How to start a Photography Business?
By rachelzwo
@rachelzwo (310)
United States
August 17, 2007 11:22pm CST
I've been trying to do some research on how to start a Photography Business and I've found tons of info, but I have no idea what kind of equipment I might need. I just want to do some freelance work, not weddings or anything like that. I was thinking more of pics of baby's, portraits (not like the ones at Wal-Mart), sports games, and stuff like that. I have a Panasonic DMC-FZ30 and other basic camera stuff. I don't have any backgrounds, external flashes, or anything like that. Is this enough????? Please someone with experience tell me and share your wisdom. Thank you!!!
4 responses
@theprogamer (10534)
• United States
18 Aug 07
Well I've been under the impression professional digital cameras need to be 8 Megapixels or more so you can reproduce prints better at various resolutions. If you don't want backgrounds, you can always set an office near a nice photogenic place. If not, just make sure you know some of the best spots to take pics and the best times to take those pictures. Backgrounds will only help if someone has various panoramic or background requests, but it shouldn't be too much of an issue nowadays.
@theprogamer (10534)
• United States
18 Aug 07
That is a very good point. Hah, just when I think I was able to cover everything I didn't. But some will still like on location photos so you'll still have to master it so you'll produce a better product.
@sweetdesign (5142)
• United States
18 Aug 07
The equipment needed varies with subject matter that you are trying to capture. I am an ametour photographer. Go to webshots.com there are plenty of helpfull people there that can enlighten you. Also you can check out some of my photos there my screen name is iliv4himalwayz also check out my friends photos especially ccwri she is great! Good Luck!!
@sweetdesign (5142)
• United States
18 Aug 07
Oh by the way I have 4 camaras....Olympus SP-500UZ (6.0 megapixel), fugifilm (my daughter uses this one a lot it was a nice camera for the money), minolta x-370 with about 14 lenses, and a minolta qtsi with 3 lenses. I have a tripod and other equipment.
@bobmnu (8157)
• United States
18 Aug 07
It depends upon what type of photo business you plan to start. I got into the business by taking photos of Hockey Tournaments and selling photos. I was using an Olympus C700 Ultra Zoom. It was a 2 megapixcels camera. I have upgraded cameras twice and expanded to taking team photos and Action Shots. I have done a couple of weddings and some Senior portrats. To do weddings and senior portrates you will need a lot of extra gear.
Good Luck and keep us posted.
@michaeldadona (5684)
• Malaysia
18 Aug 07
Better go big and start to look for any principal company like Fuji, Kodak,....etc. Look for franchise system that can offer you win-win kind of business. I suggest that such way because your business will be more organized and you yourself will gain more managerial level of knowledge in business.
Franchisor and franchisee just like mentor and mentee process. Thay will help you how to develop and at the same time they are your consultant in handling business.
Of course you will say, not enough money to spend for that?. No..they have their scheme of repayment. If you go small it will take a long time to grow and find hard in getting niche market in the open market, at last you will feel flat and drowning.
Franchise photo business is the best for you if you have set up it for your vision and mission & objective will be fine readily for you provided by the franchiser or franchisor.
