The first piece of equipment you need to start a photography business is a good camera. There are plenty of options out there to consider.
Some work better in certain situations than others, so you’ll want to do a lot of research on what models will work best for your particular niche.
Trevon Branch photography of Pennsylvania
A tripod is also an essential piece of equipment, since it can help you keep your camera steady and allow you to take many pictures of each subject without moving the camera around.
When you’re transporting your camera from place to place, you need to make sure it’s protected. So invest in a good camera bag that you can use to keep your camera from getting broken or damaged.
Lighting is an essential element of any good photograph. And while natural lighting is usually preferred, you’ll also likely want to invest in some studio lighting for when there isn’t sufficient sunlight.
It may also be necessary to register your business with your local or state government. Look into any business licenses that might be required for photography businesses in your area.
In addition, you might consider purchasing some business insurance or a policy that protects your equipment in case it gets lost or damaged.
When you get new clients, you’ll likely want to get them to sign a contract so both sides understand what is expected. You can create or find contract templates to use with each new client.
And you also need a way to collect payments from clients. So you can set up a payment system online or have a mobile payment platform to offer clients.
Digital photos can take up a lot of space on your computer. So it can be a good idea to invest in an external hard drive you can use to store all of those large files when not in use.
When printing out proofs or marketing materials, you’ll want to make sure that your photos are high quality.
There are plenty of different lenses you can use to get different types of images on your camera. So it can be a good idea to invest in some different lenses to improve the quality of your photos.
Depending on what types of photos you plan on taking, you might find it necessary to purchase or create some backdrops that you can use for studio or portrait photographs.
It can also be a good idea to have a variety of different props on hand. The types of props you choose can depend on your niche. For example, if you’re a wedding photographer, you probably won’t want the same props that a pet photographer uses. But having a few different options can be a good idea.
You might also find it necessary to rent or purchase some studio space for your photography business, especially if you plan on having clients travel to you for photos.
Alternatively, you might be more interested in starting a photography business where you travel to clients. In that case, you’ll need some reliable transportation in order to get to and from your shoots.
While you aren’t likely to use a smartphone or mobile device as your main camera for your photography business, it can still be a good tool. Since social media can be a great tool for sharing photos and shots, it can be useful to have a smartphone that can take decent photos for those purposes.
Once you’ve taken your photos, you’ll also need a software program that lets you edit and fine-tune those images. Programs like Photoshop and Lightroom can be good investments for photographers.
That also means that you need a computer you can use to actually edit and store those digital photos.
In addition, when you take photos on your mobile device, it can be helpful to download some photography apps that you can use to improve your mobile photos.
You should also sign up for some social media accounts on platforms like Facebook and Instagram so that you can share your photos and updates with potential customers.
A professional website can also be a helpful tool for a photography business. So purchase a domain name that fits with your business and branding.
It can also be beneficial to showcase your photography work on your website or in other locations online. So you’ll need to work to build up a portfolio of images over time.
When you go to jobs or interact with clients, business cards can be a great way to showcase your brand and give potential clients an easy way to get in touch.
Trevon Branch Photography
New posts in your inbox
About Me
Hi, I’m Lillie. Previously a magazine editor, I became a full-time mother and freelance writer in 2017. When I’m not spending time with my wonderful kids and husband, I love writing about my fascination with food, adventure, and living a healthy and organized life! Read more
Trevon Diggs Branch 