I now offer MENTORING SESSIONS on how to start a business (standard and photography specific). I will also be teaching the essentials in photography. Details on why I'm offering this and the specifics are listed below.
Over the last two years that I've had my photography business, I've been approached several times for coaching/mentoring. While I was very flattered, I found myself giving too much time to up-and-coming photographers or those wanting to start a business of smile kind, that took time away from my paying photography clients. Rather than stating "no mentoring" on my website, I decide on the contrary! I love what I do and wouldn't want to deprive others of my knowledge and experience that has lead to my success! Without a spouse or children, I have had the opportunity to devote full time hours learning from trial and error, so why not offer a program that allows me to share what I've learned and save YOU all the time that I've spent gathering information and best practices for those of us wanting to making it by pursuing something we're passionate about? It'll save you the hours and hours that I've spent researching online (from dozens of different locations and resources) and learn it all in one place in only a few hours?!
The following sessions are what I'm currently offering. I'm also open to doing custom sessions pertaining to any of the things mentioned below, as well as one on one training with your camera and/or equipment. Sessions will take place in person, over Skype or over the phone if necessary. I will charge less for those over the phone since it's less interaction. Let me know what questions you have.
All the Basics of Starting a Business: $50 30 min. (what to, where to, how to's) -selecting a business name, registering your business name, purchasing custom URL, getting a business license, sole proprietorship or LLC?, ways to launch, how to online advertise, branding yourself, creating a logo, business cards and other branding fulfillment.
Starting a Photography Business: $100 1 hour (Includes Business Basics) +more info related to photography + what's important and what's not? Basic training on your editing software*(RAW vs JPG, Manual vs. AUTO). How important is White Balance & what's a gray card? How to put a price on your service, how much time do I spend on editing? Do I edit all the pictures or only some? What do I charge if I'm just starting to build my portfolio? How to radiate confidence so you're taken seriously? What are the best online resources? What do I focus on first between equipment upgrade, knowledge or editing software?
Photography Biz Essentials: $150 - 1.5-2 hours (+$50 if you add the info from the prior two sessions in one)
Make yourself marketable (business card design, online advertising & how to get your name out there). Advertising that is a waste of time & money. Info on web hosting, photo sharing sites and backup images. Danger of charging clients without a business license. Filing images & organizing portfolio on your computer, online and external hardware. How long to hold onto to backup photos for. Targeting your client base & the value of that. Adjusting ISO, APERTURE & SHUTTER SPEED settings, metering, focal points etc. Quality vs. quantity. How to discount & offer promotions, How to handle family/friends relationships in regard to your business. Importance of contracts, best practices, insuring yourself and your equipment. And much much more!