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How to start a photography business – the Startup Series

Here’s a compiled list of links to the full Part Time Photographer Startup Series:

Part 1: How to make money as a part time portrait photographer

Part 2: What you need to start a part time photography business

Part 3: The legalities of starting a part time photography business

Part 4: What does a successful part time photographer look like?

These articles get you prepared to launch your new venture as a part time professional photographer. My writing centers around portrait photography, which I feel is the easiest, least expensive, and most rewarding way to get your photography business launched. I hope this series gives you the tools you need to answer the question, “How do I start a photography business?”

No matter what your level of art or experience, of photography or business acumen, you can start making money with part time photography today. With some time and TLC, you can grow your photography business as large as you want it, earn as much as your market will provide, rise head and shoulders above the competition, differentiate as an artist and business, and enjoy the fun, financial freedom, and flexibility that professional photography provides.

The best time to start was yesterday – but the second best time is to start today.

Learn something new.

Act on it.

Sow.

Reap.

Next Steps

  • When in doubt, make a list! Read through the above articles and make a list of To-Do’s to get your career started as a part time professional photographer. Start at the top and work your way down, one step at a time. Take one step an hour – or day – or week, but take steps with consistency. Don’t lose your momentum. Before you know it, your business will be off the ground and bringing in paying clients.
  • Brainstorm session: Why do you want to be a part time photographer? Write down your basic reasons, then delve a bit deeper, and really explore the benefits of taking action and making this happen. File this in your Brainstorms folder.
  • My writing at PartTimePhoto.com exists to serve your needs as an amateur photographer making the transition to paid professional. I appreciate and welcome your readership, and invite you to click the free “Subscribe” link at the top of any page of this site.
  • What will be the greatest reward you’ll enjoy in your life from starting your part time photography business? Leave a comment below, e-mail me, or call or text me at 830-688-1564.
You’re going to get screwed doing part time photography

…but that’s a true statement about any service business.
There’s always going to be that occasional mooch looking for a free ride. You’re going to lovingly shoot them with no session fee, ask no minimum order, you’re going to begrudgingly post their photos to an online album because they desperately <insert weak excuse here>, then they’re [...]

Open your eyes and make beautiful photos where you are now

It’s bluebonnet time here in Texas. Wide open fields of beautiful blue flowers can be found all around the state, and photographers are out in force recording the sweet scenery.
The ‘kid sitting in a field of bluebonnets’ photo session is as cliche as they come here in Texas. You can’t drive very far without seeing [...]

Top 15 Internet Marketing methods, from least to most effective, from Darketing to Arketing

Outlaw Photographer James Taylor’s list of Internet Marketing methods, from least to most effective:
Darketing – Marketing without information, a target, or a plan – completely in the dark. Least effective, and by far most common, marketing method used by businesses today.
Larketing – See ‘Darketing’ – Marketing by whim without plan or purpose.
Parketing – Hanging the [...]

How to earn lifetime photography customers with the perfect follow-up – Your First Customer Series, Part 10

If you’ve completed the previous nine parts of this series, I commend you – you’ve read a small book’s worth of articles meant to help you get on your feet with your first customers.
As they say, the hardest moment in any journey is taking that first step. If you’ve read and followed along with this [...]