The ability to capture precious moments using a camera is just the starting point for a wedding photographer (or a videographer). This home based business startup requires business sense, patience and the ability to spread the word online, in bridal magazines and among wedding planners, as good wedding photographers can be in high demand.
The goods news is that among the roughly 125,000 gainfully employed photographers in the country, more than half are self-employed. And the photography profession in general should grow by 10% through 2016, according to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, published by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, the pool of would-be shutterbugs, like many other entrepreneurial occupations, outnumbers the demand.
Photographers can make around $2,600 for a $20,000 wedding. The price of weddings is expected to climb significantly within the next few years, meaning a percentage deal will reap more money for the wedding photographer. A six-figure income is attainable for seasoned pros who pursue this initially as a home based business startup, though the national median for photographers is $26,170.
Pros of a Wedding Photographer Home Based Business Startup
Wedding photography is a genuine artistic outlet for the home based business operator that can provide clients with happy, long-lasting memories.
Guts and initiative take talent farther than photography talent alone.
Word of mouth referrals from satisfied couples, consultants and wedding guests can make clientele soar and keep the home based wedding photographer busy all year long.
Imagery can be corrected and enhanced with readily available photography software -- within limits.
Each wedding offers the opportunity to meet potential clients, such as those in the wedding party who may be planning their own nuptials.
Cons of a Wedding Photographer Home Based Business Startup
A botched job at a wedding can damage your reputation.
Tough to earn a profit the first few years in a home based business, and many who prusue a home based business as a wedding photographer start out part-time until their business grows.
Except for a photography apprenticeship or working for friends, paid on-the-job training is hard to come by -- and not recommended.
Some expensive equipment is required. A decent professional digital camera can run about $1,500. Photographer's accessories will add to the startup costs for this home based business.
What You Need for a Wedding Photographer Home Based Business Startup
A good eye with an individual style.
Mastery of the digital workflow. You got the shot -- now you'll need to finish it.
Willingness to gain experience without profit: Take classes, consult professional photographer networking groups, such as the Professional Photographers of America and the Wedding Photojournalist Association.
A feel for the emotional ebb and flow of a wedding day, plus exact knowledge of the schedule and the ability to build a rapport with those in the wedding party.
Basic bookkeeping skills.
Network-building in place to connect with wedding consultants and fellow vendors who can spread the word about your wedding photography home based business startup.
A reasonable budget to advertise your wedding photography services online and perhaps in bridal magazines.
Wedding Photographer Home Based Business Startup -- Real-Life Example
Juan Carlos Torres of Corvallis, Ore., tells that he charges $2,500 for a basic wedding package. His advice to aspiring wedding photographers interested in a home based business startup? "Be unique and be able to capture the emotions of the day."
The goods news is that among the roughly 125,000 gainfully employed photographers in the country, more than half are self-employed. And the photography profession in general should grow by 10% through 2016, according to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, published by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, the pool of would-be shutterbugs, like many other entrepreneurial occupations, outnumbers the demand.
Photographers can make around $2,600 for a $20,000 wedding. The price of weddings is expected to climb significantly within the next few years, meaning a percentage deal will reap more money for the wedding photographer. A six-figure income is attainable for seasoned pros who pursue this initially as a home based business startup, though the national median for photographers is $26,170.
Pros of a Wedding Photographer Home Based Business Startup
Wedding photography is a genuine artistic outlet for the home based business operator that can provide clients with happy, long-lasting memories.
Guts and initiative take talent farther than photography talent alone.
Word of mouth referrals from satisfied couples, consultants and wedding guests can make clientele soar and keep the home based wedding photographer busy all year long.
Imagery can be corrected and enhanced with readily available photography software -- within limits.
Each wedding offers the opportunity to meet potential clients, such as those in the wedding party who may be planning their own nuptials.
Cons of a Wedding Photographer Home Based Business Startup
A botched job at a wedding can damage your reputation.
Tough to earn a profit the first few years in a home based business, and many who prusue a home based business as a wedding photographer start out part-time until their business grows.
Except for a photography apprenticeship or working for friends, paid on-the-job training is hard to come by -- and not recommended.
Some expensive equipment is required. A decent professional digital camera can run about $1,500. Photographer's accessories will add to the startup costs for this home based business.
What You Need for a Wedding Photographer Home Based Business Startup
A good eye with an individual style.
Mastery of the digital workflow. You got the shot -- now you'll need to finish it.
Willingness to gain experience without profit: Take classes, consult professional photographer networking groups, such as the Professional Photographers of America and the Wedding Photojournalist Association.
A feel for the emotional ebb and flow of a wedding day, plus exact knowledge of the schedule and the ability to build a rapport with those in the wedding party.
Basic bookkeeping skills.
Network-building in place to connect with wedding consultants and fellow vendors who can spread the word about your wedding photography home based business startup.
A reasonable budget to advertise your wedding photography services online and perhaps in bridal magazines.
Wedding Photographer Home Based Business Startup -- Real-Life Example
Juan Carlos Torres of Corvallis, Ore., tells that he charges $2,500 for a basic wedding package. His advice to aspiring wedding photographers interested in a home based business startup? "Be unique and be able to capture the emotions of the day."
A photography business can be run from home and it is easy to make a decent income. Digital cameras are so good now that you do not even need a dark room to process your pictures. Start of with the usual weddings and birthday parties. Take pictures of all the landmarks in your city.
More websites are being created every day and all of them need some images. Speak to web designers and take pictures to their specifications. Online networks are expanding rapidly and people need portrait pictures. Demand for head and shoulders shots is massive.
The great thing about the photography business is that you can take pictures all the time. You do not have to be in work mode to snap away! It is easy to build a huge collection of images and showcase your work on a website. Start up costs are now very low and this business can become extremely lucrative once you have built up a collection of images.
