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Branson Proposal & Family Photography, formally Amy Fillinger Photography

Branson Proposal & Family Photography, formally Amy Fillinger Photography

Branson Proposal Photographer | Branson Family Photographer | Branson Photographer

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The 7 smart things I did when I started my business

November 2, 2018 by Virginia

How to start a photography business (the right way)

Today I am doing something a little different on the blog. I’ve noticed that a lot of newer photographers have been following me on social media. I’ve also had a lot of questions about starting a photography business or tips for new photographers. I decided to start sharing more of my photography journey on the blog.

I wrote this post a while ago, but the busy season got crazy and I never got around to finishing it. It’s finally ready to go. You should know that I didn’t do everything right when I started my business, I made a lot of mistakes! Part 2 will come out next week and talk about the mistakes I made when I started my photography business. If you want to learn how to start a photography business the right way, you need to read them both!

7 things I did right when I started my photography business

1. Learned to shoot manual

If you want to start a photography business the right way, the first thing you need to do is learn to shoot in manual. Long before you start a business, create a Facebook page, or start charging for your services.

Even when I first started, I made it a priority to shoot in manual. I read books even before I bought my first DSLR camera. I had thought about buying a DSLR way back around 2004, but instead bought a more expensive point and shoot. In hindsight, I wish I would have bought the DSLR, but at that point, I had no idea that I’d ever do photography for a living. Once I bought my camera, I read my manual. Always read the manual! That brings us to #2.

2. Invested in my business and equipment

In 2009, I decided that I wanted to be a photographer. At that point, it was still more of a hobby, but I knew that someday I would like to do it full time. I had spent over a year reading and learning as much as I could about digital photography and manual shooting. I bought a cheap DSLR on eBay. Even though I had a cheaper camera, I immediately bought a 50mm lens.

how to start a photography business | branson wedding photographer

Photo by Smart.

Shortly after my initial purchases, I bought an 85mm lens. In 2012 (the year I officially started my business) I upgraded to a full frame camera and invested in Canon L lenses. Even though I was just starting to earn an income, I knew that investing in my business was important.

I also invested in courses and continued reading books, and watching YouTube videos to learn as much as possible. I continue to learn today by taking courses, reading books, and listening to podcasts. There is always something new to learn. Lately, I’ve been focusing on the business side of things, but I still love photography courses and videos.

3. Had contracts in place/started an LLC

When I decided that I wanted to do photography as a business, I legally registered my business and established an LLC. I also started using contracts. These two things are very important and should be two of the first things that you do.

If you want to know how to start a photography business, making sure that you do things legally is of utmost importance. You will want to check the laws for your state and possibly speak to an attorney regarding contracts and an accountant regarding taxes.

contract | branson wedding photographer how to start a photography business

4. Kept going

Starting a photography business is hard work. Most people do not realize that a successful photography business is 90% business and 10% photography. When I started doing photography it was not my full-time job. In fact, it would be a few years before I would be doing photography full time. I also had a lot going on in my life during the first few years of my business (babies, moving, etc.) which made life even more hectic.

What I did right is that I kept going. Even when it was hard, even when I thought I would never make any money, and even when I wanted to give up.

5. Shot my first wedding for free

Even though it sounds crazy, shooting for free is one of the best things to do if you want to start a photography business. It’s much better than deeply discounting your work. Charging $20 for a session or $100 for a wedding makes you look cheap.

Sure, you might book a session or two, but you’ll be working hard and you’ll make absolutely no money. Working for free (to build your portfolio) is a much better way of starting out. I shot my first wedding for free. I shot this wedding on my eBay camera.

It definitely wasn’t portfolio-worthy, but it was a learning experience. I didn’t shoot another wedding for over a year, and when I did, I worked as a second shooter. That same year, I started booking my own weddings and they were completely different than the wedding I did just one year prior with my eBay camera.Eureka Springs wedding photographer, Eureka Springs photographer, Branson wedding photographer, NW Arkansas wedding photographer, Fayetteville AR photographer, Springdale photographer, Arkansas photographer, Tulsa wedding photographer

Not my first wedding 😉 I won’t be showing you that right now.

6. Second shooting

After my first wedding in 2011, I decided that I wanted to try second shooting. The best thing to do if you want to second shoot a wedding is to have a solid portrait portfolio. I had been shooting more portraits in 2012 and I was able to start second shooting weddings with an established photographer.

I learned a lot by second shooting weddings. Almost immediately after I started second shooting, I was shooting my own weddings.

There is one thing that I wish I would have done differently with second shooting. In the very beginning, I worked with a photographer who did not let me use the images in my portfolio. If you’re starting out, I would highly recommend finding a photographer who will let you use the images in your portfolio. I ended up doing this a few months after working with the first photographer.

Even if you can’t, the experience alone is worth it. I learned a lot working with several other photographers. After about two years, I was booking my own weddings regularly and rarely had time for second shooting.

7. Outsourced from the beginning

I had help from the very beginning. When it came to my website design and logo, I had no idea what I was doing. Fortunately, I have a friend who is a graphic designer. I’ve been working with her since the beginning. We’re actually working on another rebrand right now!

Even though we are friends and she has offered her services at a great price, it was a smart choice to outsource from the beginning. I am not a designer, and working with one has definitely helped me look more professional since the beginning.

I tried outsourcing editing but I decided that, for now, I want to do that myself. For the more extensive editing (head swaps, etc.) I do have a friend who occasionally helps with that along with some administrative work for me during the busy season. Yes, it may cost a little to outsource. However, time is money and I’d much rather pay someone to do something quickly than spend hours trying to figure it out myself!

Did you learn anything about how to start a photography business?

So, what did you think? These are the 7 smart things I did when I started my photography business. If you’re trying to figure out how to start a photography business, I hope these 7 tips help you! Keep an eye out for part 2, which will be coming out next week. Part 2 is the 5 things I did wrong when I started my photography business. Hopefully, you can learn from my mistakes!

If you want to make sure that you see part 2, make sure to sign up for my email list! You hate spam and I do too. The email newsletter only goes out when something important happens! This is a great way to learn tips for new photographers or find out more from behind the scenes of a photography business.

How to start a photography business the right way. Here are 7 things I did right when I started my photography business. Part 2 (things I did wrong) will be released very soon! #photographytips #howtobeaphotographer #howtostartaphotographybusiness#workingfromhome #photographybusiness #photographybusinesstips

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About Virginia

Previous Post: « Lindsey and Clark's beautiful Mulberry Mountain Wedding. Branson wedding photographer, NW Arkansas wedding photographer, Arkansas wedding photographer, Missouri wedding photographer, Branson photographer, Branson wedding, Eureka Springs wedding photographer, wedding photography ideas. #weddingphotographyideas #weddingphotos #bransonweddingphotographer #bransonwedding #bransonphotographer #nwarknsasweddingphotographer #arkansasweddingphotographer #arkansaswedding #weddingideas #weddinginspo #weddinginspiration #weddingphotographyideas Lindsey + Clark | Mulberry Mountain Wedding
Next Post: Why you need a photographer for your Branson proposal Brad & Rebecca's Top of the Rock Proposal. 4 reasons to hire a proposal photographer, why to hire a proposal photographer for this special time in your life! #proposalphotographer #proposalphotography #proposal #bransonproposal #bransonphotography #bransonphotographers #bransonweddingphotographer #whytohireaproposalphotographer »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Emily Hester

    November 8, 2018 at 12:46 am

    These are some great things! Sharing with people who want to become photographers!

    Reply
    • Amy

      November 8, 2018 at 12:53 am

      Thanks Emily!

      Reply

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Branson Proposal & Family Photography

Branson Proposal & Family Photography, formally Amy Fillinger Photography, is a photography business based in Branson, MO specializing in extended family photography, proposal photography, senior portrait photography, and small weddings and elopements. We also serve the Springfield, Nixa, and Ozark areas.

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While Branson Proposal & Family Photography specia While Branson Proposal & Family Photography specializes in proposals and family reunion photography, we also photograph high end vehicles and luxury sports cars. Professional photos can make all the difference when selling your car online!
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#bransonmo #bransonmissouri #autophotography #porche #bransonphotographer
Missouri weather can be so unpredictable, and our Missouri weather can be so unpredictable, and our forecast called for rain at our originally scheduled session time, but thankfully Zach was able to move it earlier in the day without Megan suspecting anything! She said yes!! And the rain held off the entire time we were shooting! It was a little cold, but definitely the perfect proposal to start the 2023 season! 😍 Congratulations Zach and Megan!!
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The Jenkins Family is here in Branson celebrating The Jenkins Family is here in Branson celebrating their parents/grandparents 40th anniversary! Happy Anniversary, and a Happy New Years! The Jenkins Family was my last family of 2022, and it was a great session to wrap up the year! It's been a great year for Branson Proposal & Family Photography, and I have gotten to work with some wonderful people - my client are the best out there! Here's to an even better 2023! 🎉
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#bransonmissouri #bransonmo #bransonfamilyphotographer #bransonphotographer #bransonfamilyreunion #bransonmophotographer
When you can get couples to laugh just by having t When you can get couples to laugh just by having them look at each other, you know you have a fun group! 😍
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#bransonmissouri #bransonmo #bransoncouplesphotographer #bransonengagementphotographer #bransonproposalphotographer #bransonfamilyphotographer
We got so many great shots of the Bear family yest We got so many great shots of the Bear family yesterday that it was hard for me to pick my favorites! I'll have a second post coming later with some adorable couples shots from the session, but I think these family and kid shots are pretty great too! 😍 The snow looks deceiving, as it wasn't nearly as cold as it was last week! ☺️
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#bransonmo #bransonmissouri #bransonmissouriphotographer #bransonreunion #bransonextendedfamilyphotographer #bransonphotographer #bransonphotography #familyphotography #417photographer
Here is part two for Nick and Megan! Congrats agai Here is part two for Nick and Megan! Congrats again you two!
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#bransonmo #bransonmissouri #bransonphotographer #bransonproposal #bransonproposalphotographer #bransonengagmentphotographer
Congrats to Nick and Megan! She said yes! I had so Congrats to Nick and Megan! She said yes! I had so many favorite photos from this session, so I'm posting it in two parts! The @bransonlanding is the perfect spot for a winter proposal! The light is great, the scenery is varied enough to get a good variety of photos, and there are very few people around!
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#bransonmissouri #bransonmo #bransonproposal #bransonproposalphotographer #bransonlanding #bransonegagementphotographer #proposalphotographer
I had the pleasure of taking couples portraits for I had the pleasure of taking couples portraits for the Kennedys in their home this week! Bill and I serve on the Head Start Policy Council together, and he and his wife wanted some portraits for their family in time for Christmas. I'm so glad we were able to find a day that worked for all of us! ☺️
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Yesterday I went to @sdcattractions to capture Jus Yesterday I went to @sdcattractions to capture Justin's proposal to Molly! She said yes, and the weather was absolutely perfect for photos, so we got some AMAZING ones! 😍😍 It was so fun working with you both! Congrats!!
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The Sims Blanchard family was my last session last The Sims Blanchard family was my last session last week, and it was the perfect session to end the fall season! I don't always get all the kids looking and smiling at the same time, but when I do...😍😍 These kids did great despite the chilly weather!
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#bransonmissouri #bransonmo #bransonphotographer #bransonphotography #bransonfamilyphotographer #extendedfamilyphotos #familyreunionphotographer
I've done many proposals, but last week must have I've done many proposals, but last week must have been the week of firsts, because this was the first proposal I've had to go in blind! What I mean by that, is usually I have my proposal clients send me a photo of themselves so I know who I'm looking for, but I had a morning session at @dogwood_canyon this same day, and I never have cell signal there! So Alex sent me the selfie, but I didn't get it in time. I'm sure I looked like a weirdo watching random couples until Alex and Jamie showed up, but thankfully I was ready when he got down on one knee. Jamie said yes! Congrats you two! ☺️
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#bransonproposal #bransonproposalphotographer #bransonmissouri #bransonmophotographer #bransonengagement #bransonengagmentphotographer #dogwoodcanyon
Here is a sneak peak for the Polar Express Crew! I Here is a sneak peak for the Polar Express Crew! It was great weather for photos at @dogwood_canyon last week! Look at those adorable kids! 😁
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Hi there! I’m Virginia…

I love coffee, racquetball, and photography! Amy Fillinger Photography has been documenting "I will's" and "I do's" since 2012. Read More…

about

Branson Proposal & Family Photography, formally Amy Fillinger Photography, is a Branson, Missouri based photography business specializing in extended family photography, proposal photography, and more. Branson Proposal & Family Photography serves Branson and the surrounding areas, including Springfield, Nixa, Ozark, and Republic, MO.

Contact me:

 417.259.9142
 virginia@amyfillingerphotography.com
Send availability inquiries here.

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