If you had $10,000 to spend on essential items for a start up project...

[imagemaker46]

You're right, you don't have to divulge your personal story. You come on a forum, asking for all kinds of help and then toss out a comment like that when people are offering you helpful suggestions. If people can't establish an experience baseline, the information they offer could very well be pointless. I looked at your images and you have some very nice ones, wanting to "blow your competitors out of the water" as a goal is fine. You want to shoot portraits, run the studio, and make a living as a photographer. I would then suggest that you hold off opening anything until you had the acquired the skills to blow your competitors out of the water. Learn how to use the lights, jumping too early into opening your professional portrait business won't do you any good if you're shooting portraits that aren't light years ahead of the established photographers in your area.

 

[dearlybeloved]

I'm not going to immediately open up a business after I get gear guys. I'm going to take the time to learn how to use it before I open a business. I've got a good head on my shoulders and people in my side who are helping me with that aspect of it. I just need to get the gear then work on a strong portfolio then things will fall into place.

 

[tirediron]

I'm not going to immediately open up a business after I get gear guys. I'm going to take the time to learn how to use it before I open a business. I've got a good head on my shoulders and people in my side who are helping me with that aspect of it. I just need to get the gear then work on a strong portfolio then things will fall into place.

This info would have helped in post #1!

 

[dearlybeloved]

I asked specific questions that didn't pertain to that. So why should I have posted that?

 

[tirediron]

I have $10,000 to start my own business and want to make sure I'm investing in the right things.... so I need to figure out how to spend the money responsibly and on things I will Need. I'm just starting out...Also, if you have any advice or non equipment related things I should understand then I'd be happy to hear them.

Because your specific questions included the above quoted extracts from your first post. This gave me (and others here) the impression that you were someone who had some gear and decided to hang out their shingle, without giving thought to the things that are MOST important to a business, licences, insurance, etc, etc. Had you explained things more fully, I daresay that the advice would have been much more relevant. A number of the people who've posted here are very experienced professionals, and were doubtless trying to help you avoid the mistakes that have been seen all to often by those new to the business.

 

[imagemaker46]

I'm not going to immediately open up a business after I get gear guys. I'm going to take the time to learn how to use it before I open a business. I've got a good head on my shoulders and people in my side who are helping me with that aspect of it. I just need to get the gear then work on a strong portfolio then things will fall into place.

Have you thought of timetable as to how long it will take you to learn enough for things to fall into place? You seem to be strong on shooting landscapes, and weaker with shooting people, especially portraits. Learning a good series of studio lighting techniques will take time.

 

[dearlybeloved]

I'm not going to immediately open up a business after I get gear guys. I'm going to take the time to learn how to use it before I open a business. I've got a good head on my shoulders and people in my side who are helping me with that aspect of it. I just need to get the gear then work on a strong portfolio then things will fall into place.

Have you thought of timetable as to how long it will take you to learn enough for things to fall into place? You seem to be strong on shooting landscapes, and weaker with shooting people, especially portraits. Learning a good series of studio lighting techniques will take time.

do you have any good portrait workshops that would help me out? I havent really thought of a good time table or anything along those lines. its more of when I feel like Im ready to take it on. I have a friend who owns a camera shop in my town and also does studio portraits and weddings who is actually taking me on a few weddings within the next month or two. I'm doing what I can do gain the experience but a lot of people I try to take photos of arent really interested in sitting infront of a camera.

 

[imagemaker46]

You can try finding a local camera club and talking to them about any studio lighting/portrait seminars they may have. I know the one in my home town does all kinds of workshops. I'm not a member of the club, but do know some of the people they get in for lectures and expect that others would learn from them.

 

[dearlybeloved]

You can try finding a local camera club and talking to them about any studio lighting/portrait seminars they may have. I know the one in my home town does all kinds of workshops. I'm not a member of the club, but do know some of the people they get in for lectures and expect that others would learn from them.

I live in auburn alabama and there's not much around here as it is. There's 1 camera store located within a 100 mile radius. I don't even know of a club like that exists around here or how I could find it.

 

[manaheim]

^ that kinda makes me wonder what your odds of success are.

I'm not trying to be a naysayer.. but think about it. It's interesting.

 

[dearlybeloved]

I'm definitely not going to be staying here long. I'm moving to Jacksonville Florida within a year.

 

[imagemaker46]

Do a google search on Auburn camera clubs. If you're planning on moving within a year, then why are you setting up a studio? You start to try and build a client base and then leave? I see a new flaw in your business map.

 

[dearlybeloved]

I havent really given much information or a timeline for my business map. I am not opening anything in the next year. I am purchasing gear, learning to use it and practicing until I am ready to move forward. I also googled searched about camera clubs and theres nothing in my area at all. its sad really...

 

[pgriz]

If there is enough business near your town to support a camera store, then there should be enough photographers to make up a club. Why not ask the camera store to let you put up a sign looking for photographers interested in creating a club? The store may see it as a business enhancer if they also rent out studio space, and studios are always welcome if the club is putting together a workshop. If you're the founder of the club, that puts you in touch with both your potential competitors and potential partners, not to mention prospective clients. You know the old saying: Keep your friends close, and your enemies closer.

 

[dearlybeloved]

If there is enough business near your town to support a camera store, then there should be enough photographers to make up a club. Why not ask the camera store to let you put up a sign looking for photographers interested in creating a club? The store may see it as a business enhancer if they also rent out studio space, and studios are always welcome if the club is putting together a workshop. If you're the founder of the club, that puts you in touch with both your potential competitors and potential partners, not to mention prospective clients. You know the old saying: Keep your friends close, and your enemies closer.

Great advice, I'm pretty good in with the owner and he has invited me to be a second shooter for a few weddings over the next few months so things are looking up for more experience. I'll bring it up to him about a camera club and I'll talk to him about doing some workshops and getting people involved.