7 Photographer Investments

“Dad, the lens costs $1500!” I said over the phone.  This was when I was just starting my photography business.
“Well Diana, I’m glad to see you are spending your money on things that will give you a return on investment instead of shoes and purses,” said my dad.

There are a few things that I have looked back at my businesses and thought – wow, that was a stepping stone that elevated me – things that were good investments in time and money.

If you find you are in the beginning stages or you feel stuck where you are, here are a few things to consider to help you elevate and kick start your business.

1. Invest in continuing education

This doesn’t mean take one workshop on how to use your DSLR and you’re done.  Education never stops – consider workshops and conferences.  If you find yourself asking beginner questions on gear, not understanding lenses, or not sure why your camera is out of focus, you need to find peers to ask and you should consider taking a workshop to learn from a well seasoned photographer.  I’ve attended WPPI twice (it was supposed to be 3 but I turned around as soon as I landed in Vegas because I was over it), spent over $3,000 in small workshops taught by other professionals.  One workshop helped me get into weddings, the second boosted my confidence to increase my pricing, the ROI was worth it!

2. Custom blog or website

It wasn’t cheap, but I knew I had to do it.  I needed a site that looked unlike anyone else’s and I wanted assistance with branding.  It shows you invest in your company.  Having a custom website/blog/weblog elevated me to stand out, to look polished and to not only book more, but charge more.  My designer is Ribbons of Red.

3.  Delivery of images and presentation

How do you deliver your images to your client?  Dropbox?  No, no.  There are certain reasons that would be OK, but for a majority of full-blown sessions, that shouldn’t be how you deliver them.  You’re missing that closing impression.  It would be like if you went shopping at a nice boutique and they scanned your items and you had to put it in your handbag – they didn’t wrap your clothes in pretty tissue paper with a branded sticker in the fancy bag.  You need pretty packaging, a proofing gallery (which may increase print sales), and a handwritten note to thank them.  Look for a good printer, pretty ribbon, USB drives, make it lovely!

4. Good equipment

I debated if I needed to say this, but I feel like I should.  You should have good equipment, if you can’t afford it, consider renting it.

5. Network

Who do you want to be placed with?  Make friends with those in your industry, and if you’re worried about the competition, consider reading this post.   I have found my peers to elevate me, encourage me, and help me get to where I wanted to be.

6. Know your pricing ahead of time

Know your cost per hour so you don’t take so long scrambling for a quote, or get upset when you price yourself low or out of the ballpark.  Keep in mind that being high priced doesn’t mean it works if you aren’t booking.  Being stressed with too many sessions means you need to increase pricing and book less to keep a healthy balance of time and keep creativity fresh.

7. Promo Video

Several years ago the promo video was a huge thing, I think it still is.  See my first one here, and my second one here.  Produced by Luxe Entertainment.  It gives potential customers a feeling for your business and personality.

Are you saving up for anything that you know will elevate your business?  Workshop, gear?  I am thinking about a lot in my world too.

{Photo by Melissa Schollaert}

Diana Elizabeth says to note websites that offer credit back to their stores, as in rewards.  This can be helpful as you build up your tools.