[Read Time - 5 Minutes]
I won’t lie to you, the business part of running a wedding photography business is my least favorite part of the process.
I’m a creative person, and when you start talking about Cost of Goods Sold (COGS), P&L Statements, and taxes, my brain quickly switches the channel to a college football game.
Since this week’s issue falls squarely on the business side of wedding photography, I’ll cover it plainly and quickly so even your accountant will appreciate it.
If you’re starting out, have shot a bit and are now ready to commit to turning this passion project into something profitable, here’s a few quick tips to get you moving.
#1 Use the resources available to you from the companies that help photographers.
I won’t bore you with stories about how, in the “old days,” we didn’t have online vendors and had to walk to weddings in three feet of snow against the wind both ways, but things have changed a LOT in the past 25 years.
There are online booking agents, accounting software, payment tools and specialized communication tools designed by people who know the photography industry and want to make your life easier.
Start with a reputable online hosting service.
I’ve used a few and have friends who have used a few others. I won’t endorse anyone in particular because I haven’t tried them all, but Shootproof, Zenfolio, SmugMug, Honeybook and Pixieset are good places to start.
My first company was ShootQ started by Gary Fong, and it was actually one of the very first to host photos online AND scan film, but it went out of business in 2018. I was surprised to see it’s back and under new management, so I’d peek at that one too.
Most of these services along with hositing photos, have built-in booking features and payment processors all rolled into one, which is really nice.
In the old days, you mailed contracts and had to get a separate credit card processor plus online gateway and then connect both to your bank, and yes, it was as painful as it sounds…and you paid high fees for that pain!
Life is good for small businesses today!
From sending contracts from your phone, online booking and receiving signatures to setting up payment plans for your clients and email sequences, AND hosting the photos for all to see all in one platform, this once-painful part of running a business is not exactly pleasurable, but certainly less painful.
Tip #2 Start small and don’t go all in until you’re ready.
You do not have to pay a high ticket price for a deluxe online service today. Do your research, try a few on for size, and invest only in what you need and can afford now.
Part of the fun of growing a business are the growing pains, so don’t deny yourself those, BUT don’t be a fool and waste time that could be more valuable doing what you do best. Your time is valuable.
The one thing I haven’t found is a good system for is state and local taxes. While the online process is more streamlined in many states, you still have to do the work yourself. That may be one thing to invest in later as you get bigger.
NOTE: If you’re thinking, “I’m not big enough to start filing taxes yet,” I recommend you chat with an accountant who is certified to file taxes and get their advice. If you’re making money, you’re big enough to file taxes, sorry.
I’ve never been audited (nor do I want to), and I plan to keep it that way by paying my state sales tax every month, making quarterly employment payments and making my yearly donations to the state and federal government.
I highly recommend hiring an accountant to handle your taxes when that time rolls around and advise you on incorporating. I know it sounds scary, but it’s what they do, and you only pay them when you use their services, which is probably once a year, so it is not too bad.
Pro Tip: Don’t mess around with taxes. Let the professionals do that. The best advice my accountant gave me was “Just make as much money as you can.” Good advice.
Tip #3 Plan for success
As you dig into these services more, you might feel a little overwhelmed. I know I did for sure. The bad news is that you SHOULD have to go through this part to create your business.
None of this is as much fun as shooting or buying new gear, but it’s necessary.
I know many of these things kinda suck, but that’s the privilege of running a business, and don’t worry, you CAN do it!
Research, ask questions, try something out and don’t be afraid to switch if it doesn’t feel right for you.
A LOT of these companies use big-time photographers as influencers to sell their services. Know this and take it for what it’s worth.
Don’t be afraid to call the big-time photographer and ask them why they should use it. One of the cool things about wedding photography is that no one is TOO big to pick up the phone.
And the last nugget of wisdom I’ll throw at ya is to think of these companies as an extension of your business, or better yet, an employee.
I started with zero employees and still have zero today. Just the thought of payroll weirds me out, but I won’t hesitate to pay monthly for a solid business that takes care of my contracts, hosting, printing and sales to my clients and their guests.
You’ll know when you’re ready to make the big leap, but even if you’re a little curious today, it’d be worth your time to make a few small steps.
Good luck and go make as much money as you can!
Work with whatever tools you may have at your command and better tools will be found as you go along.
Napoleon Hill
Starting a business with the right tools is one of the little parts of the “inner game of wedding photography.”
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