4 REAL Tips to Start a Photography Business in 2020

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

In this video I discuss 4 real and actionable steps you guys can take to start a photography business in 2020. If this was helpful please let me know! - Will

[@adventuresofjandk]

The Monochrome Memoirs I am curious and you may have talked about this before but do you use a certain set of presets for your photos or do you do all the editing from scratch. There are so many options out there but would like to find a really good set of presets to speed up the process.

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Yessir! We use Mastin Labs Porta preset for our skin tones after everything is color corrected. Look into them, they’re excellent

[@rachelweber3140]

Thanks for the tips! And definitely agree- Taylor Jackson's Patreon is great!

[@JohnWilliams-zh3mw]

​@@adventuresofjandk The channel Pixel Village covers settings and technical stuff really well. The host has a very nice way of explaining things simply, and he's easy to watch. Just my opinion. kzbin.info/door/ZcxH4XXZnq7yHWGwPvrpUQ

[@fabiennemichi7674]

Such a great video! I have been watching a lot of videos in this direction, and your information stands out! 😊 One question: do you think it is crucial to have a very engaging Instagram account for a photography business to work? The thought of spending hours on end on social media to get likes freaks me out a little 😅 Thanks again for the great content!

[@james1939-s1c]

Honestly I have been only watching your channel and Taylor's. There is a big difference between working pros giving advice and tips, and the endless drama of what camera focuses faster. Looking forward to what your channel brings in the new year!

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Thank you so much for the support James. Taylor is a great resource too and a really good dude!

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Also happy new year brother

[@james1939-s1c]

The Monochrome Memoirs happy New Years to you also!

[@loganlion6314]

I put an ad on Craigslist due to moving and starting over entirely. Also COVID put people in hiding. So I put an ad out. Both sets of people who responded are some of the best people I’ve ever met. Super chill and easy going, adamant about paying me what I wanted for only half the time I posted for

[@robertdowd112]

lol "It's been a crazy year" - if only we knew

[@douglasgriffie8037]

Your last 2019 vid reached me two months prior to 2021 loll. Thank you this is geniune and informitative insight!

[@JohnWilliams-zh3mw]

lol, I have worked in lots of fast pace, high stress, tight deadline businesses, and the motto is "the best people to work with, are the people who email you back quickly", even if the response is, "I can't talk now, but i'll give you a call around 4", then you call! Great vid, thanks.

[@cotswoldphotographers]

I shall watch this when I’m sober, only 2 hours to go until new year here in the uk!! Wishing you and Sarah a very happy 2020 and every success 🥳🥳

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Hahaha there’s some good info in here Garry you don’t want to miss it. Happy New Year to you and yours as well my friend, thanks for all the support this year!!!

[@ellent466]

OMG! I just started photography and I've watched tons of videos. This is actually the best advices. Thanks for sharing!!

[@heightperformance]

This is all great advice for anyone looking to start a business of any kind. Thanks for sharing. Love the content as a fellow Nikon shooter and someone who enjoys straight forward communication.

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Very much appreciate you watching!

[@Darkslide99]

Love your content. I have two types of channels I watch, the videos of photographers actually out there shooting and videos of people discussing the work and business of photography. I think early on I watched the gear heads a lot when I was trying to figure out what gear to buy and how to use it but honestly it’s like 10% “the gear” and 90% just getting out there and doing it. Love your channel! You don’t get lost in the gear talk with your channel

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Thank you so much for the support Toni! Glad my content is helping you

[@elenabekah]

Dang, I've probably watched like hundreds of these types of videos and I just wanna say I really appreciated this one, everything was so straight to the point, very real and great useful points were made, awesome job! Thanks for the advice! I've been paid since I was 16, but being in college has put that on hold so my portfolio is super outdated but I'm starting again and I'm super excited but also scared to get started again, lots of work to do and reaching out to do some free and discounted shoots to start up my portfolio again

[@Nadezhdapit]

You are amazing, Will! Thank you for sharing your very own SUPER professional TAKE!

[@jamesjackson4264]

Man you out here dropping jewels. I am aspiring and will be putting all these into effect in 2020. God bless!!!

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Any questions along the journey don’t hesitate to reach out!

[@khanhhuynh387]

I went back from a wedding photography workshop 2 week ago and I started building my website. Now, after watching this video, I more believe in I am on the right track. Thank you so much.

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Glad this helped my friend!

[@giantrobot73]

Thanks for sharing your experiences. Congrats on the success of your channel. I've learned much and look foward to 2020.

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Thank you for all the support this year my friend!

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

And happy new year!

[@ulriccajuste6960]

Thank you so much for this video! I’ve been thinking of starting my business for a while and this video helped me to map out what steps I should take in order to pursue my dream. Also, it’s so refreshing to have a channel and a guy like you who are so generous in sharing their real-world knowledge and who prove that there is no need for all the negativity that is present in most other photography channels. Thank you for the positivity and for sharing your philosophy. Have a great year!

[@artistwithcameras]

More in 20 minutes than 4 years at Harvard Business School. Solid advice that works in any industry. Congratulations.

[@KngsPwn4]

Finally, straight talk with lots of good info…bravo!!!!!

[@leonbrown7585]

This was one of the best photography videos I’ve seen!

[@TaylorJacksonPhoto]

🍕🍕🍕 thanks so much man! Really appreciate it!

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

No doubt!

[@karenchan9367]

Great great info here! Definitely the most motivating channel on YT

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Always appreciate the support Karen!

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

And happy new year!

[@SonnySinghGlobal]

In the beginning stages of trying to turn a hobby into a business. Appreciate this video. Gotta start getting more acclimated with camera differences and technical aspects

[@georgekaragiannakis1019]

Everything you need to know to start! Thank you very much Will!

[@anthonydarwinanos7366]

Watching this in 2021... thank you for all that solid advice!!

[@carpo719]

It's 2 in the morning here, not very often I stay up that late. But here we are in the New Year. Wishing you the best my friend

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

You as well brother!

[@carpo719]

@@TheMonochromeMemoirs hey man, I don't know if you will see this message but I was just getting ready to order some lighting for my studio and I thought I would ask you since you are an expert on these things. I was going to buy a cheap LED standing light set I think it but I want to make sure I get something that is quality. Or at least not a total piece of crap. As much as I despise Amazon they have a few lighting Products I was considering buying. Do you have any opinions on this? Mostly I just do KZbin videos from my back office but I want the right lighting for it. and I don't have a lot of money to spend. Say maybe a $50 budget tops, should I just make something myself?

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

carpo719 hey man! These are the ones I use: www.amazon.com/dp/B01NCJSK5V/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_4BvdEbHZ0TCZD They’re pretty sweet and perfect for the type of content you and I do (indoor lectures). Inexpensive too but keep in mind these are just the lights you should definitely grab a couple light stands as well

[@obscur_yoann]

Always like your advices. 👍 Jumping out the comfort zone is always a very rewarding challenge! 😉 Thanks and happy new year ! ✌️

[@bryansteven83]

Great way to start the new year. Thinking of taking this leap & I appreciate the advice. Happy New Year's 🎉👌🙏

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Anything I can do to help don’t hesitate to ask Bryan. Happy new year my friend!

[@joostmak]

Thanks again for a very useful video!!! Best wishes for 2020 and please keep the 'flow' coming ........😇

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Will do my friend!

[@stazzyjayy7346]

Unbelievable Video, Opened my mind to start taking this seriously!!!

[@Darkslide99]

I really want to try to do something small this spring...business wise.... and have written out the steps you mentioned to get this going. I have a full time day job though. I go back and forth. I really only want to do portraits (I’ve done a few on the side) bc even portraits are a TON of work...couldn’t imagine doing a wedding let alone 2 or 3 or 4! So much respect for wedding photographers. 😳😳

[@CrimpingPebbles]

Ah ah he can’t wait for 2020 poor innocent soul. Love the content by the way!

[@benwilliams9627]

Will I just wanted to say thank you brother. This is why I love your channel, its informative, you tell the truth and you have a wonderful road map for beginners like me. Thanks

[@lagr2293]

These videos are brilliant. Love this page

[@yagosanchezplaza1985]

Happy New Year!! Keep it up and never sell yourself to one brand!! Nice content for 2019 and hope will be better this year!! Love your honesty

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Thanks so much for the support my friend!

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

And happy new year to you as well!

[@JeffKurysz]

Dude you’re a friggin BOSS and your content is absolute GOLD. Thanks so much for your work - it’s killer!

[@bluecologne25]

I haven’t watched the video. Yet I already liked just by the title! Happy New Year good Sir!

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Very much appreciated my friend!

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Happy new year to you as well!

[@Altitude2011]

Hi Will, I agree: extreme customer service is vital in any business today.

[@donnellboone7442]

Great video Will!! That is exactly the advice that l need.Thank you for the tips!! Happy New year.

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

So glad this helped my friend!

[@genabena5331]

Very informative and extremely important. Personable and real is the ultimate customer service💖

[@sylvm28]

Happy New Year Guys, loving your channel .... Good Luck in 2020 !

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Thank you my friend! Great to have you on the channel!

[@ichandoit4504]

This video is amazing, and lots of useful information. I’m not entirely new to photography, but since I had only about two paid gigs as a freelancer within 4 years, and not recently. I still consider myself an amateur. I have messed with Film, DSLRs since I was a teen, and now own a mirrorless. I finally started taking it seriously five years ago, went into Auto Photography, and then into School Portraits. Since COVID hit, I have been laid off, and haven’t been back since. So I have decided to try and build a business with my spare time in photography with portraits, engagements, etc. I don’t think I’m ready for weddings, but I believe I’ll have fun doing it. Sorry about the whole story, but the reason I came on here is to ask for those who cant afford to pay for websites, and boost for Facebook post, and or so on. What would be a good work around that up till you can afford to run a webpage, and what not? Because of the lay-off I can’t afford to do those things even if it is just 5, 10,15, so, and so a month. Thanks

[@r1berto1]

GREAT VIDEO ! ! ! ! You should write a HOW TO book. You hit every nail right on the head. After a lifetime of passionate photography I have decided to go PRO. Most serious contenders should follow your directions to the letter. Thanks for your your post.

[@zoezou2918]

Appreciate the truth, that’s the main reason I subscribe and watch your every video, Best regards from Benjamin, Dalian China :)

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Great to have you on the channel my friend!

[@greenmedic88]

Like the direction the channel is heading; very helpful.

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Very much appreciated Daniel, thanks for all the support this year!

[@samfoley5858]

This is exactly what I needed to hear right now. Thanks Will 🙏🏻

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Glad this helped my friend

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

And happy new year!

[@rollinwithmiles6183]

Thank you for the great information! I am just starting out on my photography journey and I truly appreciate the time you have taken to do this video! Well done, keep up the great work!

[@Musiquely-tv1hu]

I don't know how much to thank you bro

[@BriteFrog]

Very well presented and informational video. Thank you for giving me much-needed insight into taking my photography to the next level.

[@GrazyDarkie]

Damm bro....video is right on time. I am sick of my job and want to start a photography business...thanx a lot.. Will watch this a couplet of times👊 O and btw happy New year bro

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Thank you so much for the support and I’m so glad this helped!

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

And happy new year to you Roy

[@R2X2Z]

I learned a lot from you and feel encouraged by your videos! Happy new year and looking forward for 2020!

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

So glad my videos help!!

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Happy new year to you as well!!

[@dinkobilic9078]

Someone give this man a raise!!

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Hahah I like this guy ☝🏻

[@rachelleabaca]

I really needed to watch this video. Thank you so much for all this information, it's so valuable to newbies like me.

[@dmsjt5181]

We just started ours. Ephin Photography. It’s my husband and I, and Ephin is our couple name. We actually have a really incredible love story too (very painful divorces we didn’t want, met each other, eloped, now we’re a blended family with 6 kids). Joseph + Devin= Ephin 😂

[@gujuguy003]

Happy New Year and Thank you for wonderful information... Here is to more videos and information for 2020

[@2007vitaly]

Thanks so much for sharing your experiences and tricks on how to become a photographer bussiness. This is very helpful, definitely for me is. My entourage is nornal people that dont take photagrophy as a serious thing, I keep telling them it is needed and the demand is there you guys just dont see it!

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Yessir very true! Glad this helped my friend

[@VL20IG]

This video makes me want to start working weddings. Thank you for sharing such valuable info.

[@yogistrail9723]

Dude! The best advice I’ve heard so far. Thank you!!!!

[@anitakaiser9258]

Such great tips! Thanks 😊

[@creativityrevealed3659]

Weddings scare me in the sense that I am not set up enough to accomplish the level of business they deserve. Have been using Instagram as kind of a public portfolio to show what I have been practicing lately. It also helps me get used to interacting with new friends. This vid was great btw 👊🏻

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Really appreciate the feedback Matthew! Any questions about running a business or getting started up let me know!

[@joannekeighery3861]

This video is one of the best. I'm going to action all of your advice - thanks so much :)

[@five18audio]

I love you bro you hit the nail on this one

[@jewellymaisonet6878]

SO HELPFUL!!! Thank you.

[@romiemiller3093]

I agree with your assessment of pro v. amateur photographers.. Where I live there are about two dozen amateur photographers that are a lot better then 90% of the pros.

[@michaelwright8581]

Value added video gold. Thank you

[@vognarov]

Thats amazing content man, really appreciate it. I really like to listen to your insight, I dont always agree but it kinda opens my eyes to many things. I am starting my business in next few months and carefully noting your advices, thanks!

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Any help I can give you please don’t hesitate to ask my friend

[@RobertOConnor]

Thank you for this extremely valuable information... I'm definitely going to put it into practice!

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Thank you for watching my friend!

[@Fifthimagez]

The best videos and information I came across thanks so much

[@mainmain5303]

Just first video that I watched. Exactly what I needed to know.

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Glad this helped my friend!

[@russellwright9961]

Thanks-a-million for this video, you’re spot on according to my research in starting a photography business! This is so valuable man!!!

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

You the man Russell, glad this helped!

[@denimira.borisova]

Great video thank you so much! love that!

[@ItsMyLifeDaralynn]

Great tips on building business relationships.

[@DDy8073]

I am starting to get into photography, im getting a Nikon D3500 thursday (today is monday night) and i found this so inspiring , i literally took notes cause this is information i need, thank you so much soon ill be getting a nifty fifty for my first lens outside of the kit lens, im super excited to start out! honestly any advice is welcomed, i have a few people already asking to start doing shots once i get good with my camera so thats a starting place. again thank you for the video and if you have any good lens that may help me at a entry level out side the 50mm nikkor f/1.8G please let me know!

[@builderspluscustomhomesand2146]

I have only one statement... Professionals never boast that they are professionals :-) Get out there and start shooting. I know a TON of "pros" who can't shoot and I've seen amateurs shoot in a preset fully auto setting and have better shots that the "pros". Just get out there and start shooting. Want to know how good you are shooting? Look at the high dollar photographer images and go mimic some shots like the image you saved... compare it. Looks close? FANTASTIC!

[@oldDan-l1c]

Listen to this man

[@mikszakis6735]

Thank you so much for this. I was just going through on how to get peoples attention. I am glad I found this video.

[@LifewithDimeji]

Best game, get to know the vendors real well

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

That’s it my friend!

[@symzg5995]

It's funny, I was planning on shooting weddings for round about 700 but after watching your vid i know better. Appreciate the advice

[@Gibson1976uk]

I get odd jobs but don’t push myself as much as I should :) I know photographers who get loads of work but it’s nothing special, they really stick to standard push and click stuff! Plus they have family in high places who I think helps get gigs :) one of my female friends wants me to do some pictures of her this year, fancy underwear shots! which I haven’t done before but she is very supportive of my work :) I’m guessing this type of work will give off a vibe that I am trusted more! plus I have to make sure she looks like she’s more vogue than FHM :)

[@marinusmuller9359]

Thank you so much for this. It's really appreciated 🙏🏼

[@cj2driver]

Great content my friend. Keep it up. Happy New Year!

[@maricriscoral5589]

I want to put my heart into this❤️

[@adventuresofjandk]

Great video.

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Thanks for watching brother, happy new year!

[@davidmas3455]

Yeah you was right I can’t believe 2020. How is going for you? Greetings from London

[@dougnelson423]

Great tutorial. Well done.

[@kasulebaker8044]

this came at the right time thax for the video

[@TheOscardominguez24]

Great talk!! Thanks

[@ronbianca9722]

Hi,good video. A few other things to think of: Business license Resale permit (to collect taxes) In CA. you need to be checked out by the local police department,that is a requirement before a business license will be issued that is to keep the perverts out and away from children! Have a great 2020!

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Great addition to the conversation Ron!

[@ewanvernon5183]

Very helpful video dude. Thank you!

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Thanks for watching my man

[@stevenmcdaniel8043]

Just discovered your channel, new subscriber for sure.Thank you very much definitely going to apply these tips in the coming week. Great information Quick question if you have the time.ive been shooting for years,I have enrty level mid teir gear(nikon d5100,d5300) I know that'll get me through the family portrait sessions and most of the portfolio building on a serious scale. My current gear has even got me through a few weddings. Looking to upgrade soon maybe Nikon d750 or something full frame. My question to you is would you wait to start booking weddings until you could upgrade camera bodies or buy better glass for current systems. Either way I'm going to have to get better aperture glass.

[@jackwillson579]

Happy new year Will, besides wedding photography what else do u shoot? fashion? landscape?

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Thank you Jack! We shoot weddings and families

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Landscape for fun!

[@shaniceb1883]

Hey, thanks for much for the info super helpful! I’m brand new to the photography industry and I was wondering what kind of equipment would you bring to a wedding and what wouldn’t you bring? Also I’m kind of thinking about placement and lighting, what kind of tips would you recommend for the actual shooting experience and how I should go about actually shooting the photos and what exactly to focus on etc. because I’m thinking and I’m not sure how I could get better if I don’t know what areas to focus on any suggestions if you don’t mind sharing?

[@TaipeiGeek]

I love photography as a hobby, it relaxes me, so when I'm sick of my job, I go out and shoot on the weekend and it relaxes me. So I would not want to make it a business, but thanks for this video, it will be useful for a lot of people.

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Thanks for watching my friend!

[@sbanditobear3363]

This was so helpful... I’ve been struggling to get inquiries and it seems like when they come in I don’t have a tough time booking them, it’s just getting them to begin with. These ideas are gold... do you have any thoughts on Wedding Wire, or sites like those?

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Hey man I’m so glad this helped! We just cancelled our contract with WW, it does produce inquiries but in feel that it’s overpriced! Much to build relationships with local vendors, I’m telling you that’s GOLD. Any questions totally feel free to ask

[@BillBarbosaPhotography]

Great video man! I have a question you spoke about starting out photographers in the $2000 range but what about mid and high level photographers where should they be? Thanks for any insight. Ps just purchased the z6 the 50 and 85 super excited. Thanks for the videos and encouraging me to get it. Happy New Year's

[@julioareck]

Have to wait 5 minutes until the main content starts, but those 4 tips are very good.

[@wintersthrall]

I'm really looking forward to your video on how to boost Facebook posts.

[@amadeuscrossing7061]

Thank you

[@VinceTabancay]

Big Thanks men!

[@Darkslide99]

I know this post is old and I’ve been here a lot. I’m just about ready to do this...reading up on LLC’s and understanding the taxes has me “shook” 🤣 I’m still working my regular job and worried having a photo business on the side could get complicated. Are taxes complicated for a photo business?

[@mt-nv4jd]

I use a cpa to keep it all straight. For what they charge, they save you money.

[@雪鷹魚英語培訓的領航]

Nice video quality.