I’m sure you are wondering why anyone would want advice on becoming a bad photographer. Who could blame you? Your first instinct is to avoid this article because you would never dream of being a bad photographer. Sadly, no one ever wants to hear the truth, but sometimes we need to. Photographers of all skill levels have room to improve and learn. We all make mistakes. From beginners to amateurs to seasoned professionals with a business, consider this your wake-up call! 

A bad photographer with little or no photography and customer service skills decides one day to open a photography business. They assume anyone can do it. They get a loan in an amount they can barely afford assuming their business will profit enabling them to quickly pay off their loan. They don’t take the time to follow the proper steps to set up a business and they don’t have the skills or experience with equipment, software or anything else related to photography.  The best and newest camera is the best option right? How about the kit lens? It covers the most common focal lengths, so it’ll be perfect! Spend $8,000 on a brand new full-frame DSLR, leaving no extra money in the budget for lenses, flash, filters, battery, tripod, memory card, software, camera bag, computer and the other requirements that are obvious with a little time and research. A brand new top-of-the-line camera make it so easy to photograph, I won’t have to work hard at all! I can ignore my manual and leave the camera on automatic rather than learning how to shoot manually! The sad irony is that there are more photographers then we’d like to admit that think just like this. If you are serious about photography, especially if you plan to start your own business, do yourself a favor and slow down now before it’s too late to stop. If you truly want to have a photography business or be a better photographer you will. You can’t expect it to happen overnight. Unrealistic expectations will only lead to problems. 

Photography has been around for many centuries. There has been consistent improvement with technology and skills and the same holds true for the gifted photographers among us. Those that are successful doing what they love and capturing memories for others in a unique way. They please their customers with skilled photography and editing. They are knowledgeable about lenses, software and lighting. Regardless of their brand and amount of equipment, they know their system and workflow so well that they have adapted it to capture their vision as accurately as they can see it with their own eyes. If you are serious about your photographic future, purchase a DSLR you can afford and practice. A DSLR will enable you to expand your equipment into your own personal ‘system’ as your skills improve. Make some time to join a local photography club or photographic society so you can meet and learn from other local photographers. The more you practice the better you will become. With some generous guidance, serious beginner photographers can learn a lot from more advanced photographers who are willing to share their skills. If you’re not into clubs, go to your local library or bookstore and rent photography books. Online there are unimaginable amounts of resources for photographers regardless of your current skill level. If you are unsure what camera would be the best to start with, take the time to do some research online. Improve your photography and future business by building your portfolio photographing family and friends. This will not only give you essential practice with exposure and your camera, but will also help improve your customer service skills.

Eventually you will have settled on the perfect system for you. After learning from others and spending your free time practicing, you feel you are ready to do more. Don’t jump into a business just yet. Do you have any people skills? Can you manage money and records? Can you communicate effectively with vendors, labs and your customers? You will need to begin with a thorough business plan, carefully planned budget and it will be necessary to register your name with the state and obtain business licenses. If you have no idea how to get started, it’s in your best interest to hire a lawyer or accountant who is legally knowledgeable and qualified to get you started. You will also need model and property release forms and insurance to help protect you and your business and replace your equipment in a loss. An accountant or lawyer can also help you claim additional money on your taxes every year if you run your business from your house. Some of your equipment, utilities and mortgage expenses can be claimed. This is another example of why it’s best to be legal when starting your business. Once you have everything in place, you will feel better knowing you are legally a photography business. The last thing you want is for the IRS or your local government to approach you one day asking questions you can’t answer because you chose to avoid the law. No one wants to watch their hard work fall apart or to lose money, so be sure to do everything correct from the start and you will avoid the majority of issues that could arise.

Once you have everything in place, you need to take some time to be realistic and value your work. Your first instinct will be to set your prices to be as affordable as possible or to browse local photographer websites and copy their prices. This is a huge mistake. If you don’t have the proper photography and business skills along with great customer service, it doesn’t matter how affordable you try to be. Your business will never grow without that dedication to service and your clients will perceive your ‘affordability’ is a lack of value and experience. This doesn’t mean you can’t start off with lower prices until your business grows. Just don’t forget to value your work and everything that goes with it. A lot of photographers forget to factor in: expenses, wear and tear or vehicles and equipment, taxes, fees, dues, insurance premiums, time photographing and editing, claims/customer service costs, home office expenses, utilities and if the profit left over will cover what they feel their work is worth. As for the customer aspect, always remember that word of mouth can either make or break your business. If you make a bad impression, it will be lasting and can be very difficult to correct. If you use social media, remember that everything you do and say is online for everyone to see and later use against you. Help grow your business by offering discounts, coupons and free sessions.

Photography is like music…the more you practice the better you are. Don’t rely on the camera, you are the photographer. Anyone can pick up a camera, but only a true photographer can create art. Who knows, maybe being a photographer is your destiny. Without practice and a proper start you’ll never know. Maybe it’s time to stop being a bad photographer and find your inspiration for success! You hold the keys to your future and only you can open the door. You’re camera is your paintbrush, your skills and dedication create the masterpiece.

About the author: Amber Flowers is a photographer, digital artist and writer most known for her infrared photography and the ‘fine art’ feel to her work. She is a member of The League of Creative Infrared Photographers and Founder of Southern Kentucky Photographer’s Club. Amber resides in Glasgow KY with her husband, two children and several pets. You can learn more about her on her website: www.soulgazephotography.com