Starting a Photography Business: Then and Now - A Look at the Differences Over 34 Years
Today is a very different time to start a photography business than it was 34 years ago. The way photographers run their businesses has changed a lot because of how technology has changed and how the needs of the photography industry have changed. In this blog post, we'll look at some of the most important ways that starting a photography business now is different from 34 years ago.
Technologies and tools:
The most obvious difference between starting a photography business now and 34 years ago is that photography equipment has become much more advanced. Photographers can choose from a wide range of cameras, lenses, and lighting gear at different price points. Digital cameras also make it possible to take as many photos as you want without having to buy film or pay to develop them.
34 years ago, on the other hand, cameras weren't as good and you could only use film. This made it more expensive to take pictures because film had to be bought and developed. Also, the camera gear was heavier and harder to use, which made it harder for photographers to get the perfect shot.
Getting the word out and marketing:
Another area that has changed a lot in the last 34 years is marketing and advertising. With the growth of the internet, social media, and other digital platforms, photographers now have a wide range of ways to promote their work. Social media sites like Instagram and Facebook have made it easy for photographers to reach a wider audience and show potential clients their work.
But in the past, photographers had to rely on print ads, word-of-mouth recommendations, and other old-fashioned ways to get their name out there. This made it harder for photographers to find clients outside of their local communities, so they had to spend more time and money on marketing and advertising.
Business Management:
It is also easier to run a photography business now than it was 34 years ago. Photographers can run their businesses more efficiently with digital tools and software like Lightroom, Photoshop, and other editing software. With these tools, they can schedule appointments, keep track of finances, and bill clients.
Before, photographers had to use paper records and keep their books by hand, which made it harder to stay organized and run their businesses well.
Competition:
There is more competition in the photography business now than there was 34 years ago. As social media, smartphones, and other forms of technology become more popular, more and more people are taking up photography as a hobby or career. This means that photographers need a unique selling point and a way to market themselves in order to stand out from the crowd.
Today is a very different time to start a photography business than it was 34 years ago. How photographers run their businesses has changed a lot because of changes in technology, marketing, business management, and competition. One thing that hasn't changed is how important it is to be technically skilled, creative, and have a strong passion for photography. Whether you're starting a photography business today or 34 years ago, you need to focus on your craft and give your clients good services to be successful in the field.