Elroy Salam shares how to start a professional photography business in Ghana

Samuel Kwame Boadu briefly spoke to Elroy Salam, a creative artiste and one of the best photographers in Ghana whose works has been featured on top brands like Vogue, VOA, Global Citizen, CNN etc. and the tips he gave are what we used for this article.

Starting a photography business entails a wide array of talents and skills to make it function smoothly. If you are not a professional photographer yet, it definitely means gaining the necessary skills to both operate in the operational side of this business as well as in the administrative side.

As an employee, you will be responsible for answering phones, scheduling appointments, handling clients, delivering goods and services, filing, and packaging orders.

Photography Equipment

If you are already a photographer and are looking to take your photography business to the next level, or you just like to experiment with different shots, it might be time to consider getting some new camera gear.

You might want to purchase some of the best lenses and gear used for professional photography. Here are some great ideas for the equipment that you might want to consider for your photography business.

A digital camera is one of the essentials in a photography business kit. Having a professional camera that is easy to use and can take quality pictures is critical to your success as a photographer. You will need a compact, easy-to-use camera that can give you plenty of opportunities to practice what you have learned in class or in your internship. Check out the reviews of the camera brands before buying one because the choice these days is massive.

Photo Editing Software

Another great investment you should make is to invest in a good premium editing software program. There are several good editing software available, but the most commonly used recommended programs on the market for all your professional photography needs has to be the Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Lightroom, Corel PaintShop Pro, and Protraitpro.

The software mentioned are very good and the best to use for your professional photo editing. These editing softwares will take your clients images to the next level.

Photography Business plan

After purchasing your camera and equipment, you have to come up with a business plan to keep you focused and organized. Think about how much money you need to spend on equipment, supplies and space in your studio. Decide whether you will hire employees or you will run the studio yourself. Will you rent office space in a commercial area? Do you have enough money to buy your own equipment? A good way to keep focused on your goals is to put your plans down on paper first.

Next, think about your photography target market. Are you looking to serve hobbyists, professionals, or students? If you decide to focus on students for example, it is a good idea to have a brand that has an affordable package for your clients. Keep in mind that each type of client may require a different package. Also, decide on your photography niche, will your primary focus be food photography, weddings, commercial, portraits, or general?

Knowing your primary focus will help you become successful much quicker. People like to go in for photographers who specialize in a specific niche.

Photography Studio Setup

Getting a studio setup for your photography business is crucial. As a photographer, your studio serves as your office and workspace. To set up your studio, you need to first decide on the location and space, set up backgrounds / backdrops, get suitable lighting and studio equipment, and lastly get a stunning interior design to make your studio look unique.

Getting Clients for your business

When you have your list of possible clients and their requirements, it is time to start thinking about where to find them. Try to think like your current customers. How would they find your photography studio if they were searching online? Use social media, online classifieds, and photography review sites to connect with potential clients.

Advertising your Photography Business

Now that you know where to find your clients, it is time to create your marketing materials. You can use traditional advertising tactics, such as press releases and online ads, but the best way to promote your new business is to deliver the best services to your clients. When you offer quality services, your clients will automatically refer you to more people. See How Elroy Salam advertises His on His Instagram (@elroysalam)

Summary

In order to start a professional photography business, you should invest in some professional photography equipment, such as a digital camera and editing software. These will give you the tools you need to operate your professional photography business. You should in addition pick a primary niche, get a photo studio, know your target market, and promote your business.