I’ve covered how to set up a home studio, including lighting, as well as some ideas on how to do in-home photography for a client. But what do you take pictures of once you have gone pro?
First of all, you need to decide what it is that you love (besides photography). Do you love cars, gardening, cooking, animals, or kids? Whatever it is, focus on that to start. Make up some fliers and get some business cards, and let everyone you know that you are starting a photography business, specializing in __________. There are a lot of photographers out there, so you need to find a niche.
Your niche, or your specialty, will be your main focus for your business. But it will not be (probably) the only thing that you do. Here are some ideas for additional photography opportunities that you may or may not have thought of:
- Dance Recitals – most every community has a dance class or two. Offer to provide the dance studio with free 5 x 7s of the group if you are allowed to also take individual pictures. Then offer the parents a choice of several different packages.
- Real Estate – while most realtors take their own photos of houses for sale, there is still an opportunity for new home photography. Offer the local builder photos of the new home that they are constructing, for use in company brochures or other advertising.
- Children’s Sports – There are numerous possibilities in this area. All parents want shots of the big game, but not all of them have the skills that you do, or the time to take the pictures. With a laptop and a portable printer, you can offer photos of the game to parents right away. Or have pictures from the previous game available at the next one.
- Dog shows and pet portraits – If you get in good with a dog handler that knows and loves your work, this could be a very lucrative position. Must love dogs.
- Family portraits – This is an area that is tough to approach, since the advent of Walmart and JC Penney photography studios. But it is not impossible. People are still more comfortable and relaxed in their homes. Use this to your advantage, and offer to come to the house and include the family pet(s).
Obviously, I could go on and on, but you get the idea. There is an endless supply of ideas for photography opportunities in your area, and many more that you could create. The main thing is to have fun, and don’t quit your day job just yet.