| If you want to make a part time job or career out | | | | serious business. You should consider getting some |
| of photography, it's easier that you might think. | | | | basic small business accounting software like |
| Portrait photography is in high demand in almost | | | | Quickbooks for invoicing and tracking payments |
| every city in the nation and it doesn't take much to | | | | before your first client. It is essential that you track |
| build a working studio in your home. The best thing | | | | your income so you can identify possible problems |
| about starting with portrait photography is that you | | | | with your pricing and plan for paying taxes on your |
| don't have to buy a lot of equipment at first- you | | | | services. |
| can instead add equipment as your business grows. | | | | It's also a great idea to build a website for your new |
| Here's how to take the first steps: | | | | business with an online portfolio. With so many people |
| | | | using the internet to locate professional services, an |
| Set Up the Studio | | | | online presence is a powerful way to bring in new |
| There are a few things that you should pick up | | | | business. You can either build a simple site yourself or |
| before attempting professional portrait photography. | | | | hire it out inexpensively at websites like Elance. Just |
| Obviously you will need a camera (preferably digital | | | | make sure you have your contact information listed! |
| as it's easier for inexpensive photo editing) but you | | | | Finally, think of ways to set your portrait |
| will also need a tripod, a basic light setup and some | | | | photography studio apart from the rest. If you want |
| sort of light reflector. Most of this equipment is | | | | to get a competitive edge, try focusing on a specific |
| available at entry-level quality for a low cost, or can | | | | photography niche. For example, some people are |
| be improvised if you're short on cash (for instance, | | | | more willing to pay for pictures of their pets or |
| white poster board can work as a light reflector). It | | | | children and often with specializing you have a little |
| would also be helpful if you can get a laptop with | | | | less competition. |
| some photo editing software as the portability of a | | | | Once you have the studio set up, the cash flow |
| laptop will come in handy. | | | | handled, and a strategy for the business, you should |
| Additionally, you'll need some working space. An extra | | | | be ready to take the plunge into professional portrait |
| room, garage, or living room can usually fit everything | | | | photography. With a few advertisements in local |
| you need. White walls will act as natural reflectors, | | | | papers and good word of mouth, there's no |
| windows can provide natural light, and backgrounds | | | | measuring the potential your small studio might have. |
| can be provided by different colors of bed sheets. | | | | And remember, if you give your clients excellent |
| Setting Up the Business | | | | photographs, no one will remember that you used |
| If you are really serious about starting a portrait | | | | bed sheets as backdrops! |
| photography business, you'll need to treat it as a | | | | |