subject: Photography Business Plan - Equipment may not be your most important investment [print this page] Someone once said, "It appears some beginning photographers continue to buy new equipment, backgrounds, and doodads instead of photographing clients. Could this be photo phobia'where building up the arsenal' provides a form of comfort and feeling of progress, thus squelching the angst of reaching out to find new customers?"
I asked twenty-five established photographers the question, "After the purchase of a good camera and lens, what would you recommend as the next three investments for someone beginning in the photography business?" Their answers were all over the map, as each reflected back to their beginnings, but marketing and imaging software were high on the list.
In the fashion world, "accessorizing" means adding embellishments that make you look better. It's not all that different in photography. Kidding aside, photographic accessories can be categorized in two ways: needs and wants. Be honest when asking yourself if you really need a new piece of equipment. You don't need every new photo accessory that becomes available or tickles your fancy. That said, continue to modestly upgrade your equipment as finances allow in order to establish as "aura" of the consummate professional that you are.
Consider renting equipment.
Tony Corbell once said, "As far as equipment goes, all you need is a roll of duct tape . . . all the rest can be rented." Though the statement is comical (with duct tape now replaced with A-clamps), it's sage advice from an ultra-professional photographer who knows the business inside and out. Renting is a fairly inexpensive alternative to purchasing and, more importantly, it gives you the opportunity to try things out or simply use the equipment for a special assignment. Large retailers have rental programs; inquire about rentals at your local camera stores too.
An SB-800 or 900 flash unit is a great item to rent because it puts out a powerful source of light and can be used remotely (without an additional sensor) to create artificial lighting where needed, whether in a studio or elsewhere. Rental will run about $10 to $15. A Nikon D200 digital body might go for $100 a day, but the later model D300 will cost almost twice as much. Don't forget the lens to go with it! They run about $35 each. Leasing contracts for camera equipment is a more long-term option and requires a commitment of $1,000 to $150,000.
Photography Business Plan - Equipment may not be your most important investment
