How to Start a Photography Business in 2024

[@jbivphotography]

Who's starting their photography business this year?

[@tillist1]

I’d like to. Only some a portrait class and a couple news paper spots. Just not sure how to go from that to people paying me 🤣

[@mylensofview23]

I’m trying to.

[@amirgallashaw]

I am! Actually getting serious about it

[@deepaksomayya]

Hai John ,Mee Too I am Big Fan of your work and inspired to take Photography as a profession.

[@solomongarcia72]

My editing my portfolio now!

[@pixbypatric]

Not ready for wedding yet but I’m ready to start a photography business. Been learning from you for 3 years now.

[@boostedmaniac]

If you’re using SD cards make sure you shoot with a copy on the 2nd card. I’ve had a few failures with a few images on SD cards. Usually it’s just one image. It’s very rare but has happened maybe 3-4x in 10 years.

[@kareembrown2791]

I just started out on photography about 7 months ago now I’m doing a wedding so this is so helpful.

[@jbivphotography]

Awesome! Congrats on starting your business.

[@thenightmare7373]

How did it go?

[@DJG.Music_]

I’ve watched multiple ‘start your photography business’ videos, and by far, yours gave me the most information I was looking for. Such as, advising to practice with street photography. Thank you very much, you’ve earned a sub.

[@jbivphotography]

That's awesome to hear! I'm glad I could be helpful. Thanks for subbing to the channel.

[@SlayerzXtreme]

The Tamron 35-150mm (F 2 - 2.8) is a unstoppable beast! I wish it was available when I started my journey as a photographer!

[@melinamena-i3t]

wow this helped sm bc you skipped the small talk & got straighttt to the point! thank youuuuu

[@cadenmaciejewski5705]

I’m a photographer as my “second job” and I use the canon rebel T7 and the 18-55mm lens and the 75-300mm lens and they are both great lenses. All my equipment came in a kit besides my 75-300mm because I bought that separate.

[@jbivphotography]

Nice. That's a great way to start out.

[@Mikeparkerofficial]

Good job, what niche do you shoot?.

[@calikidag1571]

I started in August and I'm a natural man! I fell in love with it I have a alpha a7 iv right now and a few 0.95f lenses so far 0.95 has been perfect for my style of shooting.

[@scottnorland4214]

Don't forget you can rent gear. That lets you trial it before buying and use gear you may need for only a few days a year.

[@jbivphotography]

Very true. And I’m a huge fan of renting gear. However what is funny is I made a video talking about renting gear and everyone gave me crap saying it’s not a good idea 🙃🙃 I love renting gear to see if it’s a camera that will work for me.

[@ReadIcculus93]

If you see a moment and miss it, it doesn't hurt to ask the two to recreat the moment, especially if its something simple and you are good at posing. I'm sure they'll appreciate the photo afterwards. The line between true candid and posed is very thin and nobody really cares in the end.

[@edgardolmartinez]

please explain more about advertising and SEO on google.

[@jbivphotography]

That would be an awesome video.

[@edgardolmartinez]

@@jbivphotography I will be here for it.

[@hopetonirwin7633]

I agree...please do

[@AubreeFusselman]

This is the best video! So so helpful! Thank you from the pit of my ticker. I subscribed.

[@talbox_tee]

There is so much helpful information here. I started this year but not really booking…but this information is invaluable and answers a lot of questions I had. Awesome video!

[@jbivphotography]

That's awesome to hear. Glad this was a helpful video.

[@aakarshgv4342]

Is it bad to start photography from High end cameras say Flagship ones I mean am I going to miss something from mid range or beginner cameras?

[@joyngwolo2523]

This is very resourceful, thank you for sharing.

[@bogopuar7463]

This is the best tutorial on starting a photography business I have watched. I think I have seen them all....lol I really appreciate your advice of using a CRM and a way to deliver pics and prints. Thank you for the heads up on Honey Book. I will be implementing these services. Again, thank you.

[@jbivphotography]

Glad you enjoyed the video. I hope it was truly helpful and good luck on your photography business!

[@MichaelBargo-t2c]

Amazing video. Thank you! Love all your content. Appreciate you sharing all that you have learned.

[@jbivphotography]

I appreciate that!

[@eksmaan]

Dropping knowledge around here. Depending on the size of the spaces I am moving in, it's 18/33, 23/50 or 23 and 56. Cheers man!

[@jbivphotography]

That's a nice lens setup! I agree with it depends on the size of the rooms you'll be working in.

[@myfakeguuglaccount8307]

I've been photographing the band kids for a couple of years, and was finally offered my first gig by a parent who likes my work! I don't know if I'm ready yet, though.

[@jbivphotography]

That's awesome. You're probably ready. Exciting for you!

[@myfakeguuglaccount8307]

@@jbivphotography I liked your advice about not buying too much at first. I've been under the impression that I needed all manner of lenses, flashes, backgrounds, etc.

[@TheIfeomaa]

So so much knowledge for beginners Thank you

[@saraventura1333]

Thank you for the upload great video

[@focusonbusinesspodcast]

I absolutely love this. Really love how you make it so clear as it is madness to sift through the information!

[@BlizzyVisualz]

How much should one charge for a basic session? Like, what's the average price for a photography session? (Weddings, Sports, Portraits)

[@RealLuisRamirez]

Probably the best video I’ve seen explaining the ins and outs of the photography business and how to create a sustainable system! Thank you so much for making this content.

[@jbivphotography]

This is awesome to hear. Glad to know this is a helpful video.

[@RealLuisRamirez]

@@jbivphotography I would’ve never thought to implement a CRM with my photography business until now, thanks to you. I feel like that’s a great call.

[@williamsaylor3577]

Been shooting weddings, engagements an family for about 8 years now but always afraid to leave the job. Looks like I'm jumping ship in the next few months. What would you suggest for advertising? social media ads? or not at all? I have SEO down but it can always use work. Definitely want to make sure we have income. LOL

[@JoelLopez-bw4tn]

Trying out Real Estate Photography with an A7iii.. Thanks for the advice

[@jbivphotography]

Nice! That’s a good niche to be in. Keep up the great job you’re going to do amazing!

[@rubenous1]

Great vid to start the biz. Thanks.

[@jbivphotography]

Awesome to hear! I hope it's helpful for everyone.

[@rickyblues1]

I’m just starting out myself and these tidbits where world awesome

[@jbivphotography]

that's awesome to hear. Good luck with your photography journey.

[@official_cpone_mrzambia]

Thanks so much for the good advice ❤

[@Krystal_Kitty7]

Hello what Fujifilm camera are you using for those wedding photos? They are beautiful and I am in the market for a new camera thank you!

[@JoShUaMp12]

If a 2nd camera body isn’t an option at the moment, would you recommend getting 1 prime and 1 solid zoom to cover all of the mentioned focal lengths? Current using a 23mm f2 on my Fuji xt4 and I’m debating whether to get the 16-55 f2.8 or another prime like an 85mm equivalent. Love your videos!

[@liekosdawn]

personally, i would go for 2 prime lenses. I shoot weddings, amongst other things, and rarely reach for my zoom lenses

[@Camerandrewp]

How do I network and get clients?

[@KittyHurryUp]

First time seeing footage of your adorable kids! 😻

[@jbivphotography]

That footage is sooo old too. They've grown so much.

[@KittyHurryUp]

@@jbivphotography My first baby is on the way, two weeks now till the dough is finally out of oven 😆 looking forward to see his little face. Btw last week I used the new XH2 on a wedding the first time 😊 the room was small so I took a 10-18mm with me. Seems I could’ve used a 24mm cause some of the pictures are quite wide angled and it’s hard to avoid people on edge. Any tips?

[@WatersofeverlastingLife]

I have a canon R10 and R5. I have been shooting since Christmas. It's so difficult to get the sharp images I see. I have a 35mm, 50mm, 85mm macro, and 100mm macro. I've taken some great portraits but even in my photoshop, I'm still feeling lost a bit.

[@giuseppe.g]

Great video as always 💪💪💪 just a question you suggest the 35/85 combo, in your experience 24/50 its good too ore the 24 its too wide and rhe 50 too close ?

[@jbivphotography]

I think 24/50 would be good especially if you like to shoot wide. The 24 can be a little bit while, and to use it for pictures you really have to be a little bit more creative but especially for wedding photography it is a sweet spot. You’ll just loose a lot of reach when it comes to reception speeches and ceremony.

[@madsatchel]

This video was so helpful! I have found a couple of the lenses that I "think" you were referencing, but I am not finding 85mm or 24mm lenses to be that popular. Seems like 23mm and 90mm are more popular? Also, wondering if you have brand preferences on the lenses? Thanks so much for the video! Great stuff!

[@jbivphotography]

Hi. I think in the video I was mainly talking in the FF equivalent but it seems that the 56mm is pretty popular. It depends on what you're using it for and how. I tend to have a differing approach sometimes so I actually don't really like the 90. As far as brand preference I feel that the Fujifilm lenses are always the best for the cameras. They're a little expensive but they're great. Now if you're talking other camera bodies than Fujifilm I was a HUGE fan of Sigma lenses.

[@beanerbon]

Get 35mm and 85mm Think of the 35mm as “Me and where I’m at.” While 85mm as “Me, Myself, and I”

[@Pixelpeeps-69]

Fantastic video 👌👍📸 I’ve just started a wedding photography business and is it best to advertise prices on my website or not and is it best to have different wedding packages or just one package price?

[@jbivphotography]

Honestly it's really a toss up. Personally IMO showing your pricing on your site is best. This weeds out price shoppers so that when you talk to your couples you know you're speaking to people who actually want to work with you. Having multiple packages is really up to you. I stopped doing that and I have a single package that I customize for my couples.

[@gaberawlinson9075]

I would love more information on the SEO stuff. It's hard to wrap my head around it. Also. I'm not far from Raleigh, do you do consultations with other photographers?

[@loganbattista1765]

I’m a fan of imagen. I don’t quite use the culling stuff because I’m mainly a concert photographer but for portraits and stuff imagen is awesome. Usually have to do a once over and tweak a few things here and there but really good resource.

[@thesamedambub9072]

I got the Sony a6000 with the Viltrox 23mm 1.4. & the Sony 55-210. Any tips?

[@jbivphotography]

No tips here. that's a great setup. I'll probably make a video on beginner techniques at some point as well.

[@kralservet3313]

I just started learning how long do you think I can learn to become a professional photographer ?

[@jbivphotography]

Sooner than you think. Once you feel you know your camera pretty well go ahead and start charging people and you'll be a professional at that point. However, don't forget continued learning and making sure you're getting better at your craft.

[@ladylovearesbosslady5120]

Would would be a great camera to purchase? I’m want to do photography..

[@jbivphotography]

Honestly most any camera would be a good one to purchase. Just find the brand you want to mainly use and then pick one of their newer models and you're good to go.

[@RebeccaLewis-c9k]

Amazing video

[@jbivphotography]

Thanks for the visit

[@lyndseyjordan3569]

Where he says not to do free shoots, is that even when you’re starting out your business? I’ve seen/heard people do free sessions bc you’re “new”

[@jbivphotography]

Yes. My backstory in the never do free shoots is before I started my photography business I started a business doing audio post production and I did a lot of "free work to get my foot in the game". And that ended up leading to me only getting more free work and that business failed. So when I started photography I promised myself to never do work for free unless it was a great opportunity that I decided to do it for free (not someone asking me for). Even if you're only charging $50 charge something. This will get you in the mindset of working for profit and people will take you a little more seriously.

[@kralservet3313]

I love this video ❤️

[@nicktheavatar_]

What is everyone using for the portfolio? Would you do a website or just a portfolio. I have a lot of nature and landscape photos I’d like to post in addition to my model/brand/event photo shoots

[@jbivphotography]

If you're looking to just display your photos there's a lot of different places you can do that, however, if you're also looking to possibly get paid or booked for your portfolio you'll want to have an actual website for that like Squarespace.

[@ibathrooms]

Does honeybook works in Canada with Canadian taxes and regulations?

[@jbivphotography]

I don't believe so but I would have to look into that.

[@tayloreaton7776]

I have a Canon 90D, what flash attachments would you recommend? Thanks!

[@jbivphotography]

I've always been a big fan of Godox flashes. They're great for the price. A v1 or even a v860iii would be good.

[@tayloreaton7776]

Thank you so much!! I appreciate it!! I'm new to photography and I love your channel!! Again, thank you!!

[@cesmend]

Are these lenses the APSC equivalents? E.g 85mm = 56mm

[@jbivphotography]

Correct

[@temickab]

My issue is that it takes me some time to get the settings right on my camera before I snap portraits and the people I use for practice photos are just standing there while i adjust settings lol

[@MCristi]

For gear needed, I think having extra batteries is also a crucial part

[@jbivphotography]

I agree. many batteries is much much needed.

[@prageethpxyle3396]

How do you advertise your business? Do you use Facebook/Instagram Ads or using any other platform?

[@jbivphotography]

Right now I do occasional boosts on Instagram + Google ads.

[@okulr]

I’m 16 getting started early just got a g7 and a sigma 30mm 1.4

[@jbivphotography]

That’s awesome to hear! I wish I would have started early like you have. You’re going to do a great job.

[@okulr]

@@jbivphotography 🙏🏼

[@lillymemakeup4908]

Such a great and useful video, well explained 👏 thank you!

[@jbivphotography]

That's awesome to hear. I'm glad this was helpful.

[@frankc1702]

You start the video by saying you’ve been a wedding photographer for “two years now” then you said “I’ve only been a wedding photographer for five years now” which one is it? 2yrs or 5yrs. There are a lot of benefits to shooting full frame and don’t be surprised if you get a client who understands the difference. Greater dynamic range due to the larger sensor size which allows for better detail and color reproduction is just one. I’m not trying to say you need one to start but there are benefits and eventually it would be advantageous to have one.

[@jbivphotography]

Thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts! Just to clarify, I've been a wedding photographer for 10 years now, but it's been 5 years since I quit my day job and went full-time.

[@ohletsgo]

just be careful with Canon and 2 card slots. Most 2 card slot Canon cameras are NOT crop sensor cameras. In fact there is probably only 1 crop sensor camera with 2 card slot = 7D mk ii.

[@christiansampayan8818]

Thank you so much ❤🎉

[@jbivphotography]

You’re welcome 😊

[@sheilapogue7183]

The AI culling/editing tool is neato!

[@jbivphotography]

It's so good. Really helps with bulk weddings.

[@ivanguerrero50]

GOLD

[@jbivphotography]

🙏🙏

[@Sky_Watchers]

Ayyy fellow homeschooling family

[@jbivphotography]

👏👏👏

[@narsplace]

What are your thought about selling shares of you business?

[@jbivphotography]

I've never really thought about it before. Not sure how that would look for a small business.

[@armandoarmendariz4587]

Video on advertising?

[@AnnkurKumar]

15:48, make dedicated videos on ai photo editing.

[@CAMphotography_]

Started in January and wouldnt do anything different!

[@jbivphotography]

That's awesome to hear. Congrats on starting your business.

[@MarchonC]

I struggle with pricing prints on pic time.

[@jbivphotography]

They have a tool that can automatically mark up your print sales for you. It's actually really awesome.

[@MarchonC]

Oh the cool. Do you think you could make a short or a video on how to use and set up that feature. It would be really helpful ​@jbivphotography

[@killerxz93]

Hey! Thanks so much for the info! Would you be kind enough to do a video on google ads for photographers in 2024?

[@vibez3161]

Will its good info, I feel like it more to sell you on stuff.

[@ferretapocalypse]

Starting a pet photography biz. Wedding photography would be too stressful. You only get one shot at it.

[@michelelzo8583]

I feel like pixieset has all of that.

[@jbivphotography]

Pixieset is a decent option but they don't have the automated marketing that Pic-Time has and their websites are SUPER limited. So if you're looking to grow with your website in the long run Squarespace + Pic-Time is a better option IMO.

[@narsplace]

Biggest reason businesses fail is gaving out too much free stuff and not understanding gross and net.

[@tillist1]

How do you GET clients though?

[@jbivphotography]

Either from your web presence and word of mouth or advertising. When I started I used a service called Thumbtack to get lower paying clients to get my foot in the door and to grow a portfolio and then went from there.

[@tillist1]

@@jbivphotography thanks for the reply!! Maybe I’ll give a web presence a bit of a go then. If you don’t mind me asking what exactly is thumbtack? Like how does it work ?

[@jbivphotography]

@@tillist1 It's basically a work for hire type of website. For any type of skill or trade you may need (ie. If you need a plumber, woodworker, photography, etc.) You got on there and lists the skills you can accomplish and then customers search for that skill. You then pay to be able to chat with them and possibly book them.

[@jerryrosete8901]

I'm getting information first

[@jbivphotography]

Sounds great. Learn all you can and then start that business 👏👏👏

[@abutacapture]

10 k is so much 😮

[@tisshas6933]

Getting someone to be your photography would cost you, how much?

[@Xoxo_lanaa]

Do a tutorial on how to be a mobile photographer…don’t of us don’t have money to buy camera yet

[@jbivphotography]

I plan on it. I actually have a video showing how you can match an iPhone to a professional camera. The results are pretty good.

[@Xoxo_lanaa]

@@jbivphotography alright will check it out Please I’ll be waiting for tutorial

[@ryangoulbourne4662]

💯💯💯💯

[@panomaxstudio8454]

If you don't want family life and never have time to yourself start photography.

[@jbivphotography]

?? I have a family of 7. And I'm able to spend time with them as well. Is your comment based on your experience?

[@panomaxstudio8454]

@@jbivphotography if you work 9 to 5 no problem.

[@jbivphotography]

@@panomaxstudio8454 I've been doing it with photography for the last 5 years.

[@avijasphotography1345]

hai sir

[@jbivphotography]

Hello

[@beanerbon]

Nice try. I saw your sly advertising tactic.

[@IslandMediaRovinj]

Where were you in 2022 when I started my business?😂😂😂 Btw, bet I can do 100 weddings a year :D I first need to get my name to be known around.

[@emu256]

Most successful photographers avoid squarespace

[@jbivphotography]

Is that true? Can you give me examples of photographer who are successful who are using other platforms? I would be interested to do some research.

[@michaelasouthall2876]

@@jbivphotographyI don’t think it’s necessarily that most photographers avoid squarespace, but Showit is what I prefer over squarespace. It’s much more user friendly. Kaitlyn James uses showit as well as hope taylor. It’s just much more customizable and user friendly

[@charlesdalton_93]

@emu256 I’m not too sure about that. Most of the top wedding photographers I follow on social media and in my area use Squarespace.

[@saraventura1333]

Square space sucks... I tried it and got no business.... He also gets paid by square space

[@jbivphotography]

While it's true that I get paid by Squarespace I talk often about how I'm a former Squarespace employee. My 10 years of using Squarespace only 4 of those have been as a KZbinr getting paid to promote Squarespace so there's no lies when I say I've been using Squarespace for 10 years and grew my whole business using it.

[@stefanvasilev9318]

Start making sponsored videos 😇😅

[@mariusbaciu8860]

You just lost me from point 1 bro. Step one is to lease gear, not buy it…never buy depreciating assets first. Especially on credit card.

[@jbivphotography]

To each their own. As long as you can pay off the gear with your work it’s ok. I’m not sure leasing is the best option but again as long as you’re getting your gear and getting work that’s all that matters.

[@mariusbaciu8860]

@@jbivphotography when leasing you do not have to worry about the liability of owning, the equipment life span, the accidental damage, theft and so on; you can always upgrade, you can switch brands to find your best fit, there is no interest to pay, you just pay as you use not as you own and at the beginning it is very useful, should i go on? Establish barters in your hometown to spend less money, enroll in government funding for young artists, start or join communities with tight circles. I hope you covered these in the clip as you go.

[@west.munroe]

@@mariusbaciu8860damn dude lol chill

[@mariusbaciu8860]

@@west.munroe why? Aren’t you tired of content with no substance by people who think they know enough to teach someone else their bullshit?

[@west.munroe]

@@mariusbaciu8860 to each their own, what works for you may not work for another. But don’t come on this mans pages trying to act like he’s not being helpful lol come on man! Its all love

[@TherealYumpho3107]

homie think we all came up with$$$

[@jbivphotography]

I don't. I also didn't come up with money. I'm a great example of how it's possible.

[@malik_alharb]

This video wasn't very insightful honestly, this is all basic knowledge