Starting a photography business & blogging about it.

Written By Julia and Josiah Wang

Hi there,

Julia here. Your main photographer behind Julia & Josiah Photography.

I once read somewhere that you should document your process when you’re learning/starting something new. Capture your thoughts, your emotions, and insights. I know I’ll look back at some of these posts and cringe, but I guess that’s the whole learning process, right? We all need to start some somewhere.

One of the first thoughts that crept in when I decided to start this photography business was – where and how in the world was I supposed to secure my first client? My second client? My third?... you get the idea. It’s absolutely nerve-wrecking starting a business, yet alone, a photography business because the market is already over saturated and there’s so many talented photographers out there. Why would a potential client choose me over someone else?

It’s easy to get wrapped up in these thoughts but it’s important to not get these thoughts discourage you from jumping into new waters. I started to look for answers. Here’s what I found and what I’m currently doing:

  1. Use your network. Promote your business on your organic social channels. If you see a friend post on their stories asking for photographer recommendations, raise your hand! You’ll be surprised at how powerful word of mouth is.

  2. Ask your network. Find friends/family members who fit the clientele you want to work with and ask them to model for you. It’ll help you build up your portfolio.

  3. Slip it into conversations. Please be organic about it though!

  4. Do what’s best for your business and you.

Let me expand on point #4.

I’m currently finishing up my grad program (I graduate this month!) and work full-time. For me, it made sense to keep my client list lighter this season so when I am working with someone, I can give them my 100% in client service, being present during the photoshoot, to editing. I know some people out there might tell you to dive right into your business, but I had to be realistic with my bandwidth and that’s okay.

This is all I have so far. Come back soon for more posts. 

Thanks for reading,

Julia



Julia and Josiah Wang