Do you think my photography is good enough...?

[Mrs.Pooboo]

Do you think my photography is good enough to start my own business?
I have tons of people about 2 a day want pictures charging $85 each. But im scared to actually take the step and actually start a studio. What do you think. If you have a facebook, search 'Johnna Watkins Photography', if you don't have facebook, you can go to my Flickr, i don't have as many photos on that though.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jwphotography1/

[Rivers <3]

you should go pro.

[Kevin k]

My first question is do you have signed model releases from parent or guardian for those under 18, or from the individual if over 18 for every picture on your flickr photostream?

You should. Add it into details whether you do or not.

If you're getting that much work, the best bet would be to rent a studio as needed, and charge two separate rates, studio or location prices. A studio rental is around 25.00 an hour, so just tack that onto your current rate. Opening a studio is a massive expense, lights, backgrounds, building rentals and business licenses, along with insurance and everything else. Rent one to see if it's worthwhile.

Once you find a studio is profitable, better to share a studio, or build one with the outlook of renting it out. You can make as much money on your off days if you have a good rental base.

EDIT-Eric, you're forgetting one thing, when you rent the studio, you are handing them a check, it's called business expenses. You don't pay tax on your expenses, only your income.

EDIT- Winter, you need a model release any time you are publishing a photo. Even putting a photo on a Flickr photostream should have a release, especially if it's a minor. How would you feel if you brought your kid for a shoot, and then someone showed you his picture on Flickr? Even worse, people started using it without permission, and your kids photo was all over the net. At least with a signed release, the photographer is covered, without it, you are asking for trouble. If you put it in a printed portfolio you carry around, not essential, but still a courtesy.

I asked the question of releases to see how business oriented she was. Anyone doing photography as a business carries model releases in their bag.

[Eric Lefebvre]

Studio rentals are fairly cheap ... just take the rental fee and then double it.

Let's say you want 40$ from the shoot and it costs 50$ for the studio rental. The client is going to hand you a check. If you charge 90$, you;ll end up paying half of that as income tax so you;ll actually be loosing money.

90/2(taxes)=45-50(studio rental)= -5$ .. that's NEGATIVE 5 dollars.

Instead charge an hourly rate so let's say they are doing a 2 hour shoot and you want 40$ from it (really low BTW) and 2 hours in the studio costs 50$ then you need to charge 40$ an hour (or 80$) + 100$ sitting fee for a total of 180$.

180/2(taxes)=90-50(studio rental)= 40$

It's actually a bit more complicated than that really as you have to factor in things like the cost of any prints you make, your time meeting with the client, travel costs ... but above gives you a general idea at least. The way some people explained it, you'd be working at a loss.

You also have to worry about sales tax remitance, printing contacts, obtaining model releases, getting liability insurance ... you should also generate a pool of money that you drop back into the business to buy new equipment, go to trade shows, buy business cards ....

When starting a business in Photography, it's more important to have a business management background than a photography one.

[Winter Star]

I think your off to a good start but still need some improvements.
Your exposure seems to be off in some pictures. When you are shooting outdoors watch out for shadows and direct sunlight. Maybe invest in a reflector to help fill in the shadows. If you're working by yourself with no assistant a stand for the reflector will help.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/52...l#features
You can also use a fill flash as well but reflectors are cheaper to start off with.
You have every right to be scared it's a lot of work to have your own business and keep it in the black. I think you should hold off on the studio and maybe make a spare room in your home into a studio. It's great that you are getting clients right now, but I think you still need to improve more til you can successfully start a studio.

You only need a model release when you are going to be selling the pictures to a company for an ad, you do not need one to post them in your portfolio. Do you have your clients sign contracts? If not there is a book on contracts by Tad Crawford. Or you can find some online as well.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1581156...F8TQ1G5CF5
Your contract should mention that you own the rights to these and that you are able to use the pictures in your portfolio.
EXAMPLE
"The Photographer shall own the copyright in all images created and shall have the exclusive right to use the images and make reproductions for promotional or advertising material or for use on the Photographer’s website(s)."

Tip: In your facebook wall advertisement you say you offer wedding services but you have no wedding portfolio to show? If you have not had some experience in weddings I say take it off till you do have the experience. Wedding photography is a huge thing and can't be redone like an engagement shoot. Try looking into wedding workshops in your area. They cost a lot of money but it will help give you practice, tips and some shots to put in your portfolio. I also suggest redoing the ad because the pictures are not aligned properly and it just looks bad.

You still have some learning to do, keep practicing and learn from your mistakes. Look for inspiration from other photographers and see what they do different from you and learn how you can improve. Keep working on getting your business together and working on a website possibly. Maybe take a business class specifically for photography so when you're ready to start you'll have the information. This will cost a lot of money but if you keep improving and keep your clients happy, you can earn that money back.

[jjt168]

a quick view in your photostream.. I say you got the basic down..

my advice now is just shoot shoot and shoot and when you think you have enough.... shoot some more! eventually everything will come to place..

enjoy!