For those with a creative eye, a flair for framing and the ability to capture memories, photography can be a great career choice. Whether you’re taking photos yourself, editing photos after they’ve been taken or you’re involved in post-production, there are plenty of ways to use your skills.
From traditional wedding photography to photojournalism, family sessions, portraits, advertising, product shots, fashion or food, the photography industry has plenty of opportunities for you to carve out a niche. Great photographers can quickly build a reputation too, meaning that once you have a good portfolio together, you’ll likely find yourself in demand.
Although photography is an artform, running a successful business requires plenty of practical skills. You will need to use your creative drive to create a sustainable freelance photography business, and we’re here to help. In this guide we’ll cover:
Photography is a very specialized skill; it requires people with both a keen eye and an understanding of composition, editing, framing and more to create stunning images. Add to that the need to manage others well plus a solid understanding of business principles...you'll see that freelance photographers need to be well-rounded individuals.
There are dozens of different niches you can choose to pursue as a photographer. If you can make your name in one of them, your reputation will carry you a long way. Here are some areas to consider when choosing the type of photographer you want to be.
When you’re deciding which route to follow, look at local competition, your skillset, demand for these services in your area and any other local factors likely to impact the amount of photography business you can win.
Shooting clothes and models in a variety of situations and editing to show apparel in the most beautiful and evocative way.
Wide-angle lenses, beautiful contrasts and perfect framing means landscape photographers produce stunning shots of natural vistas.
Whether it’s individual portraits and headshots or capturing someone’s furry friend, great family and pet photographers are in high demand.
Photographers can partner with real estate agents and property developers to help showcase homes in the best possible light.
For those who love the adrenaline rush and atmosphere of a live event, these photographers bring the vibrancy of music and entertainment out in their images.
With the rise of drones as great vehicles for cameras, aerial photography is one of the most rapidly growing areas for photographers to specialize in.
In great demand by brands, restaurants and advertisers, food photographers use a variety of tricks and techniques to make people’s mouths water!
These photographers capture the images that grace magazines, websites and TV screens.
With the huge rise in website owners and others using stock photos, there’s an enormous demand for images that capture specific moments in life and work.
Perhaps the most popular and in-demand type of photographer, they immortalize the most important day of a couple’s life.
The most popular types of photography in descending order are: portrait, fine arts, events, wedding, advertising, photojournalism, nature, marketing, products and architecture.
The photography business is growing, albeit slowly at around 1.7 percent a year. It’s still a lucrative field though, with photographers and photography businesses pulling in a combined $10 billion a year and employing over 230,000 people.
This growth is being driven by several strong areas:
Running your own photography business could be a great choice as long as you are aware of a few different areas.
If you can tick all these boxes, the chances are you would be both a great photographer and run a successful photography business. You’ll get to impress people with amazing visuals and capture memories that clients will always treasure.
If you want to be a successful photographer, the main skills and experience you will need are:
You will want extensive training and certification in your chosen area.
Photo editing and manipulation (like Photoshop), post-production skills, etc.
Accounting, financial management, administration and client relationship management.
Branding, local advertising, local search-engine optimization, understanding of local businesses and freelance photography job market.
The main challenge for a photographer is not the photography itself. If you have the right skills and training, good equipment, strong methods and techniques and an eye for detail, you can produce some beautiful images.
Most photographers fail because they are not good business people. They don’t know how to market themselves, manage their cashflows or drum up new business. Being a successful photographer is about balancing the creative with the critical and the art with the administration.
If you want to be a success, here are the key areas you’ll need to add you your skillset:
A typical day for a photographer depends on the type of photography you do. For photographers who work in studio environments (e.g. portrait, pets, food, advertising) you will spend time setting up your studio and lighting. You will then work with clients to get an exact understanding of their needs, shoot until you get it right, then complete any post-production tasks.
For photographers who work in live environments (weddings, events etc.) you will likely spend time traveling, setting up your equipment and keeping a constant eye open for the perfect picture.
Once you have completed the photography shoot, you will then spend time reviewing the thousands of images you have taken and send the best ones to your clients for approval. You will likely touch-up certain photos, then handle all of your business administration and perhaps seek out new work.
Now that you have all the background information for your photography business, it’s time to make it into a reality. That starts by choosing the right structure or “legal entity” for your business. In the U.S., there are four main business structures. They are:
This is the "default" business
structure and is what your
business will be if you decide
not to create a more formal
structure.
We don't
recommend this type of
business as it doesn't give
you the legal protections you need.
The most common type of business entity. An LLC is fast, simple and inexpensive to setup and maintain. It protects your personal finances and assets and is a great way to start your real estate
This is a special type of LLC entity that's only available in certain states. It allows you to create "mini" LLCs, each with their own limited liability and separate assets, under the umbrella of a master LLC.
This is a more complex type of
business and isn't generally
recommended for smaller
organization.
These are the largest and most
complex types of businesses
and are far more than the
average entrepreneur or
business owner will need.
Once you've legally created your photography business, you’ll need to get some other things in place.
For a photographer who is always out and about, you can likely run your business from home. If you’re going to be doing photography from a particular location, you will likely need a shop front and a photographic studio. The costs involved in setting up a studio can be high, so make sure you get one in a good location that is likely to attract both passing traffic and clients seeking you out.
Running a photography business comes with certain rules, regulations and legalities you need to be aware of. Incfile can conduct aBusiness License Research package for you, or you can take the time to do the research yourself.
You will need to create a business bank account and set up bookkeeping systems so you can properly capture your cashflows and pay the appropriate amount of tax. Here at Incfile we can even help you file your taxes.
In addition to your camera and other photographic equipment, you will also need a computer, smartphone, transportation and possibly other devices. Any equipment or office furniture and supplies you need to buy can be written off against your business expenses.
You will need to develop a photography brand, develop a website, get a logo and have business cards printed. Hire a branding and marketing expert who can take care of your various marketing needs.
It is likely worth investing in Photoshop or similar image editing software. Likewise, in addition to standard business software, you should have an easy way to share photos with clients online so they can indicate the ones they want and request any changes.
It’s unlikely that you will hire employees to begin with, but in the longer term you can think about getting an administrative or studio assistant.
Most states require businesses to file anAnnual Report report once a year. You will also be expected to pay estimated taxes on what you plan to earn in the current business year. Your federal, state, regional and citybusiness licenses and permits may need to be renewed on a regular basis, typically once a year.
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