India. #

Nightscape, Third Place. Fairy Tale World . "The Tadami Line, which runs through the town of Mishima in Fukushima Prefecture, Japan, is a beautiful place surrounded by nature. The train running slowly through the snow looks like something out of a fairy tale." #

Photographer of the Year, Runner-Up. Glowing embers on burned tree trunks illuminate this image selected from Richter's portfolio. #

Aerial, Winner. An aerial image of Mount Aspiring, in New Zealand, seen as the sun set and the full moon rose. #

Abstract or Details, Highly Commended. Dancing Light . "Waterton Lakes National Park in Alberta, Canada is a place that is very well known for its natural beauty. Light dances on the water surface of a small stream covering brightly colored stones. The vibrant stones, the light and the lovely flow of the stream all combined to make this image unique." #

Abstract or Details, Third Place. Gate to Hell . "Erta Ale is an active volcano located in Ethiopia‘s Danakil desert. It's well know for its boiling lava lakes." #

Photographer of the Year, Winner. Winter Cottonwoods . "During the pandemic, I went out for a walk with my camera in a local park in Toronto, Canada during a fierce winter storm. I ran across this scene which seemed very chaotic with many interwoven trees. I loved how the snow, driven by the high winds, got embedded in the bark of the tree trunks. I took a few frames, trying to simplify the scene in front of me and settled on this one, loving the tones, the depth and the minimalism." #

Grand Scenic, Runner-Up. Into Battle . "This photograph was taken on the southeast coast of Iceland during a wild and unpredictable morning. I had originally planned to photograph Eystrahorn Mountain, but as I prepared my shot, my attention was drawn to the massive waves that began rolling towards the shore. The offshore winds added incredible energy to the scene, sending sea spray trailing off the tops of the waves, and the sun, positioned behind me, created small rainbows within the mist as the waves passed by. The sight was so dramatic and alive that it reminded me of an army marching into battle, hence the name 'Into Battle.'" #

Water Worlds, Runner-Up. Submerged flowers, photographed under floodwater, after a damaging flooding event in 2021, in the Gelderse Poort area, near Arnhem, Netherlands. #

Project, Runner-Up. Volcanic Eruptions & Landscapes . "Since the 2010s, I have climbed over 80 volcanoes. Since then, I have primarily photographed eruptions and beautiful landscapes. It’s always fascinating to stand on the edge of a crater and look into the erupting chasm. You can feel the true power of nature. Incredible hellish noise, eruption, incredible amounts of ash, flying lava bombs and the smell of sulfur—so much is happening at the same time and is so incredible." #

Intimate Landscapes, Highly Commended. Lonesome . "A little plant resisting the moving sand and growing lonely in this harsh environment in the Great Sand Dunes National Park in Colorado. " #

Environmental Runner-Up / Intimate Landscape Runner-Up. Fire and Ice . "An image of a fuel reduction fire on the island where I live. These are conducted every 3-5 years to reduce the amount of combustable material laying on the ground. The deeper this fuel layer becomes the higher the risk of a wild fire developing. This is something the National Parks working closely with the Butchella people (traditional owners) work very hard to avoid." #

Environmental Wildlife, Runner-Up. Guanaco Conference . "It was a bitterly cold morning near the Torres del Paine mountains in Chile, with frozen fog wreathing the mountains. I was all set up to take a landscape photo when a guanaco appeared over the crest of the closest hill. I waited, hoping that it would leave, but instead it was followed by several more, so I changed the image concept to wildlife in the environment." #

Intimate Landscapes, Winner. Exactly . "The wild and remote canyons of the American southwest present surprises around every bend. When I turned a corner and this scene came into view, I was awe-struck and humbled to witness sunlight focused by the canyon's walls so precisely that it lit only this lonely cottonwood tree." #

Photographer of the Year, Runner-Up. A stand of crooked trees endure a snowstorm in this image selected from Richter's portfolio. #

Nightscape Winner / Grand Scenic Highly Commended. Na Saighneáin . "I’m delighted to have been named the Nightscape category winner at the NLPA. I captured this scene on an unforgettable evening, watching the aurora dancing across the Antrim Glens. Being in nature brings me great joy, and I feel privileged to share that experience with others through my photography." #

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Columbia University in the City of New York

Miriam and ira d. wallach art gallery.

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Moscow: City, Spectacle, Capital of Photography

April 30–june 21, 2003.

Moscow: City, Spectacle, Capital of Photography , an exhibition of 20th-century photographs of Moscow, opens at Columbia University's Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Art Gallery on Wednesday, April 30, 2003 and remains on display through Saturday, June 21, 2003.

Moscow has been a powerful magnet for many Russian photographers of the 20th century. Moscow: City, Spectacle, Capital of Photography presents the work of 31 photographers, whose images have defined the visual experience of Moscow from the 1920s to the present. Diverse in form and strategy, the 90 photographs chosen for the exhibition trace the history of Russian documentary photography and offer insight into individual practices. From Aleksandr Rodchenko's constructivist visions and Evgenii Khaldei's humanist landscapes to Igor Moukhin's scenes of urban spectacle and alienation in the works of Russia's key 20th-century photographers, Moscow ventures beyond the expected image as a site of famous landmarks, architectural treasures and dramatic lifestyles.

Early 20th-century photographers Boris Ignatovich and Arkadii Shaikhet saw themselves in the vanguard of an emerging mass-media culture, defining with their cameras the visual experience of Soviet modernity. For nearly 70 years, Soviet photography was assigned the duty of maintaining the ideological rigidity of the Soviet State. Yet, as examples of the work of Iakov Khalip, Anatolii Egorov, Mikhail Savin, and Mark Markov-Grinberg show, Soviet photographic practices were much more complex than has been previously acknowledged. The works of these photographers remain intensely compelling to a modernist eye.

Contemporary Russian photographers, such as Lev Melikhov, Valerii Stigneev and Sergei Leontiev, engage with the legacy of the Soviet documentary photography. But for them the documentary is a complex and multivalent genre, which incorporates subjectivity, ambiguity and reflexivity and comments on social and cultural issues without losing sight of the position from which that commentary is made. In the recent photographs by Vladimir Kupriyanov, Igor Moukhin, Anna Gorunova and Pakito Infante, the "real" space of Moscow is replaced by an imaginary and optical spaces of virtuality.

The works in the exhibition are on loan from Moscow's Cultural Center Dom, and many are being shown outside Russia for the first time. In conjunction with the exhibition, the Wallach Art Gallery is publishing an illustrated catalogue with a scholarly essay by the exhibition curator, Nadia Michoustina, a Ph.D. candidate in Columbia University's Department of Slavic Languages. The essay presents a nuanced history of Russian photography of the 20th century, and contributes to an interpretation of extraordinary images.