Article Surfing Archive

We are always confronted with the positive if not the encouragement to look at why we should open or think of starting a photography business. Sometimes it is suggested by those around you and often it's a personal whim. I thought it would be beneficial to perhaps look at the 'other side of the coin' and answer why some people should not be starting a photography business even if you've got enough money to do so.

Here are eleven reasons why you should not be starting a photography business. For the sake of easy reading I've placed these in bullet point fashion,

- If you believe that your fantastic photo ability on its own will attract an abundance of customers, think again because there are some great phoographers out there and there will always be one that you can learn from

- If you like to avoid conversation with strange people or just people in general you are unlikely to survive running your own photography business

- If you think that the term customer service is a useless cliche and is an overrated term, then starting a photography business is not for you. The 'best of the best' keep on surprising their new and existing customers with little extras they simply were not expecting. As a result their customers become loyal and won't go anywhere else

- Being pleasant in unusual circumstances or when the subject is getting tired and irritable is essential - do you have that skill?

- Living on a budget while you struggle to make ends meet but still do all of the above is not for the faint hearted - discipline and staying powere is also essential

- Someone who jumps in without learning anything about starting a photography business and equally important, making it profitable is bordering on stupidity (this one is for the cheap skates who blame everyone else except themselves when it all falls down)

- Not having enough cash flow to see the early period through before the business becomes profitable. Some of you are clever enough to have another job while they build a clientelle if they don't have enough cash in the tin

- Not deciding on what photography business(es) they would like to specialize in before they start

- If you're aren't sure whether you enjoy photography or not

- If you suffer from any kind of depression regularly

- If you have difficulty in understanding why 'the customer is always right' then starting a photography business is not a good look for you

None of these points are intended to be offensive just factual. I apologize if any of this information struck a nerve but better you think about this now than too far down the track - right? Starting a photography business is a big move.