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How to write a successful photography business plan.

Whether you want to know how to start a photography business or take your existing one to the next level, the best place to start is with a plan. A photography business plan is a document that outlines what you hope to accomplish with your business. 

As your business comes to life or goes through change, you can use a business plan to measure your progress and re-calibrate your professional goals. In addition, if you are planning to pitch your business to potential investors for brand partnership opportunities, a business plan is one of the documents you can use to help bring credibility to your business.

However, learning how to start a photography business the right way doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Taking the right steps to showcase your photography services beyond your online portfolio website can set you off on the right foot and continuously help you attract the caliber of clients you want.

Why you need to make a photography business plan. 

Running a small business is hard. You may have heard the lifespan statistic that 20% of small businesses fail in their first 2 years, 30% fail in their first 3 years, and 50% fail after operating for 5 years. While this number is discouraging, the number one reason for the small business mortality rate is the lack of financial planning.

This is why using available tools is essential to your business’s long-term success and to your ability to grow your business. A business plan is critical in keeping you on track with your business goals and identifying where your business is lagging before, during, and after growth.

The main components of a photography business plan.

While you can customize the components of a photography business plan to suit your needs, the standard components are:

• Executive summary
• Business description
• Product or service portfolio
• Target market
• Competitive landscape 
• Marketing approach
• Operations & logistics

These elements work together to provide you and your possible stakeholders with a fulsome portrait of your business and its potential. We will go into further detail about these individual components in the following sections.

Write an executive summary.

The executive summary is a 50-250 word section at the start of your photography business plan that focuses on big-picture goals and outcomes of your company. This section summarizes the entirety of the document and should serve as the “elevator pitch” for your company, and its unique position to succeed. A good question to ask when compiling your executive summary is, “What are 3-5 things I want my clients to remember me by?”

Some of the elements to include in your executive summary are your experience, your specialties (ex. commercial photography , landscape , or wedding photography ), and key components of your business that contribute to your success, such as your marketing efforts or a unique angle you bring to the industry.

Explain your company in a business description.

While you may have a clear vision for your business inside your head, being able to succinctly express it to clients and stakeholders is key to your professional success. When compiling your description, it’s important to be as specific as possible.

First, learn about different organizational structures and the associated terms that come with the territory. Are you running a sole proprietorship, partnership, an incorporated company, or another type of business?

Second, your business description should also outline additional details including the history of your business. It gives possible stakeholders an idea of what your business is about and how it began.

In addition, you want to share your business’ mission statement. Because you will go into more details about the offerings and other aspects of your business, it’s best to keep your company description simple and provide only a high-level overview.

Describe your product and services.

This is the place to talk about the types of photography services and products you offer, and the ones you plan on expanding into in the near future. 

As part of your product and services description, provide a comprehensive pricing model. Your pricing model should cover the types of sessions, services (shooting, editing, formatting) you offer, and their associated fees. For example, do you offer mini photography sessions or 2-hour shoots? Is there a sliding scale for editing services, color correction, or airbrushing? Do you handle the physical production of photos, or is the handoff done digitally?

A competent photography business relies on the client’s clear understanding of your “menu” of skills and services.

Lastly, detail the types of services you offer and the types of products you want to focus on that bring you the most income.

Determine your target market.

Targeting your customers is no simple task, as small business owners want to serve everyone. Nevertheless, it helps you to focus on your customers who need your products. You’ll end up wasting money marketing your product to people who don’t need it or have any interest in it.

Understanding your target audience means researching your local market to identify where demand exists. You can search forums and Facebook groups to see what kinds of photographers people are hiring and how much they’re willing to pay. 

For example, a professional wedding photographer should join relevant local event planning and vendor groups on social media to build connections and promote their wedding photography services. Keep in mind that a wedding photographer often has to travel to a location to shoot the wedding, and make sure to factor it into your project estimates. 

While a target audience looks different for everyone, it’s important for your photography business to have a few areas of specialty that help build up credibility and steadily bring in clients.

Conduct a competitive analysis.

As you conduct research on your local market, you will start to discover there are a number of different photographers that offer similar services as you. To create a thorough competitive analysis, take the list of competitors, and evaluate them in different areas. Conducting this analysis will help you determine what sets yours apart.

When looking at your competitors, consider the following questions:

• Are my product offering and pricing model as straightforward as theirs?
• What is their tone of voice (ex. humorous/expert/familial)?
• Who is their target audience?
• What do they bring to the table that I do not, and vice versa?
• How can I differentiate myself from them?

To help you understand how your business is perceived, you can seek the help of a brand marketing professional. To take a more DIY approach, you can send your portfolio website to a roundtable of friends and colleagues and ask them how they would describe your business. Collecting these adjectives and looking for common threads can help you understand how your business is perceived and use these findings to your advantage in your marketing efforts.

Conducting a thorough competitive analysis can help you determine your own competitive edge and stay abreast of the competition. As a best practice, get into the habit of conducting a competitive analysis on an annual basis to stay informed about how your industry and your local market evolve over time.

Detail your marketing strategies.

In marketing, there is a saying that goes, “hope is not a strategy.” Yet many organizations allow an “if you build it, they will come” mentality to drive clients toward their marketing efforts.

In reality, a continuous funnel of new and repeat customers is what ensures their long-term success. This is why continuous marketing efforts are the number one way to ensure a consistent workload. Your marketing should work in tandem with a greater marketing plan that aligns all your efforts.

Because stakeholders and investors know the importance of marketing, they will look for a comprehensive and proactive marketing strategy when evaluating your business plan. This is why it’s important to outline the various marketing mechanisms you plan to use in your marketing plan.

Your marketing strategies encompass your marketing programs and your photography portfolio. 

Marketing programs.

Marketing programs mean any platforms, channels, or mechanisms you use to promote your company and attract customers. These may include email marketing campaigns, direct mail initiatives, local photography directory memberships, trade shows, your social media presence, and any paid social media advertising campaigns.

Photography portfolio.

Your online photography portfolio is an essential part of your marketing toolkit. After you make your potential customers aware of your business with your marketing programs, they will seek out a digital presence to explore your abilities as a photographer and to see if there is a fit. A portfolio experience can make or break a client lead, which is why it’s important to invest in a portfolio website that represents the unique offering your photography brings to the world. You can learn how to build a portfolio website the right way with our helpful guide.

Think about operations. 

While service businesses like photographers traditionally have fewer logistics than brick-and-mortar ones, it’s still important to consider the day-to-day logistics and expenses when compiling your business plan.

The operations portion of your photography business can include details like information about where you conduct work.  Many photographers choose to conduct business out of a home studio or office, holding a majority of their sessions at outdoor locations, client homes, and occasionally utilizing a professional studio. Meanwhile, commercial photographers almost always rely on a professional studio to conduct their business. 

Because different types of photographers have different operational needs, stakeholders will look for this information in your business plan to help assess the overhead cost of the operations. Understanding your operations also helps you to plan for potential opportunities in the future.

Draft your financial plans. 

This portion of your photography business plan is important to understanding the overall factors in the cash flow of your venture. Cash flow refers to the amount of money going in and out of your business. 

While compiling this section of your business plan may take the most time, it’s important to get it right to have an accurate understanding of the amount of money it takes to run your photography business, and which investments (ex. new lenses or editing software) are feasible within your business profits.

If you are a new business owner getting into photography, this section of the plan is where you outline the equipment you hope to invest in and what types of services it will be used for. Consider that as a professional photographer, you may need to invest in two copies of every item in case of malfunction. Some photographers, who may be just starting out, may use rental equipment to help them offset the costs of duplicates. However, the cost of renting can add up, which is why purchasing may be the cheaper option in the long run.

As a photographer, you are investing in hardware and software that is imperative to your job. To protect yourself, consider insuring your photography equipment and professional computer in case of theft. You can outline your insurance policy coverage and its cost in the financial portion of your plan. 

Create a timeline.

For photographers, a timeline is a management tool that helps you keep your business goals on track. Some of the key activities to include in your timeline are marketing, financial, investing, and operational in nature. 

In your timeline, consider setting goals for when you expect to pay back for the items listed in the financial portion of your plan. Calculating how many completed photography sessions it would take to cover the cost of the item can help you calculate this date.

It’s important to remember that timelines don’t need to be complicated. You can simply write down the task and the date by which you hope to complete it in sequential order. To help you stay on track, you can put reminders in your email calendar that notify you when you are nearing the anticipated completion of a task, as well as your personal deadline for its completion.

Putting your photography business plan together.

Compiling a photography business plan is an important step in starting your business and in evolving an existing one. While our photography business plan outline contains all the elements to run a successful photography business, there is nothing like drawing inspiration from what’s out there. A tried and tested photography business plan sample can give you the guidance you need to brainstorm the ins and outs of your business.

While all photography business plans are slightly different, most professional photography business plans are clear about their vision and how they want to get there. We’ve collected sample photography business plans from some of the best and most successful photographers in the industry and made readily editable templates for a fast and comprehensive photography business plan.

If you are just starting with your venture and feel a little lost, be sure to check out startup costs for your photography business and three business questions new photographers often ask . These guides give you the important information you need to get started on turning your photography dream into a viable business.

Photography business plan examples.

A sound business plan will set you on the path to success as a photographer. Whether you are a studio photographer, wedding photographer, or anything in between, these industry-specific photography business plan examples will help you kickstart your career.

Photography studio business plan.

If you run a photography studio, the most important element of your business plan is the photography business description. This segment in your photography studio business plan consists of a thorough description of all of the activities you engage in and the services you offer.

By keeping a detailed checklist, you can be clearer with your clients about the studio photography services you offer and market your business accordingly. Our guide to photography marketing shows you how to attract new clients the right way, without spending a dime.

Wedding photography business plan.

Creating a wedding photography business plan is a crucial step in better understanding your market and the opportunities you can leverage with your skills and experience. If there are any specific photography services you offer that other wedding competitors don’t, make sure to include them in your business plan.

If you are looking for a place to start, a simple Google search will provide you with a range of wedding photography business plan samples to work from, which can be tailored specifically to your business.

Now that you are armed with your photography business plan, you can attract better clients and be prepared for the future with a firm grasp of your competitive edge and industry shifts. Don’t forget that along with a solid business plan you need a beautiful website portfolio to show off your work and start getting clients.

Related Posts

Contributor

Cheryl is the Director of Content Strategy at Zenfolio and the Owner/Photographer at Portraits by Cheryl and Seniors by Cheryl in Raleigh, NC. Cheryl has mentored countless new photographers looking to build successful photography businesses.

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How to Start a Photography Business in 2024

Want to learn how to start a photography business in 2024? This in-depth guide will teach you all you need to know to become a professional photographer!

Learn | Photography Guides | By Mark Condon

Want to learn how to start a photography business in 2024? This in-depth guide will teach you all you need to know!

I’ve run a wedding photography business since 2014 and learnt a lot as a professional photographer and business owner.

Starting a photography business allows you to make money using a skill you already enjoy, but it’s important to have a solid plan and realistic goals.

There’s no doubt that photography is a great career – you can earn a good living, make your own hours and travel to exotic places.

Best of all, you’ll make people happy. Whether you’re capturing priceless moments for families or nailing the client’s brief, photos are a precious commodity.

Is photography a good career? Definitely! It was one of the best decisions I ever made.

Now it’s your turn to learn how to start a photography business.

Table of Contents

How do I Start a Small Photography Business?

Reduce risks with a home-based photography business.

Not many professional photographers go from zero to renting a studio – most start off with a home-based photography business, where costs can be kept to a minimum.

As a small business owner, keeping costs low should be a priority, and running your photography business from home is highly recommended.

At this stage when you don’t even have a business plan, all you need is a place in your home from which to work – some private ‘office space’. If you’re using a laptop, you don’t even need a desk!

If you need to meet clients to book work (e.g. for wedding photography), you can do as I did and meet them in a local cafe – clients don’t expect to come to your home, even if you list your home address as your business address.

Decide what types of photography services you’ll offer

Credit: Szabo Viktor

What type of photography is most profitable? You can build a successful photography business by shooting commercial/advertising, event (weddings, corporate, etc), family (maternity, etc), freelance or stock photography.

However, it’s much harder to start earning money as a commercial photographer than, say, as an event photographer.

Also, while stock photography is a good passive source of income , freelance photography allows you to cast a wider net.

When starting your own photography business, it’s important to balance your passion for a specific genre with realistic goals.

Consider whether there’s a market for a particular type of photography in your area, for example.

I chose to focus on wedding photography since there’s a big market for wedding photographers where I live. I also thought shooting weddings would be fun and exciting, and I could also offer mini sessions , pre-wedding shoots and other related services.

You may want to offer several photography services under one unique photography business name , but I recommend focusing on just one genre to become a ‘specialist’.

You need to be the go-to photographer for a certain genre of photography – not the person who shoots everything since this can appear a little amateurish.

That said, there’s always the option to become a professional freelance photographer to offer a selection of different services.

Develop a basic photography business plan

Credit: Galymzhan Abdugalimov

Perhaps one of the most challenging aspects of creating a photography business is to know how to actually start.

A photography business plan is the first logical step to setting up a strong base camp that will allow you to build up your business without feeling overwhelmed.

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What goes into your plan may vary, but at a minimum, you may want to include:

• Executive summary: You can start your photography business plan with an executive summary that defines what your general objectives are as well as your key factors of success.
• Company overview: Do an outline of the organizational structure of your business according to the terms of the area you are in. Will you be the sole proprietor? Will it be a limited liability company? What will be the business structure? Do you need business licenses? Will you have a business partner? What type of business will you run?
• Products & services overview: It’s important to create a detailed description of the products, services and prices you’ll be offering. This will help you to better navigate the many different client requests that might show up.
• Audience analysis: Understand who your target audience is and what channels will be most effective to reach them.
• Competitive analysis (market research): Have a look at the competition operating in your market locally, identify their strengths and in what ways you can differentiate yourself from them.
• Operations plan: Think about operations – what are the day-to-day logistics of running your photography business?
• Financial analysis: Make an effort to be financially savvy – this is very important! Create a financial plan to be in full control of all the nuances of your business cash flow. It’s likewise helpful to establish early on what your equipment requirements are and how much profit you expect to make.
• Timeline: Establish a timeline with clear milestones so you can track your progress and set goals that are increasingly more realistic and adapted to your situation. Think of it as a photography business roadmap to get you to where you want to be.

I should mention that it’s not worth getting too hung up on having every aspect of your photography business planned out in detail.

There are bits you simply won’t know yet and that’s OK! Do your best with it and don’t let writing a business plan become a block that prevents you from moving forward.

Once you have a basic business plan on paper, it’s time to get into the fun part – bringing it to life!

Find the Right Photography Business Structure

One boring-but-important topic when researching how to start a photography business is the subject of business structure.

In the USA, there are 6 main business types of legal structure to consider for your business: sole proprietorship, general partnership, limited partnership, Limited Liability Company (LLC), S Corp. and C Corp.

Sole proprietorships or sole traders are most common for small home-based businesses. They’re the easiest to manage and easiest to handle in terms of taxes since it’s usually just you involved in the running of everything.

You may also consider going into a photography business with a partner, which is actually similar to a sole proprietorship in terms of liability and taxes.

Each person is responsible for their own side of the business and all profits are split based on the percentages you decide. Of course, you also need to consider that all expenses and liabilities are also split between both partners.

If you want to protect your personal assets, many photography businesses opt for an LLC structure (Limited Liability Company). An LLC or S Corp provides one level of tax and also a layer of protection from personal liability.

At this point, it’s worth mentioning that deciding on a business structure should usually involve some legal advice, or at least, a lot of research on your part to decide what’s most relevant for you.

A quick note on business licenses – in most jurisdictions in the United States, no professional license is needed to run or operate a photography business. However, not all States are the same.

To know for sure whether your locality requires you to get a business license for photography, it’s best to call your local licensing board or city hall.

In addition to a business license, you should also start researching whether you need to use photography contracts or model releases for your line of work.

Putting in the groundwork now will set you up for success without any legal headaches.

Choose a photography business name & branding

Credit: Brad Neathery

Once you’ve decided what your speciality will be and the structure of your business, it’s time to think about your photography business name and branding.

This is what will differentiate you from the competition. It’s also important because of first impressions: when people see your branding, it can instantly give them an idea of what you do and what your style is.

With that in mind, consider the look and feel of your logo and typeface. Is it something quirky and creative, clean and modern, vintage classic…?

As for names, you might choose to name your photography business after yourself (e.g. “Bob Smith Photography”) or you could get creative and have it reflect what you do (e.g. “Maternal Memoirs” for maternity photography, or “Bedroom Eyes” for boudoir – I’m just making these up on the spot here but you get the idea!).

Don’t neglect to choose a unique or catchy slogan or tagline for your photography business .

The most important thing with branding is to be consistent. That bears repeating, so I’ll say it again: Consistency is key!

You want your brand message to be reflected across your website, business cards, social media accounts , and all materials you deliver to clients including final photo packages, invoices, etc.

• What is branding for photographers?

Register a domain and create a photography website

It goes without saying that pretty much all successful photographers in 2024 have an online presence. That’s why the next step in starting a photography business is to create a photography website .

Your website should showcase your best work and give people an idea of who you are and how you work.

While there are plenty of free web hosting solutions out there, it’s worth investing a small amount to register your own domain name.

This not only looks more professional, but it’ll also help you rank in Google searches (just ensure your domain name reflects your business name).

From there, you’ll need to build your photography business website and connect your domain name to it.

Now, if your web design skills are non-existent, don’t worry: there are plenty of solutions out there that can make life ridiculously easy.

One of the best options is to use a content management system (CMS) like Wordpress – you can download elegant-looking, customisable themes (for example, Flothemes make some great ones) so the design and layout aspects are all there for you.

With a few clicks of the mouse, you can adapt a pre-made template to include your own branding and start getting your website out to potential clients.

Invest in professional photography equipment & software

At this point, you’re probably wondering: What kind of camera do most professional photographers use?

While there’s no one correct answer as to what is a ‘professional camera’, by and large, most pros use full-frame DSLR or mirrorless cameras.

However, some do absolutely fine by using APS-C sensor cameras, particularly if high ISO low-light performance isn’t required. (Full-frame sensor cameras are better at this, among other things.)

DSLRs are still an industry standard, but are somewhat of a dying breed – mirrorless cameras offer better features and more recent technology, although the number of native lenses still dwindles in comparison to those on offer for DSLRs.

You can see more of the differences between mirrorless and DSLRs here , but suffice to say, you won’t go wrong with either.

As for the question, what camera should I buy to start a photography business? Initially, it’s whatever you can afford, but once you start making a better income, you should always upgrade your equipment in line with what you need to complete your job efficiently.

For example, wedding photographers need cameras with excellent autofocus and high ISO capabilities, whereas a portrait photographer may not need either of these things.

There’s always the option of renting equipment when you first start out – get yourself a good all-round camera, then if any job comes around that’s out of its comfort range, hire something to suit.

The same goes for camera lenses, of which there are a plethora of options . Again, depending on the type of photography services you’ll offer, you can choose between a wide range of telephoto and primes at various price points.

Most pros can get by with an affordable and fast 50mm lens (nifty-fifty), so you can start your lens collection from there. Remember that buying used camera lenses is also a great option.

As for software, this is another area you’ll need to invest in in order to grow your own photography business.

Many photography business owners start out bare-bones with a mixture of Google Sheets for keeping track of expenses and clients’ information and Google Calendar. You’ll soon outgrow these, through.

When you start making money, you’ll also need some kind of accounting software to keep track of all the figures.

It’s wise to pay for premium photographer software early on as it can really help save you time and headaches in the long run.

At a bare minimum, you’ll need photo editing software (we recommend Adobe Lightroom ), client/studio management software , and an online gallery to deliver your photos to your clients.

You can also consider an all-in-one business management tool such as  Bonsai  to help you manage your photography projects more efficiently. They offer features like invoicing, proposals, contracts, time & task tracking, client CRM and more.

All features are integrated to work seamlessly together and you can automate the entire customer relationship journey – from the proposal, and e-signing contracts to invoicing and tax season. On top of that, Bonsai offers hundreds of free templates for proposals, contracts, invoices, and more.

If you’re not shooting high volumes, you can get by with a photo editing software that doesn’t lock you into a subscription, as Adobe Lightroom does – fortunately, there are several great alternatives .

If you’re wondering how to start a photography business with no money, it may well be tough due to the requirements to invest in all the things mentioned above.

If you have good friends or family, perhaps they can lend you the gear until you’ve done enough jobs to earn the money to buy or rent your own.

It’s also possible to find free software that helps to manage your own business, albeit with some limitations.

Take out photography business insurance

We can’t talk about how to start a photography business without covering some more of the boring-but-important stuff, like… insurance!

Yep, it’s not the most fun thing to have to research and organise, but trust me – if something goes wrong, you’ll be glad you took out insurance.

There are various types of insurance your photography business might need, depending on what kind of work you do.

First and most obvious is your precious equipment. Some insurers offer specific camera insurance or photography plans designed to cover gear and studio fittings.

Note that while your regular home contents insurance may cover loss or damage to your gear, it will only be applicable if the damage occurs at home and not while you’re shooting on location. That’s why it’s worth looking into some specific cover.

On top of that, consider taking out some public liability insurance.

Despite our best efforts, sometimes things go wrong while we’re out shooting. Let’s say you’re photographing a wedding and a guest trips over your tripod, breaking their leg and taking out the entire wedding cake in the process – liability insurance will cover the damages.

If you plan on hiring any extra staff, you’ll also want to look at taking out employers’ liability insurance. This is to cover you if an employee gets sick or injured on the job.

Lastly, some photographers choose to take out professional indemnity insurance as well.

Imagine a client accuses you of some negligence and claims they lost some income due to your actions.

(For example, if you photographed a corporate event but lost your memory cards and couldn’t deliver the images. Indemnity insurance would cover any legal and other costs.)

Insurance needs vary depending on where you are in the world and what your business model is, so take this as a rough guide and do speak to your insurer about what plans are best suited to your needs.

Learn how to market your photography business

On to the next step of learning how to start a photography business: I bet you’re keen to start raking in the customers (and the cash!).

If you’re asking, “How do I get clients for my photography fast?” , the answer is  marketing. 

Unlike advertising, marketing can be done for free (or very cheaply), but it takes a little work.

One marketing strategy you can use is to network with other photographers. But wait, you say, aren’t they the competition? Not necessarily!

Another photographer might get a request for a job that doesn’t fit their style or speciality, but does fit yours – and they can refer the client on to you. These referrals are a great way to generate business, so make sure you nurture your relationships with other photographers.

Meeting other photographers is also a great way to learn. You can find out how they generate new business and meet prospective clients, and learn about which marketing strategies work best for them.

You can easily network with other photographers online through photography groups, or in person at your local photography club .

Marketing via social media is obviously another big one. It’s worth using platforms like Instagram to showcase your photography work and interact with your target audience.

To succeed on Instagram in 2024, you need to be creating entertaining Instagram Stories and posting fresh content regularly, as well as interacting with your followers and other accounts.

Online marketing for photographers is a huge topic, but at a bare minimum, make sure you learn the basics of SEO , how to write interesting blog content and how to attract new business via Facebook ads.

(If you want to become a wedding photographer, check out More Brides where I reveal all the marketing secrets that helped me quickly grow my business.)

Once you do get a few clients, make it as easy as possible for them to recommend you. Word of mouth referrals are one of the best ways to net in new clients, and that’s true of any type of business!

If your clients are happy with your work, ask them to leave you positive reviews online, tag you on social media, and recommend you to their friends.

Also, create an email mailing list where you can keep existing and potential clients up to date with your work and aware of any special offers you might be running. Remember to ask for permission and give people an option to opt-out or unsubscribe.

Let’s not forget that nondigital marketing methods also exist. Don’t underestimate the power of business cards,  flyers and other physical marketing materials for distributing around your neighbourhood or pinning to the local notice board.

For example, if you’re a food photographer you might drop round to local restaurants and hand them a brochure or card.

Or if you want to get a foot in the door as a real estate photographer, you might do a letterbox drop to all your local estate agents.

Whether online or offline, find out where your target market hangs out and go there to introduce yourself.

Invest in photography business education

When you’re just learning how to start a photography business, it’s important to grasp the basics. Then, as your business grows, your knowledge of how to run it has to expand as well.

That’s where it can be worth investing in your photography business education. By investing, I’m talking about time as well as money.

In fact, sometimes time is all you need to invest thanks to the copious amounts of free resources online.

Some areas you might choose to study, whether via a free or paid course or workshop:

• Understanding the full commercial photography workflow, from client briefs through to delivering the final product.
• Pricing structures and how to charge for your services.
• Business administration includes registering your business, filing taxes, etc.
• Best practices for dealing with clients.
• How to market and grow your business.

Your best bet is to determine where your knowledge gaps are, then start looking for ways to fill them.

And, of course, you should continue your photography education as well.

The best professional photographers are those who are always open to learning new things and developing their skills in every aspect of the art, whether it’s compositional techniques, lighting, post-processing and retouching, or something else.

Fortunately, a lot of free photography courses are available right here on Shotkit!

Start thinking about passive income for photographers

Passive income is basically regular earnings that take little-to-no regular effort to maintain. In other words, you set up the income source and money kinda just rolls in while you sleep. Pretty sweet, huh?

So, how do photographers make passive income?

The most obvious is through stock photography. With stock photography sites , you can upload images and get a commission every time someone downloads one (normally, they’re used for commercial or editorial purposes).

The reality of the stock photography world is that thanks to digital photography, it’s highly saturated. So be aware that it takes some dedication and a high volume of photos to make a decent passive income.

That’s not to say it can’t be worth it – just that you should approach it realistically.

There are other potential passive income streams. You can sell digital products such as Lightroom presets or online courses and ebooks.

Or, you could use a print-on-demand service to offer products printed with your photographs .

If you write a photography blog, perhaps you want to start writing reviews of camera gear and link to sites like Amazon and B&HPhoto to earn a commission as an affiliate.

There are also platforms like Patreon that allow you to charge for content that you provide to your followers.

Think outside the box and see what passive income ideas you can come up with – it’s an excellent way to grow your revenue and ensure you have some income even in times of seasonal fluctuations.

Money and Photography Business FAQs

When researching how to start a photography business, you’ll likely have a ton of questions regarding money – how much it costs to start and run the photography business and how much you can expect to earn as a professional photographer .

We’ve answered all the most common queries below – feel free to leave a comment if you want to ask something specific.

• How much money does it take to start a photography business?

It depends on what you’re shooting and how much equipment you need, but a good starting point is around US$10,000. That’s to cover basic camera gear, software, insurance and business registration fees.

• How can I start a photography business with no money?

If you already have some basic camera gear and an internet connection, then you can start a photography business by simply getting out and shooting! Find clients using free marketing strategies and build up from there, reinvesting your earnings until you can buy adequate insurance, better gear, etc.

• How much money do professional photographers make?

According to ZipRecruiter.com, the average photographer salary in the US is $43,114. However, photographer salaries vary greatly depending on country/location, experience level, education level and genre.

• How much money does a photographer make per hour, a week, a month?

Careerexplorer.com states that the average wage for a photographer in the US is around $18.22 per hour; however, that figure ranges from as low as $10.36 per hour for someone starting out to $32.04 or more for an experienced shooter. ZipRecruiter pegs the monthly average salary at $3,592. Again, location is another big factor in how much you can expect to earn.

• How much should I charge as a beginner photographer?

For a beginner, you’re probably looking at an hourly rate of US$25-$50 (or equivalent in your currency), or between $10 and $25 per image. Think about the time and expenses of the work for you and factor that into what you charge.

Final Words

I hope you found this guide to how to start a photography business useful. Moreover, I hope it genuinely inspired you to get out there and do it!

As I’ve found, starting your own photography business and being your own boss is incredibly rewarding. Yes, there are some challenges ahead, but I assure you, there’s nothing that you can’t overcome with a little perseverance!

So what do you think? Are you ready to take the leap?

If you have any other questions about how to start a photography business, please leave them below and I’ll do my best to answer.

Also, if you have your own tips or want to share your experiences with venturing into the business world, do add them as well – simply leave a comment below.

Check out these 8 essential tools to help you succeed as a professional photographer.

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Mark Condon is a British wedding photographer and editor of Shotkit. When he’s not taking photos or reviewing the latest camera gear and software, Mark can be found cycling around the northern rivers.

As Jon Morgan, CEO of Venturesmarter.com, I couldn’t help but dive into this article on starting a photography business. With my extensive experience in helping startups and small businesses scale, I love exploring different entrepreneurial pursuits. Who knows, maybe I’ll start a photography business myself and capture all my consulting successes! This article provides a fantastic roadmap for budding photographers ready to take on the world, one click at a time. Keep up the great work, Shotkit!

I still don’t know where to go now. I have shot a few wedding films and have some engagement photos scheduled. Website is still a work in progress (cringe rn). Still, the business is actually there and working but i’m not a business as far as the government is concerned, you know? If I buy a new piece of gear, i can’t write that off as of now and get a tax break on the money I make. I’d like to get a body with 10 bit video and dual card slots for redundancy but would love to capture some of that as a business expense to soften the blow. Plus being licensed probably looks less armature to clients. I need to know where to go to actually like, fill out a form so that when tax season comes I can fill out a 1099. Any direction would be appreciated :)

Love these tips Mark. One thing that really accelerated my career was having a Mentor too! I use https://www.lisnic.com to connect with mine now, mentoring is honestly the way to go.

Thanks Taylor – are you associated with Lisnic? Looks interesting…

Thanks for this great article. Coincidentally my brother just wanted to start a photography business.

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The Ultimate Business Plan for Photographers: A Step-by-Step Guide

When you hear the term “business plan,” you might think of a large business with many employees. But having a solid plan is helpful for every business, from small startups to major corporations. 

A business plan is a roadmap for your goals and how you plan to achieve them. It outlines your strategy for pricing, marketing, operations, finances, and more — all important aspects of your business to consider in advance. 

Whether you want to start a new photography business or take your existing business to the next level, a business plan is a powerful tool to point you in the right direction.

Why Do You Need a Photography Business Plan?

To run a successful photography business, you can’t rely solely on the strength of your photography. It requires a combination of talent, hard work, and business acumen. You don’t need an MBA, but it’s helpful to take some business courses and have a strategic plan for success. Check out our list of the best business resources for photographers for a list of amazing courses.

Lack of planning is a major reason that many small businesses fail. Creating a business plan helps you think through your pricing structure, target audience, financial projections, marketing strategies, and potential obstacles. You’ll feel confident and prepared to navigate the business side of your photography if you take steps to prepare in the beginning.

Your business plan will also help you stay on track toward your goals, identify problem areas, and adjust your strategy as needed. 

What Does a Photography Business Plan Include?

For your photography business plan, you don’t have to stick exactly to a traditional business plan outline. Your plan should include the sections that make the most sense for you and your business. In general, most business plans include some combination of the following sections:

• Executive summary 
• Services and pricing
• Market analysis (target market, competition, SWOT analysis)
• Marketing plan
• Operational plan
• Financial plan and projections

Including these sections will help you form a cohesive and consistent plan for your business. But if there’s anything else you’d like to map out, feel free to include that too!

Now, let’s take a closer look at what goes into each of these sections.

Executive Summary

The executive summary appears first in the business plan, but you should write it last. It describes your business and includes brief descriptions of the other sections that appear in your business plan.

Your executive summary should begin with the name, location, and mission of your business. Write in an upbeat tone that conveys why you have a great idea for a successful photography business. 

Next, mention your unique value proposition (also known as a unique selling proposition). How do your services benefit your customers? What sets your photography business apart from others?

Briefly explain the legal structure of your business, including whether you’ll operate as a sole proprietor. If you have employees, list their names and roles. 

Include a subheading for each section of your business plan (e.g., Services and Pricing, Market Analysis, Marketing Plan) with a two-sentence summary of the information you’ll cover in those sections. 

Finally, conclude your executive summary with a few sentences outlining your goals for the future. If you’ve already been in business for a while, you should also mention the milestones you’ve achieved so far.

Services and Pricing

After the executive summary, it’s time to dive into the details. List your services and products, along with a price and description for each offering. If you need guidance on setting your prices, check out this post on setting your prices.

Include the type(s) of photography you do, such as newborn or wedding photography, and the sessions and packages you plan to offer.

Mention products such as prints, photo albums, holiday cards, and anything else you’ll sell. Some photographers also offer services like workshops and mentoring. Whatever products and services you’ll list for sale, describe and price them here. 

Market Analysis

Your market analysis will identify your target audience and competitors. It may also include a SWOT analysis (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats). Also include your USP, or unique selling proposition in your marketing work. What is it? Basically, it involves figuring out what makes you unique, which is really important when starting your photography business. WHY would people hire YOU and not the competition? For more on developing your USP for your photography business, grab this free how to start a photography business Ebook.

Now, let’s take a closer look at what you need to analyze before you create your marketing plan…

Target Audience:

Many small business owners want to serve everyone, but this isn’t an effective strategy. If you market to everyone, you’ll fail to reach anyone. Generic messaging doesn’t connect or resonate with potential clients. So, choose your niche and focus on customers who want and need your products and services. 

When you’ve identified your broad target audience, segment your list and name a few characteristics of each segment. Include information like age, family size, location, and income. Can you find information about why and how they buy? When they post looking for photographers, what criteria do they list? Are they more likely to look for photographers on Facebook, Instagram, or via recommendations from close friends and family? Are they searching on Google or a genre specific website (eg. the knot.com)? 

For more information on developing your ideal client, check out this post on Defining Your Ideal Client  The more you know, the more effective your marketing will be. 

Competitors:

Next, list the top competitors in your area and briefly analyze their strengths and weaknesses. This process will help you determine how to differentiate yourself from your competitors.

Research photographers in your area who offer similar services. Browse their websites and portfolios and read their reviews. Who is their target audience? What do they do well? Are their prices and product offerings straightforward and easy to understand? What do you bring to the table that they don’t, and vice versa?  If your market is saturated with similar style photographers, how are you going to differentiate yourself that is not price. Your price needs to be determined by your income needs, time, costs for you to run your business - not from someone else’s - you don’t know their business model or profitability. For more information on determining your pricing, head to Picsello’s Smart Profit Calculator™  

SWOT Analysis:

Many business plans also include a SWOT Analysis. Your SWOT Analysis will list your strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. 

Strengths are areas you excel in and advantages you have in the photography business. This may include existing clients and connections, a strong portfolio you’ve already built, and any differentiators you found when researching your competitors.

Weaknesses are areas for improvement. Your weaknesses could include a lack of business knowledge or experience, skills you need to build further, or the need to create a portfolio and find clients. Identifying these areas can help you build a plan for continuing to improve and grow as a photographer and business owner.

Opportunities are external factors and trends that you can leverage to grow your business. On the other hand, threats are the external obstacles and challenges you’ll face, such as well-established competitors or a decreasing demand for photography in your area. Evaluating your opportunities and threats can help you plan how to capitalize on advantages and overcome obstacles.

Creating a Marketing Plan for Your Photography Business

Now that you know your target audience, map out how you will market your photography business to them. How will you structure your website and increase traffic? Do you have a strong online photography portfolio to feature on your website? If not, how do you plan to build and improve it? What is your budget for marketing your business? 

What social media platforms will you use? How will you encourage friends, family, and existing clients to spread the word? Will you attend local trade shows? Partner with local businesses ? Use email marketing campaigns or direct mail initiatives? Also, don’t forget to optimize all of the copy that you have on your website for SEO (we have a post for you specifically about SEO for Photographers ).

Operational Plan

Most photography businesses have fewer logistics than traditional brick-and-mortar businesses. Still, it’s important to consider the day-to-day logistics of running a successful photography business.

Describe where you conduct your work and the operational needs of your business. Do you have a home-based office or studio? Do you shoot on-location, or are you planning to rent a studio? What are your overhead costs?

Financial Plan

The financial portion of your business plan may be the most time-consuming, but it’s one of the most important. Consider enlisting the help of a financial advisor, accountant or consultant with this section of your plan. Starting your business with the right financial plan will ensure you not only make money from your photography but you also stay in business.

First, list your expenses, including equipment, website and marketing costs, editing software, insurance, travel to and from locations, and equipment maintenance and repair. You can use this expense tracker to keep everything in order.

Try to project your costs and income for your first three years (or next three years) of doing business. Make a realistic estimate of the number of clients you’ll have multiplied by the average amount of money each client will spend. 

Compare your projected income with your projected expenses. Is your margin large enough? If not, what expenses can you cut? How many more clients will you need? Are your prices too low for you to be profitable? 

Continue crunching the numbers and making adjustments until you have a reasonable financial plan that sets you up for profitability. If this gives you anxiety or you don’t know how many clients you can realistically photograph, use Picsello’s Smart Profit Calculator™ as it helps you create a pricing structure that will set your business up for sustainability and profit.

Preparation Is The Key to Success

Alexander Graham Bell said, “Before anything else, preparation is the key to success.” 

Even if you never present your business plans to others, it’s an essential tool for your personal use. Writing a business plan requires you to think through every aspect of your business. It gives you a chance to troubleshoot potential issues, plan how you’ll navigate obstacles, and take advantage of your strengths and opportunities before you book your first client.

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Photography Business Plan Template

Written by Dave Lavinsky

Photography Business Plan Outline

• Photography Business Plan Home
• 1. Executive Summary
• 2. Company Overview
• 3. Industry Analysis
• 4. Customer Analysis
• 5. Competitive Analysis
• 6. Marketing Plan
• 7. Operations Plan
• 8. Management Team
• 9. Financial Plan

Start Your Photography Plan Here

Photography Business Plan

You’ve come to the right place to create your Photography business plan.

We have helped over 1,000 entrepreneurs and business owners create business plans and many have used them to start or grow their Photography business.

Below are links to each section of a sample photography business plan. It can be used to create a wedding photography business plan, a commercial photography business plan, a portrait photography studio business plan or any other type of photography business plan.

1. Executive Summary 2. Company Overview 3. Industry Analysis 4. Customer Analysis 5. Competitive Analysis 6. Marketing Plan 7. Operations Plan 8. Management Team 9. Financial Plan

Next Section: Executive Summary >

Photography Business Plan FAQs

What is a photography business plan.

A photography business plan is a plan to start and/or grow your photography business. Among other things, it outlines your business concept, identifies your target customers, presents your marketing plan and details your financial projections.

You can  easily complete your photography business plan using our Photography Business Plan Template here .

What Are the Main Types of Photography Businesses?

There are many types of photography businesses depending on the style of photography and target market. The most common and profitable type is event photography. Other types are stock photography, family/baby photography, travel, school, photojournalism and social media photography.

No matter what type of photography business you plan to start, you need a solid photography business plan. You can quickly complete your photography business plan using our Photography Business Plan Template here .

What Are the Main Sources of Revenues and Expenses for a Photography Business?

The primary source of revenue for photography businesses are service fees for photoshoots and video, licensing fees and photo editing. Other revenues are also generated from product sales like prints, albums, cards, wall prints and canvas.

The key expenses for photography businesses are equipment expense, advertising, transportation, and labor or professional fees.

How Do You Get Funding for Your Photography Studio Business Plan?

Photography businesses are typically funded through small business loans, personal savings and credit card financing.

This is true for a wedding photographer, pet photography business, commercial photography business, a portrait photography business or any other type of photography services.

Download your plan in word or PDF to share with investors.

What are the Steps To Start a Photography Business?

Starting a photography business can be an exciting endeavor. Having a clear roadmap of the steps to start a business will help you stay focused on your goals and get started faster.

1. Develop A Photography Business Plan - The first step in starting a business is to create a detailed business plan for a photography business that outlines all aspects of the venture. This should include potential market size and target customers, data on the photography industry, the services or products you will offer, pricing strategies and a detailed financial forecast.  You can quickly complete your photography business plan using our Photography Business Plan Template here .

2. Choose Your Legal Structure - It's important to select an appropriate legal entity for your photography business. This could be a limited liability company (LLC), corporation, partnership, or sole proprietorship. Each type has its own benefits and drawbacks so it’s important to do research and choose wisely so that your photography business is in compliance with local laws.

3. Register Your Photography Business - Once you have chosen a legal structure, the next step is to register your photography business with the government or state where you’re operating from. This includes obtaining licenses and permits as required by federal, state, and local laws. 

4. Identify Financing Options - It’s likely that you’ll need some capital to start your photography business, so take some time to identify what financing options are available such as bank loans, investor funding, grants, or crowdfunding platforms. 

5. Choose a Location - Whether you plan on operating out of a physical location or not, you should always have an idea of where you’ll be based should it become necessary in the future as well as what kind of space would be suitable for your operations. 

6. Hire Employees - There are several ways to find qualified employees including job boards like LinkedIn or Indeed as well as hiring agencies if needed – depending on what type of employees you need it might also be more effective to reach out directly through networking events. 

7. Acquire Necessary Photography Equipment & Supplies - In order to start your photography business, you'll need to purchase all of the necessary equipment and supplies to run a successful operation. 

8. Market & Promote Your Business - Once you have all the necessary pieces in place, it’s time to start promoting and marketing your photography business. This includes creating a website, utilizing social media platforms like Facebook or Twitter, and having an effective Search Engine Optimization (SEO) strategy. You should also consider traditional marketing techniques such as radio or print advertising. 

Learn more about how to start a successful photography business and photography business planning:

• How to Start a Photography Business

Where Can I Get a Photography Business Plan PDF?

You can download our free photography business plan template PDF here . This is a sample photography business plan template you can use in PDF format.

How To Write a Winning Photography Business Plan + Template

Creating a business plan is essential for any business, but it can be especially helpful for photography businesses who want to improve their strategy and/or raise funding.

A well-crafted business plan not only outlines the vision for your company, but also documents a step-by-step roadmap of how you are going to accomplish it. In order to create an effective business plan, you must first understand the components that are essential to its success.

This article provides an overview of the key elements that every photography business owner should include in their business plan.

Download the Photography Business Plan Template

What is a Photography Business Plan?

A photography business plan is a formal written document that describes your company’s business strategy and its feasibility. It documents the reasons you will be successful, your areas of competitive advantage, and it includes information about your team members. Your business plan is a key document that will convince investors and lenders (if needed) that you are positioned to become a successful venture.

Why Write a Photography Business Plan?

A photography business plan is required for banks and investors. The document is a clear and concise guide of your business idea and the steps you will take to make it profitable.

Entrepreneurs can also use this as a roadmap when starting their new company or venture, especially if they are inexperienced in starting a business.

Writing an Effective Photography Business Plan

The following are the key components of a successful photography business plan:

Executive Summary

The executive summary of a photography business plan is a one to two page overview of your entire business plan. It should summarize the main points, which will be presented in full in the rest of your business plan.

• Start with a one-line description of your photography company
• Provide a short summary of the key points in each section of your business plan, which includes information about your company’s management team, industry analysis, competitive analysis, and financial forecast among others.

Company Description

This section should include a brief history of your company. Include a short description of how your company started, and provide a timeline of milestones your company has achieved.

If you are just starting your photography business, you may not have a long company history. Instead, you can include information about your professional experience in this industry and how and why you conceived your new venture. If you have worked for a similar company before or have been involved in an entrepreneurial venture before starting your photography firm, mention this.

Industry Analysis

The industry or market analysis is an important component of a photography business plan. Conduct thorough market research to determine industry trends and document the size of your market. 

Questions to answer include:

• What part of the photography industry are you targeting?
• How big is the market?
• What trends are happening in the industry right now (and if applicable, how do these trends support the success of your company)?

You should also include sources for the information you provide, such as published research reports and expert opinions.

Customer Analysis

This section should include a list of your target audience(s) with demographic and psychographic profiles (e.g., age, gender, income level, profession, job titles, interests). You will need to provide a profile of each customer segment separately, including their needs and wants.

For example, customers of a photography business may include individuals, families, small businesses, or corporations.

You can include information about how your customers make the decision to buy from you as well as what keeps them buying from you.

Develop a strategy for targeting those customers who are most likely to buy from you, as well as those that might be influenced to buy your products or photography services with the right marketing.

Competitive Analysis

The competitive analysis helps you determine how your product or service will be different from competitors, and what your unique selling proposition (USP) might be that will set you apart in this industry.

For each competitor, list their strengths and weaknesses. Next, determine your areas of competitive differentiation and/or advantage; that is, in what ways are you different from and ideally better than your competitors.

Marketing Plan

This part of the business plan is where you determine and document your marketing plan. . Your plan should be clearly laid out, including the following 4 Ps.

• Product/Service : Detail your product/service offerings here. Document their features and benefits.
• Price : Document your pricing strategy here. In addition to stating the prices for your products/services, mention how your pricing compares to your competition.
• Place : Where will your customers find you? What channels of distribution (e.g., partnerships) will you use to reach them if applicable?
• Promotion : How will you reach your target customers? For example, you may use social media, write blog posts, create an email marketing campaign, use pay-per-click advertising, launch a direct mail campaign. In addition, you may promote your photography business via public speaking engagements, trade shows, or partnerships.

Operations Plan

This part of your photography business plan should include the following information:

• How will you deliver your product/service to customers? For example, will you do it in person or over the phone only?
• What infrastructure, equipment, and resources are needed to operate successfully? How can you meet those requirements within budget constraints?

The operations plan is where you also need to include your company’s business policies. You will want to establish policies related to everything from customer service to pricing, to the overall brand image you are trying to present.

Finally, and most importantly, in your Operations Plan, you will lay out the milestones your company hopes to achieve within the next five years. Create a chart that shows the key milestone(s) you hope to achieve each quarter for the next four quarters, and then each year for the following four years. Examples of milestones for a photography business include reaching $X in sales. Other examples include hiring a certain number of employees, partnering with another company, or opening up a second location.

Management Team

List your team members here including their names and titles, as well as their expertise and experience relevant to your specific photography industry. Include brief biography sketches for each team member.

Particularly if you are seeking funding, the goal of this section is to convince investors and lenders that your team has the expertise and experience to execute on your plan. If you are missing key team members, document the roles and responsibilities you plan to hire for in the future.

Financial Plan

Here you will include a summary of your complete and detailed financial plan (your full financial projections go in the Appendix). 

This includes the following three financial statements:

Income Statement

Your income statement should include:

• Revenue : how much revenue you generate.
• Cost of Goods Sold : These are your direct costs associated with generating revenue. This includes labor costs, as well as the cost of any equipment and supplies used to deliver the product/service offering.
• Net Income (or loss) : Once expenses and revenue are totaled and deducted from each other, this is the net income or loss.

Sample Income Statement for a Startup Photography Business

Balance sheet.

Include a balance sheet that shows your assets, liabilities, and equity. Your balance sheet should include:

• Assets : All of the things you own (including cash).
• Liabilities : This is what you owe against your company’s assets, such as accounts payable or loans.
• Equity : The worth of your business after all liabilities and assets are totaled and deducted from each other.

Sample Balance Sheet for a Startup Photography Business

Cash flow statement.

Include a cash flow statement showing how much cash comes in, how much cash goes out and a net cash flow for each year. The cash flow statement should include:

• Cash Flow From Operations
• Cash Flow From Investments
• Cash Flow From Financing

Below is a sample of a projected cash flow statement for a startup photography business.

Sample Cash Flow Statement for a Startup Photography Business

You will also want to include an appendix section which will include:

• Your complete financial projections
• A complete list of your company’s business policies and procedures related to the rest of the business plan (marketing, operations, etc.)
• Any other documentation which supports what you included in the body of your business plan.

Writing a good business plan gives you the advantage of being fully prepared to launch and/or grow your photography company. It not only outlines your business vision but also provides a step-by-step process of how you are going to accomplish it.

A well-written business plan is essential for any photography company looking to start, expand or grow its business. It can also help attract investors.  

Finish Your Photography Business Plan in 1 Day!

Wish there was a faster, easier way to finish your photography business plan?

With our Ultimate Photography Business Plan Template you can finish your plan in just 8 hours or less!

Step-by-step guide on how to write a strong photography business plan

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This article was updated on December 2, 2022

Starting a successful photography business involves more than having a camera and a keen eye for beauty. As a business owner, you must also have a solid business plan.

Without one, your professional photography business may have no legs (or tripods) to stand on. 

Creating a photography business plan is simple. This complete guide will cover all you need to know about writing a comprehensive business plan—from executive summaries to competitive analyses. 

What to include in a photography business plan:

• Write an executive summary
• Describe your photography business
• Outline your products and services
• Analyze your finances and list out business expenses
• Understand your competition and the photography industry
• Devise a sales and marketing strategy
• Set operations logistics and management structure
• Perform customer and market analysis
• Establish a timeline and exit strategy
• Round out your business plan with Nextdoor

1. Write an executive summary

Perhaps you’ve been dreaming of running your own photography business since the day you picked up your first disposable camera, or maybe you just started outlining your vision in recent months. Whatever the case may be, you’ll need to match those dreams with quantifiable business goals and a clear course of action. 

Defining your mission is one of the most important aspects of a strong business plan and almost always comprises the first section. In the executive summary, you will explain your business details such as your business name, and a summary of your business plan in a few sentences.

When defining your business as a professional photographer, it’s crucial to cover two key components: the executive summary and the business description.

2. Describe your photography business

Following the executive summary, the business description section is the place where you'll describe the ins and outs of your business.

Effective photography business descriptions usually contain the following information:

• A history of your business
• An overview of your business structure

Let's break down these two essential components further.

As a professional photographer, your business's history is more than just a summary of facts. It's your unique story . Your passion for what you do should come through in every line.

Include life and color into your business plan by detailing the following:

• Your personal relationship with photography
• Your professional work experience
• The origins of your business and the values you intend to uphold

Describing your history with photography not only gives potential stakeholders an inside look at your motivations but also gives you an outline for an "About" section on your future website.

REAL BUSINESS EXAMPLE: Johnson City, Tennessee's Hunter Kittrell Photography is a business that knows the power of storytelling. Their website's "About" section mentions how the business's founder, Hunter Kittrell, got his start in photography after college and how his love of adventure inspires his work. Look to this small business as a model for your own and add in all of your business's unique details to compel potential clients to work with you.

Business structure

Few business descriptions are complete without an outline of the business structure. To define your business structure, consider the following:

• Type - Is your business a sole proprietorship or an LLC? A partnership or corporation? If you're just starting out, there's a good chance your photography business will be a sole proprietorship. However, if you're thinking of future growth (and outside funding), it may be wise to consider an LLC. Whichever business type you choose, providing this information in your business plan will help you think through the management and other logistical structures.
• Management and business operations - Most U.S. photography businesses have less than two employees . However, if you're planning on employing more people and/or having a detailed managerial structure, it may be wise to include this in your business description. Furthermore, it may be helpful to include details about business hours and studio location(s).

While businesses, especially startups, can experience a number of operational changes during the first couple of years, outlining your initial business structure is a smart way to set up your photography business for continued success.

3. Outline your products and services

The best business plans clearly specify the business's products and photography services. As you draft your plan include the following details:

• Photography type - Will your business specialize in commercial photography, marketing photography, landscape photography, portrait photography, pet photography, or wedding photography? Will you mainly shoot individual portraits or family portraits? Identifying your niche in the photography industry in your business plan will allow you to structure other elements of your business model around that particular focus.
• Pricing model - When it comes to the financial aspects of your business, few details are more important than your business's pricing model. Will you charge by the hour or by the photoshoot (regardless of time)? Is photo editing included in the package or is there an additional cos t ? Look at other photographers for example pricing; likely event photography pricing is structured differently than landscape photography. You would also need to consider your business expenses and budget when setting your rates. Being as specific as possible about your pricing model will help you estimate your income and also p rovide a clear outline of your rates for potential clients.

REAL BUSINESS EXAMPLE: Based in Manchester, New Hampshire, Image of Home Real Estate Photography is a small business with a big-time, three-tier pricing model. Their website states that they charge by the square foot and offer the additional benefit of same-day image delivery. This pricing model was, more than likely, hashed out in the business plan. Settle on the pricing specifics for your business and be sure to share them on your online platforms so that they are clearly visible to the public.

4. Analyze your finances

When it comes to financial planning, the more you can foresee, the better. This will keep you from overextending your budget in terms of expenses or overestimating your revenue in your first year. 

To adequately plan for finances, detail the following in your business plan:

• Expenses – Expenses include everything from ordering business cards to the cost of equipment to your studio space. Make a list of everything you’ll need to pay for to get your business up and running. Doing so will also help you budget for the unknown, such as buying an extra lens in case one breaks or hiring an assistant to lend a hand on a particular photo shoot.
• Projected revenue – To stay afloat in the long run, you’ll need to bring in more revenue than you’re spending. As a result, it’s wise to calculate your projected revenue alongside your expenses in your business plan—especially in the first year. These calculations will allow you to budget properly and change your strategy should your financial situation change.
• Set up bank accounts and EIN - Most professional photographers tend to work independently or work by case. Therefore, it is better to separate your work bank accounts and credit cards from your personal accounts to manage your finances. Further, even if this is a small business, you still need to apply for an EIN (employee identification number) from the IRS for legal purposes.

In addition, figuring out where you stand financially will enable you to find room in your budget for marketing strategies and competitive analysis metrics.

5.  Understand your competition

An often overlooked, yet highly important, section of most business plans is the competitive analysis section. 

Researching your competition is beneficial for many reasons. Not only will you better understand your competition’s pricing models and services, but you’ll also learn how you can set yourself apart from competitors. Given the fact that there are more than 40,000 professional photographers in the U.S. , knowing how to stand out in the industry will make sure your one-of-a-kind business doesn’t get lost in the shuffle. 

When writing your competitive analysis section, it’s helpful to answer the following questions:

• How many photographers are located in my area?
• Am I fulfilling a specific niche (i.e. landscape, portrait, etc.)?
• What are my competitor’s pricing models?
• What are their marketing strategies?
• What are my competitors doing well? What could they improve upon?
• Who are my potential client pods and are they overlapping other existing photography businesses?
• How will I provide a necessary and unique photography service?

Of course, there are many more questions you could ask when thinking about your competition, but these should help you get started.

6. Devise a sales and marketing strategy

Good business plans almost always focus on business growth. But to grow your business and attract new clientele, you need to market yourself. 

Detailing your marketing strategy is, therefore, a crucial component of a strong business plan. If you’re wondering how to get photography clients, you’ll want to employ a number of different marketing tactics.

When writing the marketing section, it’s helpful to think of the following strategies:

• Social media marketing – Given that social media is a major conduit of ideas and information, it’s important to develop a social media strategy for your photography business. As a photographer, your portfolio and past works are the best marketing materials. Image-sharing platforms make the most sense, but you’ll want to consider the potential of other platforms, too. For example, if you want to attract local clientele , the best way to connect with your neighborhood is on Nextdoor. This community-minded platform allows you to set up custom business ads or create a Business Page where you can showcase important aspects of your business—from operating hours to services.
• Email marketing – In your business plan, detail how you intend to use email to market yourself. Will you send around a quarterly email discussing new trends in the photography world? Will you deliver special holiday emails urging your target audience to take advantage of discounted holiday shoots? Generating an email list is an effective way to keep clients in the loop about what’s happening with your business.
• SEO marketing – SEO, or search engine optimization, is a critical strategy that will help drive potential customers to your website. To improve the quality of your site, you’ll want to decide which type of keywords are important to your business and build content around them to make your website more discoverable by Google and other search engines. You can do this by adding informational content to different pages on your website, as well as creating a photography blog with helpful tips and information for users. For example, if you are a portrait photographer, you can add keywords such as family pictures or graduation portfolio photos.

7. Set operation logistics and management structure

This section gives you the opportunity to first think through the details of your business workflow then define how you will manage the logistics of your day to day operations. A major part of your photography business will likely be post processing and photo editing before final delivery. Spend time defining how long editing will take after a shoot. How many days afte r a shoot will you promise delivery to your customers? What methods of payment are you planning to accept? Other topics to address in this section may include:

• Primary and backup suppliers
• Equipment inventory
• Transportation expenses
• Management and staff structure if applicable

8. Perform customer and market analysis

C ustomer and market analysis is a critical part of your photography business plan; it helps define the size of the market needing your service as well as your ideal client. Here you will justify your target market and specify niche segments within that market. To do this answer the following:

• What is your dream client - age range, gender, location, demographics, and style of photo shoot. Will you specialize in high end weddings, aerial photography, sports photography, or something else? 
• What are the needs of these customers
• how your services address these needs. 
• What is the growth potential of your market segment? Including considerations such as the number of potential customers, their annual income, frequency of photography style needs

9. Establish a timeline and exit strategy

This later section describes your timeline for the goals and objectives outlined earlier in the business plan. Describe how soon you plan to become profitable, within what timeframe do you plan to meet your revenue objectives, or even when you might plan to hire employees to help grow your business. While it may seem far off, planning how you may want to exit your business years down the road may open up questions and considerations that can have a big impact near term. For some, selling their business to a larger investor is the end goal, for others, keeping photography as a small side gig to pass to their children is the exit strategy - no matter your desired path, document it here. 

10. Round out your business plan with Nextdoor

Developing a strong photography business plan is often the first step in running a successful business. Now that you’re equipped with all the tools to execute it like a pro, you’ll be well-prepared for a promising future ahead. 

But no plan is truly complete without Nextdoor — the neighborhood hub that connects you with your local community so that your photography business can flourish.

Claim a Nextdoor Business Page today to simplify the process of building your brand. That way, you can get back to what truly matters—working your magic behind the camera.

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10 Key Steps for Writing Your Photography Business Plan

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A surprising number of photographers never write a photography business plan. If you plan to embark on a career as a freelancer, you need a plan. A business plan is a road map to success. It outlines your business-related goals and how you intend to achieve them. There is no need to have a very formal business plan. But the components of a traditional business plan can help you be more specific about your goals. This way, you are more likely to achieve them.

The Components of a Photography Business Plan

Create an executive summary.

The Executive Summary is where you define your photography business . What will be the legal structure of your business? Will you be operating as a sole proprietor? This is an overview of your business. It lays out how your business will meet the needs of your target clients. It’s helpful to write out a mission statement for your photography business. You should have tangible objectives and the keys to success.

Write a Product and Service Description

Consider Your Target Market

Assess the Competition

Develop Key Marketing Strategies

Consider Your Operations Strategy

Plan the Financials

SWOT Analysis

Make a Timeline

Preparation and goal setting are crucial to success in any business. A plan for your photography business can make all the difference. Start today by working on your photography business plan. If you can set aside 30 to 60 minutes a day, you’ll finish before you know it. And then you’ll be far ahead of most photographers, who have no plan whatsoever! Now you’ve worked out how to make your business plan, check out our posts on how to price your photography services or use social media marketing next!

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How to Write the Ultimate Photography Business Plan: A Detailed Guide

Are you looking to start your own photography business? Or are you someone who already owns one and are looking to take it to the next level? Having your own photography business plan is the first step!

Creating a business plan for photography is one of the most important things you can do to ensure that you have a higher chance of success.  It gives you clarity on what your goals are and how you go about achieving them.

In effect, it is a road map to success.

In fact, research shows that 71% of the fastest-growing companies have written documentation for their plans and business owners who took the time to write them saw growth 30% faster than those who did not.

Photography is a highly competitive industry where reputation matters. As a startup, it is hard to break into this industry and gain market share. Doing the initial research and creating a photography business plan will give you a head start. 

Read on until the end to find a downloadable photography business plan template that you can use to create your very own!

Here’s what we will be discussing in the blog:

• What exactly is a business plan and why should you write one?
• How do you go about writing a business plan?
• What is the lean business plan?
• Traditional business plan vs Lean business plan: Which one is right for you?

What exactly is a photography business plan and why should you write one?

A business plan is a document that outlines the product or service that you are selling, your strategies to market the product, your financial strategy (the revenue model and how revenue is generated) and includes information about day-to-day operations. 

It also specifies the goals that you set for your business and your ideas on how to achieve those goals . Ideally, you should create a business plan when you start your business but it’s never too late to start.

Having a detailed plan in place ensures that you are never confused about the direction your business should take and this helps you align day-to-day decisions with the overall goal you have for your business.

Writing a business plan involves analyzing the target market as well as the competition. This step might reveal to you that maybe this business is not as lucrative as you thought it would be. You might save a lot of time and money by altering your course.

If you plan to raise funds to start your business, either by approaching investors or lenders, a business plan is all the more important . A good and thorough document tells them that you are serious about your business and this gives them the confidence to invest in you.

How do you write a photography business plan?

An important question to answer is how to write a business plan for a photography business. It may seem like a daunting task at first, but we assure you, it is anything but.  

Here’s a photography business plan outline, read on to find out more about each section: 

• Executive Summary
• Business Description
• Market Analysis
• Competitor Analysis
• Marketing Plan
• Operations Plan
• Financials Plan

1. Executive Summary

This is the first section of the plan. This section is where you summarize the contents of the plan into a short pitch.

Potential investors go through multiple photography business plans in a day and don’t have the time to read through each of them in detail. The executive summary is what they will focus on.

You should clearly and concisely explain what your company is about, where you are now and what you hope to accomplish in the future. Make it short, sweet, and to the point.

Include the vision you have for the company, its mission statement, and a short photography business description of the products/services you provide. Since it is a summary, it is recommended that you write this section last but make sure to spend some time on it.

Here’s a photography business plan executive summary sample that you can look at to understand exactly what points need to be included in each section.

Remember, you have to include only the most important points in the executive summary. Make it engaging and interesting to read by creating a narrative. This will ensure that the reader remains captivated and reads the whole thing.

Vision Statement

When writing a vision statement , you need to ask yourself, “Where do I see my business in 5 years?”

Having long-term goals gives you a target to work towards. An important point to remember here is that you shouldn’t sell yourself short when setting long-term goals . At the same time, your goals should not be too unrealistic either. 

Because these goals take a long time to achieve, you might forget about them as time goes on. You may achieve certain milestones and become complacent. Having solid goals ensures that you remain on track no matter what. They help you monitor your progress and correct your course if need be.

Your business’s goals are determined by the niche that you are in, and your own personal situation such as how much time you can devote to the business.

Some long term goals could be:

• Having your own photography studio
• Employing 10 people
• Generating $500,00 in annual recurring revenue ( the average revenue for a retail photography business is $238,689 )
• Having 100 repeat customers
• Working for a retail client
• Having your work showcased in an art gallery
• Having your photo appear on a popular magazine cover, etc.

Mission statement

Next comes the mission statement . A mission statement is the business’ reason to exist. This is where you explain why you are doing what you do. Here’s what you need to include:

• Value – What is the value of your photography business in the market? How can it help your clients? 
• Inspiration – Why should people want to come to you?

Make sure your mission statement is clear and concise . Your short-term goals should have time frames associated with them.

A photography business plan example of a mission statement is:

“ To deliver professional and creative images at an incredible value, we make sure that customer satisfaction lies at the heart of everything that we do “

Just reading these two sentences tells you what the company does, and what it is they represent. This is what you should also aim for with your mission statement.

Writing an executive summary for the first time can be confusing and you might get stuck wondering what to include and what to leave out.

To help you out, here are some topics you can include:

• Business overview
• Product overview
• Target customers
• Management Structure
• USP and other success factors
• Long term goal

2. Business Description

This is where you describe your business. Ensure that the name of the company is clearly stated here.  Clearly mention your niche and give a short overview of what that involves.

Some popular niches in the photography industry are: 

• Wedding photography
• Portrait photography
• Commercial photography
• Event photography
• Product photography
• Freelance photography, etc.

Next, you should provide an overview of your business. Describe what the business does.  Start with a short sales pitch. Make sure to mention the USP of your business.

For example, “We provide wedding photography services to clients at an affordable price point. Customer experience is at the heart of everything that we do and customer satisfaction is our number one priority”.

Next,  mention the structure of your business i.e. whether it is a sole ownership business, partnership, LLC, or corporation. Include the names of the proprietors and other stakeholders in the company. 

Additionally, you can also include when the business was started, the struggles you faced along the way, and how you overcame them. The reader should be able to get an idea of what your business is by reading this section alone . 

Then, list the services that you offer. Write a brief description of what each service entails.

Highlight the services that bring you the most profit. These are the services that you should be focusing on when growing your business.

3. Market Analysis

Write a detailed analysis of the target market that your photography business aims to serve . You would have identified a niche that your business intends to cater to – like portrait, still life, landscape, travel, etc. 

Write a detailed analysis of the target market for your particular niche. This is where you prove to potential investors that you have a clear understanding of the needs and wants of the target market .

A great market analysis will answer the following questions:

• Who are my potential customers?
• What are my customers’ buying habits?
• How large is my target market?
• How much are customers willing to pay for my product?

Start by creating a client profile . Describe your ideal client. This gives you an idea of who you are selling to.  Fine-tune your marketing efforts keeping in mind these customer profiles for maximum engagement.

Creating a professional-client profile would ideally include customer demographics, customer psychographics, etc. This will help you identify who your potential customers are, and what their buying habits are:

For example, if you are a wedding photographer, your research will tell you that your average client is around 30 – 35 years of age. People in this age group are part of the millennial generation. Research shows that millennials spend an average of 2 hours and 34 minutes a day on social media. Therefore, your chances of reaching them are highest if you market your business on social media.

If your business is already operational, you can look back at the previous clients that you have had and analyze them to find common trends. This can provide valuable insight into who your ideal clients are.

Next, analyze the industry. Include the current size of the target market, the growth rate, and so on.

Photographic services is a $35 billion industry globally , with the US accounting for $15 billion or 40% of the total market share. Further, the industry is growing at a rate of 0.6% annually in the US.

4. Competitor Analysis

Running a small business can be extremely competitive, especially a photography business where reputation counts for a lot. So in order to be successful, it is imperative that you have a very good idea of the competition that you are facing.

This is where competitor analysis comes into the picture. A good competitor analysis tells potential investors that not only is there a good market for this business but also that you have a great understanding of the market. This improves your chances of securing funding.

Start by making a list of your closest competitors . These are the people that offer the same services as you do and appeal to the same clients as you do.

For each competitor, make the following list:

The benefits of doing this are twofold:

• You will know exactly where you stand with respect to the competition 
• You might notice some additional opportunities that might otherwise have remained undiscovered. 

Competitor analysis helps you identify gaps in the industry that are currently underrepresented. Focusing on these gaps will ensure that you have fewer direct competitors. 

Alternatively, you can beat your competitors at their own game by offering the same services that they do at a lower price , or by offering additional services that help you stand out from the rest.

Any good business aims to solve the problems that people face. The inferences you draw from this analysis, combined with the market research, will help you address the pain points that customers have in this industry. 

For example, you might have learned from your market analysis that the customers would like the option to buy photo albums. Your competition analysis might reveal that only 1 among the 5 photography studios in the area offer this service. In this instance, offering customers the option to buy photo albums will help you stand out.

5. Marketing Plan

In this part of the photographer’s business plan, you outline how you get your product or service across to customers. The marketing plan should include the promotions strategy, outreach, and PR campaigns to be undertaken over a period of time. Write down the cost of these marketing strategies and compare them against the potential benefits to measure their effectiveness. 

Make a list of the various promotional activities and strategies that you plan to do. These can include:

• Cold calling
• Advertising, both locally on billboards, etc, and in the media
• Distributing pamphlets
• Referral programs, deals and discounts
• Workshops, etc.
• Converting CTAs on social media channels like Instagram and Facebook

For example, if you are a wedding photographer, you can tie up with a local bridal clothing store and shoot some of their new collections, and have the photographs printed and displayed in the store. This will be a free promotion for you as you are creating awareness among the customers of that particular store.

You can also host a photography workshop that is free to enter. This builds customer relations and brand awareness in your locality.

Innovative marketing methods like this can get word of your business across to potential customers while reducing expenses on your end. The ideal photography client will need around 15 to 20 touchpoints with you and your business before they’re ready to make an inquiry. This requires a lot of effort in advertising and marketing.

If the marketing plan is complex, it may be difficult to implement. In this case, identifying marketing firms that you can outsource this task to makes your life easier and leaves you with more time to focus on the core business. 

Make a detailed sales forecast for the next quarter, the next 6 months, and the next year based, and include deadlines for your sales forecasts so that you have a target to work towards. This will ensure that your business is on track and leave adequate time for corrective measures if you find that it is not.

6. Operations Plan

The operations plan describes the day-to-day operations of your photography business. A proper operations plan ensures that everything you do on a daily basis is aligned with your long-term goals.

A well-written operations plan will streamline your workflow and ensure that things run smoothly and efficiently. This implies that your clients will have consistently great experiences when doing business with you. As long as a good operations plan is in place, your business will run like a well-oiled machine. 

Each process should be documented. Segment your processes as follows:

• Lead generation
• Meeting the client and understanding their requirements
• The actual shoot
• Editing the images 
• Delivering the finished product back to the clients. 

Having such a detailed operations plan in place will ensure that your business will come across as a professional outfit and clients will keep coming back.

The more tasks you can outsource to employees or third parties, the more time you will have to focus on what actually matters; the core business. Hiring editors and other photographers can reduce your workload. You may need an accountant to manage the finances, a marketing manager to oversee all marketing efforts, and so on. 

The operations plan should clearly state the distribution of roles of each employee working in your company. This removes ambiguity and ensures that work gets done in an efficient manner. 

An example of the role distribution is given below:

You, the owner : Oversees all day-to-day operations, meets with clients, takes decisions on important matters, primary photographer at all major shoots.

Assistant photographer: Assists with larger shoots and handles smaller shoots. Takes care of logistics when going for shoots. 

Editor: In charge of post-processing. Decides which photos are included in the final draft. In charge of printing oh photo albums.

Receptionist: Schedules customer appointments, handles day-to-day tasks and answers phone calls. First point of contact of client interactions.

As your business grows, you may need to hire a receptionist to handle appointment scheduling. Alternatively, photography booking software can handle all your appointment scheduling needs. It also offers a lot of additional functionality like reports that help you stay on top of your business.

7. Financial Plan

A good place to start is by creating an expenses worksheet. This is a document that keeps a track of all your expenditures.

One-time expenses are those expenses that you incur at the time of setting up the business. This usually constitutes the biggest chunk of the pie.

Some examples of one time expenses are:

• Certification Costs
• Insurance Costs
• Other photography equipment like lights, memory cards, etc.
• Studio remodeling
• A company car, etc.

Next, list the recurring expenses. These are essentially bills that you have to pay on a recurring basis.

These can include:

• Software subscriptions
• Employee salaries
• Marketing and advertising costs
• Office supplies
• Phone bill, etc.

Included below is an example of an expenses worksheet. You can use this as a reference when creating your own expenses sheet.

Next, elaborate on the revenue model you have chosen for your business.

In photography, there are broadly 2 revenue models:

• an hourly-rate model where you have a fixed hourly charge
• a fee-upfront model where you charge the client a one-time fee depending on the service you provide. 

You can decide upon one or the other, use a mixture of the two, or come up with a system that is unique to you. 

Once you have decided upon a revenue model, you have to decide on prices for your services. Depending on your market positioning, you can charge a premium for a better service/experience. As long as you offer something unique compared to the competition, that is also in line with your pricing strategy, your business should thrive. 

It is essential to remember that pricing strategies are not set in concrete . Maybe you are resource-limited in your starting days. You might only be able to provide a few basic services. This is by no means a death sentence.

Eventually, you will have more money to invest in people and equipment, allowing you to offer more services. As your client experience improves, you can charge more. The pricing strategy is dynamic. One thing to keep in mind is that you should always provide a value proposition , no matter the price point.

Now write down estimates of monthly revenue taking into account your billable hours, your expenses such as rent, utilities, staff salaries, and other instances of cash flow. Another approach to pricing your services is to start with a target monthly income for your business and work backward , dividing that income by the number of billable hours to get an estimate of how much you should be charging per service per hour in order to achieve your goals.

8. Appendix

The appendix contains links to supporting documents. This can include links to research docs, renders of your office/ photography studio, names of supporting businesses that handle marketing, logistics, etc . Basically, any document that is not directly relevant to the business plan but you feel may add context can be included here.

To help you avoid spending a lot of time on creating the design of your plan, here is a free photography business plan template for you. All you need to do is enter your email below and you’ll get your very own downloadable copy!

Download the free photography business plan template!

Save it or print it out and use it to create a robust business plan!

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What is the lean business plan.

If you are not looking for external funding and feel that a full-fledged, fleshed-out plan is too complicated, you can try creating a lean version. As the name suggests, this is a condensed form of the business plan for a photography studio . It is just one page long and gives a broad overview of specific aspects of your business.

While the business plan primarily exists to secure external funding for your business, the lean version helps you optimize your business and manage it well .

If you are just starting out with your photography business and don’t have the time or necessity to create a business plan, you should look into creating a lean version of the same. This helps you define your goals and ensure that you are on course.

The lean business plan has 4 sections:

• Business specifics

Remember, the perspective of the document changes because it is a document that you are creating for yourself . The information in this is for your reference.

At the end of the day, you know your business better than anyone. This document is there to provide some guidance as you are starting out and to ensure that you are on track to achieving your goals. Try to keep it as short as possible. Use bullet points wherever you can for easy readability .

This is where you define the strategy that your business will use to become successful. Define the target market, the problem that the target market faces, the solution to this problem, and why you think your business is better than the rest at solving the problem. This will give you clarity on what your business needs to be and what you should be focussing on to succeed.

Execution deals with the day-to-day tasks that you need to do in order to achieve your goals. It includes everything from product, to management, to sales and marketing. Start by defining the services that you offer . This is the core of the business and everything else wraps around it. 

Next, describe the management structure of your business . Who does what should be clearly defined. Create roles for each of your employees and delegate specific tasks to them. Some scheduling software help you assign staff roles and empower employees to make their own decisions. If you feel that you have a shortage of manpower, identify those areas where you need employees and create a recruitment schedule.

Create a marketing plan that you are going to use in order to raise awareness amongst the target market and generate leads. This should include all advertisements, PR campaigns, and other outreach activities. Estimate the cost of your marketing efforts and create a timeline .

Finally, write down sales projections based on your marketing efforts. Make sure you include deadlines so that you have targets to work towards.

Business specifics 

This is where you describe your business. Start with your niche. Then list the services that you offer and explain briefly what each service entails. Also, describe the USP of your business.  Include a short description of the operations. 

Start with the money that has been invested into the business. This is your capital expenditure. Specify whether the business was bootstrapped or if the money was borrowed from a bank . If it was borrowed, write down how long it will take for the business to be debt-free. 

Write a brief description of the pricing model. Include financial projections . Make a list of your monthly expenses and current monthly revenue. List how much you charge for each service and determine how profitable they are. Finally, write down how much you should charge for each service to achieve your financial goals.

Traditional b usiness plan vs Lean business plan: Which one is right for you?

When writing a photography business plan, the first question that you need to answer is, “Why am I writing this? Is it for myself or am I writing it to pitch to investors?” The content and structure of this document will depend on your answer to these questions.

If you are writing it to secure funding, it is recommended that you stick with the traditional business plan. It has a more rigid format and will include all the relevant information banks and investors look for. Remember to go into as much detail as possible so that the person reading it can get the full picture.

If, on the other hand, you are writing it for yourself, then you can be far more flexible with the content and structure. In fact, this is the perfect opportunity for you to write a lean business plan. You can include only those parts you find relevant to your business and word it however you want

You don’t need to follow these exact steps when creating your plan. You can pick and choose those topics that you find most relevant to your business.

It is important to know the basics of how to write a photography business plan when applying for a loan or pitching to potential investors – that means including the executive summary, business description, operations plan, and financial plan is a must

Make sure to include all the relevant information so that the readers can get a complete picture of your business. Remember, a photography studio business plan may not be necessary to start a business, but a well-written one can save you a lot of time and money in the long run.

While having a written plan for your investors will facilitate your business to be profitable, as a business owner, you have a responsibility to make sure your processes are optimized as well. A booking software will do exactly that! It will not only help you book more, but also save time by managing your daily admin, boosting booking convenience, helping with marketing, and much more!

Don’t believe us? Try our 14-day free trial to decide for yourself!

About Appointy We at Appointy, help business owners grow and run their businesses with our online scheduling software. This blog was a part of our ‘Manage your Business’ category, where we provide expert tips, and resources, or simply talk about the challenges that small and medium businesses face every day.  If you have any thoughts on this blog or would like to chat about your business struggles and achievements, let us know in the comments below.  We love a good talk!

Amazing plan. It is really interesting. Thank you for sharing this information.

Glad we could help 🙂

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How to Write a Photography Business Plan and Nail It

• Julia Ronen
• Jul 17, 2017

Photographers, designers, bloggers – as artistically inclined people, we are undoubtedly good at creating. Planning, on the other hand, well that’s not necessarily our forte. Unfortunately, a camera or a paintbrush is not exactly the best tool to help you build a successful business. However, in order to do what we love for a living (which is a great accomplishment in itself!), we have to master not only our trade but also the art of managing a small business. Luckily for you, creating a photography website has already been taken care of.

While it may appear intimidating in the beginning, with the right set of tools, you can grasp the hang of it pretty quickly. Just like any other new creative technique you acquired – all you need to succeed is the desire to learn.

This is where we would like to chip in our 5 cents to help our photographer friends take the first step in starting a photography business . Remember, behind every successful photographer is a well thought through business plan. Let us walk you through creating a photography business plan that will set your foot on the right path – the one that leads to success:

So… What is a business plan exactly?

To put it simply, a business plan is a guide that outlines your business’ goals and how you plan to achieve them. It’s created by the business owner on a yearly basis and serves as a reference for any managerial or financial question that may come up during the year. In case you plan to raise funds for your business or negotiate a loan from the bank, a concise photography business plan will make you look professional and sincere in all your intentions. On top of that, the plan will serve as a personal target to achieve, a reference to follow up on your accomplishments, and a guide on where you need to concentrate your efforts in order to do better next year.

With that being said, it doesn’t have to be as long as your exposure settings during night time. The document’s length is up to you, but the principle of “less is more” is a great guideline to start with. After all, you’re not building a groundbreaking start-up company in Silicon Valley, but a traditional photography business, that probably has a lot in common with other businesses in the field – so your readers will most likely know what to expect.

First – wait a second (or two)

Before getting down to some hands on calculations, there are a few things that need to be taken care of. The first of which being you – so take a deep breath (literally, it’s important!).

Now, you have some serious thinking (and writing) to do. In order to position yourself in the highly competitive world of commissioned photographers, you’ll need to define your services, target audience, and business goals. Is this sounding all too much? Not if you follow these steps:

Do some industry research

Do some groundwork on your competition, especially in the geographical area where you plan to operate:

What kind of services do they provide?

Does anything set them apart from the crowd?

What do their online assets look like ( photography website , Facebook business page , Instagram , 500px, etc.)?

How much do they charge? Do your best to find out by browsing their site or asking for an estimate.

What do their clients have to say about them? To find out, simply “Google” your competitors’ name and browse the reviews.

Identify your target audience

Your target audience are the people that are most likely to hire you. They will be the focus of all your marketing efforts. To identify your audience, try to think about the following questions: Who are your clients? What is their approximate age, marital status, income status, where do they live? What are their needs and how can you meet them? Why would they choose you over a competitor? The more information you have, the more accurate your marketing strategy will be.

Define your product and services

With that information in mind, you can start to develop your game plan. Try to define your product and services in the most detailed way possible. For example, if you’re a wedding photographer, there’s much more to your services than just wedding photo shoots. First, you probably provide your service in several differently priced packages. Secondly – you also have a physical product – the photo album, and perhaps a USB stick for the client: every item should be listed for budgeting purposes.

Find your niche

Everyone provides high-quality photos and services. Undoubtedly, you do too. So how will your photography business catch the eye of the tiger, e.g. potential clients? Based on the market research you did, try to come up with something that will set you apart from other photographers in your locale. It can be a unique photography style , a special photography package, a delicate personal touch , or any other exclusive idea your brainstorming session will produce. That “little something” that makes you different will be very useful in marketing your photography business.

Know thyself

As you make plans for the coming year, think of your strengths and weaknesses, and use both to leverage yourself. How? Well, strengths are obvious: for example, if you’re a people’s person, you’ll probably excel at marketing your services. As for weaknesses – set a goal to work on the ones you’d like to improve so that your business can benefit from it. For instance, you might consider yourself a technophobe when it comes to creating a photography website or promoting your business online. So one goal for the coming year could be improving your knowledge about online marketing terms , SEO for photographers , and everything you need to know in order to create a great photography website .

Set the right price

The price of your services is a key element, on which your entire photography business plan is based on. Remember the market research you ran four paragraphs ago? The price range of photography prices in your area should be your first indicator. You need to make sure that your final price is positioned within that scale according to your level of expertise.

On the other hand, your price needs to secure your monetary goals for the year. What amount of income do you plan to bring home? Is it a full-time job, or a side gig? How many sessions do you think you could secure per month? What is the price that can give you a net profit on top of your expenses and dedicated time? Bear in mind, that some questions can only be answered after you’ve earned some mileage as a professional photographer. In the meantime, here is a great reference to what photographers of different expertise levels charged in 2016 .

Set your goals

If the business plan serves as an orientation map through the year, then it must have a clear destination. Remember, a good “destination”, or objective, is an achievable one. The more defined and the more realistic, the better. When choosing a target, think of how you can measure its success. If it ain’t measurable, it ain’t pleasurable.

Now let’s get to business (plan)

Now that the theoretical part is done, it’s time to talk numbers. The purpose of this part is to understand the financial side of things, and mostly – to obtain your net profit. Here’s a step by step guide to calculating your earnings for the upcoming year:

01. Define your total sales per month . This includes both your booking fee and product sales. Think of the average amount of gigs you get per month, and multiply by the average amount of money you earn from each job.

02. Costs of sales per month – include all your expenses on getting the job done. This can include a second shooter, print lab fees, and average travel expenses to and from the event. Note that these are not your fixed costs (we’ll get to this below).

03. Time for gross profit ! ‘Total sales per month’ minus ‘costs of sales per month’ will give you this number.

04. To figure out your monthly net gain, calculate your general business expenses, i.e. fixed costs . These expenses are constant and do not add up per photo shoot. For example, they can include marketing expenses, accounting, equipment, hardware, and taxes. Definitely skip hosting and web-design fees, as you can easily make an impressive photography website for free! Divide the number you get by 12 – these are your fixed costs per month.

05. It’s the final countdown: your gross profit minus monthly fixed costs will generate your net profit .

About that net profit

If you’re just starting your business, take into consideration that many businesses take a year, sometimes more, to get out of a negative net profit. That means that you need to plan ahead and prepare some savings to survive that first year. If you end up having a nice net profit, you have two choices: keep it to yourself (that’s why you were doing this in the first place, right?) or invest it in the coming year to grow your business even further. A nice net profit will give you the option to do both, depending on your business goals of course.

That’s it, you’re ready to go. Good luck with the new exciting journey! Now that you have a detailed map, the road to success is clearly marked.

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Photography Business Plan

Things to Consider Before Writing a Photography Business Plan

You’ll need to focus on both the artistic and business sides of your trade.

Though having an excellent eye for proportion, dimensions, and light is great it isn’t enough to have a profitable business. You bring your skills to the table, but you’ll have to work as hard as any other business owner on your marketing, finance, and operations to have a profitable business.

And though it might seem intimidating, with the right amount of planning and strategizing you can do it smoothly.

Get the Pricing Right

It is important to study every aspect of the market and select the pricing strategy that suits your business the best. Your pricing as a photography business would depend a lot upon the niche you choose, your location, and the quality of your skills.

Develop Your Soft Skills

Good photography isn’t just about your skills with the camera, especially if you are dealing with people. You’ll need to make your customers feel at ease and have a friendly way of communicating.

This helps you become the person’s go-to photographer. As pictures aren’t just products you pay for, but memories that are cherished for years.

But at the same time, if communication isn’t your thing you don’t need to worry. As there are several other niches in photography that you can pick from.

Get the Right Equipment, but Don’t Go Overboard

The right camera, technical equipment, etc, are important to help you work effectively. But it doesn’t do to go over budget for it. Especially, if you are just starting out.

Pick the right equipment, but not the one that weighs down on your finances at the early stages of your business.

Why Do You Need a Photography Business Plan?

As you are ready to enter the industry, it brings us to the above question, why does one need a photography business plan?

Aren’t you just supposed to dive right in if you are passionate enough?

The answer is, NO.

Though diving headfirst might sound appealing, it can lead to a series of roadblocks in the future. Also, a business plan isn’t as time-consuming as it may seem to you.

It increases the efficiency of your business and acts as a guide on your road to success. Moreover, writing a business plan helps you get a clear idea of your goals and the opportunities and threats that stand in your way of achieving them.

Also, a well-researched and innovative plan can help you get funded. An investor’s confidence in you is directly proportional to the clarity of your business idea. A business plan can help you achieve just that.

How to Write a Photography Business Plan?

Writing a business plan is not as intimidating as it seems. A well-rounded business plan requires thorough research of the industry, a clear set of goals, well-observed and carefully designed strategies to achieve them, and a clear list of milestones and timelines for all the departments of the business.

A business plan should include strategies for all departments from marketing to finance. There are several resources like online software, business consultants, and predesigned templates that can help you in writing the perfect business plan .

Writing a business plan has become a cakewalk through online business planning tools which can craft an ideal business plan for you at the snap of your fingers.

Chalking out Your Business Plan

Though anyone can click pictures with devices as simple as a smartphone, it takes skills, a sense of proportion, and creativity to make people stop scrolling.

In today’s world of photo-sharing apps where people grapple for attention, the demand for excellent photographers continues to rise.

Hence, with the advent of Instagram, the photography industry is growing leaps and bounds.

Photography Business Plan Outline

This is a standard photography business plan outline that will cover all important sections that you should include in your business plan.

• Introduction
• Products and Services
• Financial Path To Success
• Keys to Success
• Company History
• Market Segmentation
• Target Market Segment Strategy
• Competition and Buying Patterns
• Web Plan Summary
• Website Marketing Strategy
• Development Requirements
• SWOT Analysis
• Competitive Edge
• Marketing Strategy
• Sales Forecast
• Year 1 – Digital Media Production
• Year 2 – Digital Media Production
• Year 3 – Digital Media Production
• Important Assumptions
• Projected Profit and Loss
• Projected Cash Flow
• Projected Balance Sheet
• Ratio Analysis

As you sit down to write your business plan, it brings us to the question, what all things you will need to include in your business plan? Read on to find out.

1. Write an Executive Summary

The executive summary section of a business plan works as an overview of your business and acts as a highlight of its aims and goals. It should be brief and precise and sum up everything your business stands for.

It serves as a pitch of your business ideas to potential investors and should have the following points.

• The kind of services your business offers (Eg. Commercial Photography, Travel Photography, etc.)
• Your target audience (Eg. Models, travel bloggers, influencers, etc.)
• Your strengths and past experiences
• Your goals for the company.

2. Business Overview

In the business overview section, you’ll jot down all of the business ideas you have and analyze how to bring them to life.

This section would consist of an overview of the functioning of your business. as well as your mission statement.

While writing this section it is important to be as precise as possible It helps the stakeholders of your business to know it better.

3. Describe the Services You’ll Offer

In this section of your business plan, you have to list the services you are going to offer. This helps you get a clearer idea of how to advertise your services and how to reach out to your target audiences.

For example, if you are a landscape photographer all of your marketing strategy and the list of resources and services you’ll need will be built around that.

Also, your target audience would be travel websites and tourism companies. And the ways of reaching out to them would be different than reaching out to influencers or celebrities.

4. Market Analysis

The market analysis section is a crucial part of your business plan.

In this section, you’ll write down everything you can find about the photography market as well as resources that can help you stay updated about the recent trends in the market.

For example, as a photographer, it is essential to know the trending photography techniques.

You can also include the size of the market, your competitors, areas that have the highest growth potential, etc Know the right market value of services and identify the existing market gaps that you can fill.

Let’s consider there is no food photographer in your locality and the restaurants around you need one, you can specialize in food photography to capture that market.

5. Create a Website Strategy

The Internet is the first place where people look for any product or service, hence your business must have a website to be discovered by clients.

A well-optimized website can help you in meeting a lot of potential customers.

Including a website strategy in your business plan is crucial.

6. Plan Your Finances

Your financial planning is one of the major deciding factors of whether your business will stay afloat or not.

In this section keep track of your company’s finances, jot down ways of making it more cost-effective. List down resources that can help you understand and manage your finances better.

Download a sample photography business plan

Need help getting started writing a business plan? Here you go; download our free photography business plan pdf to start.

It’s a modern business plan template designed for your photography center. Refer to the example business plan and follow step-by-step instructions to start writing your plan.

The Quickest Way to turn a Business Idea into a Business Plan

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Write your business plan with Upmetrics

A business planning tool like Upmetrics is the best way to draft your business plan. This incredible tool comes with step-by-step instructions, customizable templates, AI assistance, and business plan examples to help you get started.

You may also explore our library of Entertainment and media business plan examples before you start writing your plan.

So, whether you are starting a photography business or planning to grow an existing one, Upmetrics is the tool you need to create a business plan.

So, what are you waiting for? Start planning now!

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Frequently asked questions, what are some common mistakes to avoid when drafting a photography business plan.

Following are some of the common mistakes to avoid when writing a photography business plan:

• Inadequate and inaccurate financial projections.
• Poor market research and ignoring industry trends.
• Undefined goals and lack of details.
• Not proofreading the document for typos and grammatical errors.
• Including outdated and irrelevant information.
• Not regularly updating your business plan.

What are some key financial metrics to include in a photography business plan?

Following are some of the key financial metrics to include in your photography business plan:

• Balance sheet
• Cash flow statement
• Income statement
• Break-even statement
• Projected business ratios
• Sales and revenue projections
• Projected expenses

How can a photography business plan help in securing funding or investment?

A well-crafted photography business plan will help your investors better understand your business domain, market trends, strategies, business financials, and growth potential—helping you secure investment.

Where to find business plan writers for your photography business?

There are many business plan writers available, but no one knows your business and ideas better than you, so we recommend you write your photography business plan and outline your vision as you have in mind.

About the Author

Upmetrics Team

Upmetrics is the #1 business planning software that helps entrepreneurs and business owners create investment-ready business plans using AI. We regularly share business planning insights on our blog. Check out the Upmetrics blog for such interesting reads. Read more

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Business Plan Template for Photographers

• Great for beginners
• Ready-to-use, fully customizable Subcategory
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Starting your own photography business can be an exciting and rewarding journey. But when it comes to securing financing or investment, having a solid business plan is essential. That's where ClickUp's Business Plan Template for Photographers comes in!

With ClickUp's template, you can easily outline your photography services, target market, marketing strategies, financial projections, and operational plans—all in one place. This comprehensive template is designed specifically for photographers like you, helping you showcase the viability and growth potential of your business.

Whether you're just starting out or looking to take your photography business to the next level, ClickUp's Business Plan Template for Photographers is your go-to resource for success. Get started today and turn your passion into a thriving business!

Business Plan Template for Photographers Benefits

Capturing the perfect shot is just the beginning of a successful photography business. With the Business Plan Template for Photographers, you can:

• Present a professional and comprehensive plan to investors or lenders, increasing your chances of securing financing
• Clearly define your photography services and target market, helping you attract the right clients
• Develop effective marketing strategies to promote your business and stand out in a competitive industry
• Create accurate financial projections to guide your financial decisions and ensure profitability
• Establish operational plans to streamline your workflow and maximize efficiency
• Demonstrate the viability and growth potential of your photography business, inspiring confidence in potential partners or investors.

Main Elements of Photographers Business Plan Template

For photographers looking to create a comprehensive business plan, ClickUp's Business Plan Template for Photographers has got you covered! Here are the main elements of this template:

• Custom Statuses: Keep track of the progress of each section of your business plan with statuses like Complete, In Progress, Needs Revision, and To Do.
• Custom Fields: Add important details to your plan such as references, approvals, and sections to ensure all necessary information is included.
• Custom Views: Use different views like Topics, Status, Timeline, Business Plan, and Getting Started Guide to easily navigate and organize your business plan.
• Collaboration: Collaborate with team members, share ideas, and receive feedback to create a comprehensive and strong business plan.
• Document Management: Attach relevant files, images, and documents to support your business plan with ClickUp's Docs feature.

How To Use Business Plan Template for Photographers

Creating a business plan can be a daunting task, especially for photographers. But with the Business Plan Template in ClickUp and following these steps, you'll be able to outline your goals and strategies to build a successful and thriving photography business.

1. Define your niche

Begin by identifying your target market and the specific type of photography you want to specialize in. Are you focusing on weddings, portraits, or commercial photography? Knowing your niche will help you tailor your business plan to attract the right clients and set yourself apart from the competition.

Use custom fields in ClickUp to define your niche and target market.

2. Set your goals

Determine what you want to achieve with your photography business. Are you aiming to book a certain number of clients per month, increase your revenue, or expand your portfolio? Setting clear and measurable goals will give you direction and help you stay motivated throughout the journey.

Use Goals in ClickUp to set and track your business goals.

3. Analyze your competition

Research other photographers in your area who offer similar services. Look at their pricing, marketing strategies, and unique selling points. Understanding your competition will allow you to identify gaps in the market and find ways to differentiate yourself.

Create tasks in ClickUp to analyze your competition and keep track of your findings.

4. Develop your marketing plan

Outline your marketing strategies to attract and retain clients. This may include creating a website, establishing a strong social media presence, attending industry events, or collaborating with other professionals. Your marketing plan should be tailored to your target audience and showcase your unique style and brand.

Use the Board view in ClickUp to visually plan and track your marketing initiatives.

5. Determine your pricing structure

Decide on your pricing strategy based on your target market, experience, and expenses. Consider factors such as the cost of equipment, editing software, and time spent on each shoot. It's important to price your services competitively while ensuring you're making a profit.

Utilize custom fields in ClickUp to calculate and track your pricing structure.

6. Create a financial plan

Develop a comprehensive financial plan that includes your projected income, expenses, and profit margins. This will help you understand the financial viability of your photography business and guide your decision-making process. Consider factors such as equipment upgrades, marketing costs, and ongoing education.

Use the Gantt chart in ClickUp to map out your financial plan and set deadlines for specific financial milestones.

By following these steps and utilizing the Business Plan Template in ClickUp, you'll have a well-defined roadmap to guide you towards a successful photography business. Remember to regularly review and update your business plan to adapt to changing market conditions and new opportunities.

Get Started with ClickUp’s Business Plan Template for Photographers

Photographers who are starting their own business or looking to secure financing or investment can use the ClickUp Business Plan Template for Photographers to create a comprehensive and professional business plan.

First, hit “Add Template” to sign up for ClickUp and add the template to your Workspace. Make sure you designate which Space or location in your Workspace you’d like this template applied.

Next, invite relevant members or guests to your Workspace to start collaborating.

Now you can take advantage of the full potential of this template to create a solid business plan:

• Use the Topics View to outline and organize different sections of your business plan, such as photography services, target market, marketing strategies, financial projections, and operational plans
• The Status View will help you track the progress of each section, with statuses like Complete, In Progress, Needs Revision, and To Do
• The Timeline View will allow you to set deadlines and milestones for each section, ensuring that you stay on track
• The Business Plan View will provide a comprehensive overview of your entire business plan, allowing you to easily navigate and review all sections
• The Getting Started Guide View will provide step-by-step instructions and tips on how to use the template effectively
• Utilize the custom fields Reference, Approved, and Section to add additional information and categorize different parts of your business plan
• Update statuses and custom fields as you work on each section to keep track of progress and make sure everything is in order
• Collaborate with team members and stakeholders to gather feedback and make necessary revisions
• Monitor and analyze your business plan to ensure it is comprehensive, professional, and aligned with your goals and objectives.
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Photography Business Plans

Commercial photography business plan.

Flash Commercial Photography will serve small and medium-sized businesses and non-profits for all of their studio photography needs.

Pet Photography Business Plan

Adorable Pet Photography is a start-up pet portrait company in Atlanta, Georgia.

Photography Studio Business Plan

Phoebe’s Photo Studio will meet the needs of professionals and their families to capture the special moments in their lives and present them in the best light.

Photography businesses are all about capturing memories or events for your clients. A good business plan will help you capture their business. Get started writing your business plan by browsing these sample business plans for portrait photography, pet photography, commercial photography, and other related businesses.

If you’re looking to develop a more modern business plan, we recommend you try LivePlan . It contains the same templates and information you see here, but with additional guidance to help you develop the perfect plan.

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Writing a Photography Business Plan: Complete Guide

By Tata Rossi 16 days ago, Professional photography

To successfully start and develop your business, you should make up a photography business plan that will help you get stable increasing revenue.

A business plan for photography is like a map for a traveler – it specifies your goals and explains how to achieve them. It is a great way to assess your achievements and monitor your progress. Moreover, if you want to get engaged in some new projects, you should also include them in your plan and it will help implement all the ideas faster.

Finally, a photography business plan is something you can’t do without in case you want to attract new partners or investors.

Photography Business Plan: Key Elements

If you want to know how to start photography business with no money , you should get acquainted with the key elements of a photographer business plan.

1. Executive Summary

An executive summary is an introduction to your photography business plan. It is a clear preview that defines your objectives as a photographer and your mission statement. Decide what photography genre you want to engage in. The most profitable genres are the following ones:

• Portrait photography
• Wedding photography
• Boudoir photography
• Newborn photography
• Studio photography
• Underwater photography
• Product photography
• Food photography
• Real estate photography

Later, when you already have your regular clients and orders, you may dive deeper into different specialties. But, to begin with, you should present yourself as a specialist in one particular genre (newborn, wedding or portrait photography) and prove that you are not like anyone else.

In this section, describe the key components for the success of your business. It may be the experience you provide during the shooting or how you promote your business. If you write all this down, it will help you implement your ideas faster.

2. Company Description

When you describe your company in the photography business plan, you should highlight the most important ideas about your business.

First of all, you should decide on the business entity you want to have. Research your business formation options and assess your current business state. If necessary, consult a lawyer or financial advisor and they will help determine what structure is the most suitable for you ‒ a limited liability company (LLC), general partnership, sole proprietorship, or another organization.

The next point is to describe where you are going to do business. For example, if you work much in a studio, it’s recommended to lease or buy some premises. However, if you shoot events, a studio is not necessary.

Also I recommend making photography business cards . It may be the only thing standing between your photography portfolio and your potential customers.

3. Assess the Competition

Every shooter should clearly understand who their competitors are. So, research your target market and demographic area, and decide on how you are going to win the clients.

You may use some analytics tools, like Quantcast , Alexa and Google Trends that will identify and assess competitors in the area and help you find new clients. It will also help you improve your services.

Besides, you may use the U.S. Small Business Association’s SizeUp tool . It provides the info on other similar services in the area and local consumer spending in that category, enabling you to size up the competition in your market.

However, mind that the coronavirus pandemic affected all types of business, including a photography one.

4. Consider Your Target Market

Writing a photographer business plan, you should research your target market. To begin with, do some research about photography in general and how the photography business is developing in your region. Only then you will be able to narrow down your target market.

Who are your potential clients? Who are your ideal customers? Learn as much as you can about them and you will be able to attract the right people. It won’t hurt to create a client profile and study photography marketing tips that will help you understand your potential clientele.

I believe that the following four customer segments should be primarily targeted:

New Parents . People expecting a child or those with a newborn child try to capture these magic moments to memorize them for long years. They don’t want just images on their smartphones. They want to have qualitative professional shots that will impress everyone. So, if you choose this photography direction, discover various newborn photo ideas and maternity photo ideas first.

Families . Many families regularly update their photo albums with new family portraits or pics from events. Some people take photos for their homes, offices, wallets or holiday cards. That is why I recommend learning more about family photography and considering some family photo ideas .

Area Businesses . Today, even the smallest company has its website and pages on social networks. Businesses want to create the best Internet sites providing pics of their facilities, portraits of the staff, etc. As a rule, businesses try to find one professional for a long-term relationship that will satisfy all their headshot photography needs.

Product Manufacturers . E-commerce is on its peak today, with businesses creating products and selling them online. Consequently, they need qualitative images for websites, brochures, spec sheets, and other marketing materials. Such companies don’t need a staff shooter so they outsource this task to freelance photographers or photography studios.

If you want to work in this segment, you should get acquainted with these food photo ideas , learn how to edit food photos and also look through some product photography tutorials .

5. Develop Key Marketing Strategies

We proceed with your photography business plan and you have already decided whom to sell your services to. Now it’s time to decide what strategies you apply to achieve your goals. What activities will lead you to success?

I often send a PDF of my recent work to advertising agencies and publishers. Remember that even famous photographers used to include external promotion in photography business marketing.

If you are a wedding photographer, connect with some bridal boutiques and hair saloons ‒ you may cross-refer your services. In case you are involved in commercial real estate photography , cooperate with real estate agencies.

Considering that social networks are rapidly developing nowadays, I suggest creating your pages on Facebook and Instagram so that your potential clients get acquainted with your works. For better results, learn how to have successful Instagram .

By the way, you may also use photography business apps to make your working process easier and more convenient. They will help monitor costs, organize photoshoots, promote business, etc.

Starting a podcast is also a way to gain authority in your field and attract customers to your marketing funnel. Imagine how many great (or not so great) photographer stories you can share with your audience! To learn more, we recommend this article about how to become an expert in your field through podcasting .

6. Think about Portfolio

One more point in your business plan for photography services should belong to your portfolio. It is a base of your previous works available for any user interested in your professional activity. For today, the most effective way to acquaint your prospective clients with your works is to create a photography portfolio using website builders .

Mind that your website should highlight your images and be convenient for users. Moreover, it should be easy to find your contacts there. Finding such project-based assistants is very easy because many skilled people favor modern freelance ideas and opt for remote work rather than a 9-to-5 schedule.

7. Determine Pricing Strategy

You should set up prices that will make your business competitive in the area. Will you have packages or provide à la carte services? Maybe, you will charge by the day, per shot, or by print or download. Moreover, you will have to decide how you will take payments from your clients. The most popular payment method in the photography business is invoices. It is a great way to get paid as quickly as possible.

8. Consider Your Operations Strategy

In this section of the photography business plan, you will have to describe in detail where you will work. Many portrait photographers arrange studios at home and work there. If you are a commercial shooter with clients and creative directors, you need to rent a studio.

However, depending on the photography genre you are involved in, you might not need a studio all the time. So, there is no need to rent a studio on a monthly basis. Decide what genre you are going to work in and where you will photograph more often.

In case you need a professional studio, I recommend learning how to find photography studio rental .

9. Define Business Participants

There are two ways here. The first one ‒ you will take pics and edit them by yourself. Yes, it will be cheaper since you don’t have to pay money for that. However, on the other hand, you will not have time to rest and you will have to turn down new orders because you have to edit photos from previous shootings.

The second way ‒ outsource retouching services . If you approach these guys, you will get at least three benefits.

Firstly, you will have some time to develop your business. Secondly, you will boost your productivity. Finally, you will not waste time on image post-production.

10. Financial Component of Your Business Plan

A solid financial plan is an integral component of each photographer business plan. A big part here belongs to startup costs. They include:

• legal advice
• website design
• essential photography gear
• advertising

To begin with, estimate how much money you need to cover these costs and how much capital you have in reality. You may consider such funding options as small business loans, grants and crowdfunding.

In the future, when you are already working and fulfilling orders, you may include other financial statements in this section, like a balance sheet, cash flow and income. They will help you create a cash-flow analysis and monitor the financial success of your business.

If you are not good at accounting and finances, it’s better to approach a professional for advice.

11. Make a SWOT Analysis

A SWOT analysis is a planning technique used to determine the strengths and weaknesses of your business, opportunities open to it and threats that it might face. When you examine these internal and external factors, you will be able to create strategies to address challenges and find your niche in the market.

Making a SWOT analysis online , you may look at a business as a whole or consider some specific projects before they are launched. It’s often displayed as a matrix with each of the categories (strengths-weaknesses-opportunities-threats) occupying a cell on a table.

• Executive summary
• Company description
• Assess the competition
• Consider your target market
• Develop key marketing strategies
• Determine pricing strategy

Sample Photography Business Plan

Writing a business plan is a crucial step in starting a photography business. Not only does it provide structure and guidance for the future, but it also helps to create funding opportunities and attract potential investors. For aspiring photography business owners, having access to a sample photography business plan can be especially helpful in providing direction and gaining insight into how to draft their own photography business plan.

Download our Ultimate Photography Business Plan Template

Having a thorough business plan in place is critical for any successful photography venture. It will serve as the foundation for your operations, setting out the goals and objectives that will help guide your decisions and actions. A well-written business plan can give you clarity on realistic financial projections and help you secure financing from lenders or investors. A photography business plan example can be a great resource to draw upon when creating your own plan, making sure that all the key components are included in your document.

The photography business plan sample below will give you an idea of what one should look like. It is not as comprehensive and successful in raising capital for your photography as Growthink’s Ultimate Photography Business Plan Template , but it can help you write a photography business plan of your own.

Example – LensLegacy Studios

Table of contents, executive summary, company overview, industry analysis, customer analysis, competitive analysis, marketing plan, operations plan, management team, financial plan.

LensLegacy Studios, nestled in the vibrant heart of Minneapolis, is poised to revolutionize the photography industry with its innovative approach. Our mission is to provide top-tier photography services that not only capture moments but tell a story, creating lasting legacies through the lens. With a focus on utilizing the latest technology and creative techniques, we offer a wide range of services tailored to meet the diverse needs of our clients. From capturing life’s most significant milestones for individuals and families to providing professional imagery that propels businesses forward, our studio is dedicated to excellence. Our strategic Minneapolis location allows us to connect with a broad clientele, ensuring we are an integral part of our community’s most cherished moments and commercial successes.

Our journey to becoming a cornerstone in the photography market is fueled by several key success factors and notable accomplishments. The expertise and passion of our founding team have been instrumental in shaping our innovative service offerings and customer-centric approach. We have successfully established a comprehensive portfolio that showcases our ability to cater to a wide array of photography needs, setting us apart in a competitive landscape. Additionally, our strategic partnerships with local businesses and our proactive engagement in networking activities have significantly expanded our market reach. These efforts have not only built a strong foundation for our brand but have also fostered a loyal customer base that appreciates the quality and uniqueness of our work.

The photography industry is witnessing a dynamic shift, driven by technological advancements and changing consumer preferences. Traditional photography services are being complemented with digital innovations, allowing for more creative and personalized offerings. This evolution has opened up new market segments, including personal branding and social media content creation, reflecting the growing demand for high-quality, engaging visuals. The competitive landscape is diverse, with studios differentiating themselves through niche specializations and superior customer experiences. Our strategic focus on leveraging the latest technology and trends positions us well within this evolving industry, enabling us to meet the expanding needs of our clients while staying ahead of market dynamics.

LensLegacy Studios targets a wide spectrum of customers, from local residents celebrating significant life events to businesses seeking professional photography solutions. Our primary market comprises individuals and families in Minneapolis, looking to capture weddings, anniversaries, and other milestones with high-quality, memorable photographs. Additionally, we cater to the commercial sector, including real estate agencies, retailers, and hospitality businesses, offering tailored photography services that enhance their online presence and marketing efforts. Recognizing the growing trend of personal branding, we also provide specialized packages for influencers, entrepreneurs, and professionals aiming to strengthen their digital footprint. This diversified customer base underscores our adaptability and commitment to meeting the evolving needs of our community.

Our top competitors include local photography studios that offer similar services. However, LensLegacy Studios distinguishes itself through a unique combination of cutting-edge technology, creative excellence, and personalized customer experiences. Our competitive advantages lie in our ability to deliver unparalleled quality and innovation in every project, coupled with our deep understanding of the local market. This enables us to provide services that not only meet but exceed the expectations of our diverse clientele, setting us apart in a crowded industry.

At LensLegacy Studios, our marketing strategy is centered around showcasing the breadth and depth of our photography services, complemented by competitive pricing. We offer a diverse range of services, from event photography to commercial shoots, all tailored to meet the specific needs of our clients. Our pricing strategy is designed to offer value while reflecting the premium quality of our work. To promote our studio, we leverage a mix of digital marketing tactics, including SEO, social media marketing, and email campaigns, alongside traditional advertising methods. Special promotions and partnerships with local businesses further enhance our visibility and attract a broad clientele. This comprehensive approach ensures that we effectively communicate our value proposition and engage with our target markets on multiple levels.

Our operations plan is meticulously crafted to ensure the seamless delivery of our services. Key operational processes include efficient booking, shooting, editing, and delivery workflows that prioritize customer satisfaction and turnaround times. We are committed to achieving several milestones, such as launching our business, building a robust portfolio, establishing a strong online presence, and fostering key partnerships. By securing high-quality equipment and software, and possibly expanding our team, we aim to enhance our operational capacity. Implementing an effective marketing strategy and optimizing our operational processes are pivotal to reaching our financial goal of $15,000 per month in revenue, while continuous improvement based on customer feedback will keep us aligned with our mission of excellence.

The backbone of LensLegacy Studios is our highly skilled and passionate management team. With a wealth of experience in photography, business management, and customer service, our leaders bring a diverse set of skills that drive our studio’s success. Their collective vision for innovation and excellence in the photography industry shapes our strategic direction and operational approaches, ensuring we deliver unmatched value to our clients. The team’s dedication to fostering a culture of creativity and continuous improvement is integral to our growth and sustainability.

Welcome to LensLegacy Studios, a new Photography venture based in the heart of Minneapolis, MN. As a freshly established local photography business, we’ve identified a significant gap in the market – the absence of high-quality local photography services. Our mission is to fill this void by offering exceptional photography solutions to our community.

At LensLegacy Studios, our portfolio of offerings is both diverse and specialized. We provide a wide range of photography services to meet the varied needs of our clients. These services include photography sessions that capture life’s most precious moments, event photography that documents your special occasions with a keen eye for detail, and photo editing and retouching services that ensure your images are picture-perfect. Additionally, we offer photography workshops and training for those looking to hone their skills under the guidance of experienced professionals, as well as commercial photography services tailored to businesses seeking high-quality visual content. Our studio is fully equipped to cater to all your photography needs, ensuring a one-stop solution for our clients in Minneapolis, MN.

Our strategic location in Minneapolis, MN, positions us perfectly to serve the local community with ease and efficiency. This proximity to our clients not only allows for convenient service delivery but also fosters a deeper connection with the community we aim to serve.

The foundation of LensLegacy Studios is built upon solid ground, with a unique blend of factors that poise us for success. Our founder brings invaluable experience from previously running a successful photography business, ensuring that we are well-versed in the intricacies of the industry. Moreover, our commitment to quality sets us apart from the competition. We pride ourselves on taking better quality photos and offering a wider array of packages, catering to the diverse needs and preferences of our clients.

Since our inception on January 3, 2024, LensLegacy Studios has made significant strides as a C Corporation. Our accomplishments to date include the creative development of our brand identity, with a carefully designed logo and a compelling company name that resonates with our mission and values. Additionally, we’ve secured an ideal location that not only serves as our operational base but also enhances our accessibility to clients. These milestones mark the beginning of our journey, laying a strong foundation for our future endeavors.

The Photography industry in the United States is currently a thriving market, with an estimated size of over $10 billion. This figure includes revenues generated from various photography services such as portrait, commercial, event, and stock photography. With the increasing demand for professional photography services across different sectors, the industry is expected to continue growing at a steady rate in the coming years.

One of the key trends driving the growth of the Photography industry is the rise of social media platforms and online marketing. Businesses and individuals alike are increasingly relying on high-quality visual content to attract and engage their target audience. This presents a great opportunity for LensLegacy Studios, a new Photography serving customers in Minneapolis, MN, to capitalize on the growing demand for professional photography services in the digital age.

Furthermore, advancements in technology have also played a significant role in shaping the Photography industry. The introduction of high-resolution cameras, editing software, and online platforms for showcasing and selling photographs have made it easier for photographers to reach a wider audience and monetize their work. As LensLegacy Studios leverages these technological advancements to enhance their services and offerings, they are well-positioned to succeed in the competitive photography market.

Below is a description of our target customers and their core needs.

Target Customers

LensLegacy Studios will target a diverse range of local residents seeking professional photography services. This primary customer base is composed of individuals and families looking to capture significant life events such as weddings, anniversaries, and birthdays. The studio will tailor its offerings to meet the unique needs and preferences of these local clients, ensuring high-quality, memorable photographs that reflect their special moments.

Aside from local residents, LensLegacy Studios will also extend its services to local businesses in need of professional photography. These include real estate agencies requiring high-quality images of properties, local retailers looking for product photography to enhance their online presence, and hospitality businesses seeking captivating images to promote their venues. By providing tailored photography solutions, the studio will establish itself as an indispensable resource for the commercial sector in Minneapolis.

Moreover, LensLegacy Studios will also focus on the growing market of personal branding and social media content creation. As individuals seek to build their personal brands online, the demand for professional profile pictures and content that stands out is increasing. The studio will offer specialized packages for influencers, entrepreneurs, and professionals who aim to enhance their digital footprint with high-quality, engaging visuals. This approach will address a modern and rapidly expanding segment, further diversifying the studio’s client base.

Customer Needs

LensLegacy Studios understands the vital importance of capturing life’s most precious moments through the lens of a camera. Customers can expect high-quality photography sessions that not only meet but exceed their desires for capturing memories in a tangible form. This studio ensures that every shot reflects the depth, emotion, and essence of the moment, allowing residents to cherish these memories for years to come.

In addition to offering superior quality images, LensLegacy Studios recognizes the need for a personalized and comfortable photography experience. Customers have the opportunity to work closely with photographers who are not only experts in their field but also attentive to the unique needs and preferences of each client. This personalized approach ensures that every photography session is not just a transaction, but a collaborative effort that brings the client’s vision to life.

Furthermore, LensLegacy Studios caters to the growing demand for versatile photography services. Whether it’s capturing the spontaneous laughter of a family gathering, the poised elegance of a corporate event, or the tender moments of a wedding, customers can count on the studio to deliver with professionalism and creativity. By offering a broad range of services, LensLegacy Studios positions itself as a one-stop photography solution for the diverse needs of the Minneapolis community.

LensLegacy Studios’s competitors include the following companies:

Sarah Pierce Photography specializes in family, newborn, and wedding photography. Their services include on-location shoots and studio sessions, with packages tailored to meet a variety of client needs. Price points for Sarah Pierce Photography vary based on the type of session and package chosen, but they maintain competitive pricing within the Minneapolis market. The company operates primarily in Minneapolis, MN, but also serves surrounding areas. Customers include families, newlyweds, and individuals seeking high-quality, memorable photography. A key strength of Sarah Pierce Photography is their personalized approach to each shoot, ensuring unique and tailored experiences. However, a potential weakness is the limited scalability due to the personalized nature of their services.

Minneapolis Headshots focuses exclusively on professional headshots for individuals and corporate clients. They offer studio and on-location services, with an emphasis on creating professional, high-quality images suitable for corporate websites, LinkedIn profiles, and personal branding. Pricing is transparent and competitive, with several package options to cater to different needs and budgets. Minneapolis Headshots serves the greater Minneapolis area, targeting professionals and corporations in need of professional imagery. Their key strength lies in their specialization and expertise in professional headshot photography, ensuring high-quality results. However, their niche focus can be seen as a weakness, limiting their appeal to a broader audience seeking more diverse photography services.

John Wagner Photography is known for its commercial and editorial photography, serving a wide range of clients from small businesses to large corporations. They offer a variety of services, including product photography, corporate headshots, and commercial advertising imagery. John Wagner Photography operates across the Minneapolis-St. Paul area and even extends services nationally for larger projects. Their client base includes businesses and organizations looking for high-quality commercial imagery. A significant strength of John Wagner Photography is their extensive experience and versatility in handling a diverse array of commercial projects. A potential weakness is the higher price point, which may not be accessible for smaller businesses or startups.

Profeshie is a newer entrant in the Minneapolis photography market, focusing on affordable and quick professional headshots and personal branding photography. They utilize a mobile studio, allowing them to offer convenient services at various locations. Profeshie aims to attract individuals and small businesses seeking cost-effective photography solutions. Their pricing is among the most competitive in the market, making professional photography accessible to a wider audience. The company serves the Minneapolis metropolitan area, targeting professionals, freelancers, and small business owners. A key strength of Profeshie is their affordability and convenience. However, their reliance on a mobile studio might limit the range of services and the quality of lighting and backgrounds compared to traditional studio settings.

Competitive Advantages

At LensLegacy Studios, we stand out in the competitive landscape of photography through our unwavering commitment to quality and variety. Our team excels in capturing stunning, high-quality photos that not only meet but exceed our clients’ expectations. We understand the importance of those once-in-a-lifetime moments, and our expertise ensures they are immortalized with the clarity and vibrancy they deserve. Our edge in quality is not just a claim; it’s a promise we deliver on, with every click of our cameras. This dedication to excellence positions us as a preferred choice for clients seeking unparalleled photographic experiences in Minneapolis.

Furthermore, our adaptability and responsiveness to customer needs are exemplified through our extensive range of packages. We pride ourselves on offering a diverse selection that caters to various preferences and budgets, ensuring that no moment goes uncaptured due to financial constraints. From intimate elopements to grand celebrations, our packages are designed to accommodate the unique requirements of each event, providing our clients with personalized options that best suit their needs. This flexibility, combined with our superior photo quality, creates a competitive advantage that sets us apart. By choosing LensLegacy Studios, clients can expect a service that is as accommodating as it is exceptional.

Our marketing plan, included below, details our products/services, pricing and promotions plan.

Products and Services

LensLegacy Studios offers a comprehensive suite of photography services tailored to meet the diverse needs of its clientele. At the heart of its offerings is a range of photography sessions designed to capture life’s most precious moments. Clients can book sessions for family portraits, individual shoots, or special occasions. The average price for these photography sessions starts at $200, varying based on the duration and location of the shoot.

Event photography is another critical service provided by LensLegacy Studios. This service caters to a wide array of events, including weddings, corporate gatherings, and private parties. The studio’s photographers possess the skill to capture the essence and energy of each event, ensuring clients have lasting memories. Pricing for event photography is typically structured around the event’s scale and requirements, with packages starting at $500.

In addition to capturing beautiful moments, LensLegacy Studios excels in photo editing and retouching. This service ensures that every image meets the highest standards of quality, with attention to detail that brings out the best in each photograph. Prices for photo editing and retouching services start at $50 per image, depending on the complexity of the work required.

LensLegacy Studios is also dedicated to sharing its expertise through photography workshops and training. These sessions are designed for individuals looking to improve their photography skills, from beginners to more advanced enthusiasts. The workshops cover various aspects of photography and post-processing techniques. Participants can expect to invest around $150 for a basic workshop, with more advanced training sessions priced accordingly.

Finally, the studio offers commercial photography services, catering to businesses in need of professional images for marketing, advertising, or other commercial purposes. These services are tailored to meet the specific needs of each business, ensuring that the final images align with the client’s brand and objectives. Commercial photography services start at $300, varying based on the project’s scope and complexity.

LensLegacy Studios is committed to providing exceptional photography services at competitive prices. With a focus on quality, creativity, and client satisfaction, the studio aims to be the go-to choice for photography services in its market.

Promotions Plan

LensLegacy Studios embarks on a vibrant journey to captivate and engage customers through a multitude of promotional methods, with a strong emphasis on online marketing. They understand the power of digital presence and will harness it to reach a broad audience. Their promotional strategy encompasses a variety of tactics designed to attract and retain customers, ensuring that LensLegacy Studios becomes a household name in Minneapolis, MN.

At the heart of their promotional efforts, online marketing stands as a cornerstone. LensLegacy Studios will leverage social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest, showcasing their portfolio of stunning photography. Through regular posts, behind-the-scenes content, and engaging stories, they expect to build a community of followers who are passionate about photography. Additionally, they will utilize targeted ads on these platforms to reach potential customers based on interests, location, and more, ensuring maximum visibility.

Email marketing is another tool LensLegacy Studios will employ. By collecting email addresses through their website and at events, they will send out newsletters containing special offers, photography tips, and highlights from recent photoshoots. This personalized approach will keep LensLegacy Studios at the top of their customers’ minds.

Understanding the significance of search engine visibility, LensLegacy Studios will invest in search engine optimization (SEO) for their website. By optimizing their site with relevant keywords, they expect to rank higher in search engine results, making it easier for potential customers to find them when searching for photography services in Minneapolis.

Beyond the digital realm, LensLegacy Studios will engage in community events and photography workshops. Participating in local art fairs and community gatherings will not only increase their visibility but also allow direct interaction with potential customers. Hosting workshops on photography basics or specific techniques will position LensLegacy Studios as experts in their field, fostering trust and credibility among their audience.

Referral programs will also play a crucial role in their promotional strategy. Satisfied customers will receive incentives for referring friends and family, turning their customer base into a network of advocates. This word-of-mouth promotion is invaluable and will contribute significantly to their growth.

In conclusion, LensLegacy Studios will deploy a comprehensive mix of online and offline promotional methods to attract customers. From leveraging the power of social media and SEO to engaging with the community and implementing referral programs, they are set to make a significant impact in the Minneapolis photography scene.

Our Operations Plan details:

• The key day-to-day processes that our business performs to serve our customers
• The key business milestones that our company expects to accomplish as we grow

Key Operational Processes

To ensure the success of LensLegacy Studios, there are several key day-to-day operational processes that we will perform.

• Customer Engagement: Interact with potential and existing customers via phone, email, and social media to answer queries, book appointments, and receive feedback.
• Scheduling Appointments: Utilize a digital calendar system to manage photography session bookings, ensuring clients have clear expectations for their session date and time.
• Equipment Maintenance: Regularly check and maintain photography equipment to ensure everything is in working order, including cameras, lenses, flashes, and other accessories.
• Session Preparation: Prepare for each photography session by gathering necessary equipment, reviewing client requests and session plans, and ensuring all settings are ideal for the shoot.
• Photography Sessions: Conduct photography sessions according to the client’s needs, demonstrating professionalism and creativity to capture high-quality images.
• Post-Processing: Edit photos using appropriate software to adjust exposure, color balance, and other elements to enhance the final images before delivery to the client.
• Client Deliverables: Provide clients with their images in the agreed format and medium, within the discussed timeframe, ensuring high satisfaction levels.
• Financial Management: Track income and expenses daily to manage the studio’s budget effectively, including invoicing clients and paying any vendors or contractors.
• Marketing Activities: Execute daily marketing tasks, such as updating social media profiles, posting recent work, and engaging with the community to attract new clients.
• Professional Development: Stay updated with the latest photography techniques, trends, and equipment through online courses, workshops, and industry publications.
• Feedback Collection: Solicit and review feedback from clients after the delivery of their photographs to identify areas for improvement and enhance customer satisfaction.
• Inventory Management: Regularly check and restock photography supplies, such as memory cards, batteries, and props, to ensure readiness for all sessions.

LensLegacy Studios expects to complete the following milestones in the coming months in order to ensure its success:

• Launch Our Photography Business: Officially open for business by completing all necessary steps to be operational. This includes legal registration, setting up a physical or virtual office, and announcing the opening through various channels to create awareness.
• Build a Portfolio: Develop a comprehensive portfolio that showcases the range and quality of our work. This will involve doing some initial projects possibly at a discounted rate or for visibility to capture high-quality examples of our work.
• Establish Online Presence: Create a professional website and active social media accounts to display our portfolio, share customer testimonials, and engage with potential clients. This online presence will be crucial for marketing and brand building.
• Network and Partnerships: Build relationships with other businesses such as event planners, venues, and local agencies to foster referrals and partnerships. Networking events, business associations, and community events will be key avenues for these efforts.
• Secure Key Equipment and Software: Acquire high-quality photography equipment and editing software necessary for professional-grade service. This includes cameras, lenses, lighting, and software for photo editing and management.
• Hire and Train Staff: If necessary, hire additional photographers or support staff to handle increased demand. Provide training to ensure the quality of service and consistency across all projects and client interactions.
• Implement an Effective Marketing Strategy: Develop and execute a marketing plan that includes digital marketing, local advertising, and special promotions to attract a wide range of clients from individuals needing personal photos to businesses requiring professional shots.
• Optimize Operational Processes: Establish efficient booking, shooting, editing, and delivery processes to maximize customer satisfaction and turnaround times. This includes implementing a customer relationship management (CRM) system to track bookings and interactions.
• Get to $15,000/Month in Revenue: Achieve the financial milestone of generating $15,000 per month in revenue. This will involve constantly reviewing pricing strategies, sales efforts, and cost management to ensure profitability and sustainability.
• Customer Feedback and Continuous Improvement: Regularly collect customer feedback to identify areas of improvement and success. Use this feedback to refine services, processes, and customer interaction to enhance overall customer satisfaction and loyalty.

LensLegacy Studios management team, which includes the following members, has the experience and expertise to successfully execute on our business plan:

Nathan Cox, President

Nathan Cox brings a wealth of experience to his role as President of LensLegacy Studios. His entrepreneurial spirit and business acumen were honed through the successful management of a previous photography business. This venture not only showcased his ability to lead but also his deep understanding of the nuanced photography industry. Nathan’s expertise lies in identifying market trends, crafting strategic business models, and leading teams towards achieving collective goals. His leadership is instrumental in steering LensLegacy Studios toward a path of innovation, growth, and lasting success in the competitive photography market.

To achieve our growth objectives, LensLegacy Studios is seeking financial investments. These funds will be instrumental in expanding our operational capabilities, enhancing our marketing efforts, and further developing our service offerings. With a strategic investment, we are poised to solidify our position in the market, attract a broader clientele, and achieve our financial milestones, ensuring long-term success and profitability.

Financial Statements

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Income Statement

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Cash Flow Statement

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Photography Business Plan Example PDF

Download our Photography Business Plan PDF here. This is a free photography business plan example to help you get started on your own photography plan.  

How to Finish Your Photography Business Plan in 1 Day!

Don’t you wish there was a faster, easier way to finish your photography business plan?

With Growthink’s Ultimate Business Plan Template you can finish your plan in just 8 hours or less!

• Studio Spotlights
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• Client Experience

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Mastering Photography Business Management: Your Ultimate Handbook

Running a successful photography business is so much more than just taking great photos. Beyond mastering your craft, you need to know how to effectively manage the business side - the finances, marketing, operations, and legal aspects.

Without business management skills, some common issues photographers face include:

• Cash flow problems from financial mismanagement
• Overwhelm from disorganization and constantly "putting out fires"
• Loss of clients due to poor communication or service delivery
• Stress from trying to juggle too many things at once

Mastering business management allows you to put systems and processes in place to set up an efficiently-run and profitable photography business. This enables you to focus on your true passion - creating amazing photographs.

This handbook will provide photography professionals a blueprint to manage their business successfully. You'll learn how to:

• Create a business plan to align on your vision, objectives, and strategy
• Set up rock-solid financial structures and accounting practices
• Establish legal protections through contracts, permits, insurance
• Deliver 5-star service by wowing clients from first contact
• Streamline operations using smart workflows and automation
• Manage your brand, marketing, and growth systematically
• Leverage tools and resources to work smarter, not harder

With the strategies covered in this handbook, you'll gain the confidence and skills to manage a thriving photography business. Implementation is key - use this as your guidebook to put systems in place one step at a time until you have a well-oiled business management machine.

Let's get started with building a strong foundation, which is the first step on the path to success.

Building your Foundation

A solid foundation is key to building a thriving photography business. This involves defining your business plan, dialing in your finances, and establishing legal protections.

Creating a Business Plan

A business plan is like a roadmap that defines your business goals and how you will achieve them. It covers areas like:

• Business overview and objectives
• Products and services offered
• Target market and ideal client avatar
• Competitor analysis
• Marketing and growth strategies
• Financial projections
• Operations plan

Taking the time to create a comprehensive business plan has many benefits:

• It forces you to clarify your business vision, values, and goals
• You can spot gaps or weaknesses in your business strategy
• It keeps you focused and helps avoid scope creep
• You can use it to secure funding from investors or lenders

Set aside dedicated time to work on your business plan. Having a clear strategic plan is crucial to guiding your business decisions and measuring success.

Setting Up Financial Structures and Accounting

Solid financial systems and controls are essential for managing the financial side of your photography business. Key areas to focus on include:

• Accounting software  - Choose a platform like QuickBooks to manage tasks like invoicing, expenses, payments, and taxes.
• Bookkeeping  - Keep careful records of all income, expenses, assets, liabilities, and equity. Or outsource to a bookkeeper.
• Financial statements  - Generate regular profit/loss statements and balance sheets to assess the financial health of your business.
• Cash flow  - Use cash flow projections to anticipate income vs expenses. Maintain healthy cash reserves.
• Taxes  - Understand tax obligations and work with an accountant to file business taxes correctly.

With robust financial systems, you gain clarity on the numbers. This enables you to make smart financial decisions to fuel growth.

Establishing Legal Protections

Taking steps to protect your business legally provides security and peace of mind:

• Business structure  - Choose an entity like LLC that limits liability and provides tax benefits.
• Contracts  - Use contracts to outline terms, conditions, scope of work, payment schedule, copyrights, and liabilities.
• Insurance  - Secure general liability insurance plus errors and omissions insurance to protect from liability claims.
• Permits and licenses  - Obtain all required local and state permits and business licenses for your photography business.
• Releases  - Have photo release forms signed by clients and models giving you permission to use their images.

With the proper legal protections in place, you reduce risk and create confidence in your business systems.

Delivering Exceptional Service

Providing an incredible client experience is critical for photography businesses. Master these areas to wow clients:

Making Stellar First Impressions

A first impression has a lasting impact and sets the tone for the client relationship. Strategies for impressing clients from the start:

• Website  - Have a professional website that displays your amazing work and is easy to navigate. Include your bio, services, and client testimonials.
• Portfolio  - Curate an impressive portfolio that highlights your photography specialties and style.
• Consultation  - Make consultations inviting. Discuss their needs, style preferences, and how you can bring value.
• Follow-up  - Send a prompt thank you note after initial meetings reaffirming your enthusiasm to work together.

When you make clients feel understood, important, and delighted from the first interaction, you build instant trust and credibility.

Communicating Effectively

Ongoing communication is the lifeline between you and clients. Best practices include:

• Clarity  - Be clear, direct, and transparent in all communication. Set proper expectations.
• Timeliness  - Respond promptly to inquiries within 24 hours. Being responsive builds reliability.
• Professionalism  - Craft emails, contracts, and collateral with excellent spelling, grammar, and branding.
• Listening skills  - Listen attentively to understand what clients want. Reflect back to ensure alignment.

With robust communication systems, you can provide the white-glove service clients seek.

Streamlining Systems with CRM

Using a customer relationship management (CRM) system can significantly enhance client service. A good CRM centralizes key information like:

• Contact details
• Communications history
• Booked sessions
• Billing details
• Notes and preferences

This provides easy access to every client detail in one spot. CRMs also automate workflows like email sequencing. This saves tons of time while delivering personalized service.

Delivering exceptional experiences consistently is the key to retaining happy clients and winning new ones through referrals. Master these areas, and your services will stand out.

Managing Your Finances

Managing the financial side of your photography business includes budgeting, pricing, invoicing, and cash flow management. Implementing strong financial practices will keep your business profitable.

Creating a Realistic Budget

An annual budget provides a spending blueprint for your business and helps you plan cash flow needs. Steps for budgeting:

• List expected income from photography sessions, print orders, etc. Be conservative.
• Estimate expenses like gear, rent, salaries, marketing, taxes, and more.
• Factor in ad-hoc expenses for upgrades, maintenance, etc.
• Establish monthly and annual budgets based on projected income and expenses.
• Review budgets regularly and adjust as needed.

Sticking to a budget prevents overspending and ensures you remain profitable.

Developing Profitable Pricing Strategies

Set pricing that captures the value you provide while generating sufficient profit. Ways to optimize pricing:

• Research industry rates in your area for comparison.
• Factor in all costs - time, gear, editing, overheads, taxes - and desired profit margin.
• Offer packages with tiered pricing for different products and services.
• Communicate value not just cost - showcase why your unique expertise warrants higher rates.
• Raise prices gradually over time as you gain experience and recognition.
• Offer discounts only for limited-time promotions, not permanently.

Profitable pricing is key to running a sustainable photography business.

Sending Professional Invoices and Getting Paid

Make invoicing and payment collection a seamless process:

• Send invoices promptly after a shoot. Include dates, items purchased, and payment terms.
• Accept secure online payments by implementing a payment gateway on your website.
• Follow up with friendly payment reminders before due dates for overdue invoices.
• Offer installment payment plans for large purchases if needed.
• Always follow through on collecting - this ensures you actually earn what you bill for.

With disciplined invoicing and collections, you maximize your photography earnings.

Streamlining Operations

Smooth business operations are vital for running an efficient and productive photography studio. Focus on these areas:

Implementing Efficient Workflows

Analyze your business processes to identify any bottlenecks or redundancies. Look for ways to streamline workflows using:

• Organization systems - Keep files, assets, archives orderly so work is easy to find.
• Checklists - Checklists prevent forgetting key steps and reduce mistakes.
• Automation - Automate repetitive tasks like resizing images, email sequences, post-shoot follow-ups.
• Collaboration tools - Use tools like Slack or Trello to collaborate with team members.

When workflows are optimized for efficiency, you get more done in less time.

Managing Projects Seamlessly

Juggling multiple client projects can be challenging. Use project management principles:

• Break down large projects into tasks and set timelines.
• Prioritize urgent tasks and stick to schedules.
• Use charts and dashboards to visualize project progress.
• Identify resource needs and allocate your team accordingly.
• Proactively communicate with clients and provide progress updates.

With organized project management, work gets delivered on-time and on-budget.

Coordinating a Cohesive Team

For studios with team members:

• Hire those aligned with your values and photography style.
• Conduct extensive training to instill excellence and consistency.
• Set clear responsibilities, expectations, and processes.
• Foster open communication and collaboration.
• Recognize achievements to boost morale and loyalty.

An engaged, tightly coordinated team allows your studio to provide amazing service at scale.

Growing Your Business

To attract a steady stream of clients, focus on crafting your brand, digital marketing, and networking:

Crafting Your Unique Brand Identity

Define what makes your photography business one-of-a-kind:

• Articulate your vision, values, personality, and photography style.
• Create visual brand assets like your logo, colors, and font that reinforce your brand image.
• Ensure your website, collateral, and marketing unify around your brand.
• Deliver a cohesive client experience that aligns with your brand values.

An authentic, clearly defined brand builds your reputation and visibility.

Executing Digital Marketing Strategies

Leverage digital platforms to connect with potential clients:

• SEO  - Optimize your website and content with relevant keywords so you rank high in search engines.
• Social media  - Share your work regularly on Instagram and Facebook. Use relevant hashtags and tagging.
• Content  - Create educational blog posts and videos that connect with your target clients.
• Email  - Send email newsletters with tips or promotions to build relationships and stay top of mind.
• Ads  - Run Google/Facebook ads to get your brand in front of targeted audiences.

A multi-channel digital marketing strategy helps you continuously expand your reach and acquire clients.

Building Partnerships Through Networking

Partnerships provide symbiotic benefits:

• Attend industry networking events and conferences to connect with colleagues.
• Partner creatively with other photographers or wedding vendors.
• Cross-promote related businesses through co-marketing or guest blogging.
• Develop referral relationships - offer discounts for referred clients.

Strategic partnerships allow you to grow your reputation and client base.

Leveraging the Right Tools

Running a photography business is made infinitely easier with the right tools. Focus on core software platforms and educational resources.

Software Essentials for Photographers

Integrating the right software creates efficiency:

• Client management tools like CRM, contracts, and invoicing
• Streamlined workflow management from shoot to delivery
• Booking pages and calendar integrations
• Robust analytics and reports to spot trends and make smart decisions
• Adobe Creative Cloud  - For editing photos, Lightroom and Photoshop are vital.
• Cloud storage  - Store images securely in the cloud on platforms like Dropbox or Google Drive.
• Email marketing  - Use email marketing software like Mailchimp to manage email newsletters.

Optimized software boosts productivity and profitability.

Valuable Educational Resources

Continuous learning helps you elevate your craft and business acumen:

• Books  - Read classics like "Best Business Practices for Photographers".
• Podcasts  - Tune into podcasts like ' Six Figure Photography ’ while commuting or shooting.
• Online courses  - Take courses on photography, editing, marketing etc.
• Conferences  - Attend local and national photography conferences to get inspired and learn new skills.
• Facebook groups  - Join groups like "Photography Business Owners Network" to connect and learn from peers.

Make learning a lifelong habit to constantly level up.

Running a successful photography business requires mastery of both your creative skills and business management abilities.

In this handbook, we covered the essential components of photography business management:

• Crafting a solid business foundation with your plan, financials, and legal protections
• Wowing clients by delivering exceptional service consistently
• Managing your finances through budgeting, pricing, and streamlined billing
• Optimizing operations with efficient systems, project management, and team coordination
• Growing your business by honing your brand identity and leveraging marketing strategies
• Making your work easier with the right software tools and education

Follow this roadmap one step at a time, focusing on the areas most needed in your business. Over time, you will notice photography business management becoming second nature.

This will provide you the freedom to focus on your true passion - capturing stunning visuals through your lens.

To help you get started, access the following free downloadable templates and guides:

• Sample Photography Business Plan
• Photography Pricing Calculator (and Benchmarks )
• Photo Shoot Checklist
• Client Intake Questionnaire
• Photography Marketing Plan Worksheet

We hope this handbook provides a blueprint to take your photography business management abilities to the next level.

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FAA investigates United Boeing 737 flight missing panel

Make sense of the latest ESG trends affecting companies and governments with the Reuters Sustainable Switch newsletter. Sign up here.

Reporting by Mrinmay Dey in Bengaluru and David Shepardson in Washington; Editing by Chris Reese and Stephen Coates

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How I took the 'best' photo of the 2017 American solar eclipse — and what I'm doing differently this year

• Jon Carmichael captured what is considered one of the most stunning photos of a solar eclipse .
• But getting the shot of his dreams was no cakewalk. 
• Here, he retells his story and what he's doing differently during this year's total solar eclipse.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with astrophotographer Jon Carmichael . It has been edited for length and clarity.

I have been dreaming of a specific eclipse photo since I was 12 years old: I wondered if I could get high enough in the sky to see the shadow of the moon moving over the Earth.

I finally got my chance during the 2017 Great American Eclipse , but capturing that perfect shot from my dreams was not easy.

About a year before the eclipse Alaska Airlines announced it had an entire plane flying into the eclipse with just one seat left and it was holding a competition for that seat. It felt like fate.

I poured my heart and soul into a 30-second video explaining why I should get the seat. All my eggs were in that basket. But when it announced the winner less than a week before the eclipse, I'd lost.

I can't describe how devastated I was.

At that point, it was a race against time. At first, I gave into my disappointment and laid in my bed. Then I started looking at commercial flight paths, which involved a lot of math.

As I looked at flight paths, I realized that a Southwest flight from Portland, Oregon to St. Louis, Missouri would travel basically along the eclipse path. I had to be on that plane. But, I'm based in New York, so I needed to buy a last-minute cross-country flight to Portland.

When I got there, that Alaska Airlines flight I had dreamed of was departing from the next gate. It felt like the universe was torturing me.

Still, I was determined. When I arrived, I was equipped with three cameras and a surplus of cash in case I needed to bribe someone for a window seat.

Then Southwest announced it was delaying the flight. My heart sank. I was going to miss the brief window to witness the eclipse, I thought. But then the flight crew clarified that they were deliberately delaying the flight so it would be inside the moon's shadow.

I nearly died of relief, then decided to push my luck. I took out all my cameras and made sure the NASA t-shirt I was wearing was clear. I told the crew my whole saga. Lucky for me, the flight crew and pilot took my mission to heart .

I was the first one on the plane, and the ground crew even cleaned my window. The pilot did circles at 39,000 feet and adjusted the angle of the plane so I could get the best possible shot.

To be clear, this was not a private jet. This was a Southwest commercial plane rerouting its flight for my shot — I can't believe I was so lucky.

After we landed, the real work began. I spent hundreds of hours over the course of a year editing the more than 1,200 photos I'd taken.

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The result has been hailed as one of the most outstanding eclipse photos in history, showing not only the eclipsed sun, but also the shadow of the moon sweeping over the Snake River, the border between Idaho and Oregon.

Getting that shot really was a childhood dream come true. If I try to reproduce a similar image, again, I'm worried lightning won't strike twice.

So instead of trying to force it, I'm going to savor the experience this year.

After all, total solar eclipses are a miracle. They only happen because Earth is just the right distance from the sun and moon, so I really want to appreciate that magic during the 2024 total eclipse.

What I'm doing differently this year

At first, I considered just enjoying this eclipse in nature with my family. I'm based in New York, relatively close to the path of totality, so it would have been easy.

But then, Southwest Airlines contacted me about a partnership, and I couldn't say no.

So now, I'll be on another flight, high above clouds and unpredictable weather, hoping to catch another spectacular image.

The difference is, this time instead of being alone I'll be with the people I love: my mom, sister, brother-in-law, and nieces, Alayna and Madelyn.

We'll be traveling on a flight from Dallas to Pittsburg, which should give us plenty of opportunity to photograph the eclipse with different landscapes.

I'm keeping my specific ideas to myself, but I will say that the Mississippi River is an iconic feature of the US that I'd love to highlight.

I'm planning ahead, and you should too

Even though I'll be on a flight, getting a great photo of the eclipse takes a lot of planning ahead even if you're an amateur shooting with your smartphone.

The angle of this eclipse means it will be higher in the sky than the 2017 event, making it more difficult to get the sun and the landscape into the same shot.

I've been spending a lot of time using tools like this Navy calculator that lets you see the height of the eclipse at different longitudes and latitudes.

Knowing what the eclipse will look like in various places will help me get the best shot — I hope.

Regardless of whether I get a great photo this time, or not, being with my loved ones is what really matters to me this time around.

Flying through an eclipse with Alayna and Madelyn, who are the same age I was when I first became fascinated with the skies, will truly be a full-circle moment.

Watch: Stunning footage from NASA shows the best shots of the historic total solar eclipse

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United Airlines Flight Arrives at Oregon Airport Missing an External Panel

No one realized that the panel from the plane, a Boeing 737-800, was missing until it had landed safely, the airline said.

By Jesus Jiménez

A United Airlines flight that took off on Friday morning from San Francisco International Airport landed in Oregon missing an external panel, the Federal Aviation Administration said.

The panel was found to be missing after the plane, a Boeing 737-800, landed safely at its scheduled destination at Rogue Valley International Medford Airport in Oregon and parked at a gate, United Airlines said in a statement. It was unclear when or how the panel went missing.

According to the airline, there was no indication of any damage to the plane during the flight, and the aircraft did not declare an emergency on its way to the Medford airport.

“We’ll conduct a thorough examination of the plane and perform all the needed repairs before it returns to service,” the airline said. “We’ll also conduct an investigation to better understand how this damage occurred.”

The plane was carrying 139 passengers and a crew of six, according to United Airlines. No injuries were reported.

The plane has been in service for more than 25 years, and it was from a previous generation of 737 aircraft, according to Airfleets.net, a website that tracks aircraft information.

The airport briefly paused operations to inspect the runway, and resumed flights after no debris was found on the airfield, Amber Judd, the director of the Medford airport, said in an email.

Boeing referred questions about the flight to United Airlines. The F.A.A. said it planned to investigate the episode.

The discovery of the missing panel on Friday came as Boeing has faced heavy scrutiny in recent weeks after a door-sized section blew off a Boeing 737 Max 9 Alaska Airlines flight in January just minutes after it had taken off from Portland, Ore. There were no major injuries during the flight, but the frightening episode, which was recorded on video, prompted government officials to look into quality control at Boeing.

After the January flight, the F.A.A. began a six-week audit of Boeing, which found “multiple instances” in which the plane maker had failed to follow through with quality-control requirements.

Since then, there have been a number of issues with flights on Boeing aircraft.

On March 8, a United Airlines flight that had landed at George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston rolled into the grass as the plane, a Boeing 737, exited onto the taxiway, according to the F.A.A.

In February, a Madrid-bound American Airlines flight, a Boeing 777, diverted to Boston Logan International Airport with a cracked windshield shortly after it had departed from Kennedy International Airport in New York.

Jesus Jiménez covers breaking news, online trends and other subjects. He is based in New York City. More about Jesus Jiménez

Boeing: A Company in Turmoil

Boeing is weathering a particularly difficult period: two fatal crashes, a loose panel that blew out during a flight, quality concerns and production slowdowns..

Recent Incidents : A Boeing 737-800 plane that took off on March 15 from San Francisco landed in Oregon missing an external panel . Earlier in the week, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner plane suddenly plunged on a flight to New Zealand , injuring passengers.

Alaska Airlines Flight 1282: After a section of a plane headed for Ontario, Calif., blew out  10 minutes after it took off , there was increased scrutiny  on the plane’s manufacturer: Boeing . The Justice Department has since launched a criminal investigation .

Quality Control Issues: An audit that was initiated by the Federal Aviation Administration after the Alaska Airlines incident found dozens of problems  throughout Boeing’s manufacturing process and one of its key suppliers.

Whistleblower’s Death: John Barnett, a former quality manager for the company, was found dead in Charleston  in March with what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound. He was set to testify in a lawsuit in which he accused Boeing of retaliation for his complaints about quality and safety.

At Fault: A report released in February by the Federal Aviation Administration said that Boeing’s safety culture remains flawed , despite improvements made after two fatal crashes  in 2018 and 2019.

Solving an Enduring Crisis: The Federal Aviation Administration has asked Boeing to produce an action plan  to address quality control issues. We asked experts how Boeing should try and fix its longstanding problems .

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