Do these 7 things before you start your photography business
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- Опубліковано 8 лют 2025
- I this video I list a few steps you should take as you start your photography business.
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Hey Daniel, I wish I had found your channel sooner! Watched your Adorama stuff for a few years but never realised you had this channel too!
I retired from my job last year, and after a few months started setting myself up to do pet (mainly dog) photography. I have had a few free jobs to get experience and work things out and a few paid jobs, but no where near enough!
Now we are into a new year I have had some leaflets and extra cards printed and I want to try push on.
Listening to your advice I may need to rethink a few things and have a bit of a relaunch!
Oh!… and find some paying clients 😂
I just found your videos last night, they've already been ridiculously helpful to me as I'm in the infant stages of starting a business with my photography. It's nice to know that my brain's on the right path due to already having a few of these bullet points down, but you've shed so much more light just in this video alone of how I can go about this as strong as possible. My dude, much appreciated.
Excellent, welcome aboard
I've always found that a spreadsheet is a terrific way to create a tracking mechanism for clients. Make a "template" that has an estimate area, and invoice area (where amounts can be extracted from the estimate) etc. When you get a new client, you just duplicate the template into a new tab, and replace the name etc with the new client name. Since the estimate, invoice, etc all can pull from the single sheet where the name is, most of your work is already done. Then just set up the sheets to print out the invoice, estimate, etc on separate sheets (or PDF pages). Just my way of thinking (rows and columns).
Sounds like a good way to do it
I've been photographing for about a year and a half with my phone, which is the only camera and computer that i have for the time being. Still, i love photography so much, here i am, age 44, watching your videos, dreaming on one day leaving my daily job and creating my own photography business... Thank you so much for your videos. Please keep them coming. I need all the help that i get from what you share here. Take care.
Cool, The cameras in phones these days are pretty darn good
All of this advice is GOLD, thanks Daniel. One thing I would add - anytime you can get a potential client on the phone you're much more likely (in my experience) to land the job, versus just replying with an estimate/proposal.
Good point
I'm making my first steps in the business and there's a huge difference between doing photography as a mere hobby and actually working for or with someone. The pressure is much higher, to deliver the photos in a manner, Your customer is satisfied, no matter if it's about 300$ or 1500$. Being on the right spot and perfectly in time with all gear ready and loaded is just one thing. Listening to the customers is very important too. On location, many things can actually happen, some so unforseen, you can't be ready for that. The inner relief if things go smoothly is a great feeling. Same goes if the work is appreciated and earns you (another) gig or customer. Approach anxiety, I had to let that go, but it feels cool to connect, create and organize things. This side of business photography is for me is as emotional as the creative-technical aspect. I still have my main job and probably won't let it go, as I love that too (is stable and better paid). But I couldn't one thing without the other anymore.
Awesome
Your experience in the field and actual knowledge trumps all of the other photography vloggers with there "make 100k in a year" ***disclaimer. I love these types of videos because there is nothing worse than losing steam and giving up because the direction is so hard to find these days when it comes to assisting other photographers who believe you will "steal" their business if they treat you as an equal in any way. Thank you again and keep up the exceptional work, tell Marisa she is killing it as well.
Thanks!
I use Wave Accounting- free open source accounting software that is super handy for involving, but also when it comes to tax time. Also another way to manage jobs that come in, I use Hubspot CRM. It has become the centre piece of my business- worth a look in, if you're looking to scale your photography business.
Cool
Love this! Would really like to see more on invoicing/estiments and taxes.
Ok, will do
I use square for almost everything to run my little business. They handle scheduling (with a super nifty scheduling tool that integrates with your google calendar so people can’t book a shoot on top of anything else you might have going on), estimates, invoicing, and credit card processing, and a cash box/cash register for dealing with in person cash/check transactions. For file delivery, I use shoot proof. Overall pretty simple and it just works.
Nice
Daniel, thanks so much for this. I am now working through your suggestions, have gotten the website, and am now working on estimates and invoices. I have seen a lot of your videos, and this is one of the most helpful for me. So thanks again.
Felt like I was just chilling on Daniel's porch for a bit talking while sitting here editing my latest pics taken to test my Tamron 28-300mm Super Zoom bought used from Adorama this past week! :-) Thanks for the videos!
Thanks for watching
I'm about to start my business, part time (not quiting my day job, ha). I have my url and portfolio work established. These logistics are giving me some anxiety, so thank you again for the timely topic. It's weird. I don't know what scares me more, not getting clients or getting inundated with them. I hate the idea of failing because I wasn't organized enough to actually handle paying clients.
Most of us hit both of those scary spots at one time or another 😂
Daniel Norton aka the voice of photography reason. Just watching these vids is helping me get up to speed. If only I access to knowledge like this back in 1995. Keep up the great content!
If only I had this in 1995! 😂
Thank you for sharing your time and knowledge, Not many professional teachers teach this. I am very inspire by you.
Thank you for watching!
I love these porch talks.
I'm not at that point yet, but in terms of the financials of a business, Wave (waveapps.com) seems to offer a good online service for estimates, invoicing, etc. (I first heard about it from Chris Hau.) Taken at face value, it's simple and easy to use. It's also free at this stage unless you require specialized services.
Thank you for another valuable video, Daniel.
Cool! I’ve now heard a few people mentioned this, I’ll have to check it out thanks
I saw an ad on craigslist for a couple with black & white pictures, before I figured out that there was a camera setting it was too late. so knowing your gear the more creative you can be.
thanks
Oh indeed!
All solid advice :)
I'm in the process of starting this as a part time business. One thing I learned is that it's extremely important to get insurance. Not only do you have to get your equipment insured you need liability insurance too. Shop around for insurance. Also, look to see how to set up your business. Yes, you can do this as a proprietorship but then your personal assets will not be protected. I believe most states have a tutorial on starting up a business and how to form it. I know mine does. I do believe most photographers do LLC. That's what I plan to do. That requires making sure you don't mix personal purchases/receipts with your business but that shouldn't be too hard. Also, you need to think about contracts and photo releases. I discovered a business that provides packages just for that. At the very least one needs to get things in writing so there isn't any misunderstandings. I've also discovered that if one does a studio/studio type work in their home you may need to get approval from zoning but I hear that's not too hard. Yes, it's been a slow process for me but I'm taking it one step at a time to make sure I got my ducks in a row. As an accountant (my profession for a few years) I suggest doing a really simple bookkeeping system. The more simple it is the more likely you will keep up with it. Think of it like a daily diary. It's real important to keep up with it. You don't want to be scrambling around trying to find receipts/payments etc the day before you need to file your taxes. Daniel, thanks for another awesome video!!! I took notes of everything you said.
Good points!
Thank you for these. I am planning a career change and this series has been very helpful
For me it’s a part time job and I shoot mostly sports for a small paper, a small college and some youth sports. I’m still using a spreadsheet, albeit well organized, it’s still XL.
Nice
This is very solid advice, and this video is underrated. Thank you for this, you have a new follower.
Thanks 😊
I have a logo. Have gotten business cards. I have a url. I spent money on fiverr. Very good logo for only $5 so that’s a great option. However, I wanted it a little different so I spent $100 on logo from storefront. Logo and business cards package in 2016. I’ve gone through several websites and now I’m with squarespace. Satisfied with it. Still struggling on how to get clients though. I like doing athletic portraits and action with strobe. Thanks for the video, advice, and information in it. Much appreciated, Daniel!
Excellent
Daniel, I really like these blog videos. It's like you're mentoring potential photographers into a real photography business. Although my business is not photography, I enjoy and learn from your videos. I wish other fields of business (Engineering, commerce, Law, etc. ) had such mentors as well.
Thank you! Perhaps you will become such a mentor in time 😊
I'd love to see a copy of some of your different invoices (minus client names). You often say you can charge more for using more lights. I never know if you're kidding. What kinds of ala carte things go into an invoice?
Love these "porch talks", Daniel. Always insightful, based on real experience. I couldn't agree more about names and/or logos being simple. In music, for example, we used to see people create band names like "Disillusioned Clouds Attack the Sun", or something else weird, that they thought was clever or funny at the time. But, these are too weird to stand up against time, too hard to remember, and contain too many letters for business cards, marquees, and other signage.) It's my experience that simpler branding, based on your name, (like "Daniel Norton Photography") makes soooooo much more sense, and since it's your name, it can be forever, without worrying about having a dated-sounding "ex-trendy" business name. Thanks again for continuing these talks. And... I think it would be fun to have occasional guests, like the time you had Marisa on, to discuss the model's point of view on these things.
“Sergeant Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” 😊 - yes, more guest to come
I started but did it all wrong.. lol
I'm moving to NYC in a few weeks and starting it over..
My lease was up down in FL and I had been going to nyc a lot the past year and have a great offer living in Manhattan.
So.. I will be restructuring it and doing it differently. I will be doing a bunch of diff levels.. first 6 mo will be working on building a stock photo portfolio to make passive money and doing small jobs wherever I can while deciding on the direction I want to go.. I've done a bit of everything.
I will be updating my gear as well
Cool
Invaluable information, Daniel. Thank you!
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I use square for payment. Very easy and they keep records for you. I don't personally use their records as I have all the funds transferred directly into my business account, but it could be very handy for some.
Nice
I work based on donations and I love it. Just wanted to throw that out there.
Nice!
These career advice videos are super helpful. Thank you!
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One more time, thank you for your advices Daniel ! I'm just starting my business so it's quite useful !!!
Great!
For book keeping I’m using quickbooks even if in Spanish has some limits.
It is quite complicate at the beginning But it is pretty useful after a couple of months cause it make all automatic.
Tracking cost, incoming by categories (to realice for instance that the most of my income come from linkedin portraits, and basses of that I’m changing my website, seo, oferts etc. When I thought that in Spain profesional headshots wasn’t profitable).
So I’m quit glad also with the app. Cause I can direct in my iPhone make the client to acept and sign an estimate, invoice, or contract all collected in one place. ✌🏻
That sounds great!
I love videos like this. As a younger photographer, who's been thinking about engaging photography as more than just a hobby these are super helpful. Definitely saving this video for when I finish school and start thinking about this more seriously!
Awesome
Thanks for taking the time to give back like this, Daniel. Much appreciated.
Thanks for watching
Very good video. Figured it was too long and would only watch a part, but watched it all. Date order should be yyyymmdd for perfect sorting. Learned that in 1968. It is the ISO standard. Estimates can be a a planning help too if they are structured in the order that things occur. If something does not apply , the cost for it will be zero. On a spreadsheet, a zero row could be hidden so you don’t emphasize what you are not doing. Google sheets is not the greatest spreadsheet program but should be fine. Use it on a laptop as it can be difficult to use on a mobile device.
Cool - good idea with the 0 row
Hey Daniel, this video was gold :-) I love the KISS-approach to your invoicing and picture archive setup. I use the same folder naming as you do, so adding the rest of your workflow should be simple enough (dropbox etc). Super valuable points. And all of that wisdom while wearing a Ferris Bueller t-shirt. Hahaha, much appreciated!
Thank You!
Thank you for sharing this Daniel, copious notes made. This was invaluable information, I’m beginning and all the back office you described (vague stuff I know but don’t know what/how/when of it) now makes so more sense as a smooth workflow. The contexts you provided covered many bases. Thanks again and fair winds
Excellent, thanks!
Hello Daniel, I really appreciate you taking the time out to teach us from all your knowledge and experience. Knowing that you've covered several resources and practices in your videos. My question is, would you be willing to do a series or long format video with more in-depth instruction on what we should do to attract or gain solid sustainable income intensive work with brands as well as what technology to use to increase productivity within our businesses. If I may speak for some of us photographers that want to break through, we crave a step by step guideline to apply to break into having a better business support system. Your much appreciated and thanks for your time.
The main issue with such a series, is that truly each photographer’s journey is unique, there is no cookie-cutter solution or path that everyone follows. This is why working directly with a mentor is often a better solution when you need to reach the next level versus a more universal series as you propose
Many thanks for this video. I am still relatively new to the business of photography. As for finances, I use the basic parts of wave accounting system. This is free but other aspects are paid. For me, it does a reasonable job in tracking my income and expenses and taxes. I save the invoices as pdfs in case I migrate to another system. And fully agree with having a estimate/invoice system for all jobs. It makes you look professional. I got a small job recently just based on the presentation of an estimate to the client. She raved about getting an invoice and receipt when the job was finished and already started spreading her testimonials to her peers. Love your content, Daniel.
Awesome!
This was actually very helpful! I’ve been trying to get things started but I cannot get anyone to bite. My rates are as follows, $100 for an hour of shooting, and my packages start at $175 and it includes 15 Digital downloads, 1-11x14, 4-8x10, 3-5X7. I get a lot of people comity me interested, but once I tell them my rates. I simply don’t hear from them again.
You will get many more inquiries than jobs, thats for sure
Super good information as usual! I have a wedding business since a few years but I am in the midst of getting my portrait/commercial/whatever thing going as well to have more than one income stream. But yeah, I totally agree with your points, been there myself. Having systems for everything is huge!
Biggest thing many people have to work on though, is actually getting stuff done. It's not easy being your own boss, and if you don't have good work ethics you'll be procrastinating alot instead of doing the editing etc.. Ending up stressed out because of the all the work hanging over your head.
This year I've been done with editing the last wedding before the next and it has been such a weight off my shoulders! So making a work schedule even when working from home, setting the alarm and everything every day and "go to work" even if it means walking ten steps into another room helps a tonne!
This is a good point
Thanks for taking the time to record these talks about business and marketing.
I'm wanting to start my own portrait photography business and realize there's so much more than taking stunning images, editing them and collecting money. It seems overwhelming, but in time I hope to figure it out.
Once you are organized it flows smoothly
i have a logo, and business cards, also use my name as my personal brand, DZign is my Videographer brand and DZ stands for Daniel Zelaya, and now i use Daniel Zelaya Photography, but i'm thinking about making a brand with a new logo to merge all my products (Films, Photo, Graphic Design, Social Media, Animation) and right now as i'm watching your video i made all the folders in my computer that is such a great method, great video as always!
Great! Thanks!
Thank you for sharing. I’ve realized that the idea is staying a brainchild if no time set up. I’m trying to test shoot for free if not booked at a given time.
Good idea, testing is key
This is right on time for me. I'm in the process of getting started setting thing up. I have business card, I bought the URL. I need to set up a website. I'm working on filling out my portfolio a bit more....doing shoots with friends.
Great info!!
Awesome
Very, very helpful and timely. Plus, we're hanging on your porch. You should have a cold Pabst in your hand.
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Very useful info. Thanks a lot. I am starting just now. Just part time. I guess I will use "numbers" for the start. No special software. Actually I am browsing websites to see how other photographers present themseves. And I am creating my logo. Very much to do...
How do you build your porfolio in the beginning? Some photographers write in their conditions, they may use the pictures for their own advertising. This will scare away most clients in Germany I guess. - People here are getting more and more paranoid about someone taking a picture without permission. It's crazy! (Oh, I am doing people photography. Mostly children and familys.)
If you are nervous about asking, perhaps wait until you deliver the images and when they are happy and excited say “I love these so much, I’d like to use them in my portfolio” - since the parents have already seen and liked the shots they should be more willing
Very informative! Love how you break it down so it doesn’t sound frightening hahaha. Thank you!
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the easiest thing to do to keep track of income are simple sales receipt books you can get at stples for example. every sale goes into book and the original goes to customer. later you can transfer to program, but you will always have the book.
also track all expenses including travel and miles from place to place
That is true, having a Physical receipt book is simple and effective
Super useful, I’m preparing right now... these tips are gold. Thanks, Daniel!
Excellent
Most Welcome and Thanks for taking the time to make these.
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thanks for the tips Dany, I am events photographer based in Qatar... I tried some of the steps you mentioned but I noticed, the website does not work in events photography especially in this part I am. So I decided to create a dedicated Instagram and Facebook page. most people would visit the social media pages easily than having to go to a website. What I lack tough is having a dedicated system, I've been shooting for 2years now but I don't have any records of payments. Thanks for the advice I will work on this.
Hey Daniel, thank you so much for making this video! I am a hobby photographer who wants to turn my passion into a business. This is exactly the roadmap I needed to get things going. Love your channel man. Great stuff.
Thanks!
Spot on Daniel, pretty much exactly what I did. thanks
Excellent
Thanks for all the info Daniel and great shirt man.
Thanks!
Thanks you so much Daniel.
Thanks for watching
Thank you for being a great educator and sharing so much.
🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻
Sage advice as usual mate :)
Thank You!
Good tips, already working on a few of the things you recommend. Site is about %75 done.
Nice!
Great video! I havent started my business yet, but everything you're talking about is just what I have been thinking about.. Lots question here, so anything you can answer would be great!! 1) Capture One vs. LR? What are the advantages of C.O? With Lightroom can't you just add another catalog when it gets too large? How does it compare to Lightroom in general , since that's what I use now? Is it a better editor? 2) Do you know anything about using the camranger for tethering on location? 3) Watermarks - when you send photos to the client in Dropbox so they can make their selects I would guess that all of them are watermarked so they can't just take them. What is the best way to watermark in batches so that the watermark/logo covers the important part of the photo? For that matter where do you think the watermark should go? 4) After the client makes their selects through dropbox do they just email you the numbers of the photos they want and the sizes etc? Sorry about all the questions but you hit right on everything I've been thinking about!
Hmm here are some brief answers - 1) C1 for tethered shooting, no question - watch my live video on tethered shooting for details 2) slow - not ideal unless you need the wireless 3) I never use watermarks 4) yes, if any work needs to be done (which is rare) they just send me the file #s
Great info, Daniel. I always appreciate your wisdom and knowledge.
Thanks
Hi Daniel, I'm a recent subscriber to your channel and this is more a "meta" question, so please forgive me if you've addressed it in another video (I haven't watched them all yet!) I'm a new photographer and am overwhelmed by what appears to me the "saturation" of the industry... Maybe it's just confirmation bias, but looking over UA-cam videos it seems that everyone and their mom is a photographer these days, and when I see how many skilled professionals there are, I wonder if I jumped into this profession too late. Do you think there are enough jobs for the growing number of photographers? Do you think new equipment and tech is going to make the photographers job worth less? I'd love to hear your thoughts when you get a chance, thanks!
This may be a topic to make a longer video on, but what I say about it is this if you only produce “generic” work then perhaps you will have “competition” just based on the sheer number of photographers. But if you bring something special to the table and you should because you are special then you will find work. Is it hard to do this full-time? Yes very hard, and it always has been.
Great advice. Thank you!
Thanks for watching
Thank you Daniel for these advices.
I have a basic logo. I also have a url redirected to Adobe Portfolio (included in Adobe CC). I have my business cards.
Nice!
The invoice software I use is easy invoice. It is free and can do everything you said from quote to final invoice. If they except your quote all you do is hit convert to invoice and it creates the invoice for you. Your invoice , quotes etc are fully customizable with logos etc. They look very professional and for small businesses the soft ware is free. For taxes hit a button and the tax information is ready to print. I love it and for me it works great.
Nice!
Thankyou somuch sir!❤🙏
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Thanks Daniel! Very inspiring. I'm thinking of switching to Captue 1 as well but I hear it's not new user friendly. Is there any plan of shooting a video using it? I'm always watching like a hawk when you pan over to it during shoots, but you never stay on it for long.
Not sure who says it’s not user friendly - C1 operates much like every other modern photo software - I don’t think I’ll do an Extensive capture one class, but I may do some demos about certain features if people want such a thing
Talking of invoices, I actualy create digital documents and forms for this exact subscription based system.
They have been popular over the last few years. I made a short commercial video for them on my channel if anyone is after some branded correspondence that works similar to what you suggest.
Thanks for your kindness and help!
Let me ask you a question:
What is the most important equipment that a starter will need to do some part time jobs, except camera of course 😂
Some kind of lighting
I have been thinking of starting a photo business for local area small businesses and their social media marketing. The thought was to offer my services free for 30 to 60 minutes and then sell digital downloads for about $25 and $35 for video clips. Do you think this kind of business model would work?
How will they know do they want the clips/photos? - this is not a way that I typically approach photography but if the clients want it, this could work
What happened to On Set at Adorama?
They are published Every Tuesday 10am - also I have a playlist of the entire series here on this channel
I like these types videos and I try to watch every video you make since i feel similar to you in how you work. I do use social media besides referrals to get business . I want to make a site soon. i actually lost a wedding because I didn't have a website site. i am work everyday photographer, I didn't reach the level to just do 50 jobs a year. I might do 50 in a month. My IG is @rayvaldezphotography but I recently made two new IGs, a studio page and a wedding page, because people do want to see specific works and social media sucks categorization unlike a traditional website. I current just email a price list with details to tell them what they get with my shoots. When I work with a small business I have a conversation to give them an estimate because half the time they don't know what they want or what they are doing.
Excellent
I want to know how much you charge for extra lights ...
As much as possible
I am going to take photography classes before i get any of this stuff setup as a business because i first want to be sure i can deliver high quality images, but i saved this video for later. In the meantime i will probably also need to rob some banks to get the money needed to buy all the equipment needed
Good idea (being able to produce quality before you charge, not robbing banks 😂 )
You should rename this type of video as "Porch Talk With Daniel Norton" Episode XX. :)
Ha ha, maybe
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If I were to be serious about it then all record keeping data would be held online someplace. Storage is cheap these days and often free (google sheets etc) and much safer than my desktop.
In a pinch I would use a spreadsheet and ready made templates which can be customized for free. No need to pay unless you need something special.
cheers 👍👍
For sure
I use dropbox only. It's basically like computer folders. I just hate having to tell people how to download especially videos.
Dropbox has become a very common tool
Like this for a video on estimates!
Hmm let me think of how I could do that
I used PayPal and if I got a cash payment I just marked it paid in the invoice section. Obviously everything is automated now
Cool!
Actionable steps? Leaping from the accepted normal secure (?) income job to a business is not so easy even if single, but a lot easier if single than with the responsibility of a wife and maybe children. Before marriage/partnership is best. On the bright side of what can be rather dismal, that being marriage and children, is being single again. Fair well with that as I did and you may have the second life that you always wanted.
Each person/couple will need to decide what works for them
Great tips. Like the having standard hours. I'm just starting out the process of researching to start, with a recent big change in my life I've decided to finally go for it since it was my High School and early college dream in the '80s. I've used numbering by year, month, day, roll, frame - so great tips using client name discription on folder. I've looked at WaveApp business accounting system, but I think yours maybe easier to start with. Looking at developing contract and model release templates. Nice shirt, I remember Farris Dad says "Gotta spend money to make money." I don't have much money, but intend on spending time instead. I enjoy your videos, you remind me of one of my mentors back in the '80s, Robert Burrill who did documentaries on Group 64 members. rbarts.com
Thanks! Best of luck