Summary of "Photography Business Tips They Don't Teach You"
The video "Photography Business Tips They Don't Teach You" by Charlie from Wellers Photography focuses on essential business strategies and marketing insights that photographers often overlook when starting out. The key points include practical financial advice, client management, and marketing tactics to build a sustainable photography business.
Main Financial Strategies and Business Tips:
- Use Contracts:
- Always have a written contract to protect both yourself and your clients.
- Include shot lists, payment terms, delivery timelines, and contingencies (e.g., no-shows).
- Verbal agreements are unreliable; written contracts help avoid misunderstandings.
- Charge What You're Worth:
- Avoid underpricing, which devalues the industry and your work.
- Consider all costs: expensive gear, software, insurance, and your time.
- Charge per session, per photo, or per day rather than by the hour to avoid losing money as you become more efficient.
- Start by practicing with stock photography to build skills and justify higher rates later.
- Insurance:
- Insure your equipment to protect against damage or loss.
Market Analyses and Business Trends:
- Importance of Marketing (90% of success):
- Photography skill is only about 10% of the business; marketing and selling yourself are the majority.
- Instagram alone is insufficient; a professional website with categorized galleries (e.g., real estate, headshots, food photography) is crucial.
- Tailor your portfolio to your target market to attract the right clients.
- Networking and Client Interaction:
- Meet clients in person whenever possible to build rapport and understand their needs.
- Attend industry-specific events (e.g., realtor meetings for real estate photographers) to connect with potential clients.
- Always carry your camera as it acts as an icebreaker and can lead to unexpected job offers.
Methodology / Step-by-Step Guide:
- Contract Preparation:
- Download free contract templates online.
- Customize contracts to include shot lists, payment terms, delivery deadlines, and cancellation policies.
- Review and confirm client expectations before signing.
- Pricing Strategy:
- Practice with stock photography to improve skills without undercharging clients.
- Calculate all costs (gear, software, insurance, time) to set appropriate prices.
- Avoid hourly rates; prefer fixed pricing per session or deliverable.
- Use Checklists:
- Create multiple checklists:
- Gear checklist (lenses, memory cards, batteries).
- Shot list for the session.
- Editing checklist to ensure consistency and quality.
- Use tools like Lightroom’s workflow to maintain editing standards.
- Create multiple checklists:
- Marketing and Networking:
- Build a professional website with separate galleries for each photography niche.
- Carry business cards and drive clients to your website.
- Attend relevant industry events and put yourself in client circles.
- Take your camera everywhere to create opportunities and start conversations.
Additional Offering:
Charlie promotes the Wallace Photography Digital Photography Guide, which covers technical skills and practical photography tips, available in multiple formats including YouTube membership bonuses and printed booklets.
Presenter:
- Charlie from Wellers Photography
Category
Business and Finance
