7 MORE Essentials to Start a Photography Business

[@jbivphotography]

Who here has started their business this year or has been dreaming of starting a photo business of your own?

[@djschultz6033]

First offical year! Been doing well, just trying to lay this foundation down.

[@jbivphotography]

DOPE! That's awesome. Getting the foundation laid down now is going to leave you very successful. Keep up the great work.

[@wrk4mines]

Still dreaming. Just got a XH1 and two lenses. Hopefully I’ll get something going soon!

[@thaliaoneal3847]

I haven’t started mine yet I’m still going to wait until I get a actual job to save money to get a camera and stuff for photography

[@toniamaurysosalegerjr5960]

I started 1 or 2 months ago following your first video this it’s my website Www.RGBmoments.com

[@gr3mlinwor1d91]

Who’s else starting to get into photography!!📸❤️ like this up:)

[@jbivphotography]

Keep at it. You'll do awesome!

[@ebby181]

I’m tapped all the way in. I’m at my 9-5 just dreaming about taking my business to the next level. Thank you thank you !!

[@jbivphotography]

You got this! Keep it up!

[@arinaitwedeborah8814]

Me too😫😫😫😩😩

[@VillyP]

How's it going for you now 7 months since? I'm tryna start my own too 😭

[@gastonandrews]

Thanks so much for sharing this part of the business start up! Not the most glamorous side of photography but much needed!

[@jbivphotography]

Exactly! This is the important stuff. It’s not talked about much but it HAS to be done. Thanks for watching and I hope it was helpful.

[@sarahimendoza7489]

We are going to end this year strong! THANK YOU for the guidance and motivation 🙏🏼

[@Burritosarebetterthantacos]

Everyone knows someone that needs a photographer. Do it for free. Build on that shoot and learn from it. Soon it will manifest if you persist. That’s entrepreneurship, it isn’t complicated.

[@antonioterrellarchie9361]

Definitely love these. You’re the reason I’ve decided to start a photography business

[@jbivphotography]

Congrats on starting your business! I'm also super happy I was able to be a catalyst in that decision!

[@santiagosanchez904]

Love the helpful tips John! I think a good start also is the importance of building your portfolio, whether it be through self portraits or with the help of friends and family. I think a lot of people forget that in the beginning there will be a lot of "free" shooting to increase your picture count and portfolio. That would be a cool video! Discussing tips and tricks to build one's portfolio!

[@jbivphotography]

VERY TRUE! Thank you for adding this point. In the start building your portfolio and gaining experience is the most important thing to work on. Great addition.

[@kyleryan7475]

I started about 3 years ago and I have hit a ceiling in terms of income and clients while operating exclusively on Facebook. I'm really wanting to grow and quit my 9-5 so this video helped get me a to do list going so I can turn this hobby into a true career and never needing a "boss" again. Thanks Man!

[@simonmcdermott-johnson8585]

Hey! Thank you, so much for the positivity and I love the monthly breakdown of the overhead. A valuable perspective. Blessings :)

[@jbivphotography]

Glad it was helpful!

[@randyleecastillo]

Just stated following you. So far I’ve watched all three of your uploads on the “7 essentials “ and I must say you have the best simple thorough instructions on how to start! By far the easiest! Thanks for sharing.

[@jbivphotography]

Wow, thank you!

[@kristymchenry9525]

I shoot Nikon but LOVE ALL of your videos. You are so transparent and helpful. Thanks for helping us aspiring entrepreneurs!!

[@martharetallick204]

Another Nikon shooter here. And that darn Z9 keeps calling to me.

[@motivationalmudd]

I've watched both videos. Outstanding information. Thank you.

[@jbivphotography]

Happy to help out. I hope it was helpful.

[@Mitchwilmarth]

This answers a lot of questions and I like that you showed options for most services. It helps to learn from your mistakes ;)

[@jbivphotography]

Exactly. Sharing the knowledge and helping those are starting out. That's my biggest goal. So that you won't have to waste money like I have. I've put a lot of wasted money into advertising.

[@tanke1818]

Thank you John! You have been instrument for my journey and I cannot stress that enough. Again, thank you!

[@jbivphotography]

I'm happy I was able to help out so much!

[@jarradpinestraw]

Love videos about the business side. Great video and great info!! Thank for the simple breakdown!

[@jbivphotography]

Glad you enjoyed it. Always happy to share knowledge.

[@jonavalentine9260]

I'm doing the "thang" ! Slowly, surely... getting great advice from the likes of you, online photography courses, and a "small business" platform we have here in St. Pete, FL. Thanks for your encouragement and help!

[@lillianhampton6866]

Thank you so much for taking the time to post these essentials! It has helped me tremendously !

[@jbivphotography]

You are so welcome!

[@toniamaurysosalegerjr5960]

Now I have 5000$ worth of expenses, and I can’t even book a 89$ portraits session. I think you have to make a video about the game plan during this pandemic, and for new photographers, that maybe don’t got the charm, how to network all of those things. Don’t get me wrong I love your video, but I think before having 5k or 1k or 100$ worth of expenses a month there should be a game plan.

[@jbivphotography]

VERY good point. And honestly that sounds like a great video idea to chat about how to price sessions and how to be profitable and not just broke. Thanks for bringing that up.

[@angelica7588]

This is so true ! I’m going through the same thing . People run when I say free but never when I say pay . And this is just my side hustle . I’m not expensive . This is just extra money in my pocket .

[@Shmyrk]

Angelica run? Like they run away because it’s free? Or run to you for sessions?

[@angelica7588]

Datman I’m just reading this lol it’s backwards . They run when I say pay or give them my prices . Sorry .

[@Shmyrk]

Angelica oh ok I got it lol thanks for the response

[@iamnjanu6602]

I LOVE EVERYTHING ABOUT THIS GUY AND ITS MY SECOND VID IN😭. Everything is stated, listed and easy to understand/grasp so you can confidently start your buisness. This is one the few videos I saw on youtube that is 10/10 quality in all aspects... (personal opinion idk about yall)

[@Lord_Mau_]

Thanks again. 👊🏾 Definitely wanting to start a business. The second guessing is real bro, but one foot in front of the other.

[@richarddsouzaphotography]

Thanks so much for this John. Please do more of these. As someone who just started, this is gold. Question: What did you do in your first two years of starting your business to get work? How was your first few weddings?

[@supes0059]

ayyyyyeeeeee been using novo bank for awhile now after the other online bank I was using shutdown due to covid unfortunately, been loving them so far.....really looking forward to taking my photography and videography to the next level, thanks for the videos john you are one of the reasons why I decided to choose Fuji for the photography side..

[@samueleruvwavwe9762]

As a photo veteran, I must say you are a photographer per excellence

[@aldeen1982]

Nice Video man! Really appreciat it!

[@jbivphotography]

You’re welcome! I hope it was helpful.

[@grantdecker1190]

This is a great video! My own personal tipping point for registrating as an LLC is when my NET=40K. Don't forget about contracts and be very clear how and when you want paid. Net 10, 20, 30? Deposit? Late penalties? A main one could also be about RAW files and copyright release. I make it very clear that I don't sell RAW files, nor do I release copyrights of photos.

[@jbivphotography]

THESE ARE ALL SO TRUE! This is a lot of the stuff that people forget when they start but are the things that will ruin your business if you don’t stay on top of them.

[@Sawta]

Thank you for breaking this stuff down for us. It really does help to get a solid perspective of the "These are the realities of the actual costs you will have to deal with." I really hadn't even thought about business liability insurance, but that sounds like it's going to be a huge factor. Personally, I'm really not far enough along to have all of these expenses come into play; I still need to work on locking down the absolute first step basics, like deciding on which logo I want to go with, figuring out if I want to just sell landscape prints or do portrait work, and even what I want to call my business (just my name + Photography, or something more customized). It's stuff that's really important, but also a huge struggle. If you have an upcoming video that goes over this very early phase type stuff, it'd be super helpful. :)

[@FloraLove07]

getting my things together now.....so hopefully soon I should be able to start with my business.

[@jbivphotography]

Awesome! Good luck on everything. You're going to do great!

[@djschultz6033]

I'm just getting started!! Thanks for the video!

[@jbivphotography]

🙌🙌 Keep up the great work. Also I hope this video helped out.

[@angelica7588]

Can you do a video about contracts? And maybe what to do if a client doesn’t pay you .

[@jbivphotography]

GREAT IDEAS! The contract stuff I can't talk too much on since it's very determine on your business and also how you want to deal with lawyers. But I might be able to make a little something.

[@angelica7588]

John Branch IV Photography than you . I understand .

[@PurifiedCandy15]

Could you please do a budget friendly of the items you got in the very beginning in 2012 when you started and how you upgraded to each item?

[@lazyboy6053]

This is really helpful John! Im literally just getting started and saving up to get everything I need done by this December and this knowledge is so helpful to me for real, thank you for sharing this wisdom. I enjoy your channel alot too

[@figo007tv]

Finally started. I need to be more business. Thank you 🙏🏾

[@jbivphotography]

Yes let’s go! Do good work!

[@alexisfischer7032]

You’re so inspirational as I start this new journey. Thank you!!

[@dr.ijeziedesbois]

Just want to state how much I appreciate your channel. I just downloaded Aftershoot to check it out. I wish I had your referral code to help support you.

[@jbivphotography]

I appreciate that!

[@Kelvinjan]

Definitely some good tips. I’ve been putting it off and I’m slowly trying to get going.

[@amoshies123]

Taking this into 2021. Thank you very much for your sound advice and for the encouragement! Blessings.

[@jbivphotography]

You are so welcome. I hope you find the tips helpful this year.

[@justinwilliams2919]

This was so incredibly valuable. Thank you 🙌🏾

[@jbivphotography]

Awesome! I'm glad it was helpful. Thanks for watching.

[@Reggiebphoto]

These are the true essentials!

[@jbivphotography]

The truest!

[@jahzzii7]

Reggie is awesome. You both should make a vid together. Or a podcast or something. I admire your work guys

[@Zakbass84]

Just watched this. So much good info with the exception of liability insurance. In used to be an insurance agent and you are paying way too much. You should be paying closer to $100/yr. get a quote crime American family or State Farm. They have excellent personal liability policies

[@pharmatographist]

You’re my new hero

[@Dreamers_Circle]

This is what I was looking for, thanks man

[@jbivphotography]

Glad I could help

[@tasneemmaryum1291]

Thank you for this wonderful, detailed content! I will definitely use your link to help support your page for my own business, which I recently just formed. Super excited for growth!

[@brianmorrow4153]

The main question I have is as you started your business before you really started booking clients, how did you build a portfolio? One of the struggles I have is that i mainly have the opportunity for landscape and tourism photography but I want to get into studio and wedding photography!

[@chelseastudios]

These videos are soooo helpful! Thank you!

[@josepalacios4975]

This is probably the most useful video on KZbin! Great job man!

[@jbivphotography]

That's a huge compliment. Thanks so much!

[@therealtrabo]

Man this is super helpful. Thanks so much!

[@jbivphotography]

Glad it was helpful!

[@kimberleyellis6725]

Hey John, absolutely love your videos, they are so clear and helpful. Just wondering though, what is your recommendation regarding lenses in terms of starting a business focusing on family portraits? Total novice here (for now!)

[@terriagc]

Thank you for this great information. All the things I been waiting to hear from someone. Thank you, thank you!

[@jbivphotography]

You're welcome! I hope this was super helpful.

[@Eyeofdave]

Very helpful John. Thanks for all your insight.

[@texaskid4444]

Straight facts yet again!

[@KateRvlogs]

Thankyou!!! This is the video I needed right now. Wish me luck!

[@jbivphotography]

Glad I could help out. Good luck and do an amazing job. You got this!!

[@Musiqfan23]

John your helped answer so many questions I’ve been having..thanks man!

[@jbivphotography]

Awesome! I'm glad this was helpful.

[@bobzhang5875]

Love all ur video ,the color and the background even ur clothes!give me a reason buy Fuji not a7iii!

[@jbivphotography]

Thanks so much and I'm glad you enjoyed everything. This was shot on the Fuji X-T3. Such a good camera.

[@andreslinn69]

@@jbivphotography love your videos as well! May i ask if xt3 will still be a good deal in the late 2020? I'm planning to get one since it's cheaper than xt4 (mainly take photos and also do videos at studio like yours) many thanks and keep going up!

[@sideshow00]

I think you could make a video on markets. Let's keep it real. Trying to be a photographer in Seattle is vastly different than Tucson, Arizona or Topeka Kansas. Actually make or break your business.

[@martharetallick204]

I can personally attest to the fact that relationships count for a great deal here in Tucson.

[@beth_knows_photos]

So incredibly motivating! Thank you!

[@shannonpancake4016]

Hi John! can you talk about watermarks on photos? How do you protect your photos from being stolen or reused without your permission or monetary compensation?

[@lxpphotography500]

This is really inspiring 👏. Love your video 📹

[@jbivphotography]

I'm glad to hear that it's inspiring!

[@lxpphotography500]

@@jbivphotography I am trying to learn how to do photography myself. 📸. Hopefully, I can make it a side hustle

[@christinacooperfilm]

GREAT INFO! I'm sorry for your loss (the mileage tracker.) Lol That seemed awesome. Also.. I always feel like you're telling at me when talking about the email situation. Lol I'm like "I have to use gmail!!!" But thanks to your suggestion.. I think I can make the change. Lol

[@jbivphotography]

LOL. Yeah I'm not a fan of just the @ gmail emails for business sorry. And thank you for your kind words about my loss. 😂 Thank you for always watching and I hope this information was helpful.

[@bonniebranch6083]

He literally was grieving for like a month after they announced it 😆 Brought it up all the time... 😑 - John’s wife Bonnie

[@sinisterbeatzzimbabwe8302]

thanks so much john. you the best

[@tasia1581]

Hello @JohnBranchIVPhotography , I’m currently going into photography and I was trying to see if I should get the MacBook Pro Laptop or MacBook Pro Tablet?? I could use your help since I can’t afford both at the moment thanks.!

[@Shmyrk]

Tasia Crafts he uses an iPad pro

[@christiandante]

THANK YOU

[@AlinPurcaroiu]

I mean is it about having a custom domain email and trying to fake it and look good for a client or just having a free way to communicate? (the end). Starting a photography business starts with learning photography as an art and as a craft. That I think is a whole other video. Don't get me wrong I appreciate your time and work put into this video but for the people starting out, go buy a book read some S. Sontag or A. Breton, then use your cheap camera and try to convey a message to the world, express yourself, fail and fail some more. If that is not the case then the video should be named ''How to start a commercial photography business''. Peace guys!

[@TheDarknight3x]

Awesome info, thanks for the ideas. About advertising, what about Google ads? Would you recommend that, or would you recommend just sticking to Facebook and Instagram for online advertising?

[@frenchfyr3716]

This amazing!!! Thank you so much!!!!

[@familiarodriguesemmissaoem9411]

I'm Roby, from Africa (Angola) I've been following you, l would like spend my time study wedding photography.

[@wilmerkrusen7501]

Truly amazing info. Thanks for putting it together. I'm currently also putting together a gear list for my business plan. Can you suggest a specific PC desktop and/or hi-end monitor to consider?

[@jbivphotography]

ooooo. That would be a great idea for a video actually. Computer things for a photographer. I like it.

[@soldbuydaniel]

Great content bro👏👏👏👏👏👏 just looking to start up as well. Bought my camera and trying to set up my basement for the portrait studio. Any advice at all will be appreciated. Thanks

[@dizzybuizzy9347]

Does a Custom Domain E-Mail make for Better Pictures?.. And, how does it Guarantee more Business?

[@veronicarivera8010]

I’m new to photography I’m interested in getting the Fuji camera but I’m not sure which lines to start off with which would you recommend? I’m really looking forward to take some really good portraits of my kids

[@jbivphotography]

The X-T series of cameras is pretty much the best all around cameras from Fujifilm. That’s where I started and they just really are overall amazing.

[@amandadavis4638]

Thank you for all the tips!

[@jbivphotography]

You're welcome! Always happy to provide information.

[@IzzyTheGent]

I love this series! Camera question: what do you think about the Fujifilm X-T200 starting out professionally? I know you recommended the X-T3 in the last video. Thanks for the work you do and I pray the best for you during this pandemic. (BTW, I thought I’d ask my question on this vid over the first since it’s newer.)

[@jbivphotography]

I’m glad these videos were helpful. The X-T200 is a great camera! You should be able to do good work with that. Especially if you pair it up with good glass. Also, the lenses you invest in you could use on an X-T3 or 4 when you decide to upgrade. I would totally do it. The specs are basically on line with the X-T2 so you should be able to create some amazing work with that.

[@IzzyTheGent]

John Branch IV Photography Awesome! Thank you for putting me up on game. Keep up the great work!

[@romiemiller3093]

I haven't tried Facebook ads because most people who have say it isn't cost effective, IE, it doesn't work. I may try once and see what happens. Boosting posts is a waste of money.

[@alybarnett2892]

How do you normally take tips if you don't use cash? Venmo or paypal info? I always feel so awkward in how to say "hey! If you want to tip..."

[@rejimedia]

Hi John, Watched this on my way to work this morning during my drive. I am considering facebook and instagram advertising. You mentioned 250 dollars, in how much time should we spend this, firstly to try it out or monthly ?

[@breanna7282]

Great video, al though, I have a question! If you live in a state and work in that as a photographer, but you know you will be doing out of state a lot for photography also, do you need to register for a DBA + LLC in every state, or will suffice? THANK YOU

[@johnpadilla8749]

man thank you for these videos, great information and the insurance company is great i just saved a my self 200 bucks bro!!

[@bellayang6993]

New subscriber here! I love your content and your energy.

[@rodneylittlell599]

Thanks man good vid

[@jahzzii7]

Amazing!

[@jbivphotography]

Thank you so much! Thanks for watching.

[@motivationalmudd]

John, where did you purchase your camera straps/slings? What's the link to them?

[@jbivphotography]

That's the HoldFast Gear Moneymaker (double strap) or the Moneymaker Solo (single strap) you can check it out here. bit.ly/2VJHoql

[@motivationalmudd]

@@jbivphotography Thanks for the info.

[@Bb4r]

That's real good stuff John...thank you.

[@jbivphotography]

You're welcome. I'm always happy to help out!

[@symzg5995]

Another extremely well informed vid. I'm in the UK so I'll have to find alternatives for some of your suggestions, but again, very good vid. Question, what shoot was this 18:15???

[@jbivphotography]

I'm glad you enjoyed the video. That shoot at 18:15 are some of the new sessions I've done. I have some content from some of these sessions so hopefully some videos soon. 😊

[@NASATH3GR3AT]

This was very helpful, but what about a business address?

[@marcelamolina9898]

How you start to build and create your webpage if you are just going to buy your camera ? Did you work for free when you just started ? How you suggest to start if nobody knows you.

[@bboyjoon]

this was extremely helpful

[@lloydninham3286]

Most business bank accounts set up with credit unions will be no fee.

[@reviewithme9913]

Question: When you are a sole proprietor can you get a loan for your DBA business with no personal guarantee?

[@jbivphotography]

For financial questions, accounting, or business set up it's important to talk about a CPA, Financial Expert, or Lawyer.

[@BabylonGames798]

A lot of the things that involve word of mouth honestly cannot apply to me, because in terms of photography, I'm strictly nature, so I'm not sure many people would pay for my service, but rather for my prints. Honestly, makes things so much harder, but I only enjoy taking photographs of nature.

[@brittanywatts4127]

Thank you Thank you 🙏🏽

[@abangeemmanuel1675]

I’m Elijah from African with the dream of starting a photography business but I don’t really know how to go about it. I need a super help from any of you guys to push me up.

[@thaliaoneal3847]

I love this

[@jbivphotography]

Thank you for watching. Glad you're enjoying the video. Hope it was helpful.

[@wandercamp_ny]

thx for all the info, is the ad worthing the money?

[@jbivphotography]

I'm happy this was helpful for you!

[@gillycruz3662]

Thanks for sharing. Do you get the custom domain email from the creating the square space site (since look they use GSuite) or do it separately on google and then link after creating the website ? Thanks

[@jbivphotography]

You can do it either way. I did my separately from Squarespace but I think sometimes they give special deals within Squarespace.

[@tamiahunter1591]

THANK YOU GOD!! THANK YOU JOHN BRANCH!!

[@DamonBowe]

LLC from the start so you can protect yourself.

[@jbivphotography]

That is the safest route overall.

[@psman74]

Wow great advice! I didn't know you were that close to me in NC. Do you teach classes ?

[@jbivphotography]

I haven’t fully put everything together yet but I’m planning on in person workshops as well as mentoring. That should be coming up soon hopefully.

[@psman74]

@@jbivphotography Good man I sent you a pm on Facebook I'm interested.

[@SebastianDavidPB]

Best business is there where there's no competition, haven't seen many funeral and divorce photographers lately lol

[@howardmcmillian5764]

what the heck you! I've been watching you for this long and just now known you are in the same state that I am in 0.0 4:30

[@TheBudgetingButterfly]

Thanks for sharing

[@jbivphotography]

Thanks for watching!