| If you're interested in making a career or part-time | | | | software such as QuickBooks for your invoicing and |
| job out of photography, it's easier than you may | | | | payment tracking before you bring in your first client. |
| think. Portrait photography is needed in almost every | | | | It is absolutely critical that you track your income, |
| city and it doesn't require a lot to have a working | | | | both for eventual taxes and so that you can spot |
| home studio. The best thing about starting in | | | | possible issues with your pricing structure. |
| portraiture is that you can begin with the bare | | | | It is also a good idea to have a business website |
| essentials and add equipment as your business grows. | | | | with your online photo portfolio available for browsing. |
| Here's how to take the first steps: | | | | With so many people using the internet to locate |
| Set Up Your Photo Studio | | | | professional services, an online presence is a powerful |
| There are a few things that you should pick up | | | | way to bring in new business. You can build a simple |
| before attempting professional portrait photography. | | | | site or hire the work out through a freelancing |
| Obviously you will need a camera (preferably digital | | | | website such as Elance. Make sure it has your |
| as it's easier for inexpensive photo editing) but you | | | | contact information! |
| will also need a tripod, a basic light setup and some | | | | Finally, think of ways to set your portrait |
| sort of light reflector. Much of this equipment can be | | | | photography studio apart from the rest. If you want |
| purchased either used or at low cost for entry level | | | | to get a competitive edge, try focusing on a specific |
| quality or you can improvise if you're short on cash. | | | | photography niche. For instance, people are willing to |
| It would also be a good idea to buy a laptop and | | | | pay more for photographs of their pets or children, |
| equip it with some photo editing tools - the portability | | | | and if you specialize in one of those fields you'll have |
| of a laptop will make your work run much more | | | | less competition to contend with. |
| quickly. | | | | Once you have the studio up and running, the cash |
| Additionally, you'll need some working space. An extra | | | | flow handled and have the strategy of the business |
| room, living room or even garage can often fit | | | | down, you should be ready for taking the plunge into |
| everything you need. Windows can provide natural | | | | professional portrait photography. If you use |
| light, white walls can act as natural reflectors and | | | | effective word of mouth marketing and some other |
| different colors of bed sheets can act as | | | | forms of advertising, there is no measuring the |
| backgrounds. | | | | potential a small studio could have. And don't worry |
| Setting Up the Business | | | | because if you provide excellent photographs to your |
| If you are really serious about starting a portrait | | | | clients, no one will ever remember you used bed |
| photography business, you'll need to treat it as a | | | | sheets as backdrops! |
| serious business. Make sure you have small business | | | | |