start a photography business

I’ve been interested in photography as long as I can remember. I had cameras way back into the 110 film days. LOL I always took pictures on trips, vacations at home of my animals growing up etc. In high school I would have loved to take photography but my mother could not afford it. Once I had my own income from a job I had not time. I still loved taking pictures and bought a film(point and shoot) camera that I had lots of fun with taking pictures of my adorable kitten. Time passed and I had my daughter and became instantly obsessed with learning all I could to get better pictures. :) I drooled and drooled over getting a digital SLR for a couple years. Finally got one in March 2008 and have been learning a TON. I have improved a lot(i think and have been told) but know there is always something to learn.

I’m going to start researching business aspects while I’m continuing to reel in the basics to a consistency of quality. But can’t wait to get tips and ideas here.

Oh and my tools so far are just a Nikon D80 with a 50mm f/1.8. I also have the kit but honestly its only been on about 4-5 times. hehe I’m looking and hoping to get a 85mm and a 35mm at tax time but I desperately need a new computer first so see how that goes then gonna buy some new “toys” And recently have been trying out my dads flash unit and bouncing it off the ceiling to work on that. He has and old Minolta film body with a macro lens that I just have to get some film and play with. EEk Never shot SLR film before.

At the end of April I bought a domain name. Then I moved. Yesterday I launched my new photography business. I have already received an inquiry! It’s all happening. :)

I am an old fashion when it comes to photography. Took a class in black and white eon years ago and fell in love with the art. I catch myself staring at portraits done with silver halide. Now would like to venture on creating portraits with what I have learned thru the years.

I have been taking photos basically my whole life but with increasing seriousness the past 2 years or so. In looking at old photos it is not difficult to spot significant progress in my abilities as a photographer, including framing and creativity, as well as technical aspects. In 2008 I was commissioned for the first time, and shot grad portraits for friends of mine. I think they turned out quite well, and in 2009 I would like to shoot other people. Portraits and wedding photography is what I would most like to do, but I also enjoy shooting landscapes and products, etc. I have just purchased my first DSLR and in the coming months plan to create a website and portfolio to help move forward on this goal.

Today I received my new lens.
This brings my total gear to this:

1 70-200mm lens
1 camera body, Canon 20D
2 continuous lights
1 background support
2 background papers (white and black)

There’s more I want to get, but I’m not rich, so this’ll do :)

Hi, I’m am so excited about starting my photo business, I had been thinking about doing this for the past six months and I finally decided to do it!!! Any advice on where to start PLEASE!!!

I’m a third generation photographer with the dreams, fantasies, and imagination to exist as a self-sufficient photographer. I’m having trouble staying focused, maintaining discipline and doing the little things each week to get me to the place I need to be. I have so many opportunities and amazing connections & contacts. It’s right in front of me! Mine for the taking! ....and I’ve been saying this for a year! Arghhhh! Instead of heading for medication :o) or therapy to solve my lack focus. I want to just do it. How do people with opportunities staring them in the face “just do it”. I’m tired of being paralyzed by my hesitation.

i want to… well you know start a photography business.
Questions:
If i want to start using digital only what are some basic camera equipments i will need to start that are affordable?

As far as software goes has anyone tried Apple’s new Apature?
If i’m doing portrait stuff only and no web or graphic design can i get by with using Apature for editing only or do i need Photoshop?

the business side is so much work, but so awesome, and I get to be a WAHM, getting to be with people during exciting times, and be creative, and freedom of working for yourself. I couldn’t ask for more!
Loving it!

I’ve been shooting professionally now for over 7 years, and I have NO regrets. Sure, there are some challenging clients from time to time, but you get that with any biz you might be involved with.

The reality is that with the advances in digital photography, anyone can become a paid photographer with little effort. I’m not saying that you’ll be able to quit your day job, and in fact, I’d go so far as to say my business never did as well as when I do it part time. There are some serious headaches associated with running a business like this full time – but PT, it ROCKS!

I’ve had a ton of friends start to ask me how they can do this too, so I’m slowly building up a blog for this at

www.PTphotographer.com

and I’m hoping to get a large group of people together to help encourage each other in this goal. Lets talk about what works, what doesn’t – and more importantly BRAG about our latest sales!

All the websites I’ve seen so far about digital photography are good for learning about HOW to shoot, but not how to start the business side of things. I’m hoping we can help each other do that! If you’d like to write an article about how you got started or whatever, let me know – I’d love to have your help.