Some input from fellow photogs...

[cherrygirl]

Just wanted to get some feedback from a few of you guys out there....

I work as a photojournalist full time for a business publication, which I really love and consider myself lucky to have a job doing what I love. Obviously I have my own photography gig on the side, but I"m feeling a little discouraged so I thought I would pose a few questions for a little discussion.

When I go out on assignment, people always ask me about my gear ( no biggie, this has been par for the course in my 17 years of photojournalism) and then tell me about their wife, husband, sister, brother, aunt, uncle, friend and so on that does photography and has their own business. Actually happened this morning while I was on assignment, the guy told me his wife is leaving her job this month to officially launch her photography business.

I actually had kicked around wanting to do my photography full time and leave the the newspaper at some point. I get plenty of gigs on the side and pull in enough money to feed my photography passion and buy new gear. But with all the people out there becoming "photographers" I feel like the dream to do my own business one day is slipping away.

My question is, can there be too many photographers in a city that might not make it very easy, or worthwhile, to really grow a photography business. I mean, San Antonio has TONS of photographers and it seems like lots of people that were hobbyist are now launching businesses as well as lots of stay at home moms who want to supplement their household income.

What do you guys think?

[LoveDSLR]

How much do you know and like the business end of things?

If you can generate new leads and savvy enough to run a successful business then I cannot see anything to stop you.

You can go with the flow, position yourself differently or beat the rest liked Walmart.

Think about publicity as well. Make a name for yourself with an unique approach. I forgot his name but there was a photographer reinvented himself being an expert with one flash. Is that unique or not? It is just positioning.

[BEGM83]

Personally i prefer a steady income (plus im lazy and dont like the responsibility of being self employed!) but even here i've noticed loads of hobbyest photographers trying to set up shop - ive even had people try to encourage me to do it (i wont for the aforementioned reasons plus im not good enough lol).

I think quality will out in the end with this type of thing but reputation is hard earned and takes time to build - do you have the patience and can you afford to wait that long? Saying that i see you've got a steady stream of customers anyway - is it enough to keep you going through the lean times? Is 'being able to buy new gear' a good enough reason to drop a steady job and enter into a highly competative market?

Just a few things id be inclined to ask myself

Feel free to ignore me though im a misog at the moment

[Jim Bryant]

Yes, because of the dSLR PhD cameras (Press here Dummy) there's way too many picture snappers out there, for some reason or another, after only owning a camera for two months or more decide to open there own businesses. Most of which don't know what their actual Costs of Doing Business is, start a photography business or even remotely how to begin to price their photography.

I won't get into my feelings on the subject as it'll only piss just piss a few off here. WIth the cameras that are being produced now, "even a caveman can take a passible picture!" But as you know it's a very competitive market now a days. But there's one difference that sets the pros apart from the wanna be's......quality. Having the photographic knowledge, photographic business sense and the right cameras, fast lenses and lights is the key towards producing a quality produce.

Anyways...that's my 2 cents worth.

[sk66]

I would say it depends on your area of focus for your business. If you want to do portraiture, then it is going to be very tough. Even wedding photography is getting tougher.

[cherrygirl]

BEGM83 - I'm kinda with you on the fact that I like my steady income as a photographer!

Thanks so much for the replies, you guys really put things in perspective. I'm glad I'm not the only one frustrated with all the people that have bought dslr cameras and now call themselves "photographers"

I firmly believe that great photos aren't always about equipment, as we all know it takes a helluva lot more to get a great photo than just a fancy camera.

[freddyfromutah]

Whenever I feel frustrated like you are right now, all I have to do is read the following comic, instant smile

[OsmosisStudios]

If you do get a business off the ground and running, you'lle already be ahead of the newbies: you've got a business plan and a pool of clients to pick from.

[Preacherman]

Hi Cherry Girl.
Two of my three kids got married last year within 3 months of each other. One had a photog do the wedding for £450 another paid £1200. They both had about the same number of shots but the one who paid £450, sure wishes he had paid the other photog £1200. A big difference in price, but a gigantic difference in quality of shots, imagination, composition, organisation, and another important thing, personality. The £1400 girl was so pleasant, professional, bubbly and after care first class.
I suppose what I am trying to say is, that even if you got top gear, all the other things like efficiency, reliability etc. etc. will get you the business.
Good luck whatever you decide. I thought the perspective from the customers viewpoint might be useful COS I PAID FOR BOTH!!!!
God bless.
PAUL

[gturner]

I am all for self employment especially if it is in an area that holds a passion in your life. I have done it for 15 years and would not swap for anything (not in photography, but a similar service orientated, high end client, loads of competition market) You work harder, suffer more, but tend to love it every day. Learn to work smart and you will never regret it.

If you are good and know how to manage a business, you can charge what you need to that will allow you to work smart. Preacherman has covered the VALUE aspect very well... it is the most important point that can be made. Make sure you are going forward every time you do a shoot otherwise don't bother.


Figure out cost of business, figure out what you need to cover external costs, then work back to your cost of sale price.

I would also only consider it if I had 4-6 months of cash on hand. If you need next months paycheck to make it through month 1, then you are not in a good space to begin a successful operation.