Every wedding needs a photographer to capture a couple’s special day. Wedding photography is its own branch of event photography, requiring not only a good eye, but the ability to capture candid moments. In this article, we’ll outline the steps you should take to start your own business photographing weddings.
You can also check out our online guide for more lucrative business ideas.
1. Register your business
When starting any type of business, you need to decide what structure it will take and then register your business. In Australia, there are 3 general business types. These include sole traders, partnerships and companies. Being a sole trader means you have to register for an Australian Business Number (ABN) and that your business’s profits will form part of your individual income (and be taxed individually). A partnership is similar in terms of income and tax, except that you’ll be sharing your proceeds and liabilities with your business partner. Finally, a company structure means that your business will function as a separate legal entity and you’ll be taxed under lower corporate rates. With a company structure, you’ll also be able to choose your company’s name. For sole traders and partnerships, a separate name can only be used by registering a business name.
2. Get equipment
Photographers, no matter what type of event they photograph, are only as good as the equipment they use. You’ll need to invest in a high-quality camera, lenses, memory cards and a tripod. If you want to cut costs, you can try buying your equipment second-hand.
3. Build up a portfolio
Most designers and photographers present their work by building up a portfolio. For creatives, having a good portfolio is just as important as your resume. Your portfolio can be a collection you bring to meetings, but it’s also wise to display this online. Potential clients will be able to see first-hand the photos you take, and whether your style is right for them.
4. Start your website
The majority of businesses these days have websites. For a business which works in visual mediums such as photography, having a website is essential. Your website can be the place where clients see your work, make enquiries and book you for weddings. However, if your website will be capturing information from your customers, you should have a privacy policy on your website.
5. Market yourself
To build your business, you’ll need to market it. These days, online advertising has the most reach when it comes to potential customers. You can run paid Ads through Google, but you can also market your services in organic (unpaid) ways such as:
- Maintaining a blog. This should be a blog related to what you do – so it can be all things wedding photography, or wedding content in general
- Sharing your photos on social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and Twitter
- Asking your clients to leave reviews of your services on Google and Facebook
Conclusion
If you have a passion for photography, and love celebrating people on a very special day, then starting your own business as a wedding photographer may be your calling. If you want further advice on getting your business off the ground and running, a business lawyer can provide further assistance.
