What I've Learned

When I first started out taking pictures of other people's children and families that weren't related to me, (About 2 years ago)  I made a lot of mistakes.  I'm very sure that I have those newly starting photographers following my Facebook page, and probably will be following my blog.

Let me give you some sound advice...

1.  When I was designing a website, I asked advice from someone who wasn't in the photography business, but was a very good friend (bad mistake) how much I should charge, and how to word everything on my website.  She told me to visit another photographers website, and look at her prices, and then just adjust accordingly.  And then use some of her wording to just get a start on my website.   It was just a few days later that I got a harassing email saying that my setup looked like another photographers in town.   I tried to email her back and explain that it was just temporary, but she/he used a fake email so I couldn't respond. 

2. I started out charging TOO low for my work.   If I don't value my work, who will?   Because of the LOW cost and I'm talking about $5-$10  per session and CD,  I didn't get the respect that I deserved. I had people not cancel and not show up.  I had other people who were friends of family of those that I did at a cheap rate, ask for that rate, and when I told them no, they got upset.   DO NOT UNDERCHARGE FOR YOUR WORK.  

3. I didn't have a contract.  MAJOR mistake!   Make sure that you have a contract that covers what your fees are, and what your expectations are for the session, and that you are not responsible for any injuries during the session, and if your doing photos in your studio that there is a stipulation in that contract that they are responsible for any damage that their child does to your props, or equipment.   I had two clients children rip a prop box apart, and a chalk board that got so scratched up by their child that I couldn't use it anymore.   The parent(s)  sat there not doing anything to stop the behavior.   

4.  COMMUNICATE!!!   That was one of my weak points.   HOW can you get great portraits of someone if you don't know them.  Ask them what their interests are.   Ask them if there are any poses that you've already used that they liked.   And try to modify them.  

5.  INSIST on a down payment.   I've been stood up by so many clients.   I've spent a couple of hours planning their sessions, wasting my time, and not gotten reimbursed for it.  I now ask for $20 up front to ensure that my time won't be wasted. If they don't show or call, they forfeit that $20. 

6.  PLAN your photo sessions.   Make a shot list.    At least do this for the first few times until you are more experienced. 

7,  ACCEPT constructive criticism.  Other photographers who have more experience than you, can really help you to improve.  

8.  KEEP ALL YOUR RECEIPTS & CHARGE TAXES.    Make sure that when you buy props, etc for your business, get a SEPARATE receipt.

9.  TRY HARD NOT to let it bother you when you see other photographers using your ideas or poses.   Everyone starts somewhere, and it should make you proud that they like your work enough to copy it. :) :)  Take it as a compliment.

10.  HAVE FUN!   The business side to photography can be stressful, don't let it affect how much fun you can have with your clients.