Photographer entrepreneurs start their own photography businesses. Often they work within a specialized niche or group of niches and market their services to specific target markets. In addition to having photography knowledge and skills, the photography entrepreneur must also acquire business savvy, including how to establish a legal form of the business, how to write a business plan, how to brand and market the business, and how to use the numerous types of contracts required to comply with copyright and other types of photography-related laws. If you're looking to strike out on your own as a photographer, any small business needs a good business plan and this course will walk you through the ins and outs of the business aspects of photography so that you can start to earn a living and be your own boss without having to leave your passion for photography behind. This program covers the basics of setting up a photography business.

The photography industry is expected to grow 3 percent from 2014 to 2024. The photography entrepreneur can use their communication skills, excellent eye for detail and technical expertise to help their business advance. The photography entrepreneur can expect to obtain clients in their own town, however, willingness to travel makes way for more opportunity and a larger clientele. Photography Entrepreneurs require a variety of business and communication skills over and above the artistic skills of a photographer. Opportunities will continue to grow for Photography Entrepreneurs as they continue to sharpen their business skills with marketing, sales and advertising in order to land more projects from weddings and special events, to portraits and specialty shoots.

Program Objectives

After completing this program, learners will be able to:

• Explain the different types of business structures common for professional photographers
• Explain the different components of a business plan for a photography business
• Explain how a professional photography can brand a photography business endeavor and how effective branding can help the photography business
• Explain the different components of a marketing plan for a photography business
• Explain common ways that a professional photographer can use social media to advance a photography business
• Explain the concepts related to costs and pricing in a photography business
• Detail the important considerations and legal and ethical principles related to the required contracts for a photography business
• Use Microsoft Office®

Certification Opportunities

After completing this program, learners will have the option to take the leading national/industry-recognized certification exam(s) essential to entry-level employment in this fast-growing field.

National Workforce Career Association (NWCA) Photography Professional (PHOTO)

Optional Volunteer Externship Opportunity

Learners who complete this program are eligible to participate in an optional volunteer externship opportunity with a local company/agency/organization whose work aligns with this area of study in order to gain valuable hands-on experience.  As learners progress through their eLearning program, an Externship Coordinator will reach out to coordinate placement.

Note: Additional documentation including health records, immunizations, drug-screening, criminal background checks, etc. may be required by the externship facility.