Most people with the right training, proper equipment and technical savvy can take photographs. But, if they were starting a photography business, then the whole venture is going to take considerable planning, investment and some business acumen to launch their company. Prior to launching the business, the best way to get advice is to go to a small business advisory service and study the following: how to look after your financial and tax matters; make sure you know all the legal ramifications of the business like setting up a company; you must have a well organized office set-up for appointment setting, marketing and administration because it will save you time.
When you are fresh out of college you really need to understand what type of photography you would like to specialize in. Most novices, start out by working in newspapers and magazines, because they need to practice their skills before they launch on their own. However, you will need to have tenacious skills to develop a business in non-journalistic fields such as wedding pictures, portraits, landscapes, events, commercial shots and much more.
The field of photography can be divided into two main sections: assignment photography or stock photography. The owner of the photography business must decide the niche you wish to enter. There are times when you can juggle both sides, but not when you are just starting out. If you choose the field of assignment photography then there will be dead lines to meet and you must be reliable every-time on the job.
If you are hired as a freelancer for a print publication, you will be paid upon completion of the assignment. This will be subject to either a written contract or a verbal one. This does make sure that you will be paid no matter what. Provided you are a reliable photographer, some companies may even pay you a retainer for when you do not have any work. This saves them looking for some-one else at short notice and you still have money coming in.
Choosing the stock photography option is vastly different. As a photographer, you will have to build a data bank of pictures of almost everything. This means taking a lot of extra special pictures that you can sell, should there be demand for it. It also means investing a lot of time and money in your business if you are going to see some good results. You will have to be careful about staff salaries, rent for your office, buying special camera equipment, van to carry the gear, insurance and much more. There is a vast market out there of clients hungry for special pictures and it is a question of finding the right area. To be successful in this side of the business, there will have to be a long term marketing plan and good business strategy as it does require a lot effort. At the very least with a good business plan and financing to see you through the early stages there is scope to improve, learn and grow.
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