© Linda Long
Articles
Set Your Photography Business Up the Right Way from the Start
Running your own photography company can be challenging and hard to get a handle on when you first start out. You may be a talented photographer, but you also need to be business-savvy in order to make money off your art.
Here are some tips from Imaging USA speaker Pye Jirsa to keep you from starting off on the wrong foot:
- Set expectations. When you get into the industry, being good at taking photos won’t cut it. You need to learn how to correctly run a business and set realistic expectations. Don’t expect to be a world-famous photographer overnight. Understand your strengths and weaknesses and set goals for yourself in order to let your business thrive.
- Business first. Most photographers view themselves as artists, but when you have your own studio, you need to put business first in order to be successful. Don’t sacrifice your money for your artistry. Whenever you make a decision, think of your business and how that decision will affect it.
- Never stop learning. Read books about photography, marketing, sales, self-improvement, and whatever else you think will benefit you. Absorb as much knowledge as you can, then extend it to make smart business goals. Aim to be constantly learning and growing. It will be time-consuming, but it will be worth the effort in the end.
Read the full article in Professional Photographers magazine. And if you’re not already a PPA member, don't forget to join PPA to get the latest advice and news in the photography world!