business startup questions

EJRPhotos · Nov 27, 2012

Hello to all.

I have joined this forum for advice and insite. I am 26 years old and have been taking pictures as a hobby/passion since my grandfather handed me his old Nikon F3 35mm camera on his deathbead at the age of 8 years old. ever since then I have been reluctant to put a camera down. When in the NAVY my parents got me an Nikon D50 and that has been my main camera ever since.

Over the past 2 months I have been taking charge and really looking into starting my own business with Photography and photo editing. I am looking to launch early next year if possible.

The major hold ups at the moment are 1. coming up with a name for the company that is not already in use. 2. money 3. and what camera to buy.

as far as the camera goes i have been doing a lot of reading up on the Canon lineup and i am torn between going with three or four models i like the 7D 5D markii and the 1DS markii and the 1DX markiii

can anyone help me with narrowing some of these options down?

rexbobcat · Nov 27, 2012

The 5D Mark II has better image quality thank either the 7D or the 1DS Mark II, but the 1D series cameras have very solid bodies and a different layout.

I'm not sure what you are referring to with the 1DX Mark III. That camera does not exist.

The 7D has faster autofocus and burst speed than the others, but has a smaller sensor and worse high ISO performance.

It depends on what you want to shoot

EJRPhotos · Nov 27, 2012

rexbobcat said:
The 5D Mark II has better image quality thank either the 7D or the 1DS Mark II, but the 1D series cameras have very solid bodies and a different layout.

I'm not sure what you are referring to with the 1DX Mark III. That camera does not exist.

My apoplogies I ment 1DX too many cameras on the brain. I really like the sturdyness that the 1D series seems to offer on paper anyway. I have always been a Nikon head and hated all the other brands untill now. I have opened my eyes to the posibilities that Nikon is not the best on the block and I think Canon has more to offer my palet. I do not shoot any one style or format. and that is the basis that i want to take my business on. as soon as i get my website up i will post a link to it so everyone can see a little bit of my work with DSLR. and trying to stay away from photoshop and get the correct picture the first time rather than "paint over the inperfections"

12sndsgood · Nov 27, 2012

Even if your getting the photos really great in camera photoshop can still help make great images better. you can also post up photos on here to show off your work and get critiques from knowledgeable photographers. of your problems a new camera and a name for the company those are easy solutions. money will be the big one. website costs, insurance, contracts, equipment are going to be a big issue.Have you started researching laws and regulations in your city and state and costs. a good place to start if you havn't would be writing up a business plan. i spent about 5 months researching the business side of things before i opened shop and still feel like I have so much to learn.

EJRPhotos · Nov 27, 2012

12sndsgood said:
Even if your getting the photos really great in camera photoshop can still help make great images better. you can also post up photos on here to show off your work and get critiques from knowledgeable photographers. of your problems a new camera and a name for the company those are easy solutions. money will be the big one. website costs, insurance, contracts, equipment are going to be a big issue.Have you started researching laws and regulations in your city and state and costs. a good place to start if you havn't would be writing up a business plan. i spent about 5 months researching the business side of things before i opened shop and still feel like I have so much to learn.

going to start writing up a business plan this comming week (this is my last week at my current full time job) going back to a job where i can have some time with family and work on my business. i have started to look into the laws and restrictions in my area. as far as website cost is going to be free. a friend of mine did work for go-daddy and gets free hosting for life for himself and a friend (me)..

so its really equipt. costs now with that being said. do any of you do in house printing or do you outsource this task. i have been thinking about outsourcing this task but can see the downside to doing this option as well.

pixmedic · Nov 27, 2012

your name or initials is always a good go-to name for photography businesses.
the 5DII is a great camera. 1Dx is as well.
cant help you with the money part. that's all you.

EJRPhotos · Nov 27, 2012

pixmedic said:
your name or initials is always a good go-to name for photography businesses.
the 5DII is a great camera. 1Dx is as well.
cant help you with the money part. that's all you.

my initials as the name is taken already that is why i have been exploring other names.

being a Vet. as well i am hoping (have not looked yet) there may be a grant or two out there i can maybe get for starting my own business. i am going to try to stay away from loans and stick with profits and grants for the begining. if all goes great and it really takes off i will then look into a loan and opening an formal studio.