Hi folks. I realise this may have been asked, so please forgive me. I am thinking about trying to do something more worthwhile with my Photography, and want to look into how to get started as a proper business. The advice I'm looking for is along the lines of who to approach about grants or financing, or business advice. I know there are places I can go for help and advice, but what are they called? If someone can just point me in the right direction, I'll track them down from there, but I need to know what to look for, know what I mean?

Thank you for any advice, or even tips you may wish to offer.

Anthony
www.tony-smith.co.uk
mail@tony-smith.co.uk

Hi Antony
I don't know if this is any help to you but you are probably better of going on to www.shell-livewire.org for business advice.
Hope this helps
Good luck!
Jess

Cheers Jess, appreciate that, will give it a go.

Thank you.

Anthony

What about your local Chamber of Commerce, or Small Business Association, both of which could offer advice on finance and how to set up a business plan.

Anthony, allow me to bumble through my first ever reply on the BLOG. I think you're very smart to try finding out all the info you can before beginning. A few years ago I made an attempt at starting a business, and I was woefully unprepared. This is in the States, by the way. For the first time I discovered we have something called "Estimated Taxes," wherein you have to estimate what you will make for the following year, then pay taxes up front for the potential of that income, before ever clicking a shutter. Then there were local inventory taxes, where I'd have to pay for the honor of owning my cameras and other equipment. Upon finding out, I bowed out with my preverbial tail tucked away and lesson learned: preparation is important.

So the best of luck in your endeavor, and keep making wise decisions and don't barge in unprepared like I did.

-Pacificphoto

Antony - to get someones money you need to have a well thought out idea of
1 what service is your Co going to provide that will make money
2 why your Co is going to get the work (price or no competition)
3 is this a real Co or just a vehicle to expand your hobby experiences with someone elses money

I know this might seem a bit of a downer but if you can give positive answers to ALL of the above you have the start of a business plan. The business plan is the starting point for you to focus your ideas of how you will present your case for opening your new business
Good Luck - Its worth the effort if it's what you want - Mike

Hi Anthony,

I have been in business since I was 18 (Now 42). The suggestion of shelllivewire is a good one the forum is run by one north east and has pretty good quality members who are all keen on business. To establish a photography business should not involve much capital and you may find you spend more time trying to get grants than their value turns out to be. All government grants in the UK are governed by European rules ie. the amount you get is always related to number of jobs created and the amount of capital you spend. My largest business to date employs more than a hundred staff and our investment ran into millions the only grant we ever obtained was for £15k.

With photography you will need to consider having a regular income stream. This will probably mean doing event work and portraits for example. You may like to check out the approach my new website is taking.

Once you have established the bread and butter side of your photo business, you may want to look at other areas, news, celebs and selling shots to agencies and other image buyers like the greeting card market for example.

The best way to start is to get some paid work over the weekend and keep doing your current job. Build your confidence and gradually increase your work load, stretch yourself. Approaching your business in this way reduces your risk as you don't need to give up the day job until you are at least part way to generating income from your photography activities.

I will try and help with any specific questions you might have about business. I have had some real dogs in my time and suffered most of the problems that running your company tends to generate.

Apologies for being away for so long, been busy with all kinds of stuff.

Just wanted to say thank you for all advicce offered, and ideas given. I am still serious about doing this, and will be planning an all out attack on the market place, ha ha.

Cheers again, I really do appreciate the comments.

Anthony