Introduction to Newbie Chronicles: Tips for the Novice Photographer

I spent a good chunk of my young adult life dreaming about opening a photography business. I went to college, got a business degree, took some art classes, tried a few other careers, and 10 years later finally decided to take the leap.

Honestly, I didn’t think it would be that hard. I had already started, and grown, a successful small business accounting firm, and an online business. I’d made a lot of connections in the photography industry, and while I knew it would take a little time to grow my business, I saw it as something completely attainable. What I didn’t realize was how overwhelming and time-consuming it could become! I found myself staring at the ceiling in the middle of night wondering if I should buy or make a logo, which web design company I should use, whether or not my equipment was good enough, what on earth I should set my prices at, how many workshops I should take, where I could find great spots to shoot, whether I could compete with all the other photographers around, if my skills were good enough to charge money, if I had sufficient editing skills or not… and I could continue this list for miles. I’d catch myself browsing around Facebook for hours at time, waiting for the phone to ring, and feeling discouraged - wondering if I’d made a mistake.

Maybe you can relate.

AND I HAVE A BUSINESS DEGREE! I know how to write business plans! I know how to use QuickBooks and I can even file my own tax return!! If I was this overwhelmed, I figured there are probably many, many others in the same boat.

Over the next several weeks, together with Pretty Presets, we are going to walk with you, step-by-step, through many of the choices available to the novice photographer. I am going to be your voluntary guinea pig and document some of my “firsts” along with several product reviews in hopes that it will help some of you new photographers find your way along with me. Maybe you’ve been in business for a while, but didn’t start out the best way, and you might learn a few great tips as well!

Welcome to “THE NEWBIE CHRONICLES”! If you haven’t subscribed already, make sure you get on the Pretty Presets mailing list HERE so you don’t miss a week!  

Is there a specific area you feel especially lost in? Is there a product or workshop you want to try, but aren’t sure if it’s worth it? Let us know!

Shannan Painter is a newbie photographer who has spent the last 5 years working with the left side of her brain helping small businesses organize their accounting and taxes. She decided to take the big step and pursue her dream of becoming a professional photographer in 2013 after adding a third boy to her house that was already full of super heroes, trucks, and sports equipment. She and her husband, who is a local TV meteorologist, play pick-up games of basketball in their free time and like to take road trips to Lake Minnetonka with all 3 boys, and their dog Growler.  Visit her on Facebook!