Photography may be your passion and you may be getting a lot of pleasure out of it. If you’re thinking of taking this passion a few steps further into starting your own photography business in Kenya (or any other part of the world), here are some useful tips and advice you should consider before taking the plunge.
If you are an amateur photographer, then running a professional photography business would be a dream come true. The photography industry offers many opportunities for enthusiastic amateurs who want to make a living out of it. If you are thinking of turning professional, this is what you need to know to succeed
You can’t do everything- So choose a specialization
Landscape Photo Of Mount Kenya. Photo Courtesy.
You could be shooting landscapes, nature, wildlife, weddings, seniors, corporate stills, children, flowers, babies, architecture and innumerable types of images. But have you ever noticed that professionals like Doctors and Lawyers always opt for a specialty?
They do this because they know that they cannot be experts at everything. Photography is a very demanding profession and it requires focus, skill and knowledge. So generalization will not serve you or your clients very well.
Do you know that some of the most successful photographers focused on a specialty or two early in their careers. Choose a specialization and become better at your chosen field and a better photographer.
Invest in the right equipment
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Think about what camera and lenses would be most suitable for your area of specialization and think of investing in other essentials like a computer and the latest photo editing software.
These of course are the barest minimums you would need. You will also need to decide whether you are going to rent a studio and what sort of lighting you will require. Estimate the start up costs.
You will have to purchase Cameras, and the accessories like tripods, lights studio props, background scenes on canvas, light modulators and digital photography essentials.
Some equipment you may need
- Professional Camera
- Variety of lenses, flash, extra batteries
- Computer and Professional lab
- Stationery- Business cards
- Clear bags for packaging prints
- Photoshop/lightroom/ other software
Determine your pricing
Examine and compare other prices of other photographers by visiting their websites and fix up rates that are reasonable and competitive. You can also inquire with Kenyan press photographers who usually work for newspapers and magazines and find out what the current rates are for professional photography. Depending on the rate that is going, you can decide your price.
Prepare an attractive Portfolio
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If you are able to present excellent samples of your work, then that will be very crucial and decisive in landing new assignments for you. Any prospective clients will definitely want to see proof of your talent so they can be sure they will get their money’s worth. The portfolio which you create should be targeted to that market which you wish to serve.
If you have not done enough work or projects to create a really attractive portfolio, start by choosing from among the best existing photos to showcase. You can also do a few projects for free so that you are able to get some really good photos for your portfolio. In this matter your family and your friends would be ideal people to approach for small but good assignments. They will also get to know about the services you are offering and spread the word.
Market Your photography business
“Doing business without advertising is like winking at a girl in the dark. You know what you are doing but nobody else does.” Once said, Dr. Stuart Henderson, a Canadian historian and filmmaker.
It is hard to succeed in photography business without proper marketing. Thankfully, modern technology has made it easier to market. All you need to do is get a good website created for your company and also advertise by distributing pamphlets in the local areas, schools, churches and clubs.
More important is to create a social media profile, which will promote your services online and keep sending out regular updates as you work on regular promotions.
If you don’t get a raving response – Don’t’ get discouraged
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If a photography session goes badly, it’s so easy to get discouraged or when someone disparages your images. But if you want to do well, you have to work at it. And if you put your talents to practice you will be focusing on greater chance of success. But this happens only if you work hard. There’s no short cut or fast track to success…regardless of what many books and short term courses say. You have to put in hard work and more hard work and that alone will guarantee success.
So here’s wishing the best of luck on your visual voyage! Kindly share your suggestions, questions and compliments with us via the comment box below. We’d love to hear what you have to say about starting a successful photography business in Kenya.
