You can make a very good living with a photography business. With the advancement of photographic technology, it is becoming easier for a beginning photographer to break into the industry. The skills you will need to be a good photographer can be easily learned. The most important skill you will need is learning how to be a smart business person. Many great photographers just don’t understand the business side of things, therefore their earnings are not as great as other photographers. You need to learn about the financial, legal, advertising, and marketing part of starting and running your own photography business.

Before you begin, you’ll need to decide what kind of photography you want to do.

The field of photography is very broad. There are a wide variety of options available, from part-time freelancing to traveling the world for National Geographic.

As a home based photographer, you can work on a wide variety of subjects including fashion, portraiture, marine life, weddings, sports, industry and more. He may be a freelance photojournalist, a publication photographer, or have his own portrait studio.

Your next step is to determine if you will specialize in a specific field. If you specialize as a fashion photographer, for example, you should try to be the best in that field. If you work in multiple areas, you must be proficient in each area in which you work.

Here are some of the steps you need to take when starting your own photography business:

First, write a business plan. Your business plan will serve as your roadmap for starting and growing your new business. Writing this plan will help you decide what your goals are and identify the strategies you will need to achieve your goals.

Next, establish your legal business name. Check with your local county clerk’s office. If your business is going to be a sole proprietorship, you only need to register your business with the county office and file a “doing business as” form for a small fee.

Next, open a business bank account. You will need to take your DBA form to a bank so they can open a checking account for your business.

Next you will need to purchase your photography equipment. The equipment you’ll need depends on your budget, space availability, and the type of shots you’ll be doing. It is always better to start small and add equipment as needed. For your office, you will need a computer, phone, fax, scanner, office furniture, and other items.

Once the above steps have been completed, you need to finalize the photo lab and supply arrangements. If you’re going to be in this business long-term, you need to develop relationships with film, processing, and equipment suppliers. Select a very reputable photo lab, if you are not going to develop the photos yourself. The photo lab you decide to use can make or break your business. The quality of work, the ability to meet important deadlines, and the ability to correct a complex order varies from one photo lab to another. Ask around and try a few before choosing one that you will use regularly.

Now is the time to earn money! Don’t forget to promote yourself on a daily basis. For information on how to successfully earn over $100,000 a year with your own photography business, visit: http://www.americanbusinessbuilder.com/photography_business.htm