| Digital cameras and the internet have revolutionized | | | | Finding the best way to advertise can be difficult, |
| the world of photography. No longer is expensive | | | | especially if you are on a budget, but the key is to be |
| equipment and years of experience required to make | | | | creative. Start by designing your own business card |
| money taking pictures. Now all that is needed is an | | | | with a memorable photo on the front. Pass these out |
| entrepreneurial mindset and a little determination. Here | | | | to everyone you know and leave small stacks of |
| are the basics of starting your own mini-photography | | | | them in public places. For mainstream exposure, use |
| franchise. | | | | online classified sites that let you can post your |
| -Invest in the Right Equipment | | | | services on for free. Of course a website is also |
| The right photography equipment can not only improve | | | | helpful, and this can be done easily by building a blog. |
| the quality of your work, but it can also save you time | | | | Some photographers also use their blog to post new |
| as well. Even if you are working on a tight budget, you | | | | photographs of their work. |
| should not base your purchases solely on price. Look | | | | -Develop a Niche |
| for products that offer the best value, which means | | | | When you are first starting out, there will be a period |
| finding those that provide the best features for the | | | | of trial and error while you learn what sells and what |
| least amount of money. The most important equipment | | | | doesn't. Eventually though you should find some |
| you will need is a camera, computer, editing software, | | | | specific niches that you enjoy focusing on and that |
| and possibly a bag to carry everything in. | | | | play to your talents. Since a lot of your customers will |
| -Gather Samples and References | | | | be looking for a precise type of picture, you can |
| As in any business, you will have to provide your | | | | increase your sales by becoming an expert in a |
| customers some proof that you are competent | | | | particular category. Some examples of niches include |
| photographer. You can do this by building samples of | | | | nature, sports, and business pictures. The key is to find |
| your work and providing references of past | | | | a profitable niche that has very few competitors so |
| customers. If you are just starting out, then offer to | | | | that you can dominate it without much resistance. |
| take pictures of friends or family for free. Combine | | | | Getting paid to take pictures is the dream of many |
| these sessions with some artistic or outdoor shots to | | | | amateur photographers, and it is certainly an attainable |
| show a variety of your talents. Put it all together in a | | | | one. By treating your hobby as a business, you can |
| portfolio or brochure you can hand to your clients. Just | | | | build a supplemental income stream while doing what |
| don't skimp on the quality since this is the first | | | | you love. Just remember to do your research and |
| impression they will have of you. | | | | start slowly before you get too far over your head. |
| -Market Your Services | | | | |