Tips for Starting a Photography Business
My name is McKenna, the owner of McKenna Haverluk Photography. I have been doing photography professionally for 7+ years now and I have learned so many things through trial and error throughout the years. I have dealt with technical issues, struggling to find educational resources, and countless other backend issues! Starting a business can be hard but finding the right tools and resources from the beginning can make it that much easier.
When I first started photography I had a Canon Rebel T7i with the stock lens that came with the camera. For a full year I shot on that and I really honed in on the camera and learned what the settings did. I’m a big believer that you don’t need the best equipment, what makes a photographer great is knowing what to do with what you have! Don’t get me wrong an expensive camera and lens can be helpful, but if you aren't sure what you're doing you are throwing money down the drain.
Getting clients to book you from the start of your photography business can be difficult. The best thing to do is ask your friends and family to be your models. You can’t get better or flourish in your work if you are not actively practicing your skills. This might mean that you do your first few shoots for free or for very low costs. That’s okay and completely normal when starting out!! To this day, even seven years in, I still do a shoot for free every now and again when I have a creative vision I want to come to life. Through this process people will learn to love your work and trust your process. Practice, practice, practice!
Finding good educational resources for a new photography business can be difficult. You have to weed through what can actually be helpful, if you already have the knowledge of what someone is selling, or where to find what you're looking for. It is a lot to take in, but you just have to take that first step and start somewhere! Don't make the same mistake I did and wait too long trying to find the perfect resources. I didn't actually purchase any education or mentorships until about year 3 of business and that is my biggest regret. I could have been much more advanced in my business much sooner if I had just taken the leap and booked a mentorship in year one!
Everyone's start to their photography journey looks different, but I am a firm believer that if you put in the work early it will pay off!