Getting Started Building a Portfolio

[jdjen]

I want to start doing this as a full time business, but have nothing for a portfolio. I am wanting to specialize in weddings and senior pictures.

Any ideas on how to build a portfolio of pictures in these generas, so that this time next year I could actually be making a living doing this?

Thanks

 

[MohaimenK]

One word comes to mind: FREE!

Give away free weddings and free photo shoots to build your portfolio and then you have leverage. I've been doing this for the past 3 months now and so far even offering free, they give me anywhwere from $200-$400

Don't be too cocky (not saying you are) to give free away, don't limit yourself to 1-2. Do 5-7 if you have to. Also, work as 2nd shooter if possible. That will help you also build portfolio. You can also take workshops which will teach/help you build portfolio

 

[KmH]

For weddings, starting as a second shooter is one way.

Many would disagree that giving away your services is a smart business strategy for porfolio building.

Rather, advertising a going rate, and discounting your services because you are portfolio building, has been shown to be more effective in the long term.

Dramatically raising prices is one of the most difficult things a business can attempt to do.

How good a living do you want to be making 1 year from now?

You want to do retail photography (weddings & seniors). The majority of retail photogrphers here in the US do not make a living wage, and only shoot part-time, using income from another job, or jobs, to support their photography business.

That doesn't mean you can't realize your goal. However, retail photography is a business, and as such, you will need business skills.

You will need to:

• First and foremost - Write a business plan.
• establish a legally licensed/registered business of some type (sole proprietorship, LLC, sub-chapter S corp.) Check with your local city clerks office and consult with a qualified attorney
• business liability insurance. consult with your insurance agent
• indemnity insurance (or errors and omissions insurance)
• a business bank account
• you will need to decide if you will use the accrual or cash method of accounting consult with your accountant
• to collect and forward state sales taxes
• secure a federal tax ID for the business

 

[jdjen]

Thanks.....
Good advice and some things to sleep on.

 

[Emmanuel]

Starting as a second shooter For weddings, sound like a good Idea, althogh Many would disagree, I belive that by doing it,
1st:you build your portfolio.
2ed: it's a good way for people to get to know you - your work.
whats better ? seeing a nice advertismet for a photographer or seeing the greate job he did on your friends weding, and being told by people you trust how happy they are of the work ?
could say, it's also comes out as an Advertismen for you