 Brett Dolsen |
Business Plan - Equipment
In developing a business plan my first problem is the equipment I will need starting with Camera Body and Lenses. I currently have a 4OOD or Digital Rebel with Kit Lenses and know that I will need better lenses and another body now or later. I am thinking the Canon 5D MK11 with suitable lenses for portrait and eventually wedding photography also hoping that new lenses will be compatable with D400 to economise during the establishment period. Also some of my events work has been published by organisers and I see potential work in this area also. Am I on the right track and looking for thoughts on start up gear.I know I could spend a fortune but I have to start small. Here is an example from a recent event with what I have.
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Peter K. Burian |
Hi Brett, Without knowing a great deal more about your plans, what you shoot, etc. I doubt that anyone can give you a definitive answer. But you cannot go wrong with the EOS 5D Mk II ... fabulous camera. BUT it is not compatible with EF-S lenses! You would need EF lenses. Of course the EF-S kit lenses are really not very good; ok for amateur stuff but not for more serious photography. Instead of spending a fortune on the Mk II, why not get the EOS 60D and at least one pro lens like the 24-120mm L or the 70-200mm f/4 L IS USM. Not sure if you have a flash unit but the 580EX II is the best one. Cheers! Peter www.peterkburian.com
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Brett Dolsen |
Thanks Peter great advice I havnt looked at the 60D at all. Also have no flash and was looking at the next one down below the 580 so now Basically for income purposes I am thinking of portraits both studio and natural light but the catch is events such as surfing and Triathalons which are big in my area and will need minimum of six frames per second. Since posting I have realised that there will be compromises unless I make this quite a big investment and go all out including the Canon 1D and possibly three pro lenses to begin with. This may be an overkill for someone of my experience but then it may be the edge that is needed.
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Peter K. Burian |
hi Brett: OK, then check out the EOS 7D (8 frames per second, built like a tank, fabulous image quality, super fast autofocus). I would spend less on the camera and more on lenses and flash units. Every business starts with compromises. e.g. Delivery companies don't start with new $50,000 trucks. EOS 7D Key features
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Brett Dolsen |
I think you are very right about the 7D being a great starting point.8 frames per second wont miss much when it comes to events. Thankyou this is great advice Peter.
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Peter K. Burian |
Sure; happy to help. You will LOVE the EOS 7D. There is no reason in the world for an EOS 1D. Spend the money you save on lenses, like the 70-200mm. Peter www.peterkburian.com
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Lynn R. Powers |
In a business plan the first and most important thing to think about is, "What is my target audience. Magazines? Are they for Facebook? Individuals in the photos? And the list goes on and on. Where do I advertise? Are you going to be working at home or do you need a studio? Do I have to hire a CPA to do my books? What do I have to net per year? Where do I find the customers? What kind of equipment do I need to start and what can wait until I can afford better. Set up a two year time line of objectives. You also need a Financial Plan for two years and then yearly. You may find that it will take three years before you can afford a $25,000 truck and six years to afford the $50,000 truck. But then you can set up in flea and Farmers markets. But that still takes money to purchase tables, places to hang photos and of course your state and/or city business license. If you plan to start a real business, courses in Business Management are even more important than your photography, because the photography will only take 10% of your time.
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Brett Dolsen |
Thankyou Lynne and sorry I did not respond earlier. All great points and one I am dealing with now is how to be found first in online directories and creating a web site!!
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Nancy Marie Ricketts |
You have some great photos in your gallery. You could sell on your webpage (if you're not already doing that) and be sure to put your bio (resume) on your page. Also, make up some business cards with some of your greatest pictures on them and pass them around to your friends and people you are likely to see every so often. If you want to do portrait photography, put some of your portraits online on your webpage, and direct those you pass out business cards to take a look at your webpage. From the webpage you can have a contact number and set up a PayPal account. You might also think about traveling to the person wanting to have their picture taken and figure in your expenses for the trip. Look into taxes and business licenses for your location, but the web is the place to sell from these days. There is a lot more to do than I have room to write here. It takes time and $$$$$, but if you want it enough, it will eventually happen. Good luck to you.
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Brett Dolsen |
Thankyou very much Nancy and looks like things will be underway soon. I managed to get into a program for new business ventures with mentors covering all aspects of what I will be doing. For Australians this program is most likely run through their Local Chamber of Commerce and helps you through the first 12 months whenever needed. Our area is one of high unemployment where older people have trouble competing with younger workers and often turn to starting a business venture as is my case.
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Madeline Logan-Davis |
Definitely put up a bio, people like to be connected to the photographer. I purchased this photo from XYZ while I was visiting San Diego, or Australia etc. As far as equipment the sky is the limit but having a bigger better camera does not bring in the money. I would use what you have to start. You have marvelous photos and know your camera well. My personal experience was I purchased a higher grade camera and then went back to my old standby. I was more comfortable with that one and sold the new one. Comfort zone regarding change I guess. A great photo speaks for itself taken with a point and shoot or a high grade camera. Wishing you much success. I have marked you as a favorite you have some great wave images. A native of California I am drawn to the perfect wave images. Thank you for sharing.
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