In the world of smartphone photography, every event, fashion catalogue, or luxury product description is incomplete without a professional photographer. So, it makes photography not only a perfect hobby to have but a profitable business. In fact, the Indian photo business industry is worth more than $5 billion and is proliferating at CAGR of 2.2%.
However, starting a business of any kind requires careful planning and execution, and the photography business is no exception. Before you begin, you must clearly understand your goals and what you want to achieve with your photography business.
If you are passionate about photography and wonder how to start a photography business, here is your guide on planning, organising, and establishing a successful photography business in India. Let us dive in.
1. Find your niche
To decide the niche for your photo business, consider your interests and passions, your skills and experience, and the needs and wants of your target market. Also, conduct market research to understand the market, especially the competition. And always be open to adjusting your focus as your photography business grows.
There are many types of photography businesses, each with its unique focus and target market. Some common types include:
a. Portrait photography
Portrait photographers specialise in capturing images of people. This type of photography is popular for events such as weddings, graduations, and family portraits.
b. Landscape photography
Landscape photographers capture images of natural surroundings, including mountains, forests, and beaches. You will travel to different locations to capture images of beautiful landscapes.
c. Wildlife photography
These photographers specialise in capturing images of animals in their natural habitats. India has an abundance of natural reserves where you can capture exotic wildlife.
d. Fashion photography
Fashion photographers capture images of models wearing clothing and accessories for use in magazines, advertising campaigns, and other media.
e. Event photography
Event photographers specialise in capturing images of events such as weddings, parties, and corporate events. These photographers often work on a freelance basis and cover a single or a series of events.
f. Food photography
Food photographers specialise in capturing images of food and drink for use in advertising, menus, and other media.
g. Product photography
Product photographers specialise in capturing images of products for use in advertising and online sales.
2. Create a plan for your photo business
A business plan is a crucial document outlining your business goals and objectives and the strategies you will employ to achieve them. When creating a business plan for your photo business in India, consider factors such as your target market, your pricing strategy, and marketing and advertising efforts. Your business plan should also include financial projections, including your projected income and expenses.
3. Register your photography business
Once you have a clear business plan in place, it is time to register your business with the authorities. In India, you can choose from several business structures, including a sole proprietorship, partnership, private limited company, and limited liability partnership. Consider factors like the size of your business, your level of liability, and your future growth plans when deciding on a structure.
Once you have chosen a business structure, you must register your business with the Registrar of Companies (ROC) or the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA), depending on your chosen business structure.
4. Create a portfolio
Your photography portfolio is like the calling card for your photography business. It is a collection of your best work that showcases your skills and style. Start building your portfolio by taking as many photos as possible. Portfolio building is the perfect exercise for practice and adding to your collection. Also, it is always better to create a niche-specific portfolio, as this will make it easier for potential clients to understand what you offer and how you can meet their needs.
5. Get your first client
Once you have a portfolio, it is time to start marketing your business and seeking clients. Network with other photographers and industry professionals, and consider joining local photography groups or organisations. Use social media to share your visual work and promote your business. Also, run paid advertising campaigns on Facebook and Instagram to reach a wider audience. You may also want to consider offering discounted rates or special packages to attract your first clients and build your portfolio.
6. Issue sales invoice
Once you have secured your first client, you must issue a sales invoice. A sales invoice is a document that outlines the goods or services provided, the price, and the terms of payment. It is essential to issue a sales invoice for each transaction, as it serves as a record of the sale and comes in handy when filing your tax returns.
7. Pay your taxes
As a business owner, paying your taxes on time and in full is important. In India, businesses with a turnover of more than Rs 40 lakhs per year must obtain a GST (Goods and Services Tax) registration and pay GST on their sales. You will also need to pay income tax on your profits. It is a good idea to hire a financial advisor or an accountant to ensure that you are paying the correct amount of tax and in compliance with all relevant laws and regulations.
Final words
That was your guide on how to create a photography business in India. By following these steps, you can choose a niche for your photo business that aligns with your interests, skills, and experience and that meets the needs of your target market in the country. It is important to remember that your niche can evolve over time as you gain experience and as the market changes, so you are open to adjusting your focus as needed. Get a head start in your photography business in 2023 with a Tata Capital business loan. With Tata Capital, you can get a business loan of up to Rs 75 lakhs at attractive interest rates. Moreover, the application process is completely online and requires minimal documentation. Visit the Tata Capital website to know more.
30 January 2023
5 mins read
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