Portrait Photography Tips - How to Start a Home Studio
If you want to make a part time job or career out of photography, it's easier that you might think. Portrait photography is in high demand in almost every city in the nation and it doesn't take much to build a working studio in your home. The best thing about starting in portraiture is that you can begin with the bare essentials and add equipment as your business grows. Here's how to take the first steps:
Set Up Your Photo Studio
There are a few things that you will need to get before attempting professional portrait photography. Obviously you will need a camera (preferably digital as it's easier for inexpensive photo editing) but you will also need a tripod, a basic light setup and some sort of light reflector. Most of this equipment is available at entry-level quality for a low cost, or can be improvised if you're short on cash (for instance, white poster board can work as a light reflector). It would also be helpful if you can get a laptop with some photo editing software as the portability of a laptop will come in handy.
Additionally, you'll need some working space. An extra room, living room or even garage can often fit everything you need. Windows can provide natural light, white walls can act as natural reflectors and different colors of bed sheets can act as backgrounds.
Setting Up the Business
If you're serious about making portrait photography into a business you'll need to treat it that way. Make sure you have small business software such as QuickBooks for your invoicing and payment tracking before you bring in your first client. It is absolutely critical that you track your income, both for eventual taxes and so that you can spot possible issues with your pricing structure.
It is also a good idea to have a business website with your online photo portfolio available for browsing. With so many people using the internet to find services, an online presence is important for growing a new business. You can build a simple site or hire the work out through a freelancing website such as Elance. Just make sure you have your contact information listed!
Lastly, think of ways you can make your portrait photography stand out from the rest and get noticed. If you really want a competitive edge, try focusing on a niche market. For example, some people are more willing to pay for pictures of their pets or children and often with specializing you have a little less competition.
Once you have the studio set up, the cash flow handled, and a strategy for the business, you should be ready to take the plunge into professional portrait photography. If you use effective word of mouth marketing and some other forms of advertising, there is no measuring the potential a small studio could have. And don't worry because if you provide excellent photographs to your clients, no one will ever remember you used bed sheets as backdrops!
Set Up Your Photo Studio
There are a few things that you will need to get before attempting professional portrait photography. Obviously you will need a camera (preferably digital as it's easier for inexpensive photo editing) but you will also need a tripod, a basic light setup and some sort of light reflector. Most of this equipment is available at entry-level quality for a low cost, or can be improvised if you're short on cash (for instance, white poster board can work as a light reflector). It would also be helpful if you can get a laptop with some photo editing software as the portability of a laptop will come in handy.
Additionally, you'll need some working space. An extra room, living room or even garage can often fit everything you need. Windows can provide natural light, white walls can act as natural reflectors and different colors of bed sheets can act as backgrounds.
Setting Up the Business
If you're serious about making portrait photography into a business you'll need to treat it that way. Make sure you have small business software such as QuickBooks for your invoicing and payment tracking before you bring in your first client. It is absolutely critical that you track your income, both for eventual taxes and so that you can spot possible issues with your pricing structure.
It is also a good idea to have a business website with your online photo portfolio available for browsing. With so many people using the internet to find services, an online presence is important for growing a new business. You can build a simple site or hire the work out through a freelancing website such as Elance. Just make sure you have your contact information listed!
Lastly, think of ways you can make your portrait photography stand out from the rest and get noticed. If you really want a competitive edge, try focusing on a niche market. For example, some people are more willing to pay for pictures of their pets or children and often with specializing you have a little less competition.
Once you have the studio set up, the cash flow handled, and a strategy for the business, you should be ready to take the plunge into professional portrait photography. If you use effective word of mouth marketing and some other forms of advertising, there is no measuring the potential a small studio could have. And don't worry because if you provide excellent photographs to your clients, no one will ever remember you used bed sheets as backdrops!
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