Ten Tips On Running A Photography Business

In her latest book, The Bigger Picture: The Essential Business Guide For Photographers, Jeanne Griffiths has compiled pages of information that any photographer hoping to run a successful business should read. ePHOTOzine have reviewed the book which you can read here: Book Review

In this article, which is an extract from The Bigger Picture: The Essential Business Guide For Photographers, Jeanne shares ten top tips on being in business:

1.Specialise

Follow your photographic interests and find your market – don't try and be a jack-of-all trades. Specialists are invariably more successful.

2. Watch the pennies

Keep control of your money – keep accounts, chase invoices, set at least 20 – 25% aside for tax, or 40-50% if you are doing well (ask your accountant what your tax rate is). Put it in an instant access interest-paying account.

3. VAT

If you're VAT registered, don't spend the VAT you are paid.

4. Save

Try to build a rainy day fund of at least three month's expenditure (to cover your rent, rates, food and bills.)

5. Computer skills

Learn another language, improve your IT skills, especially in photo editing software – it expands your employability.

6. Make contacts

Network – every contact is a potential client.

7. Fresh content

Keep your website and blog fresh and up-to-date.

8. Be different

Think outside the box – create work, rather than waiting for it to come to you.

9. Get your name out there

Exhibit, enter competitions, comment on forums and blogs, list your services on as many website directories as you can get – get known.

10. Don't stop

Enjoy, keep banging on doors and keep shooting.

Extract from: The Bigger Picture: The Essential Business Guide For Photographers