Starting and Growing My Business in Photography

Starting a business can often feel like an uphill battle. However, it can also be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life. My journey into the world of photography began quite unexpectedly when I found myself in need of a skilled photographer for my son's senior photos. Financial constraints meant hiring a professional was out of the question, propelling me into a journey I never anticipated.

The First Step: A Desperate Need for Photos

It all started when my son was about to graduate from high school. Like many proud parents, I wanted to capture this significant moment with beautiful photos. However, hiring a professional photographer was simply not in our budget. So, I picked up my camera—a simple one I had bought years ago—and decided to take his senior pictures myself.

The thrill of capturing those moments filled me with joy. I experimented with angles and lighting as I snapped photos in our backyard, nearby parks, and local landmarks. Not only did I create lasting memories, but I also discovered a passion for photography that I never knew existed.

One of my first photos taken as a mom/new photographer

Sharing the Passion: Helping Friends

After seeing the photos I took for my son, friends began approaching me for help. Many of them were in a similar financial situation and needed senior photos for their kids. I agreed to help them, excited to use this newfound skill.

Every session was an adventure. We would travel to various scenic locations, from urban settings to peaceful nature spots. The joy of helping friends and capturing their children’s special moments was contagious. I also noticed that photography was not just about snapping pictures—it was about creating an experience and building relationships.

As more friends reached out, I became recognized within my community for my ability to produce quality photography without the hefty price tag.

Sunset at the beach with my daughter

From Hobby to Business: Taking a Leap

As my network of referrals grew, I realized I had an opportunity to turn my passion into a legitimate business. But how should I go about it? The idea of starting a photography business was overwhelming, but I started doing my research. I joined online forums, read countless articles, and sought advice from established photographers.

Here are some actionable steps I took that you can consider if you’re contemplating a similar journey:

1. Define Your Niche: I focused on senior portraits in the beginning because of my initial experience. By specializing, I could cater to a specific audience and market myself effectively. I have now grown into many different types of portrait photography and event photography. You may say my niche went from graduating seniors to events as my business grows.

   
   

2. Create a Portfolio: I compiled my best work from friends and my son’s photos into a portfolio. This showcased my style and abilities, giving potential clients a glimpse of what they could expect.

   
   

3. Set Up a Business Structure: I registered my business, looked into necessary permits, and set up a separate bank account for business transactions.

   
   

4. Pricing Strategy: I aimed to keep my services affordable. Researching competitors helped me find a balance between affordability and sustainability.

   
   

5. Marketing: Social media became my best friend. I created dedicated profiles to showcase my work and interact with clients. I also asked satisfied customers for testimonials and referrals.

   
   

These steps began to create a path for my business, although they came with challenges. I learned invaluable lessons along the way, and are still learning everyday, about pricing, client relationships, and the logistics of running a small business.

Growing My Online Presence: Blogging About My Journey

As my photography business begins to thrive, I feel a strong desire to share my experiences with others. So, I am starting a blog to document my journey, offer helpful tips, and inspire other aspiring photographers. Through my blog, I hope to connect further with my audience, sharing anecdotes and insights they might find valuable.

I hope that writing about my journey will help me reflect on key experiences and shape my growth both as a photographer and a business owner. By focusing on SEO strategies, I could attract more visitors to my blog, engaging with a wider audience.

Here are a few blogging tips I am learning along the way:

1. Choose a Focus: Make sure your posts align with a specific niche or theme, in my case, photography and small business growth.

   
   

2. Use Keywords: Research relevant keywords that resonate with your audience. Incorporating them naturally into your posts can help with search engine optimization.

   
   

3. Be Authentic: Share your genuine experiences. Readers appreciate authenticity and are more likely to connect with your message.

   
   

4. Engage with Readers: Invite readers to comment, ask questions, and share their photography experiences. Building a community can enrich your blog.

   
   

5. Combine Visuals: Photography is a visual medium, so include images that enhance your posts. A good picture can tell a story just as well as words can.

   
   

I really hope that starting to blog allows me to inspire others informed about the journey of starting a business in photography. I cannot wait to see comments and messages from readers who've taken the first steps into their photography journeys.

A beautiful background splashing up during a senior photo shoot represents beauty and creativity.

Keeping the Momentum: Future Plans and Growth

Today, my photography business has expanded beyond senior portraits. I offer a range of services, including family portraits, weddings, events, and even corporate photography. Each event is cherished, and I continually strive to deliver photographs that tell a story.

One of my primary goals as I grow my business and blog is to inspire people to turn their dreams into realities. Whether it’s picking up a camera for the first time or starting a business, your journey is valid, and it’s worth pursuing with passion.

In sharing my story, I invite you to join me on this adventure. Together, we can explore the world of photography, find joy in capturing moments, and encourage one another in our entrepreneurial quests.

The Road Ahead: Join Me On This Journey

As I continue to grow my photography business and my outreach through blogging, I invite you to join me. Whether you’re interested in photography, small business tips, or personal growth narratives, I hope my experiences resonate with you.

Always remember to embrace your journey, seek help when needed, and don’t shy away from sharing your passion with the world. I am learning every day from my peers and those who have been in the field a lot longer than I have. The road might be challenging, but the rewards are countless. Let’s chase our dreams together, one click at a time!