I hear from so many people with questions on this topic, so I thought I’d share my thoughts on the best way to ease into the transition on starting and maintaining a photography business, or if nothing else so those that hire a photographer will know what they are paying for.
It is so wonderful that moms who choose to stay home with their children–have opportunities to make a little money on the side, and many people have purchased nice dslr cameras and think that would be a great way to earn some money. It is true, and it is fun, but there is SO much involved with having a photography business besides just having a good camera. I’ve seen many people who start that way get burned out, and even my own personal journey has been a hair pulling experience at times as I frustratingly charted the course for myself.
I thought I’d share my thoughts for those that are interested in having a photography business.
IT’S NOT JUST CREATIVE, BUSINESS SENSE IS NEEDED
First of all, let me just say I am not super business savvy. My business does not keep our family afloat, and I’m so grateful I don’t need to worry about that. I can’t imagine the stress of needing a certain amount of clients in order to pay the bills. So if you are planning on something like that, you need a lot of business sense. Plus, photography is an elective luxury. People don’t NEED it like they need food. I have seen many full time photographers suffer in these hard economic times because people are cutting back and many believe that is a luxury that can wait til later.
I never planned to have a business. Sometimes I laugh to myself when I stop and think that I started a business all on my own. I’ve always felt pretty mediocre. Not down on myself for being so, but recognized that is just the way it was. School was difficult for me. I did graduate with my Bachelors, but I really had to work for it. I never aspired to “work” when I grew up (I still see it as a hobby, not a job). I wanted to get married and have lots of babies. But I’ve always had this insatiable craving to take pictures of people.
When I started my biz, I had no clue what to charge people. I charged a little and was completely happy. In 2003, I had a film slr and charged $50. I took a roll of film and gave the client everything, and pocketed $20 and was thrilled! We were on a super tight income, and I was able to indulge in a new pair of black shoes for church with that cash. After a year, I got a digital slr and charged $75 for the session and disc (a lot more images). I didn’t know much about editing then, so the images were “as is.”
Really, I wasn’t very good back then, so the pricing and inexperience went well together. When I realized I wasn’t that good, I spent many hours on the computer trying to figure things out, camera, photoshop, etc. My husband gently told me it was taking over my time. I had to re-evaluate (and do so ALL the time) and prioritize my time. Sometimes I wondered if I should just stop it all…but I’ve decided I love it too much. Not just taking pictures, but meeting strangers and taking their pictures. It all brings me so much joy. So I limit what I take on, and I am mindful of my computer time. My “work” hours on the computer are preschool time, and after bedtime (sometimes really late). When I go out for a shoot, its just an hour at a time, no more than once a week. When it does trickle over into family time, I become cranky momma, and I don’t like her and neither does my family.
WHAT TO CHARGE
It has been difficult for me to figure out what I want to charge. I am a SUPER thrifty person. We don’t have cable, rarely eat out, just barely upgrade from having an old school tv, hubby drives a 1996 car, I buy furniture at good will or craigs list and fix it up…I am a “diy” kinda gal. All that said, I am not the photographer for the thrifty person, and I’ve become ok with that (though I felt guilty for quite a while), taking into account that it takes time away from my family, and I’ve spent a lot of time and money honing my craft.
To make it less awkward on myself, I don’t do business with those in my church congregation, but will do a professional trade or refer them to my other photographer friends. I even had a parent of my sons classmate show interest in my taking their pictures, tell me I was out of her price range, and I referred her to a friend who is just starting out who charges less. I have no problems doing that–I get it! I want people to have great pictures, but I just can’t do it all. I have never charged family members a penny, and many close friends I gift on my own accord, though I know many photographers will charge their family and close friends. It is my favorite gift to give those I am closest with. Once again, hubby has to remind me that though it is good to be giving, I simply can’t give all that I want to (I used to offer to so many people to do it for free, but in scaling back, I just can’t do that anymore).
Those of you that are thinking of starting a biz, or have dipped your toe into it, here is a list I go through with each client:
A lot of people don’t realize that a shoot is a lot more than just a shoot. There are so many things and many hours that go into just one session, so here is a breakdown of what each shoot consists of:
LIST FOR EACH CLIENT
Time Spent…
1) emailing back and forth to set the date, time, location, clothing suggestions, etc. (this could be 2 or 3 emails….or it could be 20 or more).
2) driving to and from each session
3) actually shooting at the session
4) depositing checks/bookkeeping
5) editing/prepping images for the sneak peeks on my blog/facebook
6) weeding out the not so great and editing the rest of the images
7) uploading all of the photos to the online gallery
8) emailing the client the gallery with all of the detailed info
9) working on any additional edits that the client has requested (blemish removal, hair flyaways, hip slimming)
10) packaging orders
11) Setting up a delivery/pick up time
12) backing up client files to external hard drives and burning backup discs
13) Posting images to social media for others to see
14) Incentive based programs to encourage your clients to spread the word to their friends
EQUIPMENT & STEPS TO RUN A PHOTOGRAPHY BUSINESS
you will need:
-professional camera (I don’t think a Rebel will do since so many amateur’s have them) Do you want your clients to have a newer model than you?
-Variety of lenses, flash, extra batteries/ flashcards
-photoshop/lightroom/other software
-Web presence—anything, but more professional as a .com not a blogsite
-Tax id
-Professional lab
-Stationary: welcome packet
-Packaging prints clear bags
-Gift bags to hold print orders
-stickers: I put these on prints, envelopes, gift bag
-Pricing list online and/or in print
-Accounting software/accountant (every business must pay taxes)
-professional looking Gift cards (I give them to teachers and some people buy as gifts)
-Model release, you must get permission from clients to post their images online, some don’t want it
-Client info form: gather info like address, cell number, childrens ages and birthdays
-Cd’s/ cases/where to print: If I sell a digital collection, I have a card that informs how to care and where to print
-Copyright info: Many people don’t realize it is illegal to scan professional images, good to inform
-Thank you card (mail after session or delivery of prints)
-Biz cards: can never have too many of these.
-Facebook account: social media is HUGE for word of mouth.
-Open a business banking account
-Insurance
-Ppa membership (I actually don’t do this, but it is recommended)
-Charge/pay taxes
-External hard drive
LEARNING ONLINE
I am self taught. I never read my camera manual to teach me how to use my camera, in 2004, I poured over the limited internet resources and various trial and error. There were no blogs and pinterest with tips bag then–there is so much now!!! Online forums helped me a TON! I was a member of ProPhotogs forum for nearly 5 years. I used to go daily, and was able to ask so many questions and learned from others questions, but I let my membership lapse and the ownership has changed now. So many patient people answered my questions along the way and I had to learn to be tough when my not-so-great images were critiqued. Clickin Moms seems to be for those that may not want a business, but just great images. I’ve made many great photographer friends along the way…online…on the phone…and locally. I couldn’t even begin to list the people who helped me with specific techniques that I’ve never even met.
If you found this post helpful, check out my other posts with photography tips:
A Peek Inside my Camera Bag
Say NO to Auto beginner photography book
What to Wear in Family Portraits
How to Shoot a great silhouette
Using the Foreground to Frame your Shot
If you have a fancy camera that you don’t know how to use, check out my books!
Kristen Duke
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Thanks Kristen for this amazing post! I’m sure it took alot of time to compile but so helpful! I think you bring up alot of really encouraging and good points! (especially about pricing). I’ve taken some college classes and it just doesn’t seem to be something that gets talked about at class. This is helpful!
Great! So happy you found it helpful, let me know if questions arise!
You’d be out of budget for me, but I’m glad for you that there are enough people who are able and willing to pay the prices you charge. I guess part of it is that I’m a diy-er, also in this regard. What you offer is full service, and all I want is someone to take the pictures because I can figure out outfits and locations and edit pictures myself. So it’s good that all ends of the price range are available when it comes to photography!
Some photogs will work deals when it comes to editing and such, and if you are a good enough photographer, I’ve done trades with other photographer at comparable levels, so we both win! There are definitely varying levels of pricing, and I’ve seen some REALLY good photographers who are quite inexpensive, it’s just what works for you!
great simple tips Kristen!
THanks!!!
I don’t think this is the right season of my life to think about starting a business, but I’m still curious. Do you have insurance for your business and/or on your equipment?
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I actually don’t insure my equipment. I figure we have savings to cover if I really needed a new camera, but I have 2 back ups (old and overused as they are) in case I don’t….Plus, my biz isn’t our bread and butter.
Maybe I’m being paranoid, but what if someone tries to sue you/your business or something crazy like that? I don’t even know if insurance is the answer to this concern… I’m totally ignorant about running a business.
nope, lots of people do think about, and that is where ppa comes in…The main reason someone would sue me is if I ruined pictures that were irreplaceable such as a wedding, which I don’t do. Family pictures in general ARE irreplaceable, but I have reshot if unhappy, and feel I’m pretty flexible to peoples needs. But yes, ppa is helpful in instances as that.
Wow! Impressive detailed information! I may be a little biased but I think you are not only a great photographer but great businesswoman as well. Many in business for years don’t recognize the details/time that go into their business and that you’ve share here. WE are so lucky to have a great photographer in the family willing to keep us in current photos! THANKS!
thanks, mama
Hey Kristen as always a great help and always easy to read. I didn’t get bored – which is easy for me. I think you for keeping it simple and on my level. There’s a few things I have missed here and even though I’m not a proper business yet. It gives me thought for when I do do it full time. I will be like you – have kids and do photography on the side. Thanks again – fantastic
Yay, glad to be helpful, and I don’t always do all of that all the time, but it is my ideal list!!! It’s a great momma side thing to do!
LOVED this!! Thank you for sharing. sometimes I feel like quitting b/c I don’t want to be too busy. When I get busy I get crabby too. Good to know it’s ok to be picky. But I do have to charge more. Kind of hard now b/c I JUST moved so basically I had to start over, clientele wise. But I am going to keep all this in mind as I build!
It’s hard to say no because it’s nice to be selected, but you have to do the part that you love, or you will get overworked and frustrated…and sometimes bump it up. If you are new in the area, do an “introductory price” maybe for this fall and say, My prices are “xyz” (and bump that to your happy place) but the introductory price is half off, or whatever you feel best. People will know your ultimate pricing, but getting in on a deal b/c you are new to the area. Make sense?
I’m so glad you have a photography business! This is all really helpful information. I bet a lot of people don’t realize all the work and little details that go into a photography business. Thanks for sharing. Also, I loved seeing some pics from our session last year
You two are pretty cute together;)
Wow, thanks for taking the time to share and post this. It was very informative and I really enjoyed reading it.
I tink one of your most impressive skills is knowing when to say “no”. There is a market at your price point and sating true to what you are worth/charge is important. Mom did the same thing for her sewing business, another sometimes DIY skill that may be difficult to charge for but lower prices do not make better customers. You are a “brand” and like all brands that are good, people will pay a preium for them because they know they will get a high quality product.
These are great tips and I think it’s great that you are sharing all this info. Do you have favorite professional lab that you like to use?
Thank you so much for posting this! I’ve always loved graphic designing and the past 5 years have took up loving photography as well. It’s good to know how you feel as a not only a photographer but being a mom and able to balance work and family. All of my 4 kids are in school now, so I’m looking for ways to use my gifts that God has given me and put them to use. Thanks again for sharing!
This list is LEGIT. I have taken pictures for years, but this past year is when I really dove into photography and have been going, going, going. I can totally relate to the same feelings you had when you started your business. Your blog helped remind me that there are other beautiful moments to be captured in life, and that not ALL of them need to be on film.
Thank you for putting all of this information out there for others to learn from.
-danielle meier
Thanks for the endorsement of the legit list!
Happy to help inspire!!!
Oh my goodness, I love this. Thank you for sharing and I love all of the photos
Hi Kristen..lots of great info!! I am building my portfolio and read that it is a good idea to start a blog…I was going to start with FB…but then after reading the blog advice..thought perhaps I would wait to launch FB when I was ready to be “offical” and begin charging…Do you have any advice about where to start a blog? Like you I am mostly self taught via internet and books…I would love to attend workshops, but there are very few that I have found near me.
I’d go to http://www.blogger.com to set up a free blog–it is a great way to showcase your work for anyone to see!
I am so thankful that I tripped over this post today! I am a self-taught, work-at-home momma/photographer. I am struggling to find the balance of being a housewife and photographer. I, too, started out (due to peer pressure!) wanting to help my pastor-husband with our one income budget. I invested in a nice Nikon D90 and an iMac, and since then it’s turned into a full-time full-blown business with expensive (however excellent) equipment that demands lots of time.
I worked in a hospital full time for 6 years, then my husband was called to a church several hours away. I sold my new car so that we could afford for me to stay home with our baby and manage on my husband’s salary. I went from a full-time social job to a new town, new church, whole new world of stay-at-home isolation. When our daughter was born and the bills mounted, the debt accumulated. I prayed for a way to be able to help. I didn’t want to take on babysitting, I am selfish with my time for my two! Praise God I was asked to help photograph a wedding with my sister–and it all seemed to click. I stuck my neck out and offered to do family sessions for Christmas, and it took off like crazy because digital photography/owning your disc with print rights is totally new to this area. Getting out of the house for a little bit on Saturdays was a God-send, I have been able to engage with other families in my new town and it’s been so nice to have a little time where I use other skills besides cooking, cleaning, and playing games! I joined several online photog groups and learned so many skills and practiced, practiced, practiced. I never dreamed that my little hobby would turn into such a blessing for our family. It’s proof that with God all things are possible!
My son is in 1st grade now and my daughter is in pre-school, she is in school for 3 hours a day. We now have dance, children’s choir, Wednesday night kids classes at church and Friday night football….family time is not what it once was. When Saturday rolls around I’m gone all day, I feel like I’m missing out on everything. Being away from home is not what it used to be! In our family, Sunday is far from a day off. So now I’m starting to get very stingy with my Saturdays, because I desperately miss my children during the week and I miss out on my husband’s day off, too!
Thank you for pouring your heart into this. You’ve helped me to see that this is a demanding, time-consuming business and I cannot allow myself to say yes to every little thing that comes along. I taught a Sunday School lesson a few months ago on the 10 Commandments, which totally convicted me about doing photo sessions on Sunday. I’ve also taken Mondays off, they’re now my Saturdays.
God bless you in your work and your family. You’ve been a blessing to me today!
Heather
Heather, I’m so glad you found this helpful! You’ve had quite the journey, but yes, having this biz is fulfilling a creativity on the side of being a stay at home mom. I LOVE it for that! I don’t do photo shoots on Sundays, either, per the 10 commandments;)
Wonderful tips! I love photography so much just as a hobby! I don’t think I would ever go pro with it or start a business because I feel like it would ruin the fun of it for me!
But these really are great tips!! Thanks for sharing your knowledge and experience!!
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Wow, what a great and informative post!! Thank you for posting all of the well thought out information! I am so glad I found you through pinterest!
I loved all of the info. I am a sahm and am starting my own biz. But sadly enough all I have is a redel.
I am trying to set up a web page but don’t know where to start. I am on FB though. I am charging $50 a shoot and giving minimally edited jpegs on a disk. ? where do you reccomend I set up a .com and What kind of camera and software do you have.
Shelli, You can buy a domain name from a host of sites, just google it. About $15 a year or so? I just posted today about my camera, and I use photoshop.
http://www.wix.com is a free site.. but you have to dish out roughly $20 if you want customized domain name & such. Hope this helps!
So what kind of printer do you use?
I don’t print at home, I use professional labs. whcc.com
Thank you Kristen, i’ve just started my biz here in Guatemala City and your compilation and story has inspired me to keep on and I’m so thankfull that you shared this experience and knowledge about how to start and run this kind of biz because I had no idea how to do it. Now, i am more determined to keep on working and learning to become such an excellent photographer like you are! I do have a lot of questions and I will be gratefull if you can help me on my way on. Thanks so much again!
How wonderful to hear from you in Guatemala City!! I’m so happy to hear that my suggestions were helpful!!
Hi Kristen!
Great tips and I certainly appreciate your candid perspective. I’ve always loved photography and have been in the business world during my short working career doing sales and marketing. I wanted to combine my business sense, my love of imagery and photography and my marketing experience and education to create a business that would allow me to be an home with my kids (when I have them, my fiance and I just got engaged a few months ago). I know it will be a lot of work to get started, but I also know it will be worth it. You certainly have inspired me to keep going! I just bought my first professional grade camera today after some months of saving and I’m so excited to learn as much as I can.
No questions really, just wanted to thank you for this post!
If you have any advice for me, or places where I should go first to “hone my skill” I would love to hear it.
Jenna
You’re welcome, Jenna! It sound like you have a great background for a photog biz, it takes SO much more than just pretty pictures! Feel free to ask me questions, and I’ll answer them in posts….I also have a photography section on my blog with past photography tips I’ve shared, here. http://www.kristendukephotography.com/familyportraits/photography-tips/
Thank you so much for this information. I have just recently started to teach myself online but I have been struggling with creating my logo and how to create it. Do you have and tips on that? Thanks so much:)
Logo’s are really tough. I am not good at design, and was never happy with anything I tried. Go onto etsy and type in “photography logo” and you’ll see a ton of premade. You can buy the design or at least try to mimick something you like.
I used windows publisher to create my logo design, I was very lost when my father suggested it.. turned out great!
How far into your business, when you went out and rented a place to set up your studio?
I’ve never done much studio work. I don’t prefer it. I do have a black and white cloth backdrop and stand that I have used in my home, facing towards window light.
Hi Kristen! Thanks for the tips, I found them very helpful. I do have a couple questions though regarding tax information. How do you obtain a tax id and pay taxes? Sounds simple, but I imagine paying taxes through a personally owned business is different. Also, you recommend insurance.. would this be for example insurance on equipment and liability insurance? I also read on another page you have to obtain a business license also? Any help would be much appreciated! Thank you!!
(sorry for all the questions!) I’m a googling, pinteresting, research machine right now.
Leah, the laws are different from state to state. I got my tax id from my local Comptrollers office, google that! Insurance, sign up with ppa.com (or .org?). Professional Photographers of America. I don’t have a biz. license. Hope that helps!!
Yeah so far I’ve only figured out that I need to file my “doing business as name” with the county (Since I’m not using my name) and run my new business in the paper for 4 weeks, luckily the newspaper takes care of everything here for $70! Apparently in California is ran county, not state wide. I also found out that I can file my income with a Schedule C on my own taxes and not get a tax id, have you heard of this?
Wow, I just stumbled upon your site by chance, and then perused through and found this post…what a worthwhile read! I can relate with a lot that you wrote, and also learned a ton since I am where you were circa 2003! I love the the breakdown lists, and how much you focus on the struggle of juggling family time to computer time…I’m excited that I found your site and this post!
I’m so happy this was so helpful for you! Yes, that computer/family time is a struggle!
Hi,my name is Kimberley and i have been wanting to start my own Photography business but just scared to take that leap. I got a Nixon D3100. Is that a good one to start with or no? Am scared to start ans spend the money and not succeed. Please give any advice
Your camera sounds great to start with. Get a 50mm 1.8 lens if you don’t have one, and learn to shoot in manual settings for the most beautiful images. Start with those basics, and slowly add on items from this list after that.
Hi, I am starting out in the photography business, and was wondering what the copy right info was that you infrom the clients of?!?
Just that they can’t reproduce images (scan) without written/signed permission from the photographer.
Hi Kristen,
Thank you so much for your post. By day I am a Sociology Instructor. But my passion has always be drawing and painting, for many years I would paint murals, people’s pets, and other items. I found that when it was on demand, it took away the love and joy I found in my artwork. Recently, I have taken a particular interest,although I have always loved photography. I love to find the beauty in the everyday life; most, if not all, of my photos are of nature. For a while friends and family have urged me to start a business, but I was nervous and wary…. I do find inspiration in photography is different than painting or drawing, because what I like to “shoot” is always there. What made me dive into as business stems from this event – an individual saw my photos (no reason to care) and said, wow, “what type of camera do you have, these are great, not what a photographer wanted to hear.. lol.. but I was very patient and told him.. he then asked if I could show him how to use his, he had bought a professional camera. I like you, am self taught, but I showed him what I knew.. pretty much .. well I just see a perfect shot and a take it like this, with certain lighting you may want it on this setting.. and so forth. He then realized it is not just the camera. Later he came to me and asked if I could do an event for him. So, I started thinking, before my dad passed he begged me not to lose touch with my creativity, my family and friends kept advocating.. .so I have stopped fighting. I just started my business, Mia Bella Expressions. A mix of photography and painting/drawing, I broke down and got photoshop.. I fought this too, because I believe in the photographer more than the software, but I know clients like certain effects. My question is, (I tend to digress, and give more detail than needed) do you have advice for those who are selling photography as artwork and then move into people? I have an Etsy shop, a FB, and a Blog…. again I literally just started this weekend. FB has most of my photos, but uploading and writing, especially during exam time, takes a while.
Your list was so helpful thank you, and if you have any advice it would be wonderful….even if you thought my photos stunk, at lest this would be an unbiased view. Any helpful marketing, any mistakes you made.. anything that stands out. O – and you learning to say no was very insightful, I need to learn this word!
Thank you so much for your time, and words of wisdom!
so sorry for my delay. I haven’t sold my artwork on etsy, so don’t have much advice for this. It’s true, once there is a demand, the joy is taken out…art is a very tough full time business.
Hi Kristen! Thank you for all the very useful information! I have a Question. Can you elaborate about building a website for your business? And what Domain Websites to use? Budget friendly website perhaps? And I was wondering do a lot of Photogs use blog site for their “business website”? I’m mainly into social media a lot right now because I cant really affored to pay top price for an extravagant website because im just starting out. What tips would you give to me?
A lot of photographers have merged their site and their blogs so they don’t have to maintain 2. I’ll see about making a post on building a website…
Kristen, What fantastic information!! Thank you! I recently began helping a photographer with her business. I am in charge of client contact information and scheduling. In exchange she is going to take photographs for my family. Is there an efficient and/or productive database, app or any other type of program that would make scheduling and keeping track of client information more manageable? Right now the person I’m helping uses a spiral notebook, YIKES!
I have shared a chart somewhere on my site, but no app. I still use paper and pencil myself!
Do you have any recommendations for how to photoshop or things that you do? And some good online professional labs you use?
I use whcc.com labs and I recommend joining clickin moms for real life tips. You can access it by the sidebar button I have, it’s a great resource! It’s how I learned my photography through an online forum!
Hi Kristen!
I wanted to ask what business form you used? A friend of mine recommended starting a S Corporation?
Jenna H
Great info. As an “ex” business owner myself, my dad always told me to never give family members a break on the price of my service, but to make sure that every job that I do for family is 100% perfection. Since every job is different, one family member might get a larger discount than the other and that could lead to hard feelings. Good idea on giving your services as gifts too.
Thanks so much for sharing this info. It really helped a lot!! I’m starting out and I am also self taught.
Thanks for the great advice. I love photography, too and have recently decided that I want to pursue a photography business of my own. This article is extremely helpful!
Thanks for the input.
My boyfriend decided to start a business that he is passionate about. It is hard work. We have gone to different events and passed out business cards to start with. Right now he doesn’t charge much. For now, He just want to build his portfolio. What you mentioned about taking up your time away from family is so true. I work full time and I come home and see him on the computer editing pictures till late at night.
It’s so hard to do this business full time! I know a few that do and they bust their tales working many hours!
Thank you for sharing. Long time photography lover. Jusr recently, I have been thinking about staying a small business. Until recently, I’ve taken pictures of just about anything. I love photographing family and family pets, friends and friends of family. This year, I started taking senior pictures for friends of my daughter who couldn’t effort professional photographs. Seniors and Families were happy with the photographs. And they were free.
I’ve been thinking about this for a while now and decided to serve the net for answers. I really wasn’t sure if I’d find answers but your page/blog gave me plenty to consider. Thank you again.
*afford. I’m sorry. My phone spell checks…
I’m so glad you found this info helpful!!!
Do you recommend hiring a PR person or consultant? If so, how do you go about finding the right person to hire?
I haven’t done that, so I have no good tips there!
lots of great info how do you get a a business license i would like to start my own small business ive done weddings for friends senior pics, baby pics, christmas, and family pics lots of nature shots and flowers but i would like to make it a business and copywrite my photos. and start a photo website any suggestions on any of this? i know its alot. thanks for everything………..darla mcconnell
Thanks for posting this up Kristen! It really helps me a lot. I am considering opening my own video and photography business within a couple of months. I’ve worked on various projects for free (wedding pictorials, baby showers and birthdays) for family and friends and I must say that it does take some time to shoot, edit and more. Thanks again for your post!
I needed to thank you for this excellent read!
! I definitely loved every little bit of it. I have you bookmarked to
check out new things you post…
small business recently posted..small business
Oh my goodness SO helpful! I am just starting out & operating on a high end point and shoot. I hope to get a DSLR someday, but for the moment it isn’t happening. What camera do you recommend for myself when that the comes? You say not a Rebel?
As far as social media I have been doing a ton of promotional shoots and offers. It seems to get the likes coming in and the messages flowing
I think Rebels are great–lenses are more important, but I just say that if you have a Rebel and your client also has a Rebel, it just seems a tad less credible. But if you produce great images, it shouldn’t matter!
Hi. Thanks for all the great info. I’m just curious, do you use any digital copyright software on your pictures? Or do you register your pictures with the US for copyright purposes? How do you address the copyright issue? Especially with an online presence, how do you make sure others are not illegally using your photos?
I don’t stress too much about copyright. All of my images online are low resolution, so wouldn’t print nicely. I put a logo or something on them, that’s about it.
Thank you! What a gift you have given me. I actually have a degree in photography that I received 20 years ago! However, I hung up my camera once my amazing kids came into the picture. Now, I want to get back into it, but have lost some confidence along the way. Looking forward to getting back on that saddle.
Question: All of your outdoor shots seems to be taken in softer settings. Is it really always slightly overcast, or are you using flash fill, defusers, or something else?
Again, many thanks!
sounds wonderful, so glad to hear this was helpful! I actually despise overcast days! It gives shadows in and under the eyes! I shoot in 100% natural light outside, I just look around for the prettiest light–open shade (look for the post tomorrow about that).
Hey Kristen, It’s me again. I sent you a message about lighting and read your tips… Thanks! When you shoot with back lighting and open shade, do you find that you have to bump up the exposure or do corrections with Photoshop at all? The skin tone of your clients looks great and I wouldn’t expect that. BTW… I love you family group shots at the beach!
Many thanks,
Lauren
Hi– I am new to this photography world but extremely excited to get my business up and running. I have loved taking pictures for years and now that I am finally gaining the expertise, this will be a new endeavor for me. Could you go into more detail about what these items in your list are: Professional lab -Stationary: welcome packet -Packaging prints clear bags -Gift bags to hold print orders -stickers: I put these on prints, envelopes, gift bag. I am confused as to what they are and what you do with them…? Thank you!