How to Start a Photography Business in the Philippines

Photography industry offers many opportunities, It is not just merely taking pictures of people or objects because from passion/ hobby, you can create your own business. If you’re trying to create a company or a business, it’s like baking a cake. You need to have all the ingredients in the right portion. Thus, in business photography you have to keep your aperture, ISO, shutter speed in poise.

Photography is a business you can run from home but of course you need to provide a space for your own studio. You can earn a living from a various types of photography, especially wedding photography.

So with that in mind, here are the following tips on how to start your photography business in the Philippines:

1. Set your business goals.
Every businessman won’t get into the top without a plan. Setting your goals is one of the major thing you have to do in starting your business. Always remember that a goal without a plan is just a wish.

There are already a lot of people who engaged in photography business. Think of a strategy on how you’re going to vie your competitors. Each photographers has their own style, thus you also need to think of a unique style in photography to stand out among the rest.

Your goals will guide you to the path where you wanted to be. Setting your goals will also boost your eagerness to achieve what you want to get. If your plan doesn’t work , change the plan but never the goal.

2. Buy camera equipment.
In photography business it is relevant to buy good quality of camera gears. For business photography start ups , you need to have at least 2 cameras, high quality of lenses, memory cards (at least more than one for back up purposes.)

A laptop or computer is also needed most especially in editing pictures and videos. Install Lightroom, Photoshop and Adobe after effects in your PC for editing purposes.

Buying second-hand gears is also applicable to have a lesser charge. But you just have to be very wise in buying second-hand equipment, make sure that it is still good to use. Of course, you can always upgrade gear as you go.

3. Get professional experience.
Creating your own portfolio is a big help to gain customers. Working with professional photographers will also help you gain experiences to make better photographs. Same as attending workshops or watching tutorial videos on taking good photos, it could help you boost your confidence in photography as well.

It is also important that while you are earning, you gain more knowledge in photography. Learning never stops, you still need to know more about photography to become expert in your field and to make your clients satisfied in your works.

4. Think of a business name.
Of course just like any other businesses or companies, one has to come up with a business name.

5. Create your Facebook page.
Since many people are now more exposed to internet. You can use social media to attract your customers. Creating your own Facebook page where you can put all your portfolio is one of the best way to gain more clients. You can also use Instagram to advertise your business, the more people who visit your page, the more possible clients you’ll have.

6. Pricing Plan.
Many people still don’t understand the rate of photographers. Some might wonder why the price is high yet they only take pictures. Photographers are not just taking pictures. Taking good pictures is not that easy, editing pictures takes a lot of time, those equipment they use are all expensive as well.

Since you are just starting it is better to start with a small package rate for your clients. Let’s just say you’ll give them the rate of Php 5,000- 15,000.

But of course, your pricing structure depends on you, this is just a way to come up with a starting point.

7. Look for a team.
Well of course, if your business is growing, you need to hire other people. It is not just basketball or any other sports who needs a team, photography also need to create its own team, people who have passion in photography as well. This is important since you cannot do it alone most especially if you cover events like birthdays, debut, weddings and many more.

8. Be patient.
Patience is a virtue. Since you are just on the first stage, know that in everything you do needs to go through a process.

Photography doesn’t have fixed salary unlike employed folks out there. Photographers income depend on the clients they’ll have. In some instances, those who just started creating their business doesn’t have much income yet. But as you become more patient in whatever you do, your business will grow in the future.

The earth is art and the photographer is only a witness. There is money in photography, running a professional photography business is a dream come true for amateur photographers out there.

Although “sometimes when you innovate, you make mistakes. It is best to admit them quickly, and get on with improving your other innovations”- Steve Jobs. You may experience a lot of rejections or mistakes while starting your business, you just have to learn how to deal with it and be patient. There should always be a room for improvements and learning should never stop.

Building a business which you have a passion for, is such a great thing to do . When I was in college I was so focused in school, I set aside doing things that I love. And so when I graduated I decided to pursue my passion in photography and film making. But of course my parents are against about it, since I am just starting I don’t earn much. Hence, they want me to look for a full time job instead of pursuing my passion. So what I did was, I work on weekdays and do my passion on weekends. Thus, doing your passion while earning is the best thing you’ll ever do. So what are you waiting for, If photography is your passion start your business now.