Running a wedding photography business is about much more than just taking pictures. While that’s important, if that’s the only thing you focus on you soon won’t have any business to worry about. And that’s why a lot of photographers fail. They don’t understand what it means to run their own business.
It’s understandable. Like most people, you’ve probably spent a few years working for someone else. You haven’t had to worry about things like budgets and expenses and customer service. You’ve just had to do a job, clock out at the end of the day and go home.
Now it’s time to step up. If you’re going to run a successful wedding photography business you’re going to have to learn a few business skills.
For example, a good portion of each day should be spent marketing your business. After all, if you don’t promote yourself how will potential clients learn about you? And without new clients, well…
You also need to learn about the financial aspects of your business and that means a lot more than just income versus expenses. For instance, if you book a $1000 wedding gig but it takes you a total of 100 hours to put everything to bed, how much have you really made after expenses?
And then there’s customer service which means a lot more than just making sure they leave your office with a smile on their face. Are they going to talk you up to their friends? Are they leaving with a smile because you did such a professional job directing the flow at their wedding or because they’re glad to finally be done with you?
And what about sales? And album design? And who are the other photographers in town? What are they offering and how much are they charging? What can you do to be better and how can you compete with something other than price?
Here’s what typically happens. A new photographer decides he wants to start his own business and he just starts bidding the lowest prices in town so he can get the business. Then he ends up working 24/7 for peanuts just to make enough to pay the Internet bill.
A wedding photography business can be extremely lucrative when run properly. Lara White of PhotoMint offers expert advice for you and your budding wedding photography business.
Your Wedding Photography Business 