The demand for photography is rising in the country. Many new budding photographers explore the opportunities to adopt it as a full-fledged business. You may be a wildlife photographer, a fashion photographer, or do wedding shoots. However, whatever you do, you must capture it in your portfolio. It may help you promote and get clients as a freelancer.
Starting a business directly may prove challenging. Working as a freelancer first gets hands-on experience. It helps save enough money to broaden the journey. The blog lists how to start your professional journey as a photographer. Read ahead to know more.
Is the photography business growing in the UK?
Yes, the demand for professional photography is growing in the UK. However, the growth rate may vary according to the types of photography and the industry growth rate. Moreover, the market size of the photography business in the UK is 1.8 billion. It is according to IBIS World research.
Some photography niches are gaining popularity. One of the most famous is Portrait photography. This is followed by real estate, family, nature, wildlife, and fashion photography.
6 steps to start your business as a wedding photographer
Starting a business requires more than just a professional camera. You need the right set-up, a studio, equipment, a business plan, and a good portfolio. You might also need a team to manage the clients and the work hassle-free. Here is how to begin your photography business as a beginner:
1) Step 1- Identify the photography niche
The first step is to decide the niche you want to operate in as a photographer. There are multiple niches in photography, as mentioned above. You should choose the one that aligns with your expertise and likeness. It is not ideal to pick up the most profitable niche in the beginning. It is especially true when you lack any experience in it. Instead, choose the one that you are comfortable with.
According to Kaitlin Koleda, a photographer with 15 years of experience, “Choosing a niche helps you develop a brand identity. It helps you create targeted strategies to appeal to your specific clientele. Having a niche helps you get an edge over the competition and ensure clarity of experience.”
2) Step 2-Research the market
After identifying the niche, learn more about it. Analyse the market growth, customer behaviour, preferences and competitors. Additionally, read reviews of other photographers operating in the specific industries. Are the customers happy with their services? What potential drawbacks or difficulties do they face? Do you have a solution to their problems? Knowing such things will help you create your Unique Selling Proposition.
Yes, research may require you to have the leading technology, research, and analytical tools, etc. It is a sound investment you must make.
If you hardly have any extra cash after purchasing professional equipment, check business loans for bad credit scores. It is one of the best ways to bridge any of your startup needs without worries. Yes, new business owners may qualify by ensuring the right business plan.
As far as getting these loans are concerned, it is extremely important to do proper research. Explore the UK loan marketplace and then decide on the most responsible loan provider. It becomes more important especially when you have a poor credit history. Besides, opt for only affordable loan amount that you can repay later with no hassle.
Nevertheless, individual businesses with a client backup and projects may get one instantly. You can borrow only the amount you can repay comfortably. It provides you with a lump sum to meet the research requirements. Create your business strategy based on the research and the unique selling proposition.
3) Step 3- Create your business plan
A business plan sums up your current and future initiatives to achieve your ultimate vision and business goal. It is the most important document that helps get instant business loans and funding from investors. The better the business plan, the more growth opportunities you get. So, how do you create one? Read ahead:
- Executive summary– provide a brief but powerful description of your business.
- A company description– It includes a brief about your company, its name, and what it offers for potential clients.
- Market analysis– It outlines your target customers, market, competitors, etc.
- Details about your business – services, equipment, and team expertise
- Financial plan- how much would you need at each business stage?
4) Step 4- Establish your business legally
You cannot operate legally in the market if you don’t have a valid license and permission to do so. Identify how to operate as a sole proprietorship in photography. You can also establish a broad firm under a Limited Liability Partnership (LLP). You need to register with HMRC if operating as a sole proprietor. Alternatively, you must identify your LLP with the Companies House.
Moreover, you must have a business bank account. It is different from your personal one or the one that you use generally. Make sure to use the professional account only for business purposes.
5) Step 5- set prices for your services
According to a report, a beginner photographer earns £15000-£20000 annually if working full-time. Similarly, part-timers may earn £5000-£10000 depending on their niche and location preference. However, most new photographers often grab the most mediocre offers. It is not necessary to grab one if it does not pay right for your services.
Alternatively, if you lack any clients and are seeking first, it could be an option. Try to set prices for your services accordingly. You can keep it lower than the competitors to attract new clients. However, do not reduce the prices too low. It may affect your portfolio and the experience.
It is better to charge per hour than by the project. It is because it helps you get money for every hour that you dedicate towards the job. Factor in the time and the money you need to invest. It will help you find ideal costs to charge a client.
6) Step 6- Launch a photography website
Once your business starts to grow, you can have a website. Usually, it is ideal to have one at the initial business stage. However, most photographers have a portfolio ready. Alternatively, costs are the primary concern. Thus, starting one after kick-starting the business is possible.
A website grants you the opportunity to showcase your expertise creatively. It grants authenticity to what you deliver to clients. Moreover, a good website helps you get traffic, leads, and conversions.
Thus, always focus on ease of navigation while creating one. Identify the type of site and the pages you would need. Generally, you must have a home page, service page, client review page, contact page, and portfolio. You can also represent the portfolio as a gallery. Lastly, make sure that the theme complements the industry.
Bottom line
These are some steps to starting your photography business from scratch. Identify what do you need and how much can you spend. Create a budget separate and start as a freelancer first. It will help you understand the target audience needs and behaviour. Accordingly, you can design your USP and services.
