20% Photography 80% BUSINESS

Yes I know, the business of photography can be hard, supersaturated and in today's day of increasing technology virtually everyone is graced with the esteemed title of "photographer". So what separates us form being amateur to pro? Well there's one thing i can tell you that can clear all the confusion.

Know Your Business!

I love being a photographer and especially an artist who can capture intimate moments that project emotions that people can actually feel. But in the end if that's all I'm doing and still working a full time job just to scrape by then in my book I'm simply a hobbyist. Don't get me wrong though, your art is what makes the real money. You have to have beautiful and original work to attract people to your business but if that's all you've got then your guaranteed to fall short.

Alright let's get to it. You have all this beautiful work and then someone calls you. A friend of a friend who's seen your work and needs you to take pictures of their birthday party. They talk about the party, who's going to be there and then they drop the bomb on you.

How much to you charge?

Now this is the turning point the splits you form artist to business person. What do you say?

You: Uh...umm i charge 120$!
Client: 120$! Oh that's too much! I've only got 60$ would you do it for that?
You: Not really....but we can figure it out...
Client Great! I need you for a minimum 5 hours and need about 200 final pictures.
You: Alright...(In your mind trying to convince yourself, "It would be for my portfolio")

Now this scenario might seem ridiculous, But 'll be honest in saying that I've done exactly that. And the main reason for it is simply not having a plan and system set up for such a situation. As much as your a photographer, you also run a service. And a service provides value that people will pay good sums of money for if you know what your doing.

So Where Do I Start?

Know the Biz and Provide an Experience!

Get to know the photography business. Research on prices and take a look at today's working photographers and copy their price packages. Then slowly mold them into your own. Be creative with your pricing and business. Remember that your work is art but your business can be as well. It's all your creation so you can come up with service product names and packages.

Here's a great lecture with Jeff Cable breaking it all down.

Becoming business savvy is a must in today's world so your photographs speak only half the story your trying to tell. When a client calls remember to be in service and help them get what it is their trying to achieve. In the end it's not about you, it's about them. So make it as easy as possible and they'll love you for it. Providing an experience that they will remember is what separates you from all the millions of photographers out there. The final image is just a small memento to the minute they walk into your door as you greet them.

KEEP SNAPPIN'!

Chris from Manikmati Photography