Much like in a battleground, you can’t march into a photography business unarmed and without a plan. Aside from your photography skills, these are 10 items you need when starting a photography business that can help you become a successful photographer and entrepreneur.
10 Items You Need When Starting a Photography Business
Regardless of your photography niche, you must have tools like contracts, cameras, lenses, camera accessories, a computer, lighting, and backdrops. You would also need marketing collaterals, studio management software, photo editing software, and file storage. Use this list to complete the essentials before starting a photography business.
Contracts and Invoices
Before you finalize a booking, it’s vital to prepare a photography contract so that you and the client understand the inclusions of your service, as well as what to expect. In this way, you can protect both parties in a legal manner.
The same goes for issuing an invoice, which is a credible way for you to get paid and record your sales.
Camera
The camera is your main weapon when heading to the field. Since there are several types of cameras, you need to consider what works best for your niche, budget, or situation. There are photographers who may need a full-frame DSLR while others can work on mirrorless cameras.
Lenses
Lenses have various focal lengths that produce different depths of field. When you purchase a camera, it often comes with a standard 18-55mm lens.
However, there may be cases wherein you need either a shorter or a longer focal length. Hence, it’s ideal to invest in at least a kit lens, prime lens, and zoom lens.
Camera Accessories
There are several camera accessories you would need as a photographer. The most essential ones include memory cards, batteries, straps, tripods, a camera bag, and cleaning supplies.
Lighting is an important element in photography. Whether you’re into studio or on-location photography, you need to invest in quality speed light, light stands, and a reflector. In time, you may likely need to use softboxes.
Backdrops and Props
Backdrops and props may not apply to all niches, although they can be necessary if you’re a studio photographer. Aside from professional backdrops, you can also use fabrics, curtains, paper, and string lights.
Computer or Laptop
A computer or laptop is another item you need to own when starting a photography business. You will use this to communicate with clients, edit photos, store files, and manage your digital marketing plans.
Invest in a quality device with a great graphic card to handle your photo editing programs, as well as a huge memory capacity to store files.
Photo Editing Software
After a shoot, you need programs that can help enhance your images. Adobe Photoshop allows you to make detailed adjustments and add graphical elements to a photo. Meanwhile, Lightroom enables you to import, organize, edit, store, and export lots of pictures.
Marketing Collaterals
While getting into the photography business allows you to make use of your gift, the end goal of any business is to earn money. Besides your skills, marketing is a crucial part of managing a profitable business. Poor marketing causes 14% of small business failures.
Photography is a crowded marketplace, so you need to show people why they should hire you or avail of your services. You can showcase your work through a website, social media channels, or word of mouth.
Studio Management Software
Starting a photography business isn’t all about taking pictures; it also involves communicating with clients, working with other creatives, handling finances, and managing other administrative tasks. Client management software can help you organize projects and ensure you meet your deadlines.
From sending automated messages to tracking your team’s assignments and getting detailed business reports, studio management software lets you achieve a work-life balance.
Image Gallery and Storage
Digital images take up a lot of space on a laptop or computer. For this reason, it’s good to have an external hard drive to save small and large files, especially when not in use.
Another option is to avail of Cloud storage. As long as you have a stable internet connection, you can maintain, manage, and back up data.
Conclusion
Use this list as a starting point for officially managing a photography business. Remember to take care of these things as they play crucial roles in your success.
