Photo by Sally Molhoek
Have you ever wanted to get inside the head of other photo business owners?
We asked nine professionals to share their own mistakes they made at the beginning of their business-owning days so you could learn from them.
False start
If I went back in time, I’d probably fine-tune my skills and define my style before I officially called myself a business. That way I could have begun with more confidence and the ability to offer my clients more consistency.
Some would say I didn’t charge as much as I should have, and while I did end up raising my rates, I knew I charged fairly because my photography became a business before I truly believed myself to be a professional photographer. Luckily, my clients were still pleased and my business continued to grow. —Lisa Rappa
Ignoring COGs
Not knowing my cost of doing business, and using other area photographers’ prices as my guideline. I didn’t think about all the things I’d have to pay for right away, and definitely didn’t factor in things like continuing education, product samples, new gear, equipment upgrades, etc.
I’ve had to quadruple my pricing since opening just to get to the minimum of what I need. Working with a small business counselor or hiring a business mentor in the photography field would have been the best thing to do. I should still do that, actually. —Virginia Greuloch
Fear, itself
Letting fear guide my work held me back in so many ways. I went with safe over inspiration. The moment that I started shooting from the heart in my client work, my schedule filled up with family sessions.
There was an obvious separation between what I shot for clients and what I shot for myself, and while my heart will always shine a bit differently with my own children, this was the biggest and best leap I have ever taken! —Brittany Blake
Remote sales
Not doing in-person sales and selling only digital files. This generation is the most photographed and least documented since the dawn of photography! We do our clients a genuine service in helping them choose photos and print those memories. —Adrienne Russ
No contracts
Not requiring a signed contract. Nothing bad ever actually happened, but knowing now what could have happened, it scares the out of me! Now I have a contract for every single shoot, and I have every person sign a model release, even my family. A contract officially establishes expectations, and I want to know my client and I are in knowledgeable agreement from day one. —Alise Kowalski
Product savvy
Having thorough product knowledge before opening shop is essential. When I started out, I’d never sold an album, and had no idea of the vendors and varieties, much less the variations, including the price ranges, ordering processes, quality, and options. Learning on the fly isn’t easy! I recommend building a relationship with local and online vendors early on. Biggest benefit: It’s so much easier to sell a product you believe in! —Ebony Logins
Image presentation
I was so proud of my first shoot and I felt it went really great! Then it came time to print the photos. My workflow wasn’t color calibrated, and the first printing came out a crazy shade of yellow. Then I didn’t know how to present them. I’d never considered the presentation of my photography. Ten years later, that lesson’s learned! —Amy Schuff
The “yes” woman
I took every job that brought in compensation. Head shots, events, newborns, seniors, families, boudoir, kids, real estate. Did I have business? Yes! Was I so busy I never saw my family and hated photography? Yes! Cheap rates and no niche — a lethal combination. Limiting your specialties, even if it seems impossible to turn down people who want to give you money, will save you from burnout, and allow you to refine your specialty and build your ideal clientele. —Sally Molhoek
Straying too far
During the early years of owning a business, I would often lose sight of what inspired my photography passion in the first place and missed out on growing an important part of myself. I came to learn that when I shoot what I am passionate about, the advantages are two-fold; it keeps me engaged in something I perceive as meaningful and pushes me to become better. Being intentional in regards to what I shoot not only helps me stay inspired, it also keeps me moving forward. —Jessica Svoboda
This article first appeared in a print issue of Click Magazine. Order print or digital single issues from the Click & Company Store. Or better yet, get a 1-year subscription so you never miss an issue!
