Photography as your business

All businesses need work > cash flow in order to continue to be viable, cash is king.

New photographers don’t be tempted to plough heaps of money in chasing the dream of instant wow, its experience you need and to develop quality work that is commercially viable if you are to exist entirely on photography alone.

As I reflected recently on myself I decided there are three things that you need to do, shoot as often as possible.. Look at areas you are weak in so critically appraise yourself. Try as often as you can to undertake personal projects this will stimulate you and take your work in different directions. Finally take time out to look at other photographers work or sit in with other photographers if you get the opportunity.

Professional photographers hold workshops that cost from £40 to £100 per day per delegate most class sizes are ten or so, jump in them, from time to time I do...leaving my camera at home (personal choice) its the little gold nuggets they throw away in general conversation that are the reason I go.

When you sit with other photographers it’s a double win, you see new techniques and you can see what they do good/ bad.

What does this have to do with photography as your business, it is about making your images the best they can be and constantly evolving your busines into something stronger ...more diverse. This kind of attitude helps keep me motivated and making changes in technique and direction year on year.

Set yourself high but realistic targets, i.e. clients to work with and income targets, monitor and review how your doing, if you think it helps ask a friend to review your performance periodically to see if your doing what you set out to do. As with all plans constantly review to make sure that's the best plan for you.