Making the Leap from Mom’tog to Paid Photographer

by Jen Davis, Featured Writer for Rock My Photography and owner of Photography by Jen Davis

I think so many of us in this business got started this way.  Tell me if it sounds familiar?

I have always been interested in photography.  I was always the one at the family reunions with the camera!  My friends have been asking me to photograph their families since we all were pregnant together.  Everyone told me, ‘hey you should do this for a living!’  I would just laugh…and say ‘maybe someday!’  Well, I have decided no better time than the present!  I am taking the leap. I’m putting myself out there for hire.

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And no, I didn’t just cut and paste my bio into this example, um, of course not.  I interviewed at least a few other past mom’togs.

But in all seriousness, many of us started off with a little idea with the desire to see it through.  It takes guts.  It takes determination.  Of course it takes understanding how to take pictures in the first place…and if this isn’t quite clear, be sure you read Stacie’s Get You’re A$$ Off Auto post here.  But it also takes a little bit of help figuring out how to become ‘official’.  I have to laugh at this word though, because becoming a pro photographer can mean so many different things.  Are you a pro when you book your first wedding?  Or is it when you get certified by the PPA (Professional Photographers of America)?  Or when you make enough to cover your expenses as a part-timer?  Or is it when you can buy some cool gear for yourself and not tell your husband??  (I did mention this is a no judging zone, right?)

I don’t think there is a right answer to this.  I do think there are some general guidelines that a mom’tog should have in place before starting to charge.

Guidelines you say?  Let’s consult the list.

• Consistent product – reason number one to love digital??  You can take a ton of photos.  But if you, the mom’tog, are taking 400 photos in a shoot and only able to deliver 20 to the client because of exposure problems or focus issues, then this is a gambling problem folks.  It’s one thing to be lucky and in frame at the right time to capture that money moment.  It’s something else entirely to spin that roulette wheel every session with your fingers crossed that since Black 7 hit last time, you will strike gold twice.
• Variety of images in your portfolio – we all start off taking a crapload of pictures of our kids.  It’s how we learn about our camera, composition, and practice different techniques.  But if you are going to put out a portfolio of images for potential clients to view while deciding if they should book you, for the love of George Clooney please make sure a lot of these people are not related to you.  One way to beef up your portfolio is to do some portfolio building…for a limited time only.  In this phase of your business, you can book a lot of different clients either for free or for a discount.  Be sure the client signs a release stating that you can use the pictures on your website or press in exchange for the rate.
• Get legal – If you are going to charge for your services, you should collect tax.  In order to be able to collect these taxes, Uncle Sam needs to issue you a number.  You will need a contract as well.  You also might want to think about applying for a sole proprietorship or a LLC.  If you have questions about this, I can put you in touch with my legal advisor, Mr. Legal Zoom.
• Pricing strategy – My mother always told me to never give the goods away…and I’d like to think this strategy has served me well.  Do your research and price yourself in line with what your market will bear, but don’t give it away…or you are likely to encounter a high maintenance mom who doesn’t buy prints client who isn’t good for your business anyway.  It’s hard to know how to price in the beginning, so make sure you advertise an end date for any sort of promotion you want to try.
• Like this, tweet that, pin me, linky you – I heart technology.  I was able to set up a website, blog, Facebook page, Twitter account, and a Pinterest board…all in the span of a day.  Yes, I was high on Red Bull and the euphoric feeling of being child free for a whopping 24 hours, but my point is that you can create a massive social presence for not a lot of time or money.  And once you have created it, use it.  Not sure how to do this?  Post updates, session previews, and interact with your clients.  (insert shameless plug here:  you can also check out my post entitled, Why Hello Google +1) This will get your name and brand out there.
• And speaking of brand, don’t forget about BRAND (like the segue?) – Spend a little mula on a logo.    Be an Etsy stalker like me.  You can find a pre-made logo on Etsy that you just die for and build your brand around that.  Spend even more mula and get someone to build marketing templates for you.  Or don’t.  But please respect your business and invest in your brand in some capacity. Clients will be able to tell that you are respecting your company and taking yourself seriously.

Do not fear…you can DO THIS!  Baby steps even.  Rome wasn’t built in a day and all that jazz.  I ended my list focusing on brand but that is a good starting place.  Create a business identity for yourself and go from there.  And if you have any questions, feel free to ask.  There are some great articles on Rock My Photography that talk about pricing, writing an ”About Me” section on your website, etc.  Check ’em out!  The Forum at Rock my Photography is an open and friendly place.  Are you a member yet?  Get on and we’ll chat!  You bring the Red Bull (trust me, you are going to have some late nights!) and I’ll bring my lil’ bit o’happiness.

Go get ‘em Mom’tog!! {Cyber Fist Pump}

Necessary disclaimer…My friends, of course I am not advocating the use of Legal Zoom instead of a real flesh and blood attorney mmmm-kay?

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