How To Start A Photography Business With No Experience

I get a lot of questions on how to start a photography business with no experience. The easiest answer is to just start. But I know you’re not here to read about that so I’ll elaborate it. It is quite an easy process, but like in any creative field, there is never a guarantee in making an income. At least not as soon as you’d hope.

You can surely do many things without experience, but if you wish to create a successful business or becoming an artist, you do need to have a plan.

Now you’re thinking – ok, so you can’t really start without experience? Everyone starts without experience. I will be sharing the things you should take into account if you wish to start today.

1. Have a genuine interest towards photography

This is kind of an obvious tip to give, but I feel theres a lot of people who think photography is a certain kind of profession and they can have this ideal lifestyle when becoming professionals. Before you start photographing for clients, it’s inevitable to be interested in at least composition and lighting.

Natural interest to your surroundings will also help you, as you will start looking at the world a different way. I started photographing my family, and soon they got used to it and didn’t mind me being there. This allowed me to be a part of very intimate moments where only I was invited to. Not many people have access to situations like this. So look around you, what is something you find intriguing in your daily life and habits?

2. Have a camera, that won’t take up all your savings

My first camera that I actually got decent pictures out was Canon AE-1. It cost me 50$ and I was excited every time I photographed with it. Of course, I wasn’t always sure what would come out of it, but it kept me learning. I also got a cheap Canon EOS that did the job if I’d have to take more professional photographs. Invest 50-100$ to a used camera that will let you start learning about the necessities of photography.

If this seems like not an option at the moment, almost everyone has a a smartphone; get an attachable lens to it for 15$ and you’re good. I find it to be sad, that we are advertised we need the best equipment. Yes, as you get better and become more sure of your journey as a photographer, your equipment will play a big role in deepening your practice. But in the beginning, you just need to find excitement in taking pictures and if financial reasons are keeping you from developing yourself, you should find a way around it.

3. Find people who want you to take their picture

If you have siblings or children, this is an obvious place to start. Family doesn’t really put much of a fight when insisting on photographing them for hours. Why do you think I started my project with my mother? After multiple failed shots and photoshoots gone wrong, you have learned what works for you and what doesn’t. Do not try to speed up this process. It is crucial in becoming better in photography.

Fail early, fail often, but always fail forward.

–John C. Maxwell

If you feel like it’s difficult to ask your siblings or people you know to be photographed, start photographing yourself. Create portraits that you can use in your portfolio.

Another way is to start product photography. If you are looking at the whole photography field from a financial point of view, learning product photography is probably less time consuming – and easier to come by; no pressure of making your subjects feel comfortable, or expectations of end results. Many brands and clients need product images for their business so it is an easier way to get started. It will require you to learn more about lighting, but in the beginning learning just natural light will get you ahead.

4. Build a portfolio that will generate new clients

This is something to think about once you have a selection of images you want to combine into a coherent portfolio. Having something to show when applying for paid jobs, is obviously crucial. Portfolios used to be in physical form, and some still have them. If you have a smaller budget it’s easier to build one as a PDF and send it out to your prospects. You need to select your images and make a compelling layout for clients to notice your work. It’s a combination of pitching your work and simultaneously showing it in order to land more paying clients. Later you’d have to build a website for your work to be viewed as professional.

5. Start developing your skills and bettering yourself

It’s not as easy as you’d think but it’s not as impossible as it seems either. No, you won’t be making any money in the first months or sometimes even years – this is only to do with how much effort you’re willing to put into what you’re doing. It goes with everything, if you’re consistent – it will pay off. But there is no expected amount of time when it will start being beneficial for you. And here again, if you want to benefit financially or if you want to benefit by learning and understanding it’s a process you need to go through the initial difficult phase whether it’s a long one or a short one.

Photographers are never truly all-knowing or ‘ready for their field’. You learn everyday as you go and know more about what you should implement in your practice. If you find people in your circle who are willing to pay you for your photographs, that’s the starting point. But it is unlikely someone will ask you to do a huge campaign for them if you’ve just started 6months ago. So start with small photography jobs and gradually understand how to price your work. Don’t be discouraged by people telling you no, but see it as an opportunity to question yourself if you truly want it.