So You’ve Started Your Photography Business… Now What?

Congratulations on launching your photography business and finding ShootProof! Taking that first step is often the hardest part, but now you might be wondering, “What’s next?”

Our straightforward checklist will help you build on your foundation without overwhelming you. Remember, you don’t need to tackle everything at once—progress, not perfection, is the goal.

If you’re stressed, wondering what to do next, and asking if “that’s normal.” Yes, yes it is.

First, Focus on Your Client Experience

In a world where anyone can buy a nice camera, your client experience is what truly sets you apart. We’ve learned through many trials (and yes, errors) that clients might forget exactly how their photos looked, but they’ll always remember how you made them feel throughout the process. This is where you build loyalty that turns one-time clients into lifelong fans.

• Create a welcome guide that outlines your process from booking to delivery
• Establish email templates for common client communications (save these in ShootProof for easy access)
• Design a session workflow that you follow consistently for every client
• Set up automatic emails in ShootProof to keep clients informed without extra work from you

Strengthen Your Legal Foundation

The legal stuff isn’t the exciting part of being a photographer. We’ve sooo been there. But trust us, the day will come when you’ll be so grateful you took care of these details. Think of these elements as the safety net beneath your creative high-wire act. They protect both you and your clients when unexpected situations arise (and in this business, they always do).

• Finalize your contracts. You can find contracts through our store made by an attorney
• Create policies for cancellations, reschedules, and refunds
• Ensure you’re properly insured with liability and equipment coverage

Streamline Your Finances

Let’s have a heart-to-heart about money. For many creative souls, this is the part that makes us squirm – but it’s also the difference between a hobby and a sustainable business. Trust us. we’ve been there too, mixing personal and business finances, undercharging, and wondering why we’re always stressed about money despite being booked solid. Getting these financial foundations right isn’t just about survival – it’s about giving yourself the freedom to focus on what you love.

• Set up a separate business bank account if you haven’t already
• Establish a bookkeeping system (even a simple spreadsheet works to start)
• Track all business expenses for tax purposes
• Create packages and pricing that ensure profitability (don’t forget to account for your time!)
• Set up online payments through ShootProof to make it easy for clients to pay you

Build Your Online Presence

In today’s digital world, you exist online whether you intentionally build that presence or not. The question is: are you letting others define your brand, or are you taking control of the narrative? Your online presence isn’t just about being found – it’s about making sure the right clients find you and immediately connect with your unique vision. I’ve seen incredible photographers struggle simply because they were invisible to their ideal clients. Been there, done that, do this…

• Complete your ShootProof account with your branding and upload a watermark
• Create or update your social media profiles with consistent branding
• Start a simple website if you haven’t already (even a one-page site is better than none)
• Set up Google Business to appear in local searches

Develop a Simple Marketing Plan

Here’s something we wish more photographers knew: random posting and hoping for the best isn’t a marketing strategy. Every (now seasoned) photographer is nodding – marketing doesn’t have to mean sleazy sales tactics or spending hours on social media. At its heart, good marketing is simply about connecting your amazing work with the people who will value it most. The photographers who thrive aren’t necessarily the most talented – they’re the ones who consistently show up where their ideal clients can find them.

• Identify your ideal client and where they spend their time
• Create a content calendar for sharing your work consistently
• Network with complementary vendors (wedding planners, venues, etc.)
• Ask satisfied clients for referrals and reviews

Invest in Growth (Wisely)

The photography industry is full of shiny objects – new gear, trending presets, luxury workshops in exotic locations. It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking the next purchase will be the magic bullet that elevates your business. We’ve watched photographers (some of us that work at ShootProof included) drop thousands on equipment that barely gets used while neglecting the fundamentals that actually move the needle. Smart growth means being intentional about where you invest your limited resources of time and money.

• Identify one area where additional education would benefit you most
• Find free or low-cost learning resources before investing in expensive workshops
• Consider what equipment upgrades would genuinely improve your work (versus what’s just nice to have)
• Join photography communities for support and guidance

Master the Art of Selling (Without Feeling Salesy)

For many of us creative souls, the word “selling” can feel about as comfortable as showing up to a wedding in pajamas. Here’s the truth we had to learn the hard way: selling isn’t about pushing products people don’t want; it’s about guiding clients toward the treasures they already desire but don’t know how to ask for. When we stop seeing ourselves as “just a photographer” and started seeing ourselves as the curator of memories, everything can change. Your clients are looking to you for guidance – they’re silently begging you to help them make decisions.

• Create a Price Sheet or guided online galleries to help clients see the value in larger prints and products
• Develop product collections that solve problems clients don’t even realize they have
• Learn to articulate the emotional value of physical products and digital files
• Practice confidence in your pricing and recommendations (remember: hesitation is contagious)

Create Systems for Sustainability

Can we talk about burnout for a minute? It’s the elephant in the room for so many creative entrepreneurs. The passion that drives us to start our businesses can quickly become overwhelmed by the demands of running them. We’ve seen too many talented photographers flame out because they treated their business like a sprint instead of a marathon. Building systems isn’t just about efficiency – it’s about creating a business that serves your life, rather than consuming it.

• Develop an image backup system to protect your work
• Establish boundaries for work hours and communication
• Create a plan for busy seasons to avoid burnout
• Schedule time for self-assessment (and self care) every few months

Remember: Progress Over Perfection

Don’t feel pressured to complete everything on this list immediately. Choose one section to focus on each month, and you’ll have transformed your business within a year.

The most successful photography businesses aren’t built overnight—they grow through consistent small improvements over time.

Let us know if you need help! We’re here to support you!

Gorgeous photos by Nikk Nguyen Photo