ZACVii

How to Make Money as a Beginner Photographer

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All too often photographers are asking the question of how to charge, who pays who and how to get started in the photography industry.

Now, I want to clearly preface this article by saying,

“I am not a top-tier professional photographer.”

I would consider myself a more-serious amateur photographer, an experienced photographer, or even a “prosumer,” but that top level of photography, I am not. I leave that title for the photographers like Kevin Wong or Theo Skudra. A lot of photography comes from experience, network, and portfolio; aka clout.

This graph was taken from an article at FStoppers.

Clout
/klout/ (informal noun) — influence or power, especially in politics or business.

This is my guide to how to begin your business in the photography industry.

My journey began many years ago. But when October 2018 came around, I really wanted to figure out how to make money with photography and make it a viable option as a creative soul. I looked online everywhere to figure out how much to charge as a beginner photographer and I didn’t find anything really of value, so I winged it.

My tips are very straightforward for everyone that wants to know HOW to start a photography business. So here it goes:

BUILD A PORTFOLIO
  • Figure out WHAT you want to shoot first.
  • What are you interested in? Stock photos, fashion, shoes, weddings, portraits, concerts, cars?
  • Figure it out by going out and shooting EVERYTHING and THEN narrow down from there.
    • HAVE A BUSINESS PLAN FOR PRICING
    • Know your worth and if you’re unsure, ask local photographers what they’re charging.
    • You NEED to go out and shoot what you are interested in.
    • YOU need to hustle and make it happen. NOBODY else will give you what you want
      • MARKET YOURSELF, AND DO IT EVERYWHERE
      • Make a website AND business cards because the moment you say you don’t have either, people will not take you seriously.
      • Use Instagram as your portfolio page (or create one that will become one)
        • Instagram is great with connecting with everyday people
        • Use LinkedIn as a business portfolio page.
          • LinkedIn is great a B2B (Business to Business) platform
          • Use Facebook as a social platform for friends to see that you take photos
          • Use Youtube as another creative outlet to express your love for photography

            • I had a friend named Sophia that said to me “How can you say you’re a photographer if you don’t have photos up?” and I knew that I needed to change that.

            NETWORK, NETWORK, NETWORK

            Photographers are entrepreneurs also, we need to network and get our name out there it is very easy to make money with photography because EVERYONE needs a photographer. If you aren’t putting yourself out there with your personality and charm and SKILL, nobody will know and your process to grow can be hindered just because you’re sitting around dwindling.

            I hope this was insightful and valuable.


            Find me on all platforms: @ZACVii

            My website: www.zacvii.com

            Business site: www.vinmediagroup.com

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            ZACViiBy Zachary Johnson