10 Things I Wish I'd Known Before Starting My Photography Business

Are you a parent looking to start your own business?

Perhaps you want to prove to your children you can do anything you set your mind to!

Below is my story so far in my business..

I started my business in 2013. What began as a part-time dream alongside college work has developed into a full time business. I was only dipping in and out of the business while studying at university... building my niche and experience.

So it wasn't really until 2017, last year... that is when I fully started my business because that was when I put 110% into all aspects of the business.

Already in the short space of time, I have learnt a lot. Often I look back on all the mistakes I’ve made... or obstacles along my journey I like to call it and reflect. So I thought here is the time to share a ton of my mistakes, and the things I'd wish I had known when I were just getting started. We learned these lessons the hard way. Hopefully by sharing them with you, you’ll be able to avoid these mistakes.

Although without mistakes where would we be?

1. You don't have to go to university to study photography

You really really don't have to go through education to have your own business. I think so much of my generation and the upcoming generations are so inclined to go to university after college because it's the done thing but where does it actually get you? I now know so many photographers that never went through education system or worked full time on another industry and accidentally ended up falling in love with photography years later.

There are so many amazing photographers out their that offer workshops or training on the area you want to focus on the most. For instance, I had the pleasure of going to Newborn & Portrait photography show Ireland for the first time last year and it was only my best investment to date. I think I paid a total of £180ish for a three hour workshop with Gary Hill in lighting and then a wee evening newborn session by Dewdrops Photography by Amy McDaniel.

I mean don't get me wrong, university is an experience. You meet lots of people, you learn to live independently and with other random people that perhaps become your best friends. You get help financially with maintenance loan. You find your confidence.

But it isn't the only way to go!

2. Learn to shoot in manual mode right away.

It took me years to figure this out, It is hard work. But it is so worth it! I started off as being on aperture mode while I built up my confidence but honestly keep trying on the manual. Do model call outs or if you have a friend who'd be so kind to give up an hour of there day so you can keep practice and playing around to see how it works.

3. You are not just a photographer

When I began I just thought I wanted to offer a bespoke session to customer nearby for affordable prices.. I CAN still do this. However you have to ensure you can afford to run the business. You are a receptionist, an accountant, a creative, a marketer

4. Patience is Key

It's great I have an abundance of patience... when on the sessions with little ones. Ha! But patience in not everything is going to happen all of a sudden, is a little harder.

5. Hold yourself back from purchasing tons of props and gear.

You DON'T need tons of props.. you'l get there perhaps if that's the style you want to go for. However focus on the subject themselves, the way the beautiful light touches her face and just accentuates all of her features.

6. All or Nothing

When I started it was a side project alongside college and I just dibbed in and out of it. It's never going to work that way. You have to put all your effort into it if you really want it to work, yes this may mean early mornings and late nights but this is what you're getting yourself in for when you work for yourself.

If you half arsed make a chicken tikka masala curry, chuck a load of food in a pot and hope it cooks and ends up on your plate like the picture shows in the book - It's not.

You really have to put your all into it, constantly on analytics, keywords, customers, advertising, marketing, researching, practicing.

You have to keep going.

7. Define your ideal client

I do find this very hard to do. Although you attract people like you, so it is also key to look into your own values etc.

8. You do not need a shop front studio

Yeah it may be good to get one day soon but I've managed without a shop front so far and it's a great way to start up on low costs. It has enough costs to start up a photography business let alone the pressure of making sure you get enough income per month to pay the rents and rates to go with a shop front! Although in the year 2019 it is my aim to get somewhere bigger and upgrade my current studio.

9. Don't sell yourself short

When I began I just thought I wanted to be affordable to people, but without thinking I was selling myself short at a loss by being so cheap. You price yourself cheap, you're saying your quality is cheap. So be confident in your quality and do your CODB (Cost of doing business plan) as soon as possible.

10. Keep hold of your passion

Your passion is your drive. It's your creativity. It's what keeps you growing as a person and a photographer. You are always looking to improve your work because of passion. Without passion you are nothing.

Keep going is my advice

Jade

x

#2018 #startupbusiness #belfast