How to Start a Home Photography Studio

Photography is a competitive business. Choosing your specialty and being the best can give you the opportunity to run a lucrative business. Learning how to manage your business and making yourself known are key factors leading to your success in the field with your own studio.

Legalities

• Decide if you are a sole proprietor, an LLC or corporate business.


• If you are not using your own name, create your business name and register it.


• Obtain licenses. Check out your local requirements for city and state licenses.


• Obtain your tax number. You can do that online.


• Check out city zoning requirements to make sure you are allowed to do business in your home where you are located.


• Find out what insurance requirements are expected of you for your business.


• Open a business account.

Create a Business Area

• Map out the area in your home for your studio. Choose an area big enough to allow for at least 8x10 foot of space for your backdrops. Consider lighting and traffic flow.


• Include an area for office space. Use an area that can be sectioned off for business area only. Research tax specifications for home based businesses.


• Create an area for developing if you are using film and choose to do your own developing.


• Plan for storage for backdrops used such as furniture. You will also need room for lighting fixtures and camera equipment.


• Choose how your clients will enter your home. A separate entrance for business will keep your family area private.

Equipment

• Research the Internet and talk to other photographers to find out the basics of what are needed for your business to start. 


• Purchase lighting fixtures, camera equipment and office furniture such as computer, desk and chairs. You will need backdrops if you are doing portraits. 


• Begin collecting props such as furniture, old antiques, baskets and clothing accessories.

Fees

• Set your prices. Plan your package fees and consider add on prices accordingly.


• Check out other photographers in your area to stay competitive.


• Get ideas of packages by researching online and talking to potential customers and family.

Advertise

• Advertise in local papers.


• Put an ad in the Yellow Pages.


• Checkout Internet options such as Facebook, MerchantCircle and other valuable sources.


• Build a website.


• Make a portfolio for potential customers to view with options of packages and other visually appealing ideas.

Thorough planning will give your business a solid base to launch from.