Top 10 Tips to Start a Photography Business in 2024

Business

Dec 27

You love photography. Maybe you’ve been doing it for a while, maybe you’ve taken photos of your friends, or you’ve gotten hooked with taking photos during your hikes. You’ve realized that you can earn some extra money on the side by doing this hobby that you enjoy, and you’re interested in trying it out to see where it goes.

But the jump from enthusiast to business owner is kind of intimidating. I know I was intimidated when I started my photography business in my last year of high school.

“Are my photos even worth getting paid for? How do I even get clients? Will I even have the time to manage photography and my full-time commitment (school/work)?” These were the types of questions that went through my head.

Photography is a super saturated market and gear is expensive so it’s normal to wonder whether or not starting a photography business is worth it.

So I did the same as you. I researched online like crazy.

But it’s 2024. Some of these articles and YouTube videos are 4-5 years old. How do you know if they are still relevant in today’s ever-changing social media scene?

If you’re looking to start a side-hustle alongside your full-time job or school, I will guide you through some of the biggest tips I can give new photographers.

Humble yourself and have an open mind. Starting a photography business is not easy, and you should always approach information with an open mind.
If something isn't working and you get frustrated - perhaps you are missing something from the larger picture.
Photography isn't a marathon so you don't have to rush your learning. Even the best photographers with large social media followings are learning and evolving.
There is always something to learn but don't feel left behind in your process. Everyone starts off not knowing how to use Manual or how to edit.
Expensive photography gear won't make you a good photographer. Art is all about technique. It doesn't matter if you use the most expensive tools or gears. At the end of the day, a "good" photographer is someone who has an experienced eye as to what does or doesn't look good.
You may think "But I should make investments in my business early on!" this is true, but if your skill level isn't on par with the equipment you use, your money could've been used for something more immediately applicable like a course or workshop.
I myself held onto a crop sensor Canon Rebel for 4 years before upgrading. I collected a few lenses that I knew would be compatible with my future full-frame purchase, and once I was confident that my skills were being limited by my gear, I made the sale.
Get an Instagram account dedicated to your photography. Start by posting all your photos.
You'll need to get accustomed to your work getting seen by the public, if that hasn't been something you're accustomed to, and it's a good chance for your friends and family that you're starting to get a little bit more serious by having a dedicated photography page.
I will be coming out with an article about why you should separate your personal vs business Instagram account at a later date.
I specifically state get an Instagram because this is the best place for a photographer to show off your own work, outside of your own website. But since you're just starting out, you won't be needing a website just yet.
Don't feel obligated to stay in one photography niche. Photography has many niches: weddings, commercial, product, graduates, engagements, family, newborn, landscape, maternity - the list goes on.
At the start, try a bit of everything. This is the best way to find what kind of photography you'd like to specialize in.
For me, that was portrait photography and after working with local models, my interest expanded to the fashion / commercial scene.
An easy way to practice is to bring your camera everywhere. If you have some downtime, take your camera out and practice taking photos of your walk to the bus stop, your friends at lunch, or a cool building down the block.
Once you've figured out what kind of photography you're most interested in, you can start building a portfolio to attract clients.
Learn how to use a camera in Manual mode. Especially if you are inexperienced with Adobe Photoshop.
A lot of problems, such as a photo being too dark or blurry, have easy solutions by understanding the settings behind your camera.
****Learn the photography triad: ISO, exposure, and aperture.
Understand how light is viewed through a camera.
YouTube is a great resource for learning all of these things.
Building a portfolio is crucial to start getting paid for your photography. After all, the best way to start getting clients is by showing others that you can take photos.
This can be accomplished in many ways. Do model calls, ask your friends, family or acquaintances that are interested in modeling. I will write an article about building your portfolio for another day.
By having an Instagram account dedicated to your photography and by having your friends and family following it, you can now make a post saying that you're starting a family photography portfolio, and you'd like to know if any families are interested in getting some photos done. Since they already know you, your circle will be more inclined to help you out and pose for you.
Here's a tip: if you know someone who loves posting photos of themselves on social media, there's a good chance they will be enthusiastic posing for you.
Learn how to edit your photography. Unless you're doing film photography, it is expected for paid photographers to have some sort of post-process.
Even untrained eyes can tell that a simple preset can make a photo look more appealing. And especially if you don't have much experience in compositing and technique, editing can give you a boost ahead of other new photographers.
Now, how can you learn how to edit? YouTube! Ask any local photographers if they offer workshops for editing.
Build a relationship with other photographers. Talk with other local photographers.
Start by responding to what they post and have a normal conversation before jumping in and asking for tips.
But a word of caution coming from the receiving side - don't just slide into a photographer’s DMs and start demanding them to mentor you. More experienced photographers charge for mentorships because their knowledge is an education, and that should be respected.
I've had a few photographers DM me and ask if they can assist me at my next photoshoot and while it's flattering, it was very off-putting, asking for something without anything else to go off of asides from "Hi I'm a new photographer, let me, a random stranger, follow you around." Having someone you don't know on set can make both you and the model uncomfortable. From my experience, most photographers are willing to answer your questions as long as you are respectable, friendly, and not rude.
By talking to other photographers, you can also get constructive criticism on your work!
Be constantly inspired and consume educational content. Are there any photographers on YouTube that you love watching?
Here's a list of my top favorite educational photography YouTubers if you're looking for new content.
I learned most of what I knew at the beginning through YouTube, the rest I learned through actually going out in the field.
Keep practicing. All of start off thinking "oh hey photography is cool, I bet I could do that" - to then realize that it's harder than it looks.
The only way to figure your style is to keep learning and practice everything - you'll eventually find something that will stick with you.