- 1). Write a mission statement. It should be one sentence that states your goal in opening up a portrait studio. Your mission statement should sound like this, “With my portrait studio, I plan on providing the community of ___ with quality photos while making ____ a month.” You want to encompass service, art and money into your mission statement because you need these three things to be on point in order to succeed.
- 2). Complete a business plan. A business plan will help you outline on paper your path towards a successful portrait studio business. Your business plan needs to address marketing, capital, customer service and artistic goals. It should give a clear picture as to where you will be over the next five years.
- 3). Get a business license for your portrait studio. You can request it on the Internet. You can Google it by listing the name of your state and the words business license in the search engine.
- 4). Raise money for your portrait studio business. You can get a small business loan or help from supportive family and friends. Don’t bite off more than you can chew, so you aren’t loaded down with “IOUs.” Your goal is to get to the point in your business that you bring in more than you owe.
- 5). Find a location your portrait studio. Where you set up your portrait studio business is determined by its size. If your portrait business is small, you can set it up in the back room of your house. If it’s bigger, you can rent or buy a space. However, whichever space you choose, it should be large enough for all of your equipment and your clients.
- 6). Buy the accessories and furniture for your portrait studio. These things include professional camera equipment and settings along with chairs and couches. You basically want to get all of the items that will allow you do to business successfully. If you are not sure what those items are, you may want to visit another portrait studio and get an idea along with a mentor.
- 7). Market your new business. Part of being successful is letting people know that you exist. So advertise as much as you can about the opening of your portrait studio. Use fliers, the Internet and word-of-mouth to generate a buzz. Also, let people know what makes you unique. It is what will give you an edge above the competition.
- 8). Hire employees to help out in your business. You may not need to do this right away. However, as you grow, look for energetic individuals that love photography and people to help you grow your business. You know the old saying, “Two heads are better than one.”
- 9). Open up for business. Now that you have done the necessary steps to start a portrait studio, open your doors and take in a few new clients. You’ll want to make a good impression on the first day, so try doing something special on it like giving away door prizes.