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Photographer

Introduction

So you've decided you want to run a professional photography business. Maybe you want to turn a passionate hobby into a commercial venture, or perhaps you've been working as a photographer's assistant and feel the time is right to go it alone. Whatever the reason, this guide will take you through the issues you need to consider and give you practical pointers on getting started.

Sector trends

1.1 Commercial photography

For much of the 2000s demand for commercial and advertising photography was strong due to the stable economy, although the sector had become competitive. The economic downturn of the late 2000s has had a significant impact on the sector as many businesses have slashed their budgets. As a result of the sudden fall in demand, many commercial photographers have been forced to move into other markets.

1.2 Weddings and portrait

The number of weddings in the United Kingdom has been on a downward trend for a number of years; in 1989 there were around 400,000 and that had fallen to just over 285,000 in 2001. After increasing between 2002 and 2004, the number of weddings in the UK has steadily declined. The number of weddings in the UK currently stands at around 250,000 a year. Despite this fall, the average spend on weddings has increased dramatically in the last ten years and the sector has performed well. Although the weddings market is comparatively recession-proof competition has intensified with many amateur photographers operating in the market, usually for significantly lower fees than those charged by professionals.

Demand for portrait photography remained steady for much of the 2000s but it has been affected by the economic downturn. In late 2008, the studio chain Olan Mills fell victim to the recession and ceased trading.

1.3 Recent developments

The main development recently in the photographic industry has been the introduction of the digital camera. Digital camera usage is becoming more widespread, although it is by no means universal, as photographers appreciate its convenience. Digital libraries can hold a large number of shots and images can be easily manipulated, either by the photographer or by the specialist laboratory. This could help you to offer added-value services to your customers. Digital cameras do not use film, so after the initial outlay for equipment they usually prove more cost effective overall than traditional cameras. However, bear in mind that advances in digital technology also allow members of the public and other potential customers to take very acceptable photographs themselves. The emergence of online stock and micro-stock websites has provided an extra income stream for some photographers, some of whom generate a large amount of their income from selling their images through these sites.

1.4 Keep up to date

The photography sector is well represented by the following trade associations:

The online British Journal of Photography contains a great deal of useful information on the sector.