Have you ever been told that you have a great artistic eye? Are you the friend that everybody asks to take photos for their social media? If this is you, then chances are you’re the perfect candidate to start your very own photography business. With the right tools, expertise, and connections, you can make photography a side hustle or even a full-time career. If you don’t know where to start in your entrepreneurial journey, this article will outline 5 easy steps to kick-start your business.
1. Find a Mentor
Everybody needs help when taking on a new business venture. Whether it be a local photographer you admire, an Instagram account that you have frequent contact with, or even an online tutor, a second pair of eyes can help guide you through the ins and outs of starting a new photo business. Don’t ever be afraid to ask for help. Artists are often very open to taking on mentees and sharing advice.
2. Find Your Niche
While portrait photography is the most in-demand sector of photography in 2022, don’t limit yourself to simply plain portraits. Let your artistic flair shine, and don’t be afraid to take photos from unconventional angles or with strange effects. Once you develop your style for photography, your portfolio will beautifully reflect it.
3. Invest in Quality Software
When you are working with raw camera data, data transmission and storage security is crucial. Buy an external drive or cloud-based storage solution to keep all of your work stored in one area. Additionally, shop around for photo-editing software. The online market offers tons of options, so search around to find the ideal interface for you to work with.
4. Develop Your Brand
Your brand name can be as simple as your name followed by “photography”, or something completely abstract. There are truly no limits to branding with photography, since your product is the artwork you make. Design a modern logo with a circle variation for Instagram, so your account looks clean and professional. Post your work consistently, and gain a following of potential clients.
5. Get Out There!
Bring your camera everywhere with you. If you want to make photography your life, then always be practicing. Take photos of anything your eye finds visually interesting, practice portraits when you are out with friends, or even ask to take pictures of strangers. Putting yourself out there as an artist is an important factor in developing your business’s goals and brand.
Clearly, starting a brand new business requires much more than five steps. However, once you have your goals outlined, a mentor cheering you on, and artistic inspiration, the photography world is yours for the taking. Get out there and make art, and don’t be afraid to turn your hobby into your side hustle.
