Here’s everything you need to know about corporate photography, plus tips to book more clients in this photography niche.

What is corporate photography?

Corporate photography captures the heart and soul of a business. Corporate photography tells the story of the business and its employees. Your shots will be used by the business on their website, recruitment documents, social media, and other marketing channels. For example, a business can hire a corporate photographer to take photos of their team during a company-sponsored marathon. 

Common corporate photography shots include:

• Employee portraits, headshots, and team photos
• Office building and work environment photos
• Event photos and videos, like from conferences or office parties

Despite its name, corporate photography isn’t stuffy or boring. In fact, businesses are looking for photographers who can put a creative spin on their standard corporate shots. That could be you! Not to mention it’s a necessity for both small and large businesses, so your services will always be in demand.

What is commercial photography vs. corporate photography?

Commercial photographers shoot products or services a business offers to get them more sales, bookings, etc. Corporate photography captures the personality of the business and the people who work there. In general, corporate photographers are focused on shooting people in their role at the business. 

How do you do corporate photography?

Corporate photographers capture a business’ personality. Unless they’ve called you in for a rebrand, your photographs have to match the brand’s styles. They may have an existing style guide. If so, you want to make it as easy as possible for the business to use your shots in their existing marking materials. 

To get started with corporate photography: 

• Apply for photography internships with hands-on experience
• Create a portfolio of corporate photography shots, or a similar photography niche like product photography or even real estate photography
• Work on your networking and customer service skills. Customer service is important to get repeat bookings. Be respectful and professional always!

3 tips to grow a corporate photography business

#1 Create and optimize a Google business page

Your goal is to have your business show up when potential clients search “corporate photographers near me” or some variation. There are steps you can take to optimize your Google business page to get more reviews and bookings, like:

• Update your service hours, special hours, and description to make it easy for clients to find and contact you
• Add a “book now” button to your Google Business profile that links directly to your appointment booking site
• Add photos of your studio, portfolio, and past corporate photography shoots
• Solicit reviews from your clients and respond to bad reviews to clear up any misunderstandings.  

Don’t forget to link your Google business profile to all your social media channels. Bring the reviews to your clients to build trust!

#2 Create a network of referrers

Referral marketing is key to growing a small business. Corporate photographers should take time to create a community willing to send new clients to your business. As a corporate photographer, you can partner with a wide range of business professionals, like coaches and event planners, and even other photographers who work with companies but may not have your expertise. Give as much as you take with a referral partnership so they’re more inclined to recommend your services. 

If you have the resources, you can create referral incentives for your existing clients. Businesses are more likely to book your services if they’re recommended by a trusted person who’s worked with you before. Your existing clients will get discounts (or other rewards) when they recommend you for a new gig. It’s a win-win!

The network is everything in this particular niche. The corporate world holds its network above all else, business want to work with vendors they know and can trust, so will look to referrals. Join professional groups or find online photography communities.

#3 Booking app

To take your corporate photography business to the next level, you need a great booking software. A booking app makes it easy to schedule shoots, chat with clients, and accept payments. As a corporate photographer, you’ll be on the go a lot, so a mobile-first booking app like PocketSuite is the perfect solution. 

With PocketSuite, you can let clients book you online and sell photography packages to maximize your income. It’s an all-one solution to grow as a real corporate photographer.

The Bottom Line

Corporate photography is a profitable, in-demand photography niche. You help clients tell the story of their business and their employees. You build lasting connections with businesses and make money while you’re at it!

 PocketSuite can help you manage your clients and grow your corporate photography business.

New side hustle alert: wedding content creators. Wedding season has arrived! More and more couples want short-form content to share on their social media profiles. That’s where you come in. 

Here’s everything you need to know about starting a wedding content creator business.

What is a wedding content creator? 

Wedding content creators capture wedding photos and videos for social media (usually TikTok and Instagram Reels). Couples want fun content to share with their friends, families, and followers. Clients barely have enough time to get ready on their wedding day, much less film a Tiktok. They need a professional to help them out.

As a wedding content creator, you have to plan the content, set the scene, film, and edit. So, be prepared to look up trending sounds and direct members of the wedding party. 

Wedding content creators also work pre-wedding events, like bridal showers, rehearsal dinners, or bachelorette parties. 

What’s the difference between a videographer/photographer and a wedding content creator?

Wedding content creators don’t replace progressional wedding photographers and videographers. They offer a separate service for the happy couple. 

Videographers and photographers capture everything from the big day, where wedding content creators get those fun, small moments in between. While traditional wedding photographers are experts at lighting and composition, wedding content creators have to be a bit more social media savvy. They may even post content in real-time rather than a few weeks after the event. 

While a videographer hopes to capture the magic like a documentarian, a content creator consults with the couple and pitches an idea that is meaningful for this couple and that their community would celebrate on social media the next day. 

The roles are very different. But some wedding photographers and videographers offer content creation as an add-on when clients book their services. 

How much can I charge as a wedding content creator? 

Wedding content creators are quickly gaining in popularity. People have found it works great as a side hustle or full-time gig. Wedding content creators make up to $150 per hour or around $2000 per event. Nice!

What do you need to start a wedding content creator business? 

Here are four must-haves to start a wedding content creator business 

#1 Qualification and Portfolio 

The role of a wedding content creator is new, but couples still expect professional service. Before you open up your books, make sure you have the right qualifications and skills under your belt. 

Many wedding content creators are self-taught. Chances are, you’ve made social media content for yourself or your friends and family. So, you don’t need formal training to get started. However, you may be competing with experienced photographers and videographers who offer wedding content creation as part of their services. So, it’s important to have a good grasp of lighting and editing techniques. 

If you’re a total newbie, check out some local or online photo and video courses. It’ll give you an edge over your competition, and you’ll get some shots to add to your portfolio. A good content portfolio is key to landing a gig as a wedding content creator. Plus, you can use your own social media content as proof of your skills. 

Important: Depending on where you live, you may need a business license to work as a wedding content creator. In general, you should check your state laws to see what requirements traditional photographers and videographers need. 

#2 Insurance

It’s almost time for your first gig. So, be sure to protect your new business with insurance. As a wedding content creator, traditional photographer insurance is your best bet.

Your content may be short-form, but a lot of time and money goes into running a business. Photographer insurance helps you pay for damages, medical bills, and equipment replacements if an accident occurs while you’re on the job. 

An insurance policy gives you peace of mind as you create content like a pro. (Insurance may be required by your state to operate a business). 

Note: Wedding content creation is typically a solo gig, but if you have a team or employees, you may need workers’ comp insurance. 

#3 Marketing Plan

You can’t forget to promote your wedding content creator business. Marketing is key to landing a high-paying gig. 

First things first: You need to create an online presence where clients can learn about your services and view your portfolio. You can create a website for your business, but more and more people are using social media for this. 

A dedicated social media page for your business goes a long way. High-quality social media content will cause your business to skyrocket. Clients are hiring you to create social media contact, so feel free to show off. It’s important to show you understand why contact is trendy and how to recreate those trends for the couple. Try a few different platforms like Facebook or Instagram. And be sure to list your business on Google!

Even with a stellar social media profile, make sure to spend time on other marketing channels, such as blog content or email marketing, if you want to grow your income.  

Wedding content creators are a relatively new niche. So, referrals are extra important to make a good impression. Don’t be afraid to reach out to past clients or other wedding vendors for a recommendation.

#4 Booking app

Clients want an easy way to get in touch with you and purchase your services. To maximize your bookings, you’ll need business software or a booking app that can handle the nitty-gritty of running your wedding content creator business. 

Ideally, a booking app should help you : 

• Book clients and schedule appointments 
• Accept multiple payment types and receive quick payouts
• Send contracts, forms, and personalized communications to your clients
• Create bundles and subscriptions, or sell products, to earn more money 

Business software makes it easy to manage clients, so you can focus on doing what you love.

The Bottom Line

Wedding content creators are quickly becoming a staple in the wedding vendor industry. You can get in on the rewards. Whether you’re new to the wedding industry or a seasoned pro, you’ll need a great booking app to make it as a wedding content creator.

PocketSuite has all the tools you need to grow a high-earning wedding content creator’s business.

John Branch IV is a wedding and events photographer and business influencer with over 180,000 followers on YouTube who come to him for advice on launching and running a profitable photography business. He speaks with PocketSuite about his journey and how running is own business beat working at the top of corporate America. He has some smart ways of looking at growing a business, making more sales and creating a personal brand. Our podcast is available on YouTube and all major podcasting apps.

Find links to John Branch IV YouTube page and business website along with a full transcript below.

Follow PocketSuite

Pocketsuite.io

Youtube

Tiktok

Instagram.com

Follow John Branch IV

Website: https://jbivphotography.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Jbivphotography

Full Transcript

PocketSuite::

Welcome to the Booked Solid Podcast. I am your host, Hansa Bergwall. Of course, we are the podcast for everyone with clients to run and grow a business. We have a fantastic guest for you today, John Branch. He is a wedding photographer with a very popular YouTube channel. I think you’ve got like 180,000 subscribers now or something like that.

John Branch:

Yep. Around there.

PocketSuite::

So thank you so much for joining us, John.

John Branch:

Happy to be here.

PocketSuite::

So first maybe you could start by just introducing yourself and your story. How did you get into photography and how did you get into wedding photography in particular?

John Branch:

Yeah, so I’m John Branch, as said, and I’m a wedding photographer and I’ve been doing it for about 10 years now. Funny enough, I actually majored in music production and sound design, but later on got into photography just because I love the arts in general. I’ve dabbled in most of them, and the real reason I got into photography was more so a means to an end. My wife, when we started having kids, wanted to stay home and I was thinking I needed to pick up a second job, but she told me to start a business. At the same time, I had a failing audio business, which is a longer story, and also I was getting a lot of people just telling me, “Hey, your photography’s actually not so bad. You have a pretty good eye for it.”

So I took about a year to really study the craft of photography and just jumped in head first. I think wedding photography, mainly because I’m just more of a people and events person. I really like events. Growing up, I was the eldest child of the eldest children, so my parents were both the oldest, so I was the first grandkid out of all of the kids that were had. Because of that, I was a ring bearer in at least, I want to say three, maybe four weddings, and I just remember liking weddings so much when I was little, so I feel like that’s why I just gravitated towards them again, and I really just jumped into weddings and here I am now 10 years later, doing well still.

PocketSuite::

Tell me about the first wedding that you shot, if you can remember.

John Branch:

Oh yeah. So my first wedding, I was booking-

PocketSuite::

The first one you land the gig. That’s the real question. Everyone talks about that first time making the sale. It’s so hard.

John Branch:

Yeah. Oh, it is. It’s definitely the hardest. I was using a service called Thumbtack at the time, which they’re still around, and the way they worked is you paid money to buy tokens, and then when you applied for a job, when someone needed help, you used those tokens. My little loophole I found at the time is that if you applied for engagement sessions, they cost less tokens, and then I would try and convert those couples into actual weddings.

So my first wedding came from Thumbtack and it was actually a very, very small, they didn’t want much. They were just like, “Hey, could you cover the ceremony and maybe a little bit of pictures after? No big deal.” And yeah, it went really well. Actually, most of the time when I go back and look at those photos, I’m surprised they really aren’t that bad. A lot of times photographers love to be like, here’s my first work, and it’s like, Ugh, what happened? My stuff’s actually, it’s fairly decent, surprisingly enough, and it was a fun little wedding. I was maybe there for four hours. It was a great introduction. And then I kept using that same process of using Thumbtack to book engagements that turned into weddings to continue on from there. And then I just started naturally getting weddings.

PocketSuite::

So just you got your first… I like that story of coming in through the side door, working a system that you found, get in on an engagement photo moment, the popping the knee under the cherry blossoms or at the seashore, and then having a great experience and then you’re the natural person to ask about the wedding as well, that’s a good plan. It seems to me that event photography is so specific and so high pressure, you really have to get it at the moment, and if you miss it, it’s hard to do it again. What is that like, navigating that? It sounds like, I don’t know, really high pressure every time.

John Branch:

Yeah, very high pressure. There’s a couple of things I talk about often that helps me deal with the high pressure of events, and from a technicality point, I always tell photographers to focus on practicing with street photography. When I started my business, I was in New York, so I was in the perfect place for doing street photography, but what I personally always found that was the same between street photography and wedding photography is that if there’s a moment about to happen, you have to learn to anticipate it and already have an idea of the composition you want in your mind and be able to snag it as it happens. And there’s no going back. You can’t go up to the bride and groom or something later and be like, oh, excuse me, could you stop and do the first kiss again? Or I think I saw a clip somewhere where the photographer yells at the couple because they were going for the first kiss, but the photographer wasn’t ready and it was just like, no.

So street photography and wedding photography have that same instantaneous, you have to anticipate it, see it, and grab it and know your settings are correct. And I think that’s a great way to practice because at least in street photography, if you miss it, no big deal. Get used to getting those shots there and then transfer that over to weddings.

PocketSuite::

Yeah, yeah, yeah. But in weddings too, how common are things like ugly crying, red wines spill on white dresses, things like that?

John Branch:

Luckily it’s not that common. So in my 10 years, my closest story to that, God, it was tragic. Oh my goodness. Me and the groom were going out to take some portraits. It had rained earlier, but it stopped, and we were going to this spot where they wanted to take photos and there was a little bit of a hill in this parking lot, and me and the groom were both like, “Hey, let’s walk around this way.” But she decided to go over the hill because it was the fastest way and she slipped.

PocketSuite::

She slipped?

John Branch:

Yeah, and this was before the first dance and everything, and it was just like, oh, and there’s this mud all on the back of the dress, and it was like, oh my goodness. And we were able to take the photos we needed without being able to see the mud, but she handled it in stride. She did really well, but it was definitely like, oh no. But that’s 10 years. So that’s like the one time I’ve ever [inaudible 00:06:57].

PocketSuite::

Okay, that’s good. You’re always thinking that something is going to happen moments, and I’ve always thought about that too. Does the emotion of the moment really translate into the pictures, or do you have to create that with your craft? I’m thinking of how often I take a picture at a beautiful sunset and then you’re just backlit and it doesn’t work.

John Branch:

Yeah, yeah. There’s definitely two sides to it. I think sometimes the moments really do truly just happen and you’re there and you’re able to capture it. But most of the time, the way I look at it, a lot of the times, our day to day is very mundane, for the most part. Exciting things only happen when they do. So sometimes you do have to lead people to those emotional moments, which I think is a huge part of a wedding photographer’s job. So it’s not that I have to make things so perfect so that the photo is perfect, but more so I know that, Hey, I’m going to stand you here and then this person’s going to come to you and y’all are going to fill the space with emotion, but I’m going to hands off, but I need you to at least be here because that’s what’s going to make it look nice. Give them some prompts or something, ask them questions, something to think about. That stuff will lead you to the emotions.

I will say, I think one of the best emotional photos I’ve ever had, my couple, it rained on their wedding day pretty heavily, and they were supposed to have an outdoor ceremony, but they were cool and trusted me enough that when their guests started arriving, they actually did their cocktail hour twice. So they did it when the guests arrived to wait for the rain and then the rain stopped and this one shot, I absolutely love this shot of them after the first kiss and everything, and they’re walking back out and you could just tell they’re super happy and the guests are just like, yeah. And again, I was there for the emotions. So that’s another reason why I liked the photo so much is I just remember how they were still able to have their outdoor ceremony like they wanted, and it was just really… So that’s the two. You have the handheld emotions where you lead it, and then you have epic moments where the story leaves the photo and there’s always a story behind the photo.

PocketSuite::

I love that. The rain clears and stuff like that, those great moments. So about 10 years ago, you had your first wedding. Tell me about the journey of going from getting wedding jobs to starting to build a brand and launch a YouTube channel and help other people succeed in this business.

John Branch:

It’s a very interesting journey, and I feel like you’re always learning. One thing I do love about wedding photography or client-based services is that you can learn from any industry. And at the time, so I had shot for about four to five years while I had a day job. I used to work at Apple, and I also worked at Squarespace. So I was in two companies that had really high level customer service, and I learned a lot that I could apply to weddings for that. And over the years, it’s really was just seeing how similar all of these jobs are, because a lot of times I think photographers get blindsided by the art of photography and how your photos are supposed to look and miss the fact that wedding photography is pretty much 85% customer service, just how you’re dealing with your couple, how you’re helping them plan out the day, how you’re setting expectations. Because if you’re not doing that stuff, things can easily fall apart. And that was things I learned-

PocketSuite::

Tell me a little about about the John Branch style of customer service. How does the journey begin for the people that you work with and how do you make sure it really shines throughout?

John Branch:

Oh my goodness. I think the two biggest things I like to focus on, and this is why on my website, my approach is artistry and authenticity. Authenticity is the biggest one. So I try to just be me upfront and forward the whole way through and letting my couples know what they’re receiving because they’re just receiving me. One way to explain that is the fact that I usually tell couples that I’m attending their wedding more so taking it away from just being the photographer at your wedding. I’m attending your wedding as a guest, and that’s the feel I want everything to be. So that’s one side of it.

And then the second side of it is very handhold-y, more so in the fact that I like to plan, I like to… And the funny thing is I’m really not a planner. I’m a very go with the flow type of person, but I’m going to help my couple with their timeline, even if they have a planner so they can see what the photographers think is going to work for the timeline, and then me and the planner can work that together. And that section of it lets them know that even though I may seem so nonchalant and very chill about everything, that I’m very much thinking about a solid, this is what we’re going to do at this exact time type of plan. And then within having a plan, in my opinion, there’s freedom.

There’s much more freedom when you’re like, okay, these are the times we’re going to go, but I’m going to show up early, so if you’re ready, we’ll start shooting then. And then if we have extra time, whatever, it’ll be great. So it’s a lot of that getting me and this just very much laid back approach with very guided guidelines.

PocketSuite::

Yeah, that’s great. That actually makes sense to me because if you are a go with the flow person, what you need is a planner to make those pictures happen so that you can just go with the flow of that plan and then enjoy your day and not have to do it yourself, as it were.

John Branch:

Yeah.

PocketSuite::

That’s customer service, right? Make the plan and then let things fall where they may, if rain happens or things have to be change, but…

John Branch:

Exactly. Exactly.

PocketSuite::

Be the one to do the work of making it happen work. Because it’s work.

John Branch:

It’s a lot of work.

PocketSuite::

And yeah. Tell me about starting your YouTube channel. How did that begin?

John Branch:

So my YouTube channel was actually a longer story-ish because I had a YouTube channel in the past where I was teaching about music production and sound design. So I had YouTube chops from the past, but back then I had no goal or idea. I don’t know, I just liked making videos, I guess. I got that channel to about 9,000 subscribers, and that was back in the golden age of YouTube, like 07, 08.

PocketSuite::

Oh, yeah.

John Branch:

So when I moved back to North Carolina from New York, this is also when I quit my day job and went full-time wedding photography. My wife and I were living off of our savings at that point because we literally just up and left to New York with no plan at all. So I was here and I was like, “You know what? I think I’ll just start doing YouTube again.” No real reason. And I can remember telling my wife, “I’m just going to do it. I’ll try and do a video a week or maybe two a month and not really care.” And I think I got about 20 videos in, and I had one do pretty well, and then I got into the YouTube monetization program. So then I was like, well, I guess I should do at least once a week, and it just flowed from there.

So I already had a natural knack for YouTube. Again, I majored in music production and sound design where I was working on commercials and TV shows, so audio editing is the cousin to video editing. So that wasn’t too hard for me to do.

PocketSuite::

Yeah, of course.

John Branch:

So yeah, I had all the skill sets already just there because when I first started, lot of people were always like, wow, your quality is so high. And it’s like, well, I’d been a photographer for six years. I understood lighting composition. I’ve been editing audio, I literally went to school for it, and videos just the same. Most of the time when I edit my videos, I edit like an audio engineer. So it all made sense, fell into place. And people liked how I teach.

PocketSuite::

And you actually offer a course in having your own YouTube channel. Can you talk a little bit about that? It’s on your website.

John Branch:

Yeah, so that course is a very starter course. I want to go more in depth, but it’s a very great place to start out. And just like, I don’t really know how to approach YouTube. I don’t know how to plan out my videos and make them impactful with the algorithm. Maybe I don’t know as much about cameras. What’s a great starting place? It’s a lot of that stuff that gets you started and in the door because what I’ve found at least, and I guess I just have the natural ability, but you have to find what people want to see. What I would say is the downfall of most people starting YouTube is they lean too much on only what they want to do in their videos, and they don’t make it enticing for the people who are trying to find something, if that makes sense. Because again, you can talk about very obscure things. You just have to find a way to make people be like, oh, that’s a thing that I want to hear about basically.

PocketSuite::

So talk me through that process and how you choose a recent title for a video you made.

John Branch:

Yeah, so there’s two answers to that. So the first one is what I have called riding waves, not bandwagons. So basically what that is, if there’s a subject that you talk about often, it’s under what I would call your umbrella of topics. Find places where that topic is becoming popular, but you’re riding the wave because it’s something you already do. Bandwagons are things that you don’t do, but you’re doing it like, well, everyone else does it. It’s the only way to get seen by the algorithm.

My example of this is my first video to do well was about editing photos on an iPad in Lightroom, which this was back when no one thought it was legitimate. So as a professional, I was like, you can actually professionally edit your photos, but when did I release that video? When a new iPad was announced, so I was riding that wave, okay. And the video did really well because no one else talked about it and everyone was searching for iPads. So then people who didn’t even think about it maybe, it came up and they’re like, oh, yeah, how cool. So that’s the first thing.

The second thing for your titles and stuff is really thinking about, again, what other people would want to see. Now, I start this out with research. I use a program called vidIQ, and it has a lot of data in it that you can search through, but you can do this just on YouTube itself, search in the search bar, and you’ll see recommendations that will come up and use that to formulate your title, because that’s the thing. I’ll sit down and brainstorm my videos, but then also go back and search and use vidIQ to really hone in on how I should title it. Because the biggest mistake I see a lot of people make is they’re still using what I would consider blog titles for their videos. And those don’t translate well to YouTube. They’re great titles, it’s better suited for a blog.

PocketSuite::

It’s a different medium.

John Branch:

Or something of that sort. Yeah, it’s a very different medium.

PocketSuite::

How important are your YouTube, social media in terms of getting new clients, or is it monetized in other ways? I know that one of those truisms about marketing right now is be on social media, but I’m wondering, where do you get most of your wedding clients? Is this a channel for them or is it really other things?

John Branch:

Yeah, so it actually has turned into the majority of my inquiries now, which I never thought it would do that. I’ve been very surprised myself. But what it seems like is that one person in the couple is slightly into photography, and so they find me and they’re like, oh, wow, John Branch, it’d be so cool… I actually even, because I’ve been doing the full wedding behind the scenes videos, I’ve had couples who are like, “I’d love you to do one of those for ours as well.” So I was very surprised.

But I think it’s just because I’m, again, authentically just showing myself and what I do and they can see that and respect it. So I do think it’s really big, and that goes for any social media in general, just really show yourself and what you’re doing and who you are, and people will eventually be like, wow, this is so cool. I like how you did X, Y, Z. The more someone can get to know you, the more comfortable they’re going to feel. This is why, actually, I’m even updating some of the stuff on my website and my contact form replies with actual videos. Because it goes so far, and I know a lot of photographers, they’re like, I don’t want to do video, but if you can sit down in front of someone without actually having to sit down in front of them and they can get to know you, it’s almost like watching TV shows, you feel like the characters because you’ve been watching them live out whatever story it is.

PocketSuite::

As a marketer, I can just underline that. If you can get someone to take the time to watch a video, it is very powerful.

John Branch:

Extremely powerful. Yeah. Again, I had no idea it would happen with YouTube, and again, I’m not getting as many leads as I used to, but the leads I get are extremely strong and hot leads. I really don’t even have to… I have meetings with my couples, but they’re just like, yeah, you’ve seen what I do, you know so much about me already. So I’ll just answer some questions and we’ll go from there.

PocketSuite::

Right. You already made the sale by doing the videos, so they come in much more ready to say, you are the one we want. I’ve watched 10 of your videos and I’m convinced.

John Branch:

Yeah, I had a couple pretty much tell me, they were just like, tell me how much we have to pay you. And I was like, wow. I was like, this is crazy. I never had this before.

PocketSuite::

Oh, what are the opportunities you see in your industry right now in photography specifically? Where do you think the industry is headed?

John Branch:

Oh my goodness, this is such a good question too because I think about that often myself, and I think that that’s what happens when you’ve been in it for about a decade. You start being like, things are different and they’re changing. Media in itself I think is a big opportunity. People love to feel like they’re in their own reality TV show, and I feel like there’s a way to really hone in on that for couples. We’re already starting to see photographers hire a TikTok specialist on the day of to just make TikToks and reels and stuff for the couple. I feel like I see a lot more of that maybe.

PocketSuite::

Yeah. That is a big trend overall in the marketplace of everything right now is just gone are the days of the top thing being the Instagram filter and the absolutely gorgeous people. People really want those more raw, real TikTok-y moments. The more behind the scenes, the more authentic sort of side note that is behind those big moments. And if you can capture those two maybe in video, is that how you would do it, these behind the scenes wedding videos you were talking about?

John Branch:

Yeah, definitely. And it’s easy. Hire someone and hand them your phone and just like, Hey, record stuff. And when you get back home, you can figure out what to do with it later, but just record anything.

PocketSuite::

Yeah, it’s funny because I think of wedding photography as being that ultimate expression of the polished photograph event moment, but even that is moving in this, yes, we’ll have that, but also the bloopers behind it and the authentic stuff that happens behind the scenes.

John Branch:

Yeah. And I think it depends on the couple too. I think there’s a clear divide. There’s people who want very just real and raw, and then there’s other people who basically want you to cover it like Vogue, and they want all of the video to just be very clean and even the behind the scenes to just be very cute and clean. So yeah, I think media in itself is where photo is moving. And again, I know for photographers they’re like, I’m just trying to take photos, but even seeing it from the YouTube perspective, it goes a long way. People love to see things happening and feel like they’re at the actual event.

PocketSuite::

So why did you decide to go in the direction of offering courses, creating videos for newcomers? Was it a lot of people were asking you? Did you identify an opportunity, just that natural impulse to mentor?

John Branch:

Yeah, more so than natural impulse to mentor. I’ve always, for some weird reason, just absolutely love to teach people, and it’s always come from a place of when I’ve understood something to the degree that I understand it, I want to help you understand what I’ve figured out. And again, a great place that really shows that I just like doing that for literally no reason was my previous YouTube channel where I was teaching audio production. Yeah, I would make some money. I would get a hundred dollars check every couple months, but there was literally no reason for me to do it. I was just like, I love teaching. Check out this thing I figured out how to do. So that was really the first place. I myself had a mentor when I was about three to four years into wedding photography, which he definitely saved me because I was doing well, but I had no idea what I was doing. He definitely helped out with places to be like this, how you should do these things.

PocketSuite::

How did you connect with your first mentor? Who was she? How did you find her?

John Branch:

So my mentor was Phil Porto of the Portos, and we met at a workshop and if I remember correctly, we hung out a little bit, but not a lot, but we hung out enough to know of each other. And then he was posting that he needed a photographer, like an associate photographer in the New York area, because he is from there, but he lives in Florida. And I was just like, “Hey, I am willing to try that out.” And he was like, “Oh, I remember you from the thing.” He was like, “Yeah, sign me up immediately.” And then from there, he just took me under his wing and honed in on a lot of stuff.

And it’s the same thing that I want to do for other photographers because photography in itself and having my own business has made a huge impact on my life. So really at the end of the day, I just want to share stuff. And I know it’s hard nowadays, because there’s a lot of people just floating around making courses. It’s actually one of the, I don’t know if I can call it imposter syndromes, but it’s one of the things I deal with being like, I want to make a course that’s fairly priced, but I don’t want people to feel like, oh, here he goes, another person on YouTube making a course. That’s why I also have a lot of free stuff, because I really do genuinely just want to teach people.

PocketSuite::

John Branch:

And I have a three-hour video, it’s free. Other photographers are like, wow, this guy put a whole three-hour video for free. Yeah.

PocketSuite::

We see it being a platform where people run businesses is that a lot of businesses fail in their first couple years, but we’ve noticed that talking to the ones who succeed is that they follow that natural impulse to look for mentors, to look for coaching, to reach out and make connections in their industry, and they stop it with a lonely road thing where they think they have to figure out absolutely everything for themselves. So what’s your advice to someone in that position who’s looking for the right advice, the right coaching, the right courses, the right… In any industry? How do you find the right person for your business?

John Branch:

That’s a great question. I would say first and foremost, really vet out your coaches and understand their strengths. Because again, there is, especially in our internet economy right now, there’s a lot of people who just shoot out courses to make money. So make sure that they legitimately care to mentor and you understand what it is you’ll get from them, because everyone has their strong suits. I can’t teach everyone how to do everything. I’ll be perfectly honest, booking couples is not my strong suit, so I can teach on it, but the level I’m teaching on is only as far as I’ve gone myself. I’m looking for people to teach me about it. And it’s understanding that about mentors.

I think early on, it’s easy for us, as people, humans in general to just put your mentor on a pedestal because they’re a little bit further than you, but even your mentor is looking at someone else, putting them on a pedestal, being like, oh, if I could only get better at this thing. So just understanding that mentors are people too, and that there are shady people out there, so vet them.

Second off, I would say, to not be too afraid to pay for your mentoring either. And this is one of those subjects that people get very divisive about because, again, there’s a lot of people just out there trying to take your money, but I’ve found that the quality of mentorship is better when there’s actual transaction behind it. Because even with my mentor, and I think about this all the time because again, I go back and forth with myself about should I charge? How much should I charge? Technically, I was paying my mentor as well because I was an associate, so he was getting a cut from every wedding I shot for his business. So really, that was the payment for the mentoring. So it’s just understanding where mentoring sits. If you can find a totally free one, that’s great, but just realize at the end of the day, everything is a transaction in some way, form or fashion. And I don’t know if I explained that the best way, but-

PocketSuite::

No, no, I think it’s important that it’s just part of the process, that there’s different ways of getting this and it’s a service, but go get it. Go get what you need to succeed.

John Branch:

Yeah.

PocketSuite::

So I’ll have links to your YouTube channel and your website in the show notes. Any other things you want to plug or mention before I let you go?

John Branch:

That’s the biggest stuff. I got the natural fields preset, which is my personal preset that I actually use on all of my photos. That’s a website in itself. And then, yeah, just my YouTube and courses. Again, get into the YouTube because it’s a great way to get your feet wet and learn the general overall aesthetic of weddings. And then from there you can look into courses and stuff.

PocketSuite::

All right, cool. Well, thank you everyone once again for joining us on the Book Solid Podcast. As always, the best way to support this podcast is to run a business on PocketSuite, but we also really appreciate those five star reviews or sharing this episode with someone who you think could really enjoy hearing this wisdom from John, and have a great and fantastic day.

Interested? Perfect.

We teach you everything you need to know about real estate photography and provide tips to start your own business.

What is real estate photography? 

The real estate industry is competitive. Property owners and real estate agents need to stand out with stunning visuals to get their properties sold and earn a commission. That’s where you come in.

As a real estate photographer, you’ll put the listing’s best foot forward. Real estate photographers capture the property to get more eyes on the listing, more home viewings, and hopefully a higher closing price. Usually, real estate photographers produce 20+ edited images of a property to be shared on agency websites and property boards. Your goal is to reel in potential buyers with high-quality, eye-catching images.

You can shoot either residential or commercial properties or both. And, once you have experience under your belt, you can specialize. Maybe you primarily shoot apartment complexes, luxury family homes, or modern offices. 

Why should I start a real estate photography business? 

Real estate photography is one of the most profitable photography niches. In general high-value properties will earn more money. And you can increase your income and stand out from the competition by offering aerial photographs or creating virtual tours of the property. Some clients even expect to find these services on your booking site. Seasoned real estate photographers earn more than six figures per year. 

How to start a real estate photography business

To get started with a real estate photography business, you need to attract clients. Of course, there are many established photographers in your area. But with a few techniques, you can carve out a space for yourself in the industry. 

Here’s how to start a real estate photography business. 

#1 Build a portfolio

First things first, you need a solid portfolio. Ideally, you should try to get shots of high-value homes or commercial properties for your portfolio. But how? 

Potential clients are all around you. Do you have a good relationship with your landlord? Do any family members work in real estate? You may want to offer free photos at first but be prepared to get cheap listings. Just make sure the place has curb appeal.

Here’s an idea: Reach out to Airbnb hosts or vacation rental owners who aren’t looking to sell their homes but still need stunning shots of their place. Show them how your services can increase their income. 

Remember to take advantage of your own living space or the homes of friends and family to practice techniques, lighting, and composition. Practice is important. It’ll take time to adjust to eclectic living spaces with dark walls and decor or a mix of colors.

Share your portfolio on social media profiles, the website, or the PocketSuite booking page. You can send it off to real estate agencies or potential clients as part of your pitch. 

#2 Get Your Equipment

If you’re ready to dive into the world of real estate photography, you need the right gear. 

Wide-angle lenses are a must to capture an entire room in one shot. Some photographers say a 14 to 16 mm focal length is ideal for real estate photography. But you also have to capture those small details on the property, so make sure to have some macro lenses on hand. 

And you may need special equipment, like a drone, to get aerial shots or video.

#3 Find referral partners

At its core, real estate photography is about making sales. So, soft skills and professionalism will take you far. Your connections with property owners and agents are invaluable to growing your business. 

It’s good to market your services to homeowners, but they’re not likely to be repeat clients. On the other hand, real estate agents and investors work on multiple properties at a time and can send business your way. So, network with property management companies,  even if only for shots to build your portfolio. 

One great tool for locking in amazing repeat clients like real estate agents is offering packages. Your real estate agent can get a better price by buying 10 photo sessions at a time, knowing they will use them, and you can lock in a great client with a bigger commitment. Better yet, you get an upfront payment for 10 appointments. And PocketSuite can track the package completions so you always stay organized.

The easier you make it for them to sell the property, the more likely they are to work with you again.

#4 Create a Marketing Plan

A creative marketing strategy is key to growing a real estate photography business. First things first, your Instagram profile is your best friend. Post your shots to show off your skills. And cultivate an audience on other top social media platforms, like Facebook, YouTube, or Pinterest. 

If you have the budget, you can launch targeted ads on social media. But it’s best to maximize your organic reach. For example, you can start a blog to drive traffic to your site. Once you build up a clientele, you can display property listings on your portfolio site. Property agents will link back to you, increasing your site traffic.

Remember to list your business on Google so potential clients can find you when they search “photographers near me.”

#5 Use a booking app

Of course, you need great editing software to bring your shots to life in post. But, there’s another kind of software that will take your real estate photography business all the way I.e.booking software. 

You need software to book appointments, communicate with clients and accept payments without a hitch. As a real estate photographer, you’ll be on the go a lot, so a mobile-first booking app like PocketSuite is the perfect solution. 

With PocketSuite, you can let clients book you online and sell photography packages to maximize your income. It’s an all-one solution to grow as a real estate photographer.

The Bottom Line

Real estate photography is a profitable niche with lots of growth potential. With skills, time, and a solid marketing plan, you can grow a six-figure real estate photography business.

PocketSuite can help you get there. We have a range of intuitive features to help run a high-earning photography business.

Which photography conferences should I attend in 2023? 

A photography conference brings together professionals, students, and teachers in the industry. It’s a place to learn new skills and collaborate with other pros. And they usually offer on-site shoots, so you can add to your portfolio. You’re sure to find an event that appeals to your photography niche.

Here are some of the best photography conferences coming in 2023.

#1 The Hybrid Collective

The Hybrid Collective is a three-day educational conference for film, digital, and hybrid photographers. The hybrid collective promotes collaboration over competition. It’s a space for professionals to come together and learn from each other.

Through a mix of presentations and classes, you learn from renowned photographers, such as Ashton Jean Pierre, Daniel Kim, and Sacia Matthews. In these sessions, award-winning photographers discuss:

• Burnout 
• Making money
• Diversification 
• Curation
• Setting goals
• Working with a creative team
• Sustainable business practices

You can also attend optional “styled shoots” for an additional fee. These shoots are a master class in staging, lighting, and shooting for a particular aesthetic or destination. For example, you can learn to shoot a wedding on the beach, literally!

Date: April 16 – April 20th

Cost: $999

Location: Omni Amelia Island, FL

#2 The Heart Conference 

This event, hosted by The Heart University, is all about growing a profitable photography business. This conference is an opportunity to enhance your business skills, learn from industry leaders and connect with other creative entrepreneurs.

The speakers have yet to be announced. But last year’s conference dove into everything entrepreneurship, like:

• How to save 20k per year with contracts
• Marketing, branding funnels, and customer journey
• Building multiple streams of income

So, you can expect similar sales, business, and marketing-packed content for this year’s event. The conference seats 300 total, so get your tickets as soon as you can! 

Date: October 10th – October 12th

Cost: $997 – $1659

Location: Denton, TX

#3 Wedding MBA 

Wedding MBA is a hub for wedding professionals, from florists to caterers to photographers. Wedding MBA hosts over 150 seminars with 100 speakers. Some of their photographer-specific sessions include:

• In a flash – A special focus on sales, closing, and negotiable deals
• Camera Shy – A spotlight on building a  boudoir photography business and tips for posing
• Photo Academy – Using advertising and marketing, online search , and social media to fill your booking calendar 
• Timeless – Using AI to edit photos, create content, and save time 

And you can take to the showroom floor to view products and services from over 200 exhibitors. Wedding MBA is a great event whether you’re looking to connect or stay on top of trends in the wedding industry.

Date: November 6th – November 8th

Cost: $409

Location: Las Vegas, NV

#4 Thrive Photo Conference

The Thrive Photo Conference was created for luxury destination wedding photographers.  It’s planned by wedding pros, for wedding pros. So, get camera-ready for speakers, invaluable education, and fun activities. 

Also, take part in styled shoots at the beach or luxury venues. It’s a great way to build a portfolio with lifestyle, wedding, and destination content in a top city for weddings. 

Date: November 13th – November 15th 

Cost:$1800

Location: Santa Barbara, CA

#5 PMRE 2023 Conference 

The Photo and Media for Real Estate Conference is a real estate photographer’s dream. 

Attend panel discussions or workshops The speakers for the 2023 conference have yet to be released. So join the waitlist for updates on the program. Speakers at the 2022 conference dove into trending topics for real estate photographers, like:

• Scaling your business 
• Metavers nfts and digital real estate
• Doubling your clients with video
• Value proposition

So, expect inspirational seminars for the upcoming event. You can also participate in networking breaks and collaborate over happy hour or luncheons. Or take part in live photo critique or editing sessions.

Date: November 8th  -9th 

Cost: TBD. Workshops may have additional fees. 

Location: Las Vegas, NV

#6 School Photographers of America

The SPOA 2023 conference offers ideas to grow business and opportunities to network with department heads and suppliers from across the country. Hear from keynote speakers Jean Fruthc and Arthur Greener. And you can participate in photography workshops before the session.

This conference is a good option for school photographers hoping to connect with yearbook companies, lighting suppliers, insurance companies, etc. 

Date: July 10th – July 13th

Cost: $435 (non-members)

Location: Greenville, SC

#7 Click Con 

Click Con is a four-day event for photographers and videographers. Come ready to participate in themed workshops, networking excursions, and an interactive trade show floor with the latest gear and equipment. You can even build your portfolio with 150+ models on-site and ready to shoot.

This conference is very hands-on. You’ll attend classes in different locations across Chicago. So, come ready to practice new techniques from top-tier instructors. 

Date: August 1st – August 4th

Cost: $40 – $600

Location: Chicago, IL

Register Today

A conference can open doors for your photography business. You learn, collaborate, and grow with industry experts.  Who knows, it could lead to your next gig? At the very least, you discover new ways to help your clients. 

PocketSuite can help grow your photography business. We have all the tools you need to manage appointments and communicate with clients. You can run your business straight from your phone!

Whether you’re an aspiring photographer or looking to switch niches to earn more cash, this guide will help.

7 Photography Niches That Make Money

You might think choosing a niche will put you in a box or slow down your business. But a niche makes it easier to build your brand and get more clients. Your expertise will be obvious from your portfolio. So, clients won’t have to think twice about booking you. 

Here are seven popular photography niches. 

#1 Portrait Photography 

Portrait photographers use lighting, poses, and props to capture the identity of their clients. And you don’t have to stick to the standard headshot. The trick is to make the photos feel natural despite being staged.

It’s not hard to get started in portrait photography. The market is large, so you’re sure to find paying clients. and you don’t need state-of-the-art equipment. It’s a good way to get some professional experience under your belt. 

There’s lots of competition in portrait photography. To charge higher rates, you will need to create a unique aesthetic or visual brand people want and can’t get anywhere else. A strong reputation for quality can also help distinguish your photography brand.   

Most portrait photographers might earn anywhere from $25 to $150 an hour. Many portrait photographers offer other photography services. However the sky’s the limit if you have a unique visual brand. 

#2 Real Estate Photography

Real estate photographers capture commercial and residential properties to help them get sold. They work with realtors to make the property look move-in ready. You might photograph anything from a luxury mountain home to retail shops in a city. 

For the most part, the photos will be used on listing sites. But you may be hired to take pre-renovation photos so that interior decorators or architects can do their jobs. Real Estate Photographers might also stage the property, reposition lighting in the home, and edit the photographs.

To find real estate photography gigs, you can network with realtors, interior designers, or even Airbnb owners. Either way, find referral partners that handle your preferred property type. You’ll likely make more money shooting high-end homes than single-family apartments. 

As a real estate photographer, you may have to invest more in photography equipment than in other niches. But real estate photography gigs are often more consistent because there’ll always be homes to sell.

Real estate photographers earn anywhere from $50,000 to $150,000 per year.

#3 Wedding Photography

Wedding photographers create memories. As a wedding photographer, your job is to capture a couple’s story in a collection of images. Weddings are often a once-in-a-lifetime event, and clients want their big day to be perfect (no pressure). So, they’re willing to pay a premium for a stellar photographer. It’s a demanding gig, but it pays off.  

Wedding photographers demand high rates because they need to excel under pressure. They only have one chance to capture the first kiss, first dance, and so many other wedding moments that will never come again. 

Wedding photography rates depend on the type of wedding. A luxury, three-day destination wedding will pay more than a one-day local event. Typically, a wedding photographer earns anywhere from $1,500 to $5,000 per event. But the cost can go up significantly depending on the size of the wedding, the number of photographers, video services, etc.

You can also offer engagement photography services. If they like your shots, you’re more likely to be booked for the big day. 

#4 Family and Newborn Photography

Family photographers capture the dynamics and love within a family. So, you may have to get to know the family quite a bit. Unlike portraits, these clients are often looking for lifestyle photographs, i.e., walks on a beach or children playing in a garden.

An increasingly popular subset of family photography is newborn photography. Your job is to capture the newest family member, typically within the first month of their lives. With newborn photography, you might photograph the baby alone or with their parents and siblings.

Pro tip: It’s easier to photograph newborn babies in the first two weeks when they’re very sleepy. After that, it can get complicated as they become aware of their surroundings.

To become a newborn photographer, you complete special training to ensure the babies are safe and comfortable as you pose them or adjust your equipment. You also learn to soothe the newborns if they get fussy. 

It can be a challenging gig. But, on the plus side, your clients are super cute and mostly quiet.

#5 Product Photography

Businesses need high-quality images to sell their products and fill their marketing campaigns across social media, display ads, and billboards. That’s where a product photographer comes in handy.

Commercial and product photography is all about the details, so the shoots can get complicated. You’ll likely be working in a controlled environment and come up with unique ways to capture the vibe of feeling or brand, like using mirrors to make a perfume bottle look like it’s floating in the sky. 

Product photographers can earn a lot of money because companies have more disposable income than typical clients. Larger, established companies can pay more than small businesses or startups. 

#6 Nature and Wildlife

Are you ready to be featured on National Geographic? Then you should consider becoming a wildlife photographer. You may have trouble finding clients in this niche. But photographs of animals and nature pay off in resale. People will be using your shots as stock images for years to come. 

Nature photographers might earn anywhere from $200 to $500 per session. Plus, you get to be one with the outdoors and do a fair bit of traveling. 

#7 Fashion Photography

Fashion photographers shoot clothing models for magazines, websites, and advertising. They often command a high salary, but this is the most difficult niche to get started in. 

The fashion industry is small and highly competitive. To get your foot in the door, you’ll have to network your butt off to make connections with fashion brands. Start by looking for gigs with clothing retailers and boutiques in your area. You should also keep up with clothing trends and editorial styles to succeed. Expect to experiment with lighting, color, and models. 

Social media can play a huge role in kickstarting your fashion photography career. It’s your opportunity to showcase your creativity and let potential clients know that you understand trends and can build a following from your work.

A fashion photographer might earn $500 to $1,500 per day, but it depends on the brand and the photographer.

Are You Camera-Ready?

From portraits to weddings to real estate, photographers have lots of choices. So you can follow your passion and earn a sustainable income. Whatever your niche, you can master your craft and build a six-figure photography business.

PocketSuite can help you out. We have intuitive tools to help you run a successful photography business. You can schedule clients, send contracts and receive payments in one app.

But what is photographer insurance? And is it even worth it?

Great question! We teach you everything you need to know about photographer insurance and find out if it’s worth the extra costs to your business. 

What Is Photographer Insurance?

Photography sets quickly turn chaotic. And not long after, someone gets hurt, or equipment gets damaged. Photographer insurance helps you pay for hefty expenses like medical bills, legal fees, and repairs that would otherwise set back your business. Photographer insurance can save you stress and money, whether you freelance on the side or run a full-time photography business.

Insurance providers sell photographer insurance as a bundle of popular business insurance. Here are the most common types of protection included in a photographer’s insurance policy.

General Liability 

General liability insurance is a go-to, whether you’re on-site or hosting clients in your studio. It helps you pay if a client claims they were injured or their property was damaged by your business. Photographers bring a lot of equipment to a shoot. So the risk of injury is real. Clients can trip over your lighting chords or fall off a prop stand.

General liability is super important for real estate photographers. If you and your team shoot a luxury property and scratch the floors, general liability pays for the damages. 

General liability also covers personal and advertising injury, i.e., if your business commits libel, slander, or copyright infringement. Photographer insurance can cover the cost of legal fees if a client’s images are used without their consent. It also applies if a client can’t use your shots because someone in them didn’t sign a release form.

General liability is third-party insurance. You need additional coverage for damages to your property and your employees.

Professional Liability

Professional liability insurance covers the cost of legal fees and settlements if a client claims you made a mistake. It won’t necessarily be your fault. But, if your computer crashes or a memory card backfires and you lose the photos, the client will blame you for negligence.

Art is subjective, so clients won’t always be happy with your work. Or maybe they didn’t understand what to expect as a final product. Professional liability can also step in if a couple claims you forgot to capture the best angle on their wedding day. That’s why it’s good to list shot types in your contracts, so there’s no confusion. 

Professional liability is also called errors and omissions insurance. Insurance providers might promote it under other names. For example, Professional Photographers of America (PPA)  offers an “indemnification trust” for members to cover data loss, missed shots, or unsatisfied clients. It pays for legal fees and data recovery. 

Business Property

Photography equipment is incredibly valuable. And unfortunately, everyone knows it. So, there’s a high chance of theft. Business property insurance pays for repairs and replacements if your property and equipment are damaged or stolen, including:

• Cameras
• Lighting equipment
• Memory cards
• Laptops and hard drives
• Props and backdrops

Depending on your policy, you can be reimbursed for the full replacement costs (i.e., the value of your property when it was purchased) or actual cash value (the value of your property minus depreciation). Business property insurance is also called commercial property insurance.

Tools and Equipment

Photographer insurance policies can include tools and equipment insurance. It protects your precious camera equipment when you’re on the go. This type of insurance takes the pressure off if you travel with thousands of dollars worth of equipment. It’s sometimes called business equipment insurance or inland marine insurance.

Also, drone photographers should look into “unmanned aircraft” coverage in case of an accident. 

Business Income 

Business income covers your lost wages if you couldn’t finish a job because your equipment was damaged or stolen. You can add an “off-premises” extension to your business income coverage if you travel to venues often rather than host clients at a studio. 

Workers’ compensation 

Your team is so important. They step in to coordinate schedules, pose clients, find props, and fill in for events. They’re in the thick of it. So they’re at risk of getting hurt or sick. Don’t assign team members to clients unless they’re covered. If they sprain their ankle at a rocky venue, workers’ compensation insurance pays for their medical bills, lost wages, and any ongoing care. 

How Much Does Photographer Insurance Cost?

According to Thimble, photographer insurance typically costs about $216 a year.  The price varies depending on your location, the size of your team, and any special equipment you carry. In general, you have to pay more if your equipment is more expensive. 

Photographers can buy short-term coverage, sometimes called event policies, that last 1-3 days. You’re protected only for the days you need it. Thimble offers photographer insurance by the hour or day. A short-term policy will cost around $50 for the time period. 

If you buy insurance from a professional organization, like PPA, you also have to pay membership fees. Luckily, membership comes with other cool perks, like educational resources and networking opportunities. 

Do You Need Insurance to Start a Photography Business?

Your state might require liability insurance if you rent or own a photography studio. Also, clients will ask for proof of insurance, especially for weddings or large events. Even if it’s not legally required, it’s worth it to have a photographer insurance policy for your peace of mind (and bank account).

Photographers face a unique set of risks. You spend a lot of time, energy, and money on your business. Between camera equipment, rent, software, and travel, your expenses add up quickly. You can protect these investments with a reliable insurance policy. 

All professional photographers can reap the benefits, whether you do travel, wedding, or family photography. But photographer insurance isn’t one size fits all. Newborn photographers won’t have the same problems as real estate photographers. So, it’s extra important to find a policy tailored to your business. 

The Bottom Line

Photographer insurance takes the pressure off when accidents happen during a shoot. It can cover your property, equipment, employees, and clients. Be sure to shop around for a policy that fits your needs. Photographer insurance is worth it to protect your business finances and reputation. 

PocketSuite can help with the rest. We’re an all-in-one app to run your photography business. We offer easy appointment scheduling, simple forms and contracts, and quick payments to help you get more bookings and make money.

Only photography can capture and preserve a family’s precious moments in time. Yes, people snap away with the cameras on their smartphones all the time, but skilled portrait photographers are still in high demand for families who want a formal document of their milestones.

Anyone with a camera and demonstrable skill can pursue a career as a family/baby photographer. There are no special licenses or government requirements, although practice and independent training is valuable to develop your talent quickly so you can produce steadily better work, gaining more clients along the way.

Family/baby photographers essentially follow one of two career paths: either working as a salaried employee of a portrait studio or as a freelance portrait photographer who is self-employed. The latter route will usually lead to greater income, although the burden is on you to buy and maintain your own equipment, carry business insurance and handle all the marketing and promotion. But with that also comes the freedom to set your own hours and work a schedule that best suits your lifestyle.

Good people skills and the ability to communicate in a friendly but persuasive manner are essential skills to go along with your mastery of photography. Patience will also be a valuable trait on the days when young children refuse to sit still or the adorable baby who arrived cooing in his car seat is now crying inconsolably as you set the lighting for the photograph. This comes with the job. The joy of helping people preserve their legacies and loved ones in photographs is also part of the portrait photographer’s work. It is also arguably the greatest, most satisfying aspect of the art and craft of family/baby photography.

Read on to learn how you can get started as a family/baby photographer.

In this article you’ll learn:

• How much money you can make as a family photographer
• The required training and certifications
• Professional groups to join
• Employment opportunities for family photographers
• Finding clients
• Plus helpful tips

How much money can you make?

A portrait photographer on average makes $30,367 annually, according to a recent GlassDoor survey. Photographers on the high end of this specialty make $45,000 annually and up. These are individuals employed mainly by large portrait studio chains.

There’s less competition today than in years gone by when major retail stores often had an on-site portrait studio where special pricing on photo packages was routine. With the near-collapse of brick & mortar retailing, there are fewer of these retail-chain portrait studios that could offer rock-bottom pricing due to their size, marketing budgets and buying power, in terms of photographic supplies.

Today determined freelance photographers focused on family and baby portraits can make as much money as they wish, depending on their willingness to put in the hours it takes to market and run a business.

Training and Certification

You don’t need a license or certification to go out with your camera today, right now, and offer your services as a family/baby photographer, but some training is probably a good idea. Beyond talent with a camera, good people skills are necessary to get subjects to cooperate for the photo shoot. This is especially true of little children who may not be inclined to take direction, and babies, who definitely won’t.

There are dozens of online portrait photography training programs for you to pull up with a simple Internet search and review. Most are well under $100. Here’s an example. These courses teach good composition, how to light a scene, getting your subjects to pose, working safely with babies, creating inexpensive photo sets, basic image post-production skills and more.

To learn more about your clientele and how to manage them for best results, consider reading a few books on infant development, child psychology, family dynamics and so forth. This can enhance your people skills and help you develop strategies for getting the perfect portrait as timely and efficiently as possible – so you can move on to working with the next client.

Professional Groups to Join

There are many professional photographers’ organizations you can join to network with other pros and advance your portrait photography career. Here are two of the most relevant:

American Photographic Artists offers “inspiration, education and advocacy” with local chapters throughout the United States you can join for networking. They also hold regular events and photography competitions. There are several membership tiers ranging from $60 to $500 per year, each with different benefits. All memberships include a photo ID card and a listing on the member directory, which can help new clients find you when they search by city and state. The more expensive membership levels provide access to insurance, discounts on equipment, ongoing education opportunities and more.

Professional Photographers of America is the premiere organization of photography pros in the United States. A full membership is open to anyone living in the United States or its territories and costs $323 per year. Benefits include:

• $15,000 equipment insurance policy
• Data loss protection
• Access to all online education courses
• Online referral database listing
• Printed and digital monthly issues of Professional Photographer magazine
• One full registration to Imaging USA during the first year of membership
• Business Resources
• Contracts and Copyright Resources
• Access to Member Discount Program
• Weekly newsletter

Employment

Contact portrait studios, churches and other places of worship, local clubs, the PTA and civic groups, letting them know of your services. Send them your marketing materials, brochures and business cards. Follow up with a phone call in a day or two.

Don’t be discouraged by rejection when calling potential clients. The very next call you make could be gold.

Use the networking power of your professional memberships to find assignments.

Finding Clients

Business cards and a basic website should be the core of your marketing toolkit as a freelance photographer. The website need not be fancy or expensive, just attractively designed, with photos of your best work, your business location and contact information. No need to include your pricing. You can discuss that directly with your clients. You want to sell customers based on the quality of your work, not the price you charge. To do that, you’ll need to meet with them in person.

In addition to your business website, the next thing to do is create an Instagram account to showcase your photography. Instagram is the #1 online venue for creative professionals to display their work. It’s a free promotional tool that’s always working on your behalf.

Other strategies for attracting new business:

• Create a referral program with discounts for returning customers who bring new clients to you.
• Ask clients to review your services online. According to a recent survey, 90% of people say their buying decisions are influenced by positive online reviews.

Good to know

A few thoughts on equipment.

There are dozens of books, websites and photography magazines available to help you decide which gear to buy when you’re starting out as a portrait photographer of families and babies. Your needs may be different from another portrait photographer’s, so only you can decide which brand or model of camera suits your requirements and budget.

At minimum, though, you’ll need a DSLR (digital single lens reflex) camera body and at least two lenses, wide and telephoto. Two camera bodies are even better because then you won’t be spending so much of your time switching out lenses while the subjects of your portrait grow impatient.

A set of neutral density and polarizing filters will help you manage lighting conditions outdoors. Indoors, you’ll need a flash attachment at minimum. Over time, you may decide to invest in a lighting kit with reflectors, lamps and folding stands, all of which fits into a footlocker-type case for easy transport.

Spare camera batteries and memory cards are essential. And you’ll need a water-resistant bag to carry your equipment when you go on location. Some families may want their portrait taken at home or perhaps in some natural setting like a park. You’ll need an efficient way to transport your gear on these occasions.

A good, sturdy tripod should also be part of your standard kit. To get the maximum stabilizing benefits from a tripod, you should have some means of triggering the camera shutter remotely. Many modern digital cameras are Bluetooth enabled, which allows a radio signal to pass from the camera to a smartphone. Depending on the brand and model of your camera, you download an app to the phone, which allows you to trigger the camera shutter with your smartphone from distances of up to about 30 feet. This is especially helpful when photographing babies because you can step out from behind the camera to move closer to the child while you manipulate a squeaky toy in one hand to capture the baby’s attention while activating your camera shutter with your other hand holding a smartphone.

Finally, a computer or laptop loaded with image editing software such as Photoshop will be needed to work on your photographs in post-production. As your photography business grows, digital storage will become an issue. There are many online storage solutions (cloud storage), some of them even free for a certain volume of storage. Google Drive is one example. As a backup measure, though, you may want to invest in external hard drives that can store many thousands of high-definition images. These drives connect directly with a cable to your laptop or computer for immediate access. One advantage of an external drive is you do not need an Internet connection to access your work.

If you enjoyed this article, check out some more great PocketSuite.io content that can help you grow your career as a family photographer. Here’s a great place to start.PocketSuite has thousands of business owners who all started where you are right now. Our community is always happy to help you ramp up, grow your client base, and achieve your income goals, both within the PocketSuite app and as part of our exclusive Facebook Community Group. PocketSuite’s vision is for any professional to be able to work for themselves and make a great living. It starts here. It starts with you. It starts today. Let’s get started, download PocketSuite now! Feel free to reach out with any questions (we’d love to hear from you)! Text us @ (415) 841-2300.

Part pilot, part photographer, these professionals learn the aeronautical skills necessary to fly a drone safely while recording aerial video and digital images.

Startup costs are similar to those of other photography specialties, although licensing and insurance fees will add to the expense of becoming an aerial /drone photographer.

As a licensed drone pilot you can offer aerial photography through your own business or work for a company that provides these drone services. Working independently you stand to make more money, although all the costs of marketing and running a business – as well as finding clients – also fall on your shoulders.

The work itself is undeniably exciting as you photograph or shoot video from an aircraft under your control. The latest drones operate remotely through an app on a computer tablet. Many drone models allow you to see on the tablet what the drone is recording with an onboard camera far overhead, so you’ll know at the shooting location whether you’ve captured all the coverage you need. No more heading home and loading the drone’s memory card into your computer only to discover key shots did not turn out well – or at all.

Beyond the thrill of flight, drone photography also taps into your artistic creativity as you edit images and videos in post-production on a laptop or computer before delivery to the client.

If high-tech flying excitement combined with a photographer’s eye for capturing beauty sounds appealing, read on to learn how you can become an aerial / drone photographer and make a good living.

In this article you’ll learn:

• How much money you can make as an aerial/drone photographer
• The required training and certifications
• Professional groups to join
• Employment opportunities for aerial/drone photographers
• Finding clients
• Plus helpful tips

How much money can you make?

Aerial/Drone Photographers on average make $43,930 per year, according to a recent salary survey of job openings by ZipRecruiter. Pros on the high end of the pay scale are making more than $81,500 a year. Experience and skill produce great work samples, which can largely determine how much an aerial/drone photographer can charge. A motivated drone photographer with a portfolio of quality work should have no trouble earning $100,000 a year and up.

The average range for a single aerial photography shoot is $250 – $350 for about an hour of actual shooting on location. Keep in mind that there is post-production work to factor into the equation. This includes editing images in Photoshop or similar imaging software, or editing digital video and possibly adding a soundtrack with narration, depending on the client’s requirements.

Training and Certification

You do not need a license or certification to be a photographer. You will absolutely need a license through the Federal Aviation Administration to fly a drone for any commercial purpose, which includes photography and videography in exchange for money.

To be eligible for licensing as a pilot under the FAA’s small unmanned aircraft rule you must:

• Be at least 16 years old
• Be able to read, speak, write, and understand English
• Be in a physical and mental condition to safely fly a drone
• Pass the initial aeronautical knowledge exam

The process of becoming a licensed drone pilot is not terribly complex but it is lengthy. As you might expect, much of the focus is on flight safety. The full requirements and regulations can be reviewed here. The license itself costs $150 and renews every two years.

The good news is, during the process of becoming licensed commercially to fly a drone, you’ll also become skilled as a pilot. The only way anyone ever learned how to fly a drone safely is by practicing flying a drone.

Before you get started, come to terms with the fact that most people crash a drone at least once while learning to pilot these aircraft. All it takes is one serious crash to destroy a drone, so consider training on an inexpensive model. Toy drones cost less than $100. Drones with cameras start at about $300. A decent commercial drone with a high definition camera will sell for more than $1,000. Multi-camera drones cost $7,000 and up. As you can see, taking your maiden flight with a drone costing several thousand dollars represents a significant risk. Fly it into a tree, the side of a mountain, a building or straight into the ground and your entire business investment could collapse in a twisted pile of metal and plastic.

Once you have your pilot’s license to fly drones commercially, you can consider training in aerial photography. Many courses are available for download on the Internet for less than $100. Depending on where you live, seasoned drone pilots may offer in-person training where you can develop your aerial photography skills under the mentorship of an experienced drone photographer. An Internet search will turn up these instructors. You can also call around to local camera shops asking about classes. Here is an example of an online drone photography course.

In addition, you’ll want to learn the fundamental tools of Photoshop or similar image-editing software, as well as editing digital videos. Once you’ve learned how to edit video, you’ll be able to add music, narration and effects to create cinematic productions that will thrill your clients.

Professional Groups to Join

The Professional Aerial Photographers Association International is the premiere organization for pro photographers in this field. Annual membership is $195. Benefits include regional conferences and educational opportunities, networking with other pros in the field, newsletters and a listing of your business on the association’s website. This helps potential clients find you.

Professional Photographers of America is the best-known organization of photography pros in the United States. A full membership is open to anyone living in the United States or its territories and costs $323 per year. Benefits include:

• $15,000 equipment insurance policy
• Data loss protection
• Access to all online education course
• Online referral database listing
• Printed and digital monthly issues of Professional Photographer magazine
• One full registration to Imaging USA during the first year of membership
• Business Resources
• Contracts and Copyright Resources
• Access to Member Discount Program
• Weekly newsletter

Many aerial photographers work in real estate photography. If this is one of your lines of business, consider joining The Association of Real Estate Photographers. This is an advocacy organization for the industry. Membership costs $185 per year and comes with these benefits:

• Certification with the Association
• Use of AREP Logo on your website and print collateral
• Association-approved License for use with Agents/Brokers – downloadable
• Access to Legal Counsel
• Discounts on the National Conference
• Assistance with licensing disputes
• Relationship with your MLS (multiple listing service used by realtors). Work through the association for any issues with Agent/Broker/MLS image use
• Member listing in Association directory and individual member page for marketing

Employment

Aerial/ drone photographers are in demand. From sporting events to real estate, civil engineering to architecture, you’ll find clients in need of a skilled drone pilot who can deliver crisp images in high definition.

If you plan to market to realtors, concentrate on agents and firms that specialize in the sale of land, farms and estates. These properties can be shown to great advantage with aerial photography so prospective buyers can see the size, shape and terrain.

Visit local realtor offices to drop off your marketing materials, brochures and business cards. Follow up with a phone call in a day or two. If a realtor says she’s already working with a photographer, ask if she knows any realtors who need your services. Don’t be discouraged by rejection when calling realtors. The very next call you make could be gold.

Attend local gatherings of real estate agents (they get together a lot to talk shop) so you can introduce yourself and distribute business cards. Bring along a laptop loaded with your best aerial images and videos to set up a quick live presentation and impress new clients.

Use the networking power of your professional memberships to find jobs.

Contact the athletic departments of local colleges, universities and high schools, offering your services.

Call engineering firms, land surveying companies and architects. Offer to send a copy of your portfolio.

Finding Clients

Business cards and a basic website should be the core of your marketing toolkit. The website doesn’t need to be expensive, just attractively designed, with photos and videos of your best drone work, location and contact information. No need to include your pricing unless you know that your fees are less than what competitors are asking.

In addition to your business website, create an Instagram account to showcase your aerial photography services. Instagram is the #1 online venue for creative professionals to display their work.

Other strategies for attracting new business:

• Create a referral program with discounts for returning customers who bring new clients to you.
• Ask clients to review your services online. According to a recent survey, 90% of people say their buying decisions are influenced by positive online reviews.

Good to know

Currently there are no federal requirements for insurance on a drone pilot. That could change at any time. Regardless, get liability coverage, anyway. As a small business owner, liability insurance protects you if your drone causes an accident in which someone is hurt or property damage is involved. And insuring the drone itself means that if you do crash and destroy the aircraft, you won’t need to come up with a thousand dollars or potentially much more to replace your equipment so you can stay in business. A policy that costs about $750 a year may provide up to $1 million in liability coverage. Here is a guide to commercial drone insurance coverage.

If you enjoyed this article, check out some more great PocketSuite.io content that can help you grow your career as an aerial/ drone photographer. Here’s a great place to start.PocketSuite has thousands of business owners who all started where you are right now. Our community is always happy to help you ramp up, grow your client base, and achieve your income goals, both within the PocketSuite app and as part of our exclusive Facebook Community Group. PocketSuite’s vision is for any professional to be able to work for themselves and make a great living. It starts here. It starts with you. It starts today. Let’s get started, download PocketSuite now! Feel free to reach out with any questions (we’d love to hear from you)! Text us @ (415) 841-2300.

When you’re a wedding photographer, your role is almost as important as the minister, rabbi – or captain of the ship, if you happen to be at sea. The couple is counting on you to preserve this occasion so they can go back through their photo albums and digital scrapbooks for years to come, reliving all those special moments from their wedding day.

You’ll need energy, exuberance, patience and sometimes the people skills of an international diplomat to ensure everyone cooperates for the sake of the newlyweds and their photographs. Do this consistently – and with the eye of an artist – and you’ll enjoy an income that is traditionally among the highest in all fields of photography. Six figures a year is pretty much standard for the average wedding photographer. For the above-average photographer, your earnings potential is whatever you want it to be.

Wedding photography is big business and pays serious money. Read on to learn how you can get started in the lucrative field of wedding photography.

In this article you’ll learn:

• How much money you can make as a wedding photographer
• The required training and certifications
• Professional groups to join
• Employment opportunities for wedding photographers
• Finding clients
• Plus helpful tips

How much money can you make?

Wedding photographers do very well. The average salary is more than $104,000 per year, according to a recent ZipRecruiter survey of professionals in the field. The top 10 percent of wedding photographers earn $127,500 a year, on average. One of the additional financial benefits of this photography specialty is most wedding ceremonies are conducted on weekends, which means you can pursue other work during the week.

Training and Certification

Depending on where you live, chances are there are absolutely no regulations or licensing requirements for a wedding photographer. You’ll need a business license, which you can arrange by calling your local government offices.

Even though formal certification is not a legal requirement to photograph weddings, being able to show potential clients that you are trained and have credentials can go a long way toward securing steady work.

A simple Internet search will turn up many training courses for wedding photography, many for under $100. Here’s one example. When choosing a course, look for training programs that come with a certificate of completion once you finish. These certificates can typically be customized with your name, downloaded and printed, then framed for you to hang in your office. You’ll also want to make note of these credentials on your business website. People notice certifications, which show you are serious about your work. That makes customers more confident when choosing your photography services over competitors.

Along with training and certification, you’ll need a portfolio of excellent images to post on your website and to print on brochures when you meet with clients. This may seem like a daunting task when you’re just starting out. How do you get new clients for your wedding photography business if you’ve never photographed a wedding? It’s a fair question. One possibility is to offer your service for free or at minimal cost to a friend who’s getting married, with the understanding that the pictures will be used in your marketing materials. You can give your friend a nicely bound photograph album of the pictures as a thank-you gift. Even if you know a couple who’ve already hired a photographer for their wedding, maybe they will let you take pictures as well. Understand that as a beginner you may not be able to charge $5,000 or $10,000 to shoot a wedding if you don’t have the experience and portfolio to justify premium pricing. In that case, marketing your services to couples on a budget might be the best way to go.

In time and with practice, you’ll build a portfolio that will be the envy of the industry and you can charge as much as the market will bear.

Professional Groups to Join

There are many professional photographers’ organizations you can join to network with other pros and advance your photography career. Here are some of the most relevant to wedding photographers:

The International Society of Professional Wedding Photographers is the largest organization devoted to this specialized field of photography. To be accepted, a photographer must submit a portfolio for review, agree to operate under the ISPWP Code of Conduct, and have an ISPWP sponsor or two references. And then the applicant must be voted in by current members. Annual dues are $99 during the COVID-19 pandemic (regularly $179 a year). Member benefits include:

• $200 Value in Contest Entry Fees
• Up to five location directory listings (helps clients find you)
• Access to SEO-optimized ISPWP blog to publish
• Daily promotion on ISPWP social media
• Live Interviews, online conferences, vendor discounts and more.

Professional Photographers of America is the premiere organization of photography pros in the United States. A full membership is open to anyone living in the United States or its territories and costs $323 per year. Benefits include:

• $15,000 equipment insurance policy
• Data loss protection
• Access to all online education courses
• Online referral database listing
• Printed and digital monthly issues of Professional Photographer magazine
• One full registration to Imaging USA during the first year of membership
• Business Resources
• Contracts and Copyright Resources
• Access to Member Discount Program
• Weekly newsletter

American Photographic Artists
Benefits include a photographer photo ID card, discounts on Apple electronics, a listing in the association’s directory to help new clients find you, and more. Membership tiers range from $50 to $500 per year.

Employment

Contact wedding planners, bridal shops, formalwear shops, and even bakeries where people order wedding cakes. Send them your marketing materials, brochures and business cards. Follow up with a phone call in a day or two.

Use the networking power of your professional memberships to find assignments.

Depending on your budget, you can also sign up for online listing services. Sites like WeddingPro and TheKnot maintain directories of wedding service providers, including photographers, so consumers can find you by searching state and city listings. Shop around and do your own research on the sites where it makes the most sense to advertise, if you choose this route. Some of these sites charge several hundred dollars a month for listings, so you’ll need to be established and have a steady cash flow.

Finding Clients

Business cards and a basic website should be the core of your marketing toolkit as a wedding photographer. The website need not be fancy or expensive, just attractively designed, with photos of your best wildlife photography work, your business location and contact information. No need to include your pricing. You can discuss that directly with clients.

In addition to your business website, the next thing to do is create an Instagram account to showcase your photography. Instagram is the #1 online venue for creative professionals to display their work. It’s a free promotional tool that’s always working on your behalf.

Other strategies for attracting new business:

• Create a referral program with discounts for returning customers who bring new clients to you.
• Ask clients to review your services online. According to a recent survey, 90% of people say their buying decisions are influenced by positive online reviews.

Good to know

Use this handy checklist compiled by professional wedding photographers to avoid making the mistakes it took them years to overcome.

Get a liability insurance policy.
And keep it up to date. You may also want to have an attorney set up your operation as an LLC (Limited Liability Company). This affords you many legal protections in the event of disputes.

Use contracts.
Here is a guide to creating your own wedding photography contract template that you can download and print. Review it with an attorney who is experienced in contract law and small business operations to ensure you haven’t overlooked anything. A contract protects both you and the couple hiring you to photograph their wedding. Don’t perform work without a signed contract. You’ll also want to secure a deposit from the clients in advance of the wedding day. Many photographers stipulate the deposit is non-refundable. This protects the value of your time. Say, for example, that you book a Saturday afternoon and evening for a wedding, which could well consume 6 or more hours of your time, only to have the couple cancel on you. Then you’ve lost a weekend of work and will not likely find another client to fill that slot with short notice.

Get to know the couple.
You’ll need to have a sit-down meeting with every client to go over their needs, determine a price and sign the contract. A follow-up meeting or at least a phone call or two will help you get an even better sense of their personalities and answer any follow-up questions they might have. This shows you care, that you are interested in them and in making their special day the best it can be through your role as photographer.

Make a shot list.
Knowing the coverage you’ll need the day of the wedding will make your life much easier. There are obvious shots you’ll need of the couple together and individually, along with various combinations of family members posing together, plus the ceremony, the kiss, the couple’s first dance at the reception, cutting the cake, more kissing, tossing the flower bouquet  – the list can seem endless. But unless you make a list you cannot be certain you’ve gotten everything you need. The couple may also have specific ideas that you’ll need to include in your planning. On the plus side, the events of a wedding typically follow a sequence so you should always have a pretty good idea of what’s next on the list of vital shots.

Scout the location.
If you possibly can, check out the wedding venues in advance, preferably around the same time of day the ceremony and reception will be held. This can help you plan shots as well as getting a feel for the lighting conditions. You might notice a balcony at the venue where the reception is to be held. If you can access the balcony, it could result in some nice elevated shots of the crowd on the dance floor, for instance.

Use flash as necessary, but only because it is necessary.
Some people may enjoy the flash of a camera. Perhaps it makes them feel like celebrities walking the red carpet. Others may find it tiresome long before your work is done. Use available light when you can, typically at the reception, and adjust your camera settings to suit the ambient light. When you have to, use your flash or strobe.

Be on time, be friendly, be unobtrusive.
Show up early so you can set up and be prepared. A wedding can be stressful. It’s supposed to be among the happiest days of a couple’s life, but behind the scenes any number of things could be going wrong. Don’t let your photography be part of the problem. Patience and flexibility are key to dealing successfully with people in situations where emotions and expectations are running high. If you see the couple arguing with the caterer who forgot to bring the champagne, that is obviously not the time to step in and start snapping away. Diplomacy is the order of the day.

Get the formal shots in the can as soon as possible.
This means capturing all posed shots of the couple and their family combinations immediately after the ceremony. The flowers will be in place and everyone you need is right there. If someone slips away or you miss a shot, good luck rounding up subjects at the reception, where your candid photography skills will come into play.

A few thoughts on equipment
There are dozens of books, websites, photography magazines and other resources to help you decide which gear to buy. Your needs may be different from another wedding photographer’s, so only you can decide which brand or model of camera suits your requirements.

At minimum, though, you’ll need a DSLR (digital single lens reflex) camera body and at least two lenses, wide and telephoto. Two camera bodies are even better because then you won’t be spending so much of your time switching out lenses while clients become impatient.

A set of neutral density and polarizing filters will help you manage lighting conditions outdoors.Indoors, you’ll need a flash attachment at minimum. Over time, you may decide to invest in a lighting kit with reflectors, lamps and folding stands, all of which fits into a footlocker-type case for easy transport.

Spare camera batteries and memory cards are essential. And you’ll need a water-resistant bag to carry your equipment.

A sturdy tripod should also be part of your standard kit. To get the maximum stabilizing benefits from a tripod, you should have some means of triggering the camera shutter remotely. Many modern digital cameras are Bluetooth enabled, which allows a radio signal to pass from the camera to a smartphone. Depending on the brand and model of your camera, you download an app to the phone, which allows you to trigger the camera shutter with your smartphone from distances of up to about 30 feet.

Finally, a computer or laptop loaded with image editing software such as Photoshop will be needed to work on your photographs in post-production. As your photography business grows, digital storage will become an issue. There are many online storage solutions (cloud storage), some of them even free for a certain volume of storage. Google Drive is one example. As a backup measure, though, you may want to invest in external hard drives that can store many thousands of high-definition images. These drives connect directly with a cable to your laptop or computer for immediate access. One advantage of an external drive is you do not need an Internet connection to access your work.

If you enjoyed this article, check out some more great PocketSuite.io content that can help you grow your career as a wedding photographer. Here’s a great place to start.PocketSuite has thousands of business owners who all started where you are right now. Our community is always happy to help you ramp up, grow your client base, and achieve your income goals, both within the PocketSuite app and as part of our exclusive Facebook Community Group. PocketSuite’s vision is for any professional to be able to work for themselves and make a great living. It starts here. It starts with you. It starts today. Let’s get started, download PocketSuite now! Feel free to reach out with any questions (we’d love to hear from you)! Text us @ (415) 841-2300.