photography business plan mission statement

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While it can feel impossible to know where to start when putting your photography experience into words, the Salted Pages team has figured out the recipe, creating the thousand words that a picture is worth (give or take a few). Paired with keywords loved by search engines, these copywriting examples show photography mission statements and taglines to inspire you. Think of these as approachable ways to rewrite a photographer’s elevator pitch.

What to put in a photography mission statement?

Mission statements, elevator pitches, USP — there’s a lot of jargon in the photography copywriting world. But in our experience, when photographers ask for help with their mission statements, they’re really asking for help with a mix of an elevator pitch and a unique selling proposition, or in other words, summarizing their brand in just one short paragraph.

Around here, we call that a brand statement. But for these purposes, we’ll let mission statement suffice too. Here’s our go-to recipe:

• Your business name
• Your main SEO keyword
• Your location (if you work locally/want to rank locally)
• Who you provide services for
• What services you provide (or a brief summary of them)
• The transformation — how your offers will benefit your audience
• How you do things differently — what makes you stand out from competitors
• What you believe or value
• Your mission
• Call to action or invitation to the next step

How to create a photography tagline

Ah, the tagline — sometimes the easiest and other times the most challenging thing to write. Don’t worry, though, because you can always update this! For now, create your short and sweet slogan, identifying either what you do or how you do it differently (or both!)

Some ideas to help…

• What you do
• For [description of your audience]
• On-brand adjectives of what you do
• The year you were founded “Providing x,y,z, since 2001”

Photography tagline examples

Heather Anderson Photography

Adventure elopement photography for daring lovers

MB Bryant Images

Life’s biggest adventures in modern photos co-crafted with you

Photographer elevator pitch for a film & digital wedding photographer

Rudney Novaes, a Washington D.C. Photographer , specializes in editorial-style photography for couples who want a feeling of luxury and exclusivity to their photos. The copywriting needed to be just as elegant and refined. I had to make sure his brand statement and tagline perfectly encapsulated the unique, yet exclusive experience he creates for his clients.

Rudney’s brand statement is straightforward, yet it provides a curated feeling that’s reflected in his photography. The tagline I wrote for him immediately draws the client in and communicates precisely the sort of refined aesthetic they will find with Rudney.

Wedding & portrait photography elevator pitch

For this wedding photographer in Sacramento, CA , Denise Apgar’s brand voice needed to complement the romantic yet natural feeling of her work. So, we made sure to keep the tone for her content warm and down-to-earth.

As a modern photographer with an organic flare, Denise Apgar’s brand statement captures the chic style she provides to her clients, while encompassing each niche she photographs. The tagline is encouraging and inviting while emphasizing her brand’s heartfelt approach. You can learn more about softly romantic copywriting for photographers in this post.

Copywriting for an elopement photographer

Heather Anderson is a California elopement photographer who is all about the adventure. It was important that her brand statement and tagline communicated that bold spirit.

For Heather’s dynamic brand statement, we used nature-inspired imagery to call on that sense of adventure and spontaneity her clients live for. Since her target audience are drawn to the bold, Heather’s tagline is striking and decisive, embracing the daring spirit shown throughout her photos.

SEO copywriting for photographers & videographers

As the power couple they are, these wedding photographers in Chicago wanted to set themselves apart from the get-go. Our goal was to let clients know that working with Nicole and Michael would be anything but conventional as soon as they opened their website.

This brand statement has that perfect balance between conversational and attention-grabbing, highlighting both the incredible photos and videos this duo captures, and the exciting experience they provide. Not only does the tagline feel playful, but it also draws in those ideal clients for Millennium Moments, high-energy and outgoing couples. Read all about this unforgettable photography and videography website .

For an intimate wedding photographer

As a self-proclaimed hopeful romantic, Amy Britton is one of the most kindhearted and warm people you’ll ever meet. It truly shines through this Florida elopement photographer ‘s work, and now through her website copy, too.

We wanted to showcase the personable and welcoming experience her clients get, so Amy’s cheerful and fun-loving personality really set the tone for this bubbly, yet casual brand statement. While it is short and sweet, her tagline perfectly summarizes all the romantic and dreamy feels you’ll get from Amy’s work. With a little Salted flavor and SEO, Amy booked her dream client within 5 hours of her website launch. See how SEO services for photographers can have unbelievable results on the blog.

Another hybrid photography mission statement example

With her background in design, this Annapolis wedding photographer has a curated, yet true-to-life style that makes her stand out. Molly aims to encapsulate the emotions her clients felt in the moment by capturing both the minute details and comprehensive story.

Together we established the tone for her brand as knowledgeable, yet approachable. In her brand statement, you can feel the composed care and insight Molly uses to take story-inspired and design-led photos. And in just one sentence, the tagline we wrote for Molly brings home the understated and timeless flair in all of her work, reassuring her clients that their photos will never go out of style. Check out this blog post to learn how we incorporated a design forward brand voice for this wedding photographer website .

More photography slogans

Like Cassidy’s photos, we wanted to make sure this Cincinnati wedding photographer’s website content felt just as breezy and fresh as a day by the ocean.

Using all those island vibes, we kept Cassidy’s brand statement fresh, but emotive. With the inspiring imagery of the sea incorporated into the statement, you can already feel just how wholehearted and dreamy every photo will be. Cassidy’s tagline is more punchy, getting right to the heart of what she does and all the joyous feelings that come with it. Find out more about this custom copywriting service in our blog post.

Elevator pitch for a portrait photographer

For Kelli, portrait photography shouldn’t be intimidated or overly posed. This San Luis Obispo photographer’s style for families, seniors, and weddings is fresh, yet sophisticated. We found that balance in her website copy, too.

Immediately, the brand statement I wrote for Kelli tells clients she is on-trend and perceptive. We highlighted her uniquely artistic style and her savvy technique but made sure to keep the tone cool and personable. The tagline we settled on is expressive and has the same creative, wind-blown effect captured so well in Kelli’s work. Let us show you more about how we incorporated Kelli’s chic brand voice into her portrait photography website .

For a rom-com loving photographer

Marc Daniele’s editorial style is unapologetically influenced by his love of rom-coms. With a little Salted touch, we curated a website tone for this New Jersey wedding photographer that embraced all the romance of a classic rom-com, and added the luxury his work is known for.

Marc wanted a brand voice that was effective at converting, yet poetic and romantic. The brand statement we decided on incorporates both, while also emphasizing his classic editorial style. Keeping on theme with the story-driven tone, his website’s tagline shows clients the deep passion and artistic skill Marc uses in his own work. On the blog you can learn more about how we kept things romantically playful for this photography website .

For a European-inspired photographer

As a photographer, Tausha Garrett, transports her clients to dreamy destinations through her ethereal photos. So, we made sure to do the same with this Cincinnati wedding photographer’s website copy.

To achieve that romantic effect, her brand statement is expressive and poetic, channeling that blissful and timeless European feel. For Tausha’s tagline, we encompassed all the imagery her clients get with each photo, while emphasizing the comprehensive experience they get with it. You can see more about our website content writing for Tausha on the blog.

Like what you see? There’s more where that came from

Photography mission statements and taglines are our specialty, so you can find more tips and examples on our blog . You can also subscribe to our newsletter for the biggest copywriting do’s and don’ts. But, we’re always sharing the best tips and tricks on our Instagram .

If you’re looking for SEO website copywriting like this, get in touch and we can create something tailored to your brand’s needs. Brand messaging guides are a favorite too, and include these very mission statements and taglines!

Photography Mission Statements & Taglines: SEO-Infused Examples

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Crafting Your Photography Mission Statement

As a freelance photographer, your mission statement is more than just a collection of fancy words. It is a reflection of your passion, your purpose, and your professional goals. It serves as a declaration of your brand’s unique value proposition, the essence of your craft, and the driving force behind your work. A well-crafted mission statement can act as your guiding star, helping you navigate the competitive world of photography and steer your career in the right direction.

In this post, we aim to guide you through the process of creating a compelling photography mission statement. One that resonates with your target audience, sets you apart in the market, and most importantly, aligns with your personal values and aspirations. So, are you ready to craft a mission statement that truly reflects your photography business? Let’s dive in!

Understanding the Importance of a Mission Statement

A mission statement, though seemingly simple, carries immense significance. It encapsulates your purpose, your approach, and your commitment to your clients. It tells your audience why you do what you do and how you do it differently. But why is it so important?

Firstly, a mission statement guides your business decisions and strategies. It serves as a constant reminder of your core values and goals, ensuring that every step you take aligns with your mission. Secondly, it communicates your brand’s identity and value to your audience. It helps your clients understand what they can expect from you and why they should choose you over others. Lastly, a well-articulated mission statement can inspire and motivate you, especially during challenging times. It can rekindle your passion and drive, reminding you of why you embarked on this journey in the first place.

Key Elements of an Effective Photography Mission Statement

Now that we understand the importance of a mission statement, what makes one effective? An impactful mission statement should be clear, concise, and compelling. It should reflect your brand’s identity and resonate with your target audience. But beyond that, there are a few key elements that every effective photography mission statement should possess:

• Passion: Your love for photography should shine through your mission statement. It is this passion that drives your work and sets you apart.
• Purpose: What is your purpose as a photographer? What do you hope to achieve through your work? Your mission statement should answer these questions.
• Professionalism: Your mission statement should reflect your commitment to your craft and your clients. It should convey your professionalism and dedication.
• Uniqueness: What makes your photography business unique? What is your unique value proposition? Highlight these in your mission statement.

Remember, your mission statement is a reflection of your brand and your passion. It should be authentic, inspiring, and unique to you.

Steps to Craft Your Unique Photography Mission Statement

Creating a mission statement that encapsulates your unique vision as a photographer is not a one-size-fits-all process. It requires introspection, understanding of your target audience, and a clear definition of your value proposition. Below are the key steps to guide you in crafting your unique photography mission statement.

Reflect on Your Purpose and Passion

At the heart of every mission statement is the purpose that drives the individual or business. As a photographer, what is your why? What fuels your passion for photography? Understanding your purpose is crucial in crafting a mission statement that resonates with you and your audience.

Take time to reflect on why you chose to pursue photography. What do you hope to achieve with your work? Do you aim to inspire, to tell stories, to capture beauty, or to document reality? Your passion and purpose will be the foundation of your mission statement.

Identify Your Target Audience and their Needs

Knowing who your target audience is and what they need is another crucial step in crafting your mission statement. Who do you want to reach with your photography? What are their needs and expectations? Understanding your audience will help you create a mission statement that speaks directly to them.

Consider the types of photography you specialize in. Are you targeting families, businesses, individuals, or a specific niche market? What are the needs of these groups? How can your photography meet these needs? These are the questions that will help you identify your target audience and understand their needs.

Define Your Unique Value Proposition

Once you’ve identified your purpose and your target audience, the next step is to define your unique value proposition. What sets you apart from other photographers? What unique skills, perspective, or style do you bring to your work? Your unique value proposition is what will differentiate you in a saturated market.

Consider what makes your photography unique. Is it your creative style, your technical skills, your ability to capture emotion, or your commitment to a specific cause or message? Highlighting these unique attributes in your mission statement will help you stand out and attract your ideal clients.

Examples of Inspiring Photography Mission Statements

Now that you understand the steps to creating a mission statement, let’s look at some examples of inspiring photography mission statements. These examples are not to be copied verbatim, but rather to inspire you and provide a frame of reference as you craft your own unique statement.

Remember, a mission statement should be authentic and reflect your unique vision and purpose as a photographer. It should resonate with your target audience and clearly communicate your value proposition.

Incorporating Your Mission Statement into Your Brand

Now that you’ve created a mission statement that reflects your passion, purpose, and the unique value you bring to your clients, it’s time to weave it into the fabric of your brand. This isn’t a step to be taken lightly; your mission statement should be a guiding light, illuminating the path for all your business decisions, marketing strategies, and client interactions. It should resonate in every image you capture and every service you offer. But how exactly can you weave your mission statement into your brand? Let’s take a closer look.

Using Your Mission Statement to Guide Business Decisions

Your mission statement is more than a declaration of intent; it’s a compass that can guide your business decisions. When faced with a choice or challenge, refer back to your mission statement. Does the decision align with your stated purpose and values? If not, it might be worth reconsidering. Here are a few specific ways you can use your mission statement to guide your business decisions:

• Service Offerings: Your mission statement should inform the types of photography services you offer. If your mission is to capture the joy and love in family relationships, for example, you might focus on family portraits or wedding photography.
• Marketing Strategies: Your mission statement can also guide your marketing strategies. Use it as a touchstone to ensure your promotional materials and social media posts reflect your brand’s unique value proposition.
• Client Relationships: Your mission statement should influence how you interact with your clients. If your mission is to provide a stress-free photography experience, for example, you might offer flexible scheduling, a relaxed shooting environment, and quick turnaround times.
• Professional Development: Your mission statement can guide your professional development choices. If your mission is to capture the beauty of the natural world, you might pursue advanced training in landscape or wildlife photography.

In these ways and more, your mission statement can serve as a powerful tool to guide your business decisions, helping to ensure consistency and authenticity in every aspect of your brand.

Evaluating and Updating Your Mission Statement

As your skills grow and your business evolves, so too should your mission statement. It is vital to periodically review and reassess your mission statement to ensure that it stays aligned with your current goals and values. This ongoing process of evaluation and updating is what keeps your mission statement relevant, dynamic, and reflective of your evolving vision as a photographer.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Writing a Mission Statement

Creating a mission statement that truly encapsulates your brand and vision is not an easy task. It’s easy to fall into certain pitfalls that can detract from the impact of your statement. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when crafting your mission statement:

• Being too vague or generic. Your mission statement should be specific and unique to your brand.
• Overloading the statement with buzzwords. Keep it simple and authentic.
• Ignoring your target audience. Your mission statement should resonate with the people you aim to serve.
• Overpromising. Your mission statement should be aspirational yet achievable.
• Not revisiting your mission statement. Regularly review and update your mission statement to keep it relevant.

Conclusion: Manifesting Your Mission Statement in Your Photography Practice

Once you’ve crafted your unique mission statement, it’s time to put it into practice. The real value of a mission statement lies not just in the words themselves, but in the actions they inspire. Here are some ways you can manifest your mission statement in your work as a photographer:

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Home » Blog » How to write a successful photography business plan.

• Photography Business Tips

How to write a successful photography business plan.

Whether you want to know how to start a photography business or take your existing one to the next level, the best place to start is with a plan. A photography business plan is a document that outlines what you hope to accomplish with your business. 

As your business comes to life or goes through change, you can use a business plan to measure your progress and re-calibrate your professional goals. In addition, if you are planning to pitch your business to potential investors for brand partnership opportunities, a business plan is one of the documents you can use to help bring credibility to your business.

However, learning how to start a photography business the right way doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Taking the right steps to showcase your photography services beyond your online portfolio website can set you off on the right foot and continuously help you attract the caliber of clients you want.

Why you need to make a photography business plan. 

Running a small business is hard. You may have heard the lifespan statistic that 20% of small businesses fail in their first 2 years, 30% fail in their first 3 years, and 50% fail after operating for 5 years. While this number is discouraging, the number one reason for the small business mortality rate is the lack of financial planning.

This is why using available tools is essential to your business’s long-term success and to your ability to grow your business. A business plan is critical in keeping you on track with your business goals and identifying where your business is lagging before, during, and after growth.

The main components of a photography business plan.

While you can customize the components of a photography business plan to suit your needs, the standard components are:

• Executive summary
• Business description
• Product or service portfolio
• Target market
• Competitive landscape 
• Marketing approach
• Operations & logistics

These elements work together to provide you and your possible stakeholders with a fulsome portrait of your business and its potential. We will go into further detail about these individual components in the following sections.

Write an executive summary.

The executive summary is a 50-250 word section at the start of your photography business plan that focuses on big-picture goals and outcomes of your company. This section summarizes the entirety of the document and should serve as the “elevator pitch” for your company, and its unique position to succeed. A good question to ask when compiling your executive summary is, “What are 3-5 things I want my clients to remember me by?”

Some of the elements to include in your executive summary are your experience, your specialties (ex. commercial photography , landscape , or wedding photography ), and key components of your business that contribute to your success, such as your marketing efforts or a unique angle you bring to the industry.

Explain your company in a business description.

While you may have a clear vision for your business inside your head, being able to succinctly express it to clients and stakeholders is key to your professional success. When compiling your description, it’s important to be as specific as possible.

First, learn about different organizational structures and the associated terms that come with the territory. Are you running a sole proprietorship, partnership, an incorporated company, or another type of business?

Second, your business description should also outline additional details including the history of your business. It gives possible stakeholders an idea of what your business is about and how it began.

In addition, you want to share your business’ mission statement. Because you will go into more details about the offerings and other aspects of your business, it’s best to keep your company description simple and provide only a high-level overview.

Describe your product and services.

This is the place to talk about the types of photography services and products you offer, and the ones you plan on expanding into in the near future. 

As part of your product and services description, provide a comprehensive pricing model. Your pricing model should cover the types of sessions, services (shooting, editing, formatting) you offer, and their associated fees. For example, do you offer mini photography sessions or 2-hour shoots? Is there a sliding scale for editing services, color correction, or airbrushing? Do you handle the physical production of photos, or is the handoff done digitally?

A competent photography business relies on the client’s clear understanding of your “menu” of skills and services.

Lastly, detail the types of services you offer and the types of products you want to focus on that bring you the most income.

Determine your target market.

Targeting your customers is no simple task, as small business owners want to serve everyone. Nevertheless, it helps you to focus on your customers who need your products. You’ll end up wasting money marketing your product to people who don’t need it or have any interest in it.

Understanding your target audience means researching your local market to identify where demand exists. You can search forums and Facebook groups to see what kinds of photographers people are hiring and how much they’re willing to pay. 

For example, a professional wedding photographer should join relevant local event planning and vendor groups on social media to build connections and promote their wedding photography services. Keep in mind that a wedding photographer often has to travel to a location to shoot the wedding, and make sure to factor it into your project estimates. 

While a target audience looks different for everyone, it’s important for your photography business to have a few areas of specialty that help build up credibility and steadily bring in clients.

Conduct a competitive analysis.

As you conduct research on your local market, you will start to discover there are a number of different photographers that offer similar services as you. To create a thorough competitive analysis, take the list of competitors, and evaluate them in different areas. Conducting this analysis will help you determine what sets yours apart.

When looking at your competitors, consider the following questions:

• Are my product offering and pricing model as straightforward as theirs?
• What is their tone of voice (ex. humorous/expert/familial)?
• Who is their target audience?
• What do they bring to the table that I do not, and vice versa?
• How can I differentiate myself from them?

To help you understand how your business is perceived, you can seek the help of a brand marketing professional. To take a more DIY approach, you can send your portfolio website to a roundtable of friends and colleagues and ask them how they would describe your business. Collecting these adjectives and looking for common threads can help you understand how your business is perceived and use these findings to your advantage in your marketing efforts.

Conducting a thorough competitive analysis can help you determine your own competitive edge and stay abreast of the competition. As a best practice, get into the habit of conducting a competitive analysis on an annual basis to stay informed about how your industry and your local market evolve over time.

Detail your marketing strategies.

In marketing, there is a saying that goes, “hope is not a strategy.” Yet many organizations allow an “if you build it, they will come” mentality to drive clients toward their marketing efforts.

In reality, a continuous funnel of new and repeat customers is what ensures their long-term success. This is why continuous marketing efforts are the number one way to ensure a consistent workload. Your marketing should work in tandem with a greater marketing plan that aligns all your efforts.

Because stakeholders and investors know the importance of marketing, they will look for a comprehensive and proactive marketing strategy when evaluating your business plan. This is why it’s important to outline the various marketing mechanisms you plan to use in your marketing plan.

Your marketing strategies encompass your marketing programs and your photography portfolio. 

Marketing programs.

Marketing programs mean any platforms, channels, or mechanisms you use to promote your company and attract customers. These may include email marketing campaigns, direct mail initiatives, local photography directory memberships, trade shows, your social media presence, and any paid social media advertising campaigns.

Photography portfolio.

Your online photography portfolio is an essential part of your marketing toolkit. After you make your potential customers aware of your business with your marketing programs, they will seek out a digital presence to explore your abilities as a photographer and to see if there is a fit. A portfolio experience can make or break a client lead, which is why it’s important to invest in a portfolio website that represents the unique offering your photography brings to the world. You can learn how to build a portfolio website the right way with our helpful guide.

Think about operations. 

While service businesses like photographers traditionally have fewer logistics than brick-and-mortar ones, it’s still important to consider the day-to-day logistics and expenses when compiling your business plan.

The operations portion of your photography business can include details like information about where you conduct work.  Many photographers choose to conduct business out of a home studio or office, holding a majority of their sessions at outdoor locations, client homes, and occasionally utilizing a professional studio. Meanwhile, commercial photographers almost always rely on a professional studio to conduct their business. 

Because different types of photographers have different operational needs, stakeholders will look for this information in your business plan to help assess the overhead cost of the operations. Understanding your operations also helps you to plan for potential opportunities in the future.

Draft your financial plans. 

This portion of your photography business plan is important to understanding the overall factors in the cash flow of your venture. Cash flow refers to the amount of money going in and out of your business. 

While compiling this section of your business plan may take the most time, it’s important to get it right to have an accurate understanding of the amount of money it takes to run your photography business, and which investments (ex. new lenses or editing software) are feasible within your business profits.

If you are a new business owner getting into photography, this section of the plan is where you outline the equipment you hope to invest in and what types of services it will be used for. Consider that as a professional photographer, you may need to invest in two copies of every item in case of malfunction. Some photographers, who may be just starting out, may use rental equipment to help them offset the costs of duplicates. However, the cost of renting can add up, which is why purchasing may be the cheaper option in the long run.

As a photographer, you are investing in hardware and software that is imperative to your job. To protect yourself, consider insuring your photography equipment and professional computer in case of theft. You can outline your insurance policy coverage and its cost in the financial portion of your plan. 

Create a timeline.

For photographers, a timeline is a management tool that helps you keep your business goals on track. Some of the key activities to include in your timeline are marketing, financial, investing, and operational in nature. 

In your timeline, consider setting goals for when you expect to pay back for the items listed in the financial portion of your plan. Calculating how many completed photography sessions it would take to cover the cost of the item can help you calculate this date.

It’s important to remember that timelines don’t need to be complicated. You can simply write down the task and the date by which you hope to complete it in sequential order. To help you stay on track, you can put reminders in your email calendar that notify you when you are nearing the anticipated completion of a task, as well as your personal deadline for its completion.

Putting your photography business plan together.

Compiling a photography business plan is an important step in starting your business and in evolving an existing one. While our photography business plan outline contains all the elements to run a successful photography business, there is nothing like drawing inspiration from what’s out there. A tried and tested photography business plan sample can give you the guidance you need to brainstorm the ins and outs of your business.

While all photography business plans are slightly different, most professional photography business plans are clear about their vision and how they want to get there. We’ve collected sample photography business plans from some of the best and most successful photographers in the industry and made readily editable templates for a fast and comprehensive photography business plan.

If you are just starting with your venture and feel a little lost, be sure to check out startup costs for your photography business and three business questions new photographers often ask . These guides give you the important information you need to get started on turning your photography dream into a viable business.

Photography business plan examples.

A sound business plan will set you on the path to success as a photographer. Whether you are a studio photographer, wedding photographer, or anything in between, these industry-specific photography business plan examples will help you kickstart your career.

Photography studio business plan.

If you run a photography studio, the most important element of your business plan is the photography business description. This segment in your photography studio business plan consists of a thorough description of all of the activities you engage in and the services you offer.

By keeping a detailed checklist, you can be clearer with your clients about the studio photography services you offer and market your business accordingly. Our guide to photography marketing shows you how to attract new clients the right way, without spending a dime.

Wedding photography business plan.

Creating a wedding photography business plan is a crucial step in better understanding your market and the opportunities you can leverage with your skills and experience. If there are any specific photography services you offer that other wedding competitors don’t, make sure to include them in your business plan.

If you are looking for a place to start, a simple Google search will provide you with a range of wedding photography business plan samples to work from, which can be tailored specifically to your business.

Now that you are armed with your photography business plan, you can attract better clients and be prepared for the future with a firm grasp of your competitive edge and industry shifts. Don’t forget that along with a solid business plan you need a beautiful website portfolio to show off your work and start getting clients.

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Cheryl is the Director of Content Strategy at Zenfolio and the Owner/Photographer at Portraits by Cheryl and Seniors by Cheryl in Raleigh, NC. Cheryl has mentored countless new photographers looking to build successful photography businesses.

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How To Write a Winning Photography Business Plan + Template

Creating a business plan is essential for any business, but it can be especially helpful for photography businesses who want to improve their strategy and/or raise funding.

A well-crafted business plan not only outlines the vision for your company, but also documents a step-by-step roadmap of how you are going to accomplish it. In order to create an effective business plan, you must first understand the components that are essential to its success.

This article provides an overview of the key elements that every photography business owner should include in their business plan.

Download the Photography Business Plan Template

What is a Photography Business Plan?

A photography business plan is a formal written document that describes your company’s business strategy and its feasibility. It documents the reasons you will be successful, your areas of competitive advantage, and it includes information about your team members. Your business plan is a key document that will convince investors and lenders (if needed) that you are positioned to become a successful venture.

Why Write a Photography Business Plan?

A photography business plan is required for banks and investors. The document is a clear and concise guide of your business idea and the steps you will take to make it profitable.

Entrepreneurs can also use this as a roadmap when starting their new company or venture, especially if they are inexperienced in starting a business.

Writing an Effective Photography Business Plan

The following are the key components of a successful photography business plan:

Executive Summary

The executive summary of a photography business plan is a one to two page overview of your entire business plan. It should summarize the main points, which will be presented in full in the rest of your business plan.

• Start with a one-line description of your photography company
• Provide a short summary of the key points in each section of your business plan, which includes information about your company’s management team, industry analysis, competitive analysis, and financial forecast among others.

Company Description

This section should include a brief history of your company. Include a short description of how your company started, and provide a timeline of milestones your company has achieved.

If you are just starting your photography business, you may not have a long company history. Instead, you can include information about your professional experience in this industry and how and why you conceived your new venture. If you have worked for a similar company before or have been involved in an entrepreneurial venture before starting your photography firm, mention this.

Industry Analysis

The industry or market analysis is an important component of a photography business plan. Conduct thorough market research to determine industry trends and document the size of your market. 

Questions to answer include:

• What part of the photography industry are you targeting?
• How big is the market?
• What trends are happening in the industry right now (and if applicable, how do these trends support the success of your company)?

You should also include sources for the information you provide, such as published research reports and expert opinions.

Customer Analysis

This section should include a list of your target audience(s) with demographic and psychographic profiles (e.g., age, gender, income level, profession, job titles, interests). You will need to provide a profile of each customer segment separately, including their needs and wants.

For example, customers of a photography business may include individuals, families, small businesses, or corporations.

You can include information about how your customers make the decision to buy from you as well as what keeps them buying from you.

Develop a strategy for targeting those customers who are most likely to buy from you, as well as those that might be influenced to buy your products or photography services with the right marketing.

Competitive Analysis

The competitive analysis helps you determine how your product or service will be different from competitors, and what your unique selling proposition (USP) might be that will set you apart in this industry.

For each competitor, list their strengths and weaknesses. Next, determine your areas of competitive differentiation and/or advantage; that is, in what ways are you different from and ideally better than your competitors.

Marketing Plan

This part of the business plan is where you determine and document your marketing plan. . Your plan should be clearly laid out, including the following 4 Ps.

• Product/Service : Detail your product/service offerings here. Document their features and benefits.
• Price : Document your pricing strategy here. In addition to stating the prices for your products/services, mention how your pricing compares to your competition.
• Place : Where will your customers find you? What channels of distribution (e.g., partnerships) will you use to reach them if applicable?
• Promotion : How will you reach your target customers? For example, you may use social media, write blog posts, create an email marketing campaign, use pay-per-click advertising, launch a direct mail campaign. In addition, you may promote your photography business via public speaking engagements, trade shows, or partnerships.

Operations Plan

This part of your photography business plan should include the following information:

• How will you deliver your product/service to customers? For example, will you do it in person or over the phone only?
• What infrastructure, equipment, and resources are needed to operate successfully? How can you meet those requirements within budget constraints?

The operations plan is where you also need to include your company’s business policies. You will want to establish policies related to everything from customer service to pricing, to the overall brand image you are trying to present.

Finally, and most importantly, in your Operations Plan, you will lay out the milestones your company hopes to achieve within the next five years. Create a chart that shows the key milestone(s) you hope to achieve each quarter for the next four quarters, and then each year for the following four years. Examples of milestones for a photography business include reaching $X in sales. Other examples include hiring a certain number of employees, partnering with another company, or opening up a second location.

Management Team

List your team members here including their names and titles, as well as their expertise and experience relevant to your specific photography industry. Include brief biography sketches for each team member.

Particularly if you are seeking funding, the goal of this section is to convince investors and lenders that your team has the expertise and experience to execute on your plan. If you are missing key team members, document the roles and responsibilities you plan to hire for in the future.

Financial Plan

Here you will include a summary of your complete and detailed financial plan (your full financial projections go in the Appendix). 

This includes the following three financial statements:

Income Statement

Your income statement should include:

• Revenue : how much revenue you generate.
• Cost of Goods Sold : These are your direct costs associated with generating revenue. This includes labor costs, as well as the cost of any equipment and supplies used to deliver the product/service offering.
• Net Income (or loss) : Once expenses and revenue are totaled and deducted from each other, this is the net income or loss.

Sample Income Statement for a Startup Photography Business

Balance sheet.

Include a balance sheet that shows your assets, liabilities, and equity. Your balance sheet should include:

• Assets : All of the things you own (including cash).
• Liabilities : This is what you owe against your company’s assets, such as accounts payable or loans.
• Equity : The worth of your business after all liabilities and assets are totaled and deducted from each other.

Sample Balance Sheet for a Startup Photography Business

Cash flow statement.

Include a cash flow statement showing how much cash comes in, how much cash goes out and a net cash flow for each year. The cash flow statement should include:

• Cash Flow From Operations
• Cash Flow From Investments
• Cash Flow From Financing

Below is a sample of a projected cash flow statement for a startup photography business.

Sample Cash Flow Statement for a Startup Photography Business

You will also want to include an appendix section which will include:

• Your complete financial projections
• A complete list of your company’s business policies and procedures related to the rest of the business plan (marketing, operations, etc.)
• Any other documentation which supports what you included in the body of your business plan.

Writing a good business plan gives you the advantage of being fully prepared to launch and/or grow your photography company. It not only outlines your business vision but also provides a step-by-step process of how you are going to accomplish it.

A well-written business plan is essential for any photography company looking to start, expand or grow its business. It can also help attract investors.  

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Building A Photography Business Mission Statement

• Cristel Wood
• Categories : Photography , Multimedia
• Tags : Multimedia photography topics photography business

So You Want to Be a Photographer?

So you want to be a photographer? More to the point, you want turn your photography into a business . In a market that is saturated in would-be photographers, this is not an easy task. It is by no means impossible, however, and the trick to developing a successful photography business depends on something so simply that most people tend to overlook it: a practical business plan with a solid photography business mission statement.

Ready to Take the Plunge into Photography Business?

What exactly is a mission statement.

A mission statement is the key to the success of any business, photography or otherwise. It is your chance to tell your customers what you do, how you do it, and how your business will fulfill their desires. It’s that simple. There are several things to consider while brainstorming for your mission statement. They are as follows:

- What is our purpose, as a business? What is it exactly that we do? What needs to we seek to satisfy?

- How do we satisfy those needs? How does our business operate? What do we /do/?

- What are our values, our passions, and our goals? Why did we get into this business in the first place?

Once you answer these basic questions, you can begin to form your mission statement. If you have a group of people, brainstorm! If you don’t, brainstorm yourself and run your ideas by friends, family, or co-workers. Try to keep it simple, expressing yourself and your business in as few words as possible. This will make it easier to remember, easier to print, and, in general, more people will be willing to read it. It’s also important to keep it open-ended. What does that mean? Keep your mission statement general and versatile, so that it is just as applicable five years down the road as it is today. Changing your mission statement will sometimes tell your potential customers that you are not sure of yourself, or where your business intends to go, and that can be detrimental.

Mission statements are the key to good business.

What do you do with a mission statement once you have decided on one?

What do you do with a mission statement once you have decided on one? That’s easy. Frame it and hang it around your office, print it on flyers or business cards, ask your employees, including yourself, to memorize it. The more the mission statement is known, and committed to memory, the easy it is to live by the values that it expresses. Don’t be afraid to share your mission statement with others, either. Oftentimes, you will get creative feedback which will allow you to fine-tune and improve your mission statement. The earlier you share with others, the earlier you can create the perfect mission statement.

Know where you want to go!

What does a mission statement accomplish?

A business mission statement accomplishes many things, including attracting the right customers for you, setting a goal for yourself, and giving your employees a focus statement to aspire to and believe in. You should memorize your mission statement, and have your employees, if you have them, memorize your business statement. It is, after all, what you are all about and what you strive for. Customers will be attracted to you via your mission statement, so if you have a statement that fits you perfectly, you will have customers that fit you perfectly, seeking the same values and ideals.

Like attracts like, as described in the law of attractions (LOA), and you will benefit from having a mission statement that is clear, decisive, and appealing to the group of customers you are looking to attract.

Not to mention that once you have a mission statement, you can draw new customers looking for certain values and goals.

In the photography business, this is especially important. There are thousands of photographers out there, so what makes a customer choose you over the other options? Your mission statement, which involves your values, your goals, and your personal care. Make it clear to your customers why you are in the business in the first place, what you are trying to do, and why they should be a part of it. If you do that, and do it clearly, you will find that people seekn you out. Never underestimate the power of a strong mission statement.

Remember that you are a photographer. You have your own ideas, perspectives, and visions. Include them in your mission statement and make yourself, and your business, stand out.

A good mission statement means success.

A few more things to think about.

Although a mission statement is the most imporstant step in creating a business, there are a few other steps, outside of the typical business plan, that will lead you in the right direction. For example, the name you choose for your business can be almost as important as your mission statement. It separates you from the crown, gives your customers a personality to relate to, and will ultimately make or break you.

You might also want to consider possible problems with your mission statement. It is, after all, the most powerful aspect of your business plan. You should consider it from all angles, and all perspectives, and don’t be afraid to modify it to fit your needs.

You should also never forget the technical aspect of your business. Business ideology and mission statements will drive your business, but legality will make your business solid. Always keep up to date on taxes, legal documents , and all other paperwork required to operate a prospering, growing business. Ideas are important, a mission statement is important, but in the end, the law is most important.

Most important!

Never be afraid to succeed!

Image Attributions

All images in this article fall under the creative commons attribution license agreement. For imformation on creative commons attribution laws, please see https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.5/ .

Ready to Take the Plunge into Photography Business? The image, tittled ‘ Jumping Off Mt. Evans ’ by krossbow is available at https://www.flickr.com/photos/krossbow/3897879326/ .

Mission statements are the key to good business. The image, titled ‘ The Key To Your Success ’ by Clearly Ambiguous is available at https://www.flickr.com/photos/clearlyambiguous/96998932/ .

Know where you want to go! The image, by Bios, is available at https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Kompas _Sofia.JPG.

A good mission statement means success. The image, titled ‘ Climbing Journal Mount Rinjai package | 29th May 2010 ’ by Bohari Adventures is available at https://www.flickr.com/photos/trekkingrinjani/4930552641/ .

How to Write a Photography Mission Statement

Portraits Refined may earn a commission on purchases made from links on this page. For more information, read  Affiliate Disclosure .

A mission statement is an explanation of your photography business’s values and purpose. It communicates your purpose to clients.

Purpose of a mission statement

A mission statement may seem like something only big companies have. However, it’s isn’t just for big companies. As a photographer, you can benefit from having one.

Related: How to start a photography business

By having a mission statement, you can remind yourself of why you’re a photographer and who you serve.

It’ll also help focus your energy and attention because you’ll evaluate each business decision and photoshoot to ensure it aligns with your business.

Related: 20 inspiring photography quotes

If you choose to hire employees, or second-shooters, knowing what your business is all about will help them represent your business in a way that reflects your mission.

How to write one

Your mission statement doesn’t need to be several paragraphs long. Rather, it’s a sentence or short paragraph that defines your business.

It’s also important to understand the difference between a mission statement and a vision statement.

If you decide to write a vision statement, it’ll be focused on the future and where you’re headed. A mission statement is about who you are as a photographer, and why you’re here.

Ask yourself the following questions to craft a mission statement for your photography business:

• Why do you do what you do?
• What kind of photography do you do?
• Why is your business the perfect fit for your ideal client?
• What are your values?
• What makes you stand out?

The first step is understanding your purpose. Author and motivational speaker, Simon Sinek says, “people don’t buy what you do; they buy why you do it and what you do simply proves what you believe.”

Examples to get you started

The following are examples to inspire and get you started:

Amazon : To be Earth’s most customer-centric company, where customers can find and discover anything they might want to buy online, and endeavors to offer its customers the lowest possible prices.

Canon : All people, regardless of race, religion, or culture, harmoniously living and working together into the future.

Sony : Fill the world with emotion, through the power of creativity and technology.

Christian Oth : Christian Oth Studio is a full-service photography studio committed to telling your love story through editorial-style photos of the highest caliber. We strive to foster a strong connection with our clients and gain a true understanding of their vision and goals. Headquartered in the Flatiron District of New York City, we serve both local and international weddings worldwide.

Randal Ford : Randal Ford believes that simplicity is the ultimate sophistication. He is obsessed with details, creative collaboration, and chasing a timeless aesthetic.

LinkedIn : The mission of LinkedIn is simple: connect the world’s professionals to make them more productive and successful.

Disney : The mission of The Walt Disney Company is to entertain, inform and inspire people around the globe through the power of unparalleled storytelling, reflecting the iconic brands, creative minds, and innovative technologies that make ours the world’s premier entertainment company.

Whether you’re starting your business, or have been in business for years, a mission statement will address the why behind your photography business.

It’ll briefly describe your purpose, and help you make decisions that’ll move your business in the right direction.

Featured image courtesy of Pexels.

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HOW TO WRITE THE ULTIMATE PHOTOGRAPHY BUSINESS PLAN

Table of contents, 1. summarise your services and products, 2. describe your target market, 3. analyse your competitors, 4. conduct a swot analysis, 5. outline your marketing plan, 6. outline your operations plan, 7. work out your finances, 8. set goals and create systems, 9. write an executive summary.

What is your main photography service?

List any other photography services your offer, how do your photography services complement each other, describe the products you provide to clients.

Sum up your ideal client in one sentence

What are the top 3 desires you can help with, what are the top 3 pain points you can help with, what will connect you and your ideal client, 3. analyse your competitors.

List 2 or 3 of your closest competitors

Describe their services and products, who are they appealing to, what is their price point and position, what are they doing well, what could they be doing better, write 3-5 adjective to describe their brand, 4. conduct a swot analysis.

Make a list of your strengths

Acknowledge your weaknesses, where are the opportunities, are there any potential threats, 5. outline your marketing plan.

What makes your business stand out?

Write your elevator pitch, write your big, bold statement (tagline), define your brand personality and tone of voice, what content are you going to create, which social media platform will you use and how, will you do any face-to-face marketing, will you seek publicity for your business, how will you generate and nurture leads, how will you create loyalty and encourage referrals, 6. outline your operations plan.

Describe the enquiry and conversion process

Describe the booking and onboarding process, describe the shoot or wedding process, describe the post-shoot/wedding process, describe the product sales process, describe the order fulfilment process, describe the process beyond order fulfilment, 7. work out the finances.

Summarise your CODB and salary aims

Where are you positioned in terms of price, which pricing model is right for you, 8. set goals and create systems.

Decide on your financial goal

Map out your systems, what needs to happen for your systems to work, 9. create an executive summary.

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Photography Business Plan

Believe it or not—anyone can take a few pictures, but it takes true skill and talent to get the perfect shot.

And If you’re the guy, everyone’s after asking to click pictures at every party or event, starting a photography business could be incredibly lucrative and satisfying.

However, making your photography business successful is more than just clicking good pictures. You need a solid business plan to ensure success.

Need help writing a business plan for your photography business? You’re at the right place. Our photography business plan template will help you get started.

Download the template and follow step-by-step instructions to draft your business plan in no time!

→ Download Now: Free Photography Business Plan

And though photography lets you fulfill your passion, it attracts a lot of competition due to its ease of entry.

Also, having a successful photography business takes a little more than skill. A photography business plan helps you deal with that, while you shutter away your masterpiece.

Industry Overview

According to the IBIS World industry report , the US photography market is expected to decline at a CAGR of 1.3 to reach 12.9 billion dollars in 2023.

With 7-8% profit margins, individual consumers and households make up the main customer base for the industry. Despite a minor recent decline, the photography industry is projected to experience consistent growth in the coming years.

Here are a few key industry highlights to consider:

• Number of businesses: There are 258,450 operational photography businesses in the US in 2023.
• Industry employment: 293,339+
• Key players: Shutterfly Inc., Alamy Ltd.

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Things to Consider Before Writing a Photography Business Plan

You’ll need to focus on both the artistic and business sides of your trade.

Though having an excellent eye for proportion, dimensions, and light is great it isn’t enough to have a profitable business. You bring your skills to the table, but you’ll have to work as hard as any other business owner on your marketing, finance, and operations to have a profitable business.

And though it might seem intimidating, with the right amount of planning and strategizing you can do it smoothly.

Get the Pricing Right

It is important to study every aspect of the market and select the pricing strategy that suits your business the best. Your pricing as a photography business would depend a lot upon the niche you choose, your location, and the quality of your skills.

Develop Your Soft Skills

Good photography isn’t just about your skills with the camera, especially if you are dealing with people. You’ll need to make your customers feel at ease and have a friendly way of communicating.

This helps you become the person’s go-to photographer. As pictures aren’t just products you pay for, but memories that are cherished for years.

But at the same time, if communication isn’t your thing you don’t need to worry. As there are several other niches in photography that you can pick from.

Get the Right Equipment, but Don’t Go Overboard

The right camera, technical equipment, etc, are important to help you work effectively. But it doesn’t do to go over budget for it. Especially, if you are just starting out.

Pick the right equipment, but not the one that weighs down on your finances at the early stages of your business.

Why Do You Need a Photography Business Plan?

As you are ready to enter the industry, it brings us to the above question, why does one need a photography business plan?

Aren’t you just supposed to dive right in if you are passionate enough?

The answer is, NO.

Though diving headfirst might sound appealing, it can lead to a series of roadblocks in the future. Also, a business plan isn’t as time-consuming as it may seem to you.

It increases the efficiency of your business and acts as a guide on your road to success. Moreover, writing a business plan helps you get a clear idea of your goals and the opportunities and threats that stand in your way of achieving them.

Also, a well-researched and innovative plan can help you get funded. An investor’s confidence in you is directly proportional to the clarity of your business idea. A business plan can help you achieve just that.

How to Write a Photography Business Plan?

Writing a business plan is not as intimidating as it seems. A well-rounded business plan requires thorough research of the industry, a clear set of goals, well-observed and carefully designed strategies to achieve them, and a clear list of milestones and timelines for all the departments of the business.

A business plan should include strategies for all departments from marketing to finance. There are several resources like online software, business consultants, and predesigned templates that can help you in writing the perfect business plan .

Writing a business plan has become a cakewalk through online business planning tools which can craft an ideal business plan for you at the snap of your fingers.

Chalking out Your Business Plan

Though anyone can click pictures with devices as simple as a smartphone, it takes skills, a sense of proportion, and creativity to make people stop scrolling.

In today’s world of photo-sharing apps where people grapple for attention, the demand for excellent photographers continues to rise.

Hence, with the advent of Instagram, the photography industry is growing leaps and bounds.

Photography Business Plan Outline

This is a standard photography business plan outline that will cover all important sections that you should include in your business plan.

• Introduction
• Products and Services
• Financial Path To Success
• Keys to Success
• Company History
• Market Segmentation
• Target Market Segment Strategy
• Competition and Buying Patterns
• Web Plan Summary
• Website Marketing Strategy
• Development Requirements
• SWOT Analysis
• Competitive Edge
• Marketing Strategy
• Sales Forecast
• Year 1 – Digital Media Production
• Year 2 – Digital Media Production
• Year 3 – Digital Media Production
• Important Assumptions
• Projected Profit and Loss
• Projected Cash Flow
• Projected Balance Sheet
• Ratio Analysis

As you sit down to write your business plan, it brings us to the question, what all things you will need to include in your business plan? Read on to find out.

1. Write an Executive Summary

The executive summary section of a business plan works as an overview of your business and acts as a highlight of its aims and goals. It should be brief and precise and sum up everything your business stands for.

It serves as a pitch of your business ideas to potential investors and should have the following points.

• The kind of services your business offers (Eg. Commercial Photography, Travel Photography, etc.)
• Your target audience (Eg. Models, travel bloggers, influencers, etc.)
• Your strengths and past experiences
• Your goals for the company.

2. Business Overview

In the business overview section, you’ll jot down all of the business ideas you have and analyze how to bring them to life.

This section would consist of an overview of the functioning of your business. as well as your mission statement.

While writing this section it is important to be as precise as possible It helps the stakeholders of your business to know it better.

3. Describe the Services You’ll Offer

In this section of your business plan, you have to list the services you are going to offer. This helps you get a clearer idea of how to advertise your services and how to reach out to your target audiences.

For example, if you are a landscape photographer all of your marketing strategy and the list of resources and services you’ll need will be built around that.

Also, your target audience would be travel websites and tourism companies. And the ways of reaching out to them would be different than reaching out to influencers or celebrities.

4. Market Analysis

The market analysis section is a crucial part of your business plan.

In this section, you’ll write down everything you can find about the photography market as well as resources that can help you stay updated about the recent trends in the market.

For example, as a photographer, it is essential to know the trending photography techniques.

You can also include the size of the market, your competitors, areas that have the highest growth potential, etc Know the right market value of services and identify the existing market gaps that you can fill.

Let’s consider there is no food photographer in your locality and the restaurants around you need one, you can specialize in food photography to capture that market.

5. Create a Website Strategy

The Internet is the first place where people look for any product or service, hence your business must have a website to be discovered by clients.

A well-optimized website can help you in meeting a lot of potential customers.

Including a website strategy in your business plan is crucial.

6. Plan Your Finances

Your financial planning is one of the major deciding factors of whether your business will stay afloat or not.

In this section keep track of your company’s finances, jot down ways of making it more cost-effective. List down resources that can help you understand and manage your finances better.

Download a sample photography business plan

Need help getting started writing a business plan? Here you go; download our free photography business plan pdf to start.

It’s a modern business plan template designed for your photography center. Refer to the example business plan and follow step-by-step instructions to start writing your plan.

The Quickest Way to turn a Business Idea into a Business Plan

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Write your business plan with Upmetrics

A business planning tool like Upmetrics is the best way to draft your business plan. This incredible tool comes with step-by-step instructions, customizable templates, AI assistance, and business plan examples to help you get started.

You may also explore our library of Entertainment and media business plan examples before you start writing your plan.

So, whether you are starting a photography business or planning to grow an existing one, Upmetrics is the tool you need to create a business plan.

So, what are you waiting for? Start planning now!

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10 Key Components of Business Plan

Frequently asked questions, what are some common mistakes to avoid when drafting a photography business plan.

Following are some of the common mistakes to avoid when writing a photography business plan:

• Inadequate and inaccurate financial projections.
• Poor market research and ignoring industry trends.
• Undefined goals and lack of details.
• Not proofreading the document for typos and grammatical errors.
• Including outdated and irrelevant information.
• Not regularly updating your business plan.

What are some key financial metrics to include in a photography business plan?

Following are some of the key financial metrics to include in your photography business plan:

• Balance sheet
• Cash flow statement
• Income statement
• Break-even statement
• Projected business ratios
• Sales and revenue projections
• Projected expenses

How can a photography business plan help in securing funding or investment?

A well-crafted photography business plan will help your investors better understand your business domain, market trends, strategies, business financials, and growth potential—helping you secure investment.

Where to find business plan writers for your photography business?

There are many business plan writers available, but no one knows your business and ideas better than you, so we recommend you write your photography business plan and outline your vision as you have in mind.

About the Author

Upmetrics Team

Upmetrics is the #1 business planning software that helps entrepreneurs and business owners create investment-ready business plans using AI. We regularly share business planning insights on our blog. Check out the Upmetrics blog for such interesting reads. Read more

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Photography Business Plan Template

Written by Dave Lavinsky

Over the past 20+ years, we have helped over 10,000 entrepreneurs and business owners create business plans to start and grow their photography businesses. On this page, we will first give you some background information with regards to the importance of business planning. We will then go through a photography business plan template step-by-step so you can create your plan today. It can be used to create a photography studio business plan, or a commercial photography business plan or a plan for any other type of photography business.

Download our Ultimate Photography Business Plan Template here >

What is a Photography Business Plan?

A business plan provides a snapshot of your photography business as it stands today, and lays out your growth plan for the next five years. It explains your business goals and your strategy for reaching them. It also includes market research to support your plans.

Why You Need a Business Plan for a Photography Business

If you’re looking to start a photography business or grow your existing photography business you need a business plan. A business plan will help you raise funding, if needed, and plan out the growth of your photography business in order to improve your chances of success. Your photography business plan is a living document that should be updated annually as your company grows and changes.

Source of Funding for Photography Businesses

With regards to funding, the main sources of funding for a photography business are personal savings, credit cards, bank loans and angel investors. With regards to bank loans, banks will want to review your business plan and gain confidence that you will be able to repay your loan and interest. To acquire this confidence, the loan officer will not only want to confirm that your financials are reasonable. But they will want to see a professional plan. Such a plan will give them the confidence that you can successfully and professionally operate a business.

The second most common form of funding for a photography business is angel investors. Angel investors are wealthy individuals who will write you a check. They will either take equity in return for their funding, or, like a bank, they will give you a loan.

Finish Your Business Plan Today!

Below are the 10 sections of an example photography business plan:

Executive Summary

Your executive summary provides an introduction to your business plan, but it is normally the last section you write since it provides a summary of each key section of your plan.

The goal of your Executive Summary is to quickly engage the reader. Explain to them the type of photography business you are operating and the status; for example, are you a startup or do you have a photography business that you would like to grow.

Next, provide an overview of each of the subsequent sections of your plan. For example, give a brief overview of the photography industry. Discuss the type of photography business you are operating. Detail your direct competitors. Give an overview of your target customers. Provide a snapshot of your marketing plan. Identify the key members of your team. And offer an overview of your financial plan.

Company Analysis

In your company analysis, you will detail the type of photography business you are operating.

For example, you might operate one of the following types:

• Portrait photography : this type of photography business photographs people ranging from models to famous personalities on red carpets or at magazine shoots to graduation pictures, family portraits, and professional headshots for business people, aspiring models and actors.
• Product photography : this type of photography business typically requires both artistic and technical expertise to adequately showcase consumer products.
• Wedding and event photography : this type of photography business usually involves photographing everything from posed portraits to people and their candid moments to the venue and the food at weddings and other events.
• Commercial photography : this type of photography business creates images for commercial purposes, such as advertising, marketing or instructional brochures or publications.

In addition to explaining the type of photography business you operate, the Company Analysis section of your business plan needs to provide background on the business.

Include answers to question such as:

• When and why did you start the business?
• What milestones have you achieved to date? Milestones could include sales goals you’ve reached, prestigious clients, etc.
• Your legal structure. Are you incorporated as an S-Corp? An LLC? A sole proprietorship? Explain your legal structure here.

Industry Analysis

In your industry analysis, you need to provide an overview of the photography business.

While this may seem unnecessary, it serves multiple purposes.

First, researching the photography industry educates you. It helps you understand the market in which you are operating.

Secondly, market research can improve your strategy particularly if your research identifies market trends. For example, if there was a trend towards documentary-style event photography, it would be helpful to ensure your plan calls for instant cameras for guest contributions, or a drone, etc.

The third reason for market research is to prove to readers that you are an expert in your industry. By conducting the research and presenting it in your plan, you achieve just that.

The following questions should be answered in the industry analysis section of your photographer business plan:

• How big is the photography business (in dollars)?
• Is the market declining or increasing?
• Who are the key competitors in the market?
• Who are the key suppliers in the market?
• What trends are affecting the industry?
• What is the industry’s growth forecast over the next 5 – 10 years?
• What is the relevant market size? That is, how big is the potential market for your photography business. You can extrapolate such a figure by assessing the size of the market in the entire country and then applying that figure to your local population.

Customer Analysis

The customer analysis section of your photographer business plan must detail the customers you serve and/or expect to serve.

The following are examples of customer segments: celebrities, expectant and/or new moms, engaged couples, schools, online retailers, etc.

As you can imagine, the customer segment(s) you choose will have a great impact on the type of photography business you operate. Clearly schools would want different backdrops, pricing and product options, and would respond to different marketing promotions than engaged couples.

Try to break out your target customers in terms of their demographic and psychographic profiles. With regards to demographics, include a discussion of the ages, genders, locations and income levels of the customers you seek to serve. Because most photography businesses primarily serve customers living in their same city or town, such demographic information is easy to find on government websites.

Psychographic profiles explain the wants and needs of your target customers. The more you can understand and define these needs, the better you will do in attracting and retaining your customers.

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Competitive Analysis

Your competitive analysis should identify the indirect and direct competitors your business faces and then focus on the latter.

Direct competitors are other photography businesses.

Indirect competitors are other options that customers have to purchase from you that aren’t direct competitors. This includes amateur photographers and DIY-ers with smartphones. You need to mention such competition to show you understand that not everyone who needs photography uses a professional photographer.

With regards to direct competition, you want to detail the other photography businesses with which you compete. Most likely, your direct competitors will be photography businesses offering similar services in a nearby location.

For each such competitor, provide an overview of their businesses and document their strengths and weaknesses. Unless you once worked at your competitors’ businesses, it will be impossible to know everything about them. But you should be able to find out key things about them such as:

• What types of customers do they serve?
• What services do they offer?
• What is their pricing (premium, low, etc.)?
• What are they good at?
• What are their weaknesses?

With regards to the last two questions, think about your answers from the customers’ perspective.

The final part of your competitive analysis section is to document your areas of competitive advantage. For example:

• Will you provide superior photography services?
• Will you provide products or services that your competitors don’t offer?
• Will you make it easier or faster for customers to book your services?
• Will you provide better customer service?
• Will you offer better pricing?

Think about ways you will outperform your competition and document them in this section of your plan.

Marketing Plan

Traditionally, a marketing plan includes the four P’s: Product, Price, Place, and Promotion. For a photography business plan, your marketing plan should include the following:

Product : in the product section you should reiterate the type of photography business that you documented in your Company Analysis. Then, detail the specific products and services you will be offering. For example, in addition to portraits, will you offer a documentary video of the shoot?

Price : Document the prices you will offer and how they compare to your competitors. Essentially in the product and price sub-sections of your marketing plan, you are presenting the menu services and packages you offer and their prices.

Place : Place refers to the location of your photography business. Document your location and mention how the location will impact your success. For example, is your photography studio located next to a high-traffic retail development, or inside a mall, etc. Discuss how your location might provide a steady stream of customers.

Promotions : the final part of your photography business marketing plan is the promotions section. Here you will document how you will drive customers to your location(s). The following are some promotional methods you might consider:

• Making your photography studio’s storefront (if applicable) extra appealing to attract passing customers
• Advertising in local papers and magazines
• Social media marketing
• Reaching out to local bloggers and websites
• Partnerships with local organizations (e.g., package discount when booked through partner wedding planner)
• Local radio advertising
• Banner ads at local venues

Operations Plan

While the earlier sections of your business plan explained your goals, your operations plan describes how you will meet them. Your operations plan should have two distinct sections as follows.

Everyday short-term processes include all of the tasks involved in running your photography business such as serving customers, procuring supplies, scouting new photoshoot locations, etc.

Long-term goals are the milestones you hope to achieve. These could include the dates when you expect to serve your 100th customer, or when you hope to reach $X in sales. It could also be when you expect to hire your Xth employee or launch a new location.

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Management Team

To demonstrate your photography business’s ability to succeed as a business, a strong management team is essential. Highlight your key players’ backgrounds, emphasizing those skills and experiences that prove their ability to grow a company.

Ideally you and/or your team members have direct experience in the photography business. If so, highlight this experience and expertise. But also highlight any experience that you think will help your business succeed.

Financial Plan

Your financial plan should include your 5-year financial statement broken out both monthly or quarterly for the first year and then annually. Your financial statements include your income statement, balance sheet and cash flow statements.

Income Statement : an income statement is more commonly called a Profit and Loss statement or P&L. It shows your revenues and then subtracts your costs to show whether you turned a profit or not.

In developing your income statement, you need to devise assumptions. For example, will you serve 10 customers per month or 50? And will sales grow by 2% or 10% per year? As you can imagine, your choice of assumptions will greatly impact the financial forecasts for your business. As much as possible, conduct research to try to root your assumptions in reality.

Balance Sheets : While balance sheets include much information, to simplify them to the key items you need to know about, balance sheets show your assets and liabilities. For instance, if you spend $100,000 on building out your photography business, that will not give you immediate profits. Rather it is an asset that will hopefully help you generate profits for years to come. Likewise, if a bank writes you a check for $100.000, you don’t need to pay it back immediately. Rather, that is a liability you will pay back over time.

Cash Flow Statement : Your cash flow statement will help determine how much money you need to start or grow your business, and make sure you never run out of money. What most entrepreneurs and business owners don’t realize is that you can turn a profit but run out of money and go bankrupt. For example, let’s say a company approached you with a massive $100,000 product photography contract, that would cost you $50,000 to fulfill. Well, in most cases, you would have to pay that $50,000 now for supplies, equipment rentals, employee salaries, etc. But let’s say the company didn’t pay you for 180 days. During that 180 day period, you could run out of money.

In developing your Income Statement and Balance Sheets be sure to include several of the key costs needed in starting or growing a photography business:

• Location build-out including design fees, construction, etc.
• Cost of equipment like cameras, lights, film, backdrops and props, software, etc.
• Cost of ingredients and maintaining an adequate amount of supplies
• Payroll or salaries paid to staff
• Business insurance
• Taxes and permits
• Legal expenses

Attach your full financial projections in the appendix of your plan along with any supporting documents that make your plan more compelling. For example, you might include your studio design blueprint or location lease.

Photography Business Plan Summary

Putting together a business plan for your photography business is a worthwhile endeavor. If you follow the template above, by the time you are done, you will truly be an expert. You will really understand the photography business, your competition and your customers. You will have developed a marketing plan and will really understand what it takes to launch and grow a successful photography business.

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You can download our photography business plan PDF here . This is a business plan template you can use in PDF format.  

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Home > Business Plan Templates > 10-Step Photography Business Plan Template With Examples

10-Step Photography Business Plan Template With Examples

Apr 25, 2024 | Business Plan Templates

Our comprehensive guide is designed specifically for individuals and companies venturing into the photography industry. It outlines the structure and content you need to create an effective business plan that clearly communicates your business vision, strategy, and financial plans to potential investors, target customers, stakeholders, and collaborators.

A business plan isn’t only a tool to secure investments or loans but also a roadmap for your business’s success. Developing this business plan template will clarify your objectives, understand your market, assess your competition, and map out a sound plan for your operations and financial management.

This guide is organised into ten sections, starting with an executive summary, progressing through detailed descriptions of services, operation strategies, and financial plans, and wrapping up with appendices for supporting documents/details. Clear instructions are given for each section, accompanied by relevant examples.

Remember, this photography business plan is like a professional album – it showcases your best ‘shots’, tells a compelling story, and leaves a lasting impact.

So, ready your camera, set the focus, and let’s capture the essence of your business vision into a powerful photography business plan!

Table of Contents

1. Executive Summary

Introduction and business overview.

Start this section with a brief introduction about your photography business. What is the name of your wedding photography business? What types of photography services do you offer? Make your introduction engaging and informative.

Example: Frozen Moments Photography is a professional photography service specialising in events, portraits, and product photography. It brings out the best moments in life and business through high-quality images.

Mission and Vision Statement

Elaborate on your business’s mission and vision statement. This income statement will define your business’s purpose, strategic objectives, and the overall direction of your services.

Example: Our mission at Frozen Moments Photography is to preserve priceless life moments and business promotions with exceptional photography. Our vision is to be the premier choice for photography services in our operating regions, recognised for quality, innovation and customer satisfaction.

Geographic Operation and Types of Photography Services Offered

Discuss the geographical regions your photography business covers and the types of photography services you offer. Detail the genres of photography you are well-versed in, such as wedding photography, portrait photography, event photography, product photography, or nature photography.

Example: We are located in Downtown Manhattan, but our services extend throughout the New York City Metropolitan Area. Our primary services are event photography, including corporate events and weddings, portraiture for individuals and families, and product photography for e-commerce businesses.

Key Goals and Objectives

Outline your short-term and long-term objectives and goals. These goals should be SMART (Specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-specific) and should guide your business strategy and decisions.

Example: Our main goal for the next year is to expand our client base by 30%, with a special focus on corporate events and product photography. In the long term, we aim to open a secondary studio location to better serve our growing client base while positioning ourselves as a leader in the photography business within the New York City Metropolitan Area.

2. Services and Portfolio

This section gives potential investors, clients, and other stakeholders a more detailed look at the type of photography services your business offers, a glimpse of your portfolio, your unique selling proposition, and the clients you’ve worked with.

Photography Service Line-up

Explain in detail the various types of photography services you offer. List and describe them clearly.

Example: We specialise in several types of photography services, such as wedding coverage, corporate events, product shooting, family portraits and landscape photography. Each of these services is tailored to the specific needs of our clients.

Sample Portfolio

Provide an overview of your portfolio focusing on your best work across different categories. Generally, a link to view the portfolio online would be included here.

Example: You can view our portfolio online via our website at www. {website address}.com/portfolio. It showcases our creativity and versatility in capturing various subjects, from intimate wedding moments to dynamic corporate events.

Unique Selling Proposition (USP)

Clarify what makes your photography service stand out. Explain why clients should choose your services over your competitors.

Example: We are known for our distinct style of capturing candid shots with a touch of warmth and authenticity. This, coupled with our commitment to a quick delivery timeline and our ability to work seamlessly in diverse settings, is what sets us apart from our competition.

Clients Serviced

Elaborate on the type of clients you service. This could be individual customers, corporate clients, event planning companies, advertising agencies, etc.

Example: Our clientele spans a broad spectrum, from individual customers seeking family portraits or wedding photography services to corporate clients who need professional images for marketing materials or events. Our flexibility and an unwavering commitment to delivering high-quality results have made us a trusted name among diverse clientele.

3. Company Snapshot

This section provides a brief overview of your photography business. It details the legal status of your company, the first sample photography business plan, the owner’s credentials, any milestones or significant achievements, and an overview of photographic styles.

Legal Entity and Ownership

Specify the legal structure and status of your photography business. Is it a sole proprietorship, partnership, or corporation?

Example: John Doe Photography is a photography business, a registered sole proprietorship under the U.S Small Business Administration, owned and operated by photographer John Doe.

Photographer Profile and Credentials

Details about the photographer’s experience, credentials, educational background, and personal passion for photography are highlighted to build credibility with potential clients.

Example: John Doe is a seasoned photographer with over ten years of experience in diverse photography domains. He graduated from the School of Visual Arts, New York, majoring in photography. Passionate about capturing memorable moments, John’s work reflects his creativity, attention to detail, and dedication to delivering impactful images.

Significant Achievements

Detail any milestones or significant achievements made by your photography business. This could include awards, recognitions, notable clients, a successful photography business, or large projects that have been completed successfully.

Example: John Doe Photography was recently recognised by the American Professional Photographers Association for innovative work in event photography. We’ve been privileged to handle wedding photography for some well-known personalities and have also completed numerous product photo shoots for leading brands, further cementing our reputation for delivering spectacular results.

Photography Styles

Describe the photography styles your business offers. This would give potential clients a sense of your creative artistry.

Example: We specialise in a mix of traditional and candid photography, featuring a blend of classic elements with a touch of contemporary flair. Our passion aligns with natural lighting to produce vibrant, true-to-life images filled with atmosphere and emotion.

4. Business Model

This section will outline how your photography business operates and generates revenue. The photography business plan also outlines any potential collaborations and planned special projects.

Revenue Streams

Enumerate your business’s primary sources of income. These could include photo shoots, print sales, image licensing, photography workshops, etc.

Example: Our primary income stream is from wedding and engagement shoots, corporate photography, and portrait sessions. We also earn from the sales of premium framed prints of our landscape and wildlife photography. Moreover, we offer personalised photography workshops for beginners and intermediate photographers.

Partnerships

Discuss any potential collaborations or partnerships. These could be with event management companies, ad agencies, or print and framing services.

Example: We have established partnerships with several local event management companies for their regular corporate and event photography needs. We also collaborate with local print and framing stores to offer our clients top-quality prints and framing options.

Special Projects

Briefly explain any planned special projects that can significantly boost your business. These could be top-scale photography assignments, photography exhibitions, etc.

Example: We are attempting to secure a significant project to document the city’s historical landmarks and run a photography exhibition of the work. Such an exhibition not only aids in promoting local tourism but also adds prestige to our photography business.

5. Market Analysis

This section provides a snapshot of your photography business’s market. It includes an analysis of your potential clients, a look at your competitors, and the strategies that set your business apart.

Photography Market Structure

Describe the current landscape of the photography market in your area or niche.

Example: The current photography market in our area is thriving but competitive. The demand for quality professional photography services is high for functions such as weddings, corporate events, product catalogues, and personalised family portraits.

Clientele Analysis

Provide demographic, geographic, psychographic, or professional insights about your primary clientele.

Example: Our clientele consists mostly of working professionals aged 25-45, corporations needing professional photography for events or advertising, and families. Geographically, our clients predominantly reside within a 50-mile radius of our city, though we also handle assignments outside of these parameters.

Competitive Analysis

Identify your main competitors and probe their approach to understand their strengths and potential areas for you to capitalise on.

Example: The main competitors in our area are XYZ Photography and ABC Studios. Both have a strong portfolio in wedding and commercial photography. However, their turnaround time and higher pricing give us an edge as we guarantee a quicker delivery timeline and more affordable packages without compromising on quality.

Positioning & Strategy

Explain your business’s strategic approach and positioning in response to market analysis findings.

Example: Considering the market dynamics and competition, our strategy is to position John Doe Photography as a high-quality yet affordable solution for clients. We aim to provide all-around photography services with excellent customer service. Our strategic goals include:

Expanding our corporate contracts.

Commercial photography business plans increase wedding bookings by 20%.

Further promoting our photography workshops.

6. Public Relations & Marketing Strategy

This section elaborates on your public relations and market exposure plans, including how you will generate business and engage with the community.

PR Strategy

Describe your strategy to garner public interest and positive media feedback to increase your business’s visibility.

Example: Our PR strategy includes releasing press news about significant assignments or achievements, hosting photo exhibitions featuring our best work, and inviting local influencers and the media whenever an event of this magnitude occurs. We also work with local charities and offer free photoshoots for promotional use, which garners us positive coverage.

Marketing and Business Generation Plan

Explain your approach to market your services, attract new clients, and retain existing ones.

Example: To attract new business, we use targeted Facebook and Google ads and showcase our works on Instagram and Pinterest. To retain existing clients, we offer loyalty discounts and referral benefits. We also participate in local events and trade shows to network and promote our services.

Community Engagement

Discuss your plans for community involvement, which can help build good relationships and improve your business standing.

Example: We plan on hosting annual free photography workshops for the local community and schools to impart the basics of photography. Additionally, we intend to offer discounted services to local non-profit organisations and participate in local charity events, contributing in kind with our photography. These engagements not only allow us to give back but also help us foster strong community ties.

7. Operations

This section outlines your daily business operations, including recruitment, technology needs, and equipment requirements.

Team and Recruitment

Describe the personnel required for your photography business. This could include roles such as photographers, photo editors, sales associates, or other supporting roles.

Example: Our core team consists of professional photographers, skilled photo editors, and a dedicated sales and client management team. We plan to recruit additional freelance photographers to handle peak seasons and specific assignments. We often scout for talent at photography exhibitions and online platforms.

Technology Needs

Explain the technology required for your business to function optimally. This could comprise photo editing software, customer management systems, and more.

Example: We use the Adobe suite for our photo editing needs. We also use a CRM system to manage client enquiries, bookings, and follow-ups. For telecommunication, we employ a cloud-based phone system that allows access even when we are off-site for shoots.

Studio and Equipment Requirements

Please detail your photography studio equipment needs, which might include cameras, lenses, studio space, props, lighting equipment, etc.

Example: We currently operate from a home-based studio setup. As we grow, we plan to lease a suitable commercial space. Our equipment consists of DSLR cameras, an array of special lenses, tripods, lighting set-ups, and backdrops for studio shoots. As our business evolves, we have plans to upgrade and expand our equipment inventory.

8. Promotional Strategy

This section describes how your own photography studio business plan and business plans to promote its services to potential clients and build a reputable brand.

Digital Marketing

Explain how you plan to utilise digital channels to market your services.

Example: We’re committed to building a strong online presence through search engine optimisation of our website and by regularly updating our blog with informative articles and stunning photographs to attract organic traffic. We also plan targeted paid advertising on social media platforms to reach potential clients in our geographical area.

Website & Social Media

Discuss your photography business plan pdf and its online properties. This may include details about your website, blog and your photography business’s social media presence.

Example: Our website is a virtual portfolio displaying numerous examples of our work. It also provides convenient booking options for clients. With active accounts on Instagram and Facebook, we regularly share glimpses of our work, behind-the-scenes snaps, and photographic insights. This broadens our visibility, encourages engagement, and attracts potential clients.

Offline Marketing

What offline marketing activities do you plan? These could include distributing leaflets, newspaper ads, and participating in local trade shows.

Example: To complement our digital marketing, we distribute brochures displaying our work at local events and coffee shops and highlight our services in local newspaper ads. We also host and participate in local photography contests and exhibitions, which serve as excellent offline promotion platforms.

9. Financial Plan

This section concentrates on the financial components of your wedding photography business plan, enumerating how funds will be managed and utilised.

Current Annual Budget / Startup Budget

Present the current budget for your photography business, encompassing all anticipated income and expenditures.

Example: Our annual budget includes allocations for salaries, marketing, equipment purchases and upgrades, studio rent, insurance, travel, and other overhead expenses. The revenue generated from photoshoot packages, digital and print selling, and photography workshops cover these costs.

Planned Financing Options

Discuss your financing plans, if any. These could include loans, personal investments, or other sources.

Example: We are primarily self-financed and use the incoming revenue for business costs. However, we are exploring suitable business loans and leasing options to finance the upgrade of our equipment and studio.

Key Financial Assumptions and Justifications

Provide any assumptions in your financial plan and the reasons behind it.

Example: We assume 15% revenue growth for the coming year based on our expanding customer base, enhanced digital marketing efforts, and partnerships with local event management companies. Ticket sales from photography workshops and online sales of prints are also expected to contribute to this growth.

10. Appendices

This section encompasses any additional supportive material pertaining to your photography business and marketing plan, such as:

Business Organisational Chart

Include a visual representation of your business’s structure that exhibits the roles and hierarchy within the organisation.

Example: The organisational chart for John Doe Photography clearly portrays the structure, starting with the business owner and continuing through the photographers, photo editors, sales team, and support staff.

Resumes of Photographer

Attach resumes or brief bios of the key team members to showcase their skills, expertise, and experience.

Example: Attached are the resumes of our key team members, including lead photographer John Doe, who has over ten years of experience and a master’s degree in Photography from a prestigious institution.

Detailed Budget

All references to a detailed budget in your financial plan template should be thoroughly scrutinised here.

Example: Attached is a detailed budget breakdown that illustrates our income and expenditures and forecasts our financial growth trajectory based on our marketing strategy, partnerships, and other business goals.

Related Market Research

Attach any market research substantiating the need for your photography services in your business area.

Example: We’ve included the results of a local survey we conducted, which highlights the growing demand for professional photography services in weddings, events, and personal portraits, demonstrating a considerable business opportunity.

Happy Snapping!

Crafting a solid business plan is crucial to the long-term success of any enterprise, and a successful photography business plan is no exception. With this step-by-step guide, your plan will vividly portray your vision, establish your objectives, and reveal your viable path for your photography business. Remember, a business plan is a ‘living’ document that should evolve with your business. Keep it updated and relevant.

As you embark on this exciting entrepreneurial journey in the photography industry, let your passion for capturing life’s moments shine through your business. Your unique perspective, creativity, and commitment, framed in a well-structured photography business plan template, will lead you towards achieving your goals.

The world is awaiting your lens—now, go on and create your remarkable mark on the photography world!

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How to Write a Successful Photography Business Plan

Confused as to why it’s beneficial to have a photography business plan? Here is our step-by-step outline to achieve your goals!

So I bet you’re wondering why exactly you need a photography business plan when you start a photography business? I know, it seems like a boatload of work and technically it’s not reeealllly  necessary, but I can assure you that a business plan will set you apart from your competition and benefit you in ways you can’t fully realize quite yet.

What a photography business plan will do it really set you up for long-term success by outlining the major components you’ll need to maintain a healthy and prospering business! Here is our breakdown of what your business plan should include.

What does your business do?

This may seem obvious, but what does your business do?  Do you plan to install yourself in a studio or small boutique, or are you going to be an outdoor natural light photographer that is strictly “on location?” Are you going to focus on weddings, kids, newborns, or families? Are you going to sell prints or just digital images ?

Maybe you want to do in-person sales, where you meet with your clients after a session and sell prints and products? These are all questions that will get you thinking about what exactly you want to specialize in.  You can quickly eliminate what you don’t love and focus on what you DO love!

If you are a wedding photographer, portrait photographer or do commercial photography, you need to outline who you serve and how!

Outline a mission statement!

A mission statement is anywhere from a few words to a couple of sentences, all the way to a paragraph that describes your purpose as a business. What types of services you offer, goals, and how you plan to connect with your market. This is how you plan to sell your business to your clients, so it should be well thought out and unique!

For example, “To inspire connection, love, and self-acceptance through modern portrait imagery.”

You can Google “mission statements” to get a better idea of examples! It’s really not as difficult as you think! Just take a jab at it.

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Analyze your market!

What is your target market and where do they reside? Are they in your small town, or do you need to expand your marketing to surrounding areas? Who is your ideal customer and how would you describe them? Seriously, write down a list of WHO they are.  What is the competition like in your market? What are your marketing strategies?

I know we don’t want to get on the comparison train, but Google three local photographers and see what they’re charging.  You can use this information to draft what you’ll offer. Don’t feel like you have to be EXACTLY like them either!!! In fact, how are you going to be different?!

Define a sales strategy!

Most of us photographers don’t really consider ourselves business gurus, so this is where we need to dig deep and figure out the little details of our business. *A fun fact, taking pictures is probably only going to make up maybe 20-30% of your business!

Having a marketing plan to target your prospective clients is a must!

So, WHAT are you going to sell, and how are you going to make that available to your clients? Are you using an online gallery delivery system like Pixieset or Shootproof ? Are you going to make prints available through a professional printing lab, and if so, how much are you going to charge?

Build a team vision!

If you’re an introvert like me, you probably like the idea of working alone! But, unfortunately running a successful business is going to be a group effort. As you grow, you may need to employ the help of other photographers or professionals, such as accountants or lawyers (especially if you decided to become a full-blown LLC or S-Corp)!

Who is going to run the business with you? What roles will be involved in day to day operation? Can you outsource some of the daily duties, like editing or bookkeeping?

Forecast strengths and weaknesses.

I know we don’t particularly like to admit to our weaknesses, but it’s all part of the job so get used to it. You should ask yourself, and note in the future, the aspects of your business that you don’t love or could improve. This is vital to growth!

The good part is, we also get to outline our strengths! What are you REALLY good at? How can you leverage that to grow your business? Don’t be shy!

Set yourself apart in business!

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How are you going to be different to gain clients in your market?

Let’s be real, there are a million photographers out there, but there is only ONE of you. How do you bring your personality to your business? What are you going to offer that no one in your area offers? In-person sales? High-end products? Special offers? Referral rewards? How can you break the mold and get people to notice you? What is your social media saying?

Figure out your financial needs and obligations!

What’s your budget? Most photographers get their start with a beginner camera and one kit lens! They slowly start learning and building their portfolio, gaining clients , and can eventually upgrade their gear! There is no shame in growing slowly, so make sure you have realistic expectations!

You’ll also need to access your incidental fees. How much do memory cards cost, and how many will you need? Are you paying monthly for editing software and other photography equipment? Make sure to write down all the little things, because they tend to add up rather quickly!

Decide on your main short-term and long-term goals!

What do you want to achieve with the business in the near future and in the next five years?  Write your goals down so you can track them!  Set goals that are challenging for you, but can still be achieved within a realistic time frame.

What do you want to do in the next few weeks or months, and maybe set a yearly goal! Writing them all down is your best bet, as you can track and make changes to these goals. All business owners and professional photographers need to outline their product or service.

Be proud of yourself!!!

Seriously, after it’s all said and done, writing a business plan takes some serious work and introspection. Taking the time to really think about all of these issues will serve you well in any business.  When you know what your goals are (from financial all the way to the client experience) you won’t get hung up on the small details.

Challenging yourself may be uncomfortable, but without a doubt, will allow you to reach an entirely new level within yourself and your photography business! Let us know if you have any questions in the comments below!

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Photographer Mission Statement: Why We Need it

As a photographer, your mission statement is important for the success of your business. Prospective clients want to know if you are aligned with their goals and values.

Simon Sinek would say that "People buy why you do it, not what you do."

However, be sure that your mission statement also conveys work you want to be hired to do.

You might specialize in portraits or weddings but if those aren't the kind of photography jobs you're looking for then don't mention them as part of your photography mission statement!

Focus on what type of work aligns with your goals and values and this will attract ideal clients who hire photographers like yourself!

To learn more about creating a photography mission statement, read this blog post.

What is a Photographer Mission Statement?

A Photographer mission statement is a written declaration of your business' core purpose. This statement can be a single sentence or several, but regardless of length, it should:

• make clear your business' core values
• clearly states the services that your business offers
• convey a sense of your business' general intentions
• be unique and meaningful to you
• should convey the work that you want to do more.

Why Photographer should have a mission statement?

A Photographer mission statement is important because it will help narrow your focus and define what you want to stand for either as an individual or as a company.

Mission statements also help define your photography brand If you don't know what you stand for and your purpose and “mission” as a photographer, how do you expect others to know?

What to include in a Photographer mission statement?

There are three main components to include in your mission statement.

• State what you do and what services are offered
• Target the audience or market with your photography
• Focus on being unique by highlighting benefits of working with you (i.e., "Providing couples with a memorable wedding experience through dreamy photography edits and captures.")

Sample photographer mission statement:

I provide event videography services to clients looking for cinematography, photography and post-production editing.

My work includes capturing moments from the past with a unique perspective that is about creating memories not just photos.

I believe in being candid and communicating honestly with my couples so they feel empowered during wedding planning and confident on their wedding day.

I am a photographer and I specialize in capturing the candid moments of your child's life with images that will make you laugh, cry, and remember those fleeting years forever.

My focus is providing memories for parents to cherish for generations by creating an authentic representation of their family dynamic.

What does it mean to have a Photographer mission statement?

Having a mission statement is important because it will help narrow your focus and define what you want to stand for either as an individual or as a company.

Mission statements also help define your photography brand if you don't know what you stand for and what "mission" as a photographer, how do you expect others to know?

Where to put the Photographer mission statement?

There are many places to put your Photographer mission statement. You can include it on your website's about page, you can include it in email signature and even include it on business cards.

Your mission statement is for you and your clients, so make sure it reflects what you stand for through all channels of communication.

What is the benefit of a photographer having a mission statement?

The benefits of creating a Photographer Mission Statement is that this will help focus yourself so you don't become unfocused. It will help you know what kind of clients you want to work for and attract the right type of clientele.

It will also help you in the event that your photography business needs to be sold.

The benefits of a Photographer mission statement are many and vary but include being able to focus on what type of work aligns with one's goals and values which can attract ideal clients who hire photographers like yourself!

Purpose of Mission Statement

A mission statement may seem like something only big companies have. However, it's isn't just for big companies. As a photographer, you can benefit from having one.

By having a mission statement, you can remind yourself of why you're a photographer and who you serve.

It'll also help focus your energy and attention because you'll evaluate each business decision and photoshoot to ensure it aligns with your company.

If you choose to hire employees, or second-shooters, knowing what your company is all about will help them represent your brand in a way that resonates well for the customer. Your mission statement should make clear how you serve customers/clients.

Define your personal values, passions, and goals

A photographer who does family portraits? A photojournalist that captures candid moments on the streets of New York City? A wedding and event photographer capturing every moment from before to after the ceremony with a keen eye for detail.

Your personal values won't necessarily be the same as your photography business, but the two will certainly influence each other.

Start by listing your personal values, passions, and goals. Use these answers to do the same for your photography business.

If you are not sure what type of Photography you want to specialize in then start with defining who YOU as a photographer are first! You can think about it this way:

Examples to get you started

Photographer

To document moments through photography that will bring joy, evoke emotions and memories to last a lifetime.

I am committed to uncovering the beauty in everyday life with my clients so they can cherish these precious moments forever. My work is about capturing authentic images of your family dynamic without feeling like I'm intruding on personal space.

Maternity Photographer

To capture the beauty and changes that happen as you grow your family.

I am committed to capturing authentic moments of pregnancy, newborns, maternity shoots, breastfeeding sessions or any other milestone with my clients so they can cherish these memories forever.

My work is about feeling like I'm part of each woman's journey through this beautiful process.

Travel Photographer

To seize the world that beauty is all around us.

"I'm committed to uncovering what's not always seen through my lens, capturing moments most people take for granted and preserving them forever." My work is about exploring the unknown with you so we can discover your next adventure together.

Landscape Photographer

To show the world how beautiful and vast it is.

"I'm committed to capturing what can't be seen with your eyes, preserving moments most people take for granted." My work is about exploring nature's beauty with you so we can discover new places together.

Videographer

Child Photographer

Fashion Photographer

I specialize in capturing the beauty and art of fashion through my images.

My work is about showcasing every detail while creating a comfortable environment for everyone to shine.

Whether I'm shooting an editorial campaign or personal project, each shoot will be personalized to best reflect who you are as a person or company.

Examples can help jumpstart your thinking process and they might not be the same as your style of Photography.

Wedding Photographer

To capture the day to remember.

I am committed to capturing every moment from before, during and after the ceremony with a keen eye for detail so that couples can cherish these moments forever. My work is about feeling like I'm part of each couple's journey through this beautiful process and being able to share my love of photography in telling their story.

Event Photographer

To capture and preserve important moments in time that tell a story of who you are as an individual or company.

I am committed to capturing authentic moments with my clients so they can cherish these memories forever. My work is about being candid and communicating honestly with couples so they feel empowered during wedding planning and confident on their wedding day culminating in the creation of memorable wedding photo books .

You have to find a way that resonates with you and fits your personality as an individual photographer.

But in the end, it's up to you whether or any of these resonate for you!

A Photographer Mission Statement is important  for your business because it addresses what you do. It will help you make decisions that'll move your business in the right direction.

Whether you're starting your business, or have been in business for years, a mission statement will address the why behind your photography business. It'll briefly describe your purpose, and help you make decisions that'll move your business in the right direction.

Examples can help jumpstart your thinking process and they might not be the same as your style of Photography. Wedding Photographer To capture the day to remember. I am committed to capturing every moment from before, during and

I hope you found this helpful if you want to write a Photographer Mission Statement for yourself or for someone else, it can be a great way to start!

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Drone Photography Business Plan Template & Guidebook

Drone photography has become increasingly popular as a way to capture stunning and awe-inspiring aerial images. But starting a drone photography business can be overwhelming, and many entrepreneurs aren't sure where to start. Don't worry – the #1 Drone Photography Business Plan Template & Guidebook provides an easy-to-follow roadmap for setting up and running a successful drone photography business. Whether you're brand new to the industry or a veteran looking to take your business to the next level, this guidebook provides everything you need to know to get your drone photography venture off the ground.

Get worry-free services and support to launch your business starting at $0 plus state fees.

• How to Start a Profitable Drone Photography Business [11 Steps]
• 25 Catchy Drone Photography Business Names:

How to Write a Drone Photography Business Plan in 7 Steps:

1. describe the purpose of your drone photography business..

The first step to writing your business plan is to describe the purpose of your drone photography business. This includes describing why you are starting this type of business, and what problems it will solve for customers. This is a quick way to get your mind thinking about the customers’ problems. It also helps you identify what makes your business different from others in its industry.

It also helps to include a vision statement so that readers can understand what type of company you want to build.

Here is an example of a purpose mission statement for a drone photography business:

Our mission at Drone Photography is to enrich lives, relationships, and memories through our aerial photography services. We aim to provide high quality, customized imagery for our clients in the most cost-efficient manner possible, while striving for continuous improvement of our services and equipment. We will work to bring a unique perspective to every project by using advanced technology and passion for creativity.

2. Products & Services Offered by Your Drone Photography Business.

The next step is to outline your products and services for your drone photography business. 

When you think about the products and services that you offer, it's helpful to ask yourself the following questions:

• What is my business?
• What are the products and/or services that I offer?
• Why am I offering these particular products and/or services?
• How do I differentiate myself from competitors with similar offerings?
• How will I market my products and services?

You may want to do a comparison of your business plan against those of other competitors in the area, or even with online reviews. This way, you can find out what people like about them and what they don’t like, so that you can either improve upon their offerings or avoid doing so altogether.

3. Build a Creative Marketing Stratgey.

If you don't have a marketing plan for your drone photography business, it's time to write one. Your marketing plan should be part of your business plan and be a roadmap to your goals. 

A good marketing plan for your drone photography business includes the following elements:

Target market

• Who is your target market?
• What do these customers have in common?
• How many of them are there?
• How can you best reach them with your message or product?

Customer base 

• Who are your current customers? 
• Where did they come from (i.e., referrals)?
• How can their experience with your drone photography business help make them repeat customers, consumers, visitors, subscribers, or advocates for other people in their network or industry who might also benefit from using this service, product, or brand?

Product or service description

• How does it work, what features does it have, and what are its benefits?
• Can anyone use this product or service regardless of age or gender?
• Can anyone visually see themselves using this product or service?
• How will they feel when they do so? If so, how long will the feeling last after purchasing (or trying) the product/service for the first time?

Competitive analysis

• Which companies are competing with yours today (and why)? 
• Which ones may enter into competition with yours tomorrow if they find out about it now through word-of-mouth advertising; social media networks; friends' recommendations; etc.)
• What specific advantages does each competitor offer over yours currently?

Marketing channels

• Which marketing channel do you intend to leverage to attract new customers?
• What is your estimated marketing budget needed?
• What is the projected cost to acquire a new customer?
• How many of your customers do you instead will return?

Form an LLC in your state!

4. Write Your Operational Plan.

Next, you'll need to build your operational plan. This section describes the type of business you'll be running, and includes the steps involved in your operations. 

In it, you should list:

• The equipment and facilities needed
• Who will be involved in the business (employees, contractors)
• Financial requirements for each step
• Milestones & KPIs
• Location of your business
• Zoning & permits required for the business

What equipment, supplies, or permits are needed to run a drone photography business?

• Drone: A drone with a stabilized camera
• Software: Software to control the drone and capture images or video.
• Computer: Computer to store and edit images taken by the drone.
• Permit: Depending on where you plan to fly your drone, you may need to obtain a permit from the FAA in order to operate legally.

5. Management & Organization of Your Drone Photography Business.

The second part of your drone photography business plan is to develop a management and organization section.

This section will cover all of the following:

• How many employees you need in order to run your drone photography business. This should include the roles they will play (for example, one person may be responsible for managing administrative duties while another might be in charge of customer service).
• The structure of your management team. The higher-ups like yourself should be able to delegate tasks through lower-level managers who are directly responsible for their given department (inventory and sales, etc.).
• How you’re going to make sure that everyone on board is doing their job well. You’ll want check-ins with employees regularly so they have time to ask questions or voice concerns if needed; this also gives you time to offer support where necessary while staying informed on how things are going within individual departments too!

6. Drone Photography Business Startup Expenses & Captial Needed.

This section should be broken down by month and year. If you are still in the planning stage of your business, it may be helpful to estimate how much money will be needed each month until you reach profitability.

Typically, expenses for your business can be broken into a few basic categories:

Startup Costs

Startup costs are typically the first expenses you will incur when beginning an enterprise. These include legal fees, accounting expenses, and other costs associated with getting your business off the ground. The amount of money needed to start a drone photography business varies based on many different variables, but below are a few different types of startup costs for a drone photography business.

Running & Operating Costs

Running costs refer to ongoing expenses related directly with operating your business over time like electricity bills or salaries paid out each month. These types of expenses will vary greatly depending on multiple variables such as location, team size, utility costs, etc.

Marketing & Sales Expenses

You should include any costs associated with marketing and sales, such as advertising and promotions, website design or maintenance. Also, consider any additional expenses that may be incurred if you decide to launch a new product or service line. For example, if your drone photography business has an existing website that needs an upgrade in order to sell more products or services, then this should be listed here.

7. Financial Plan & Projections

A financial plan is an important part of any business plan, as it outlines how the business will generate revenue and profit, and how it will use that profit to grow and sustain itself. To devise a financial plan for your drone photography business, you will need to consider a number of factors, including your start-up costs, operating costs, projected revenue, and expenses. 

Here are some steps you can follow to devise a financial plan for your drone photography business plan:

• Determine your start-up costs: This will include the cost of purchasing or leasing the space where you will operate your business, as well as the cost of buying or leasing any equipment or supplies that you need to start the business.
• Estimate your operating costs: Operating costs will include utilities, such as electricity, gas, and water, as well as labor costs for employees, if any, and the cost of purchasing any materials or supplies that you will need to run your business.
• Project your revenue: To project your revenue, you will need to consider the number of customers you expect to have and the average amount they will spend on each visit. You can use this information to estimate how much money you will make from selling your products or services.
• Estimate your expenses: In addition to your operating costs, you will need to consider other expenses, such as insurance, marketing, and maintenance. You will also need to set aside money for taxes and other fees.
• Create a budget: Once you have estimated your start-up costs, operating costs, revenue, and expenses, you can use this information to create a budget for your business. This will help you to see how much money you will need to start the business, and how much profit you can expect to make.
• Develop a plan for using your profit: Finally, you will need to decide how you will use your profit to grow and sustain your business. This might include investing in new equipment, expanding the business, or saving for a rainy day.

Frequently Asked Questions About Drone Photography Business Plans:

Why do you need a business plan for a drone photography business.

A business plan for a drone photography business is a blueprint that outlines the various elements of your business, from the services you plan to offer to how you will market them and manage expenses. It also provides an outline for achieving long-term goals and success. A well-crafted business plan can help secure funding and inform decision making, as well as provide guidance on the day to day operations of the business.

Who should you ask for help with your drone photography business plan?

Entrepreneurship advisors or consultants, financial advisors, and other industry experts can be excellent sources of help and advice when creating a business plan for a drone photography business. Additionally, local small business development centers or incubators can provide resources, guidance, and assistance.

Can you write a drone photography business plan yourself?

Yes, you can write a drone photography business plan yourself. To do so, you will need to research the industry, determine your target market and create a marketing strategy. Additionally, you will need to develop a financial plan that includes details on startup costs, pricing for services and other expenses. Finally, you should create an actionable strategy with specific goals and a timeline for achieving them.

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I'm Nick, co-founder of newfoundr.com, dedicated to helping aspiring entrepreneurs succeed. As a small business owner with over five years of experience, I have garnered valuable knowledge and insights across a diverse range of industries. My passion for entrepreneurship drives me to share my expertise with aspiring entrepreneurs, empowering them to turn their business dreams into reality.

Through meticulous research and firsthand experience, I uncover the essential steps, software, tools, and costs associated with launching and maintaining a successful business. By demystifying the complexities of entrepreneurship, I provide the guidance and support needed for others to embark on their journey with confidence.

From assessing market viability and formulating business plans to selecting the right technology and navigating the financial landscape, I am dedicated to helping fellow entrepreneurs overcome challenges and unlock their full potential. As a steadfast advocate for small business success, my mission is to pave the way for a new generation of innovative and driven entrepreneurs who are ready to make their mark on the world.

Don't bother with copy and paste.

Get this complete sample business plan as a free text document.

Pet Photography Business Plan

Start your own pet photography business plan

Adorable Pet Photography

Executive summary executive summary is a brief introduction to your business plan. it describes your business, the problem that it solves, your target market, and financial highlights.">.

Owners and their beloved pets … this is what makes our world go around. We are aware that there are many photographic studios, at either end of the spectrum, that will consider photographing a pet. However, they do not openly welcome your furry family members. At Adorable Pet Photography, pets are our only business. We are dedicated to capturing a moment you can remember forever to preserve a special relationship. With many years of experience, and a gentle approach in an unhurried environment, we will preserve your memories in a beautiful piece of photographic art. Our strong commitment to client satisfaction is showcased by the perfect photograph that captures the personality of the pet and the loving relationship between the pet and owner.

Adorable Pet Photography is a small business aimed at bringing a smile to every pet owner’s face when they see their beautiful family member captured in a stunning portrait. Our goal of superior customer service and satisfaction will take dedication on the part of all staff members and vendors. The vision manifests itself in three ways:

• Produce the same outstanding quality results time after time.
• Be recognized as the top pet photographer in the Southeast.
• Be steadfast to our commitment for customer service and satisfaction.

Our keys to success will be providing high quality portraits, competitive pricing, and excellent customer service as our hallmark.

Adorable Pet Photography is currently located in Atlanta, Georgia. We will have a staff of two, with plans to expand to a full-time operation within the next five years. The company is established as a home-operated, part-time sole proprietorship. It is the intention of the company to develop sales and broaden the client base so as to become a full-time business. The company will offer a full range of custom portrait packages. Portrait sittings are available in either the well-equipped studio, the comfort of the client’s home, or in an outdoor setting. The owner serves as the head photographer, and will require one assistant. Adorable Pet Photography is invested in the community. It will provide pro bono service to the local humane society and funding of awards for local dog and cat specialty shows.

The founder of Adorable Pet Photography has a long history as a successful photographer. A graduate of the Showcase School in Atlanta, his architectural photographs have been published in magazines such as Atlanta and Southern Living . The founder owns all of his equipment; therefore, no financial outlay is required for photographic equipment. Because Adorable Pet Photography is a home-based business, overhead is low. Salary for the owner will be withdrawn from the year-end funds once the business is established and profitable. The owner  is investing $10,000 from his personal savings, along with another $10,000 from a personal friend. This limits the short-term debt to $12,350 from the owner’s credit union, for which the business is already pre-approved.

All photographs taken by Adorable Pet Photography will carry proper copyright notice. This notice of copyright will offer protection against a claim of “innocent infringement” on the part of a client. Some clients of Adorable Pet Photography will require copyright release forms; this will primarily involve breeders and pet specialty show organizers who will need to use the photographs for publication.

The company will offer a wide variety of products, such as: formal studio portraits, location portrait sessions, holiday candid photographs, portrait finishes, and framing.

Adorable Pet Photography will aggressively seek out local vendors to form strategic alliances in order to to reduce the cost of supplies and offer more services to the client.

Many of today’s white-collar professionals, between the ages of 26 and 60, have at least one pet in the household. The pet is treated as a family member, and the owners spend approximately $26 billion annually for gourmet food, cosmetic services, health care, and specialty items. Adorable Pet Photography will reach this audience by targeting clients of these existing markets. We will fill an existing need for the client by specializing in pet photography. Through advertisements in the print media, brochures, and establishing working relationships with pet organizations and pet specialty businesses frequented by our potential client base, we will highlight our quality products and services.

What makes this industry so attractive is that, although the number of U.S. households with pets has held steady at approximately 58 million over the past ten years, the amount of money Americans spend on their pets has exploded. In 1993, overall retail sales of pet-related items were approximately $16 billion. By 1997 this number had risen to $22.6 billion, and by 2001, that number is expected to jump to $28.5 billion. Industry experts expect sales to grow steadily for the next five years, from three to 15 percent. This increased importance and love for the family pet has caused existing pet services to flourish and has created entirely new fields of pet care. Scores of entrepreneurs, such as the Petco superstores, are developing businesses catering to pet owners.

Adorable Pet Photography is in a unique position of competition. We compete against the standard portrait studio that may photograph pets, but only as an adjunct to photographing people. We compete against two other exclusive pet photographers in the Atlanta Metropolitan area, and a host of amateur photographers. The benefits and drawbacks of each of our competitors, compared with the services we offer, are hardly a match in quality and price.

The critical threats to this business venture are:

• Sudden negative change in the local or national economy, since this is a luxury item.
• Increased competition in the metropolitan Atlanta market.
• Unsuccessful partnerships with pet specialty show organizers, breeder associations, and pet specialty stores.

One of the new threats to photographic studios is the advent of the computer/digital imaging process. Many sources believe that in the years to come we will replace traditional film with digital images. While this may be true of the amateur photographer and the commercial or technical photographer, we at Adorable Pet Photography believe that the time-honored artistry of photography, exhibited by Ansel Adams, Yuseff Karsh, Annie Leibowitz, and other famous photographers, will continue to be recorded on film. While we certainly believe that digital imagery is an enhancement to the portrait photographer, and its application in portrait photography will increase, we do not believe that it is a replacement for artistic talent.

Adorable Pet Photography’s competitive edge is its commitment to customer service and satisfaction. We offer an array of services, flexible scheduling, and have the latest technology to produce beautiful photographic portraits. At Adorable Pet Photography, pets are our primary business, not a sideline or hobby. We understand pets and how to get the right elements together for a successful portrait session. We are patient, and our number-one goal is quality results.

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By beginning on a smaller scale, Adorable Pet Photography has the foresight to grow at a rapid pace to keep up with demand. We wish to maintain a steady rate of sales growth; however, we understand that sales will vary in different months. We expect rapid increases during holiday seasons that will boost sales, then allow that growth to level off at a steady rate.

The break-even point will be reached more rapidly for Adorable Pet Photography than for other types of home-based businesses since start-up costs are limited and there is little to no staff to pay in the beginning. January is expected to be the slowest month of the year, since this is the post-holiday slump.

Our cash situation is optimum. Although Adorable Pet Photography begins with little extra cash, our increased growth allows the business to gain financial ground quickly. The cash flow is negative for only two months of the first year, during the expected off-season months; the business will be prepared for this with cash reserves, and will maintain positive cash balances.

1.1 Mission

Today’s environment presents the consumer with an array of choices. Adorable Pet Photography strives to be the best choice for the client. Providing high quality portraits, competitive pricing, and excellent customer service is our hallmark. Pet photography, even in a strong economy, is a luxury; therefore, our customers will receive a portrait that captures not only the beauty of their pet, but also the personality. This will be achieved through client interviews and patiently spending time with each pet to make them comfortable in the setting chosen by the owner. At Adorable Pet Photography, we view pets as members of the family. Through consistent, high-quality results we are committed to providing each client with value and satisfaction.

1.2 Keys to Success

The key to success at Adorable Pet Photography includes our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. We will be responsible for ensuring a high degree of professionalism in three areas:

• Consistent fulfillment of the clients’ expectations.
• Competitive pricing for the quality and array of services offered.
• A fair and reasonable profit on each portrait.

1.3 Objectives

Company summary company overview ) is an overview of the most important points about your company—your history, management team, location, mission statement and legal structure.">.

Adorable Pet Photography was planned to be a part-time business venture. It will be a small business designed to meet the needs of its clients and their pet family members. We are currently located in Atlanta, Georgia. Adorable Pet Photography will have a staff of two, with plans to expand to a full-time operation within the next five years. The owner serves as the head photographer, and will require one assistant. Adorable Pet Photography is invested in the community. It will provide pro bono service to the local humane society and funding of awards for local dog and cat specialty shows.

The staff of Adorable Pet Photography understands the value of our client’s time and provides flexible schedules and locations for photographic services. We also understand the desire of the client to be satisfied with the value received for the money spent. At Adorable Pet Photography, we accept nothing but the best from ourselves and our suppliers.

2.1 Company Ownership

Adorable Pet Photography is established as a home operated, part-time sole proprietorship. It is the intention of the company to develop sales and broaden the client base so as to become a full-time business. The company will offer a full range of custom portrait packages. Portrait sittings are available in either the well-equipped studio, the comfort of the client’s home, or in an outdoor setting.

2.2 Start-up Summary

The founder of Adorable Pet Photography has a long history as a successful photographer. A graduate of the Showcase School in Atlanta, his architectural photographs have been published in magazines such as Atlanta and Southern Living. The founder owns all of his equipment; therefore, no financial outlay is required for photographic equipment. Because Adorable Pet Photography is a home-based business, overhead is low. Funding is provided from various sources: a short-term loan, the founder’s savings, and an investment from a friend.

It is the intention of the founder to keep the personal touch in the business and to keep overhead to a minimum, even as the business grows. Both the founder and the investor own homes and have spotless credit ratings.

2.3 Company Locations and Facilities

Adorable Pet Photography is located inside the city limits of Atlanta, Georgia. It is a home-based business, with an area of the lower floor dedicated to client reception, portrait viewing/gallery, office, and a 500 square-foot studio. Clients can elect to have the portrait sitting done in the studio, on location in the client’s home, or in an outdoor setting.

Our office is equipped with the latest in business technology: telephone systems, computers, fax machines, email, copiers, printers, and software. The company will maintain a high degree of professionalism by using only the highest-quality photographic equipment and film to produce its portraits.

2.4 Legal Considerations

Adorable Pet Photography will be operated as a sole proprietorship. This creates simplicity since little is required to begin operations: there is minimal paperwork, and no legal counsel is necessary to create set-up documents. Salary for the owner will be withdrawn from the year-end funds, once the business is established and profitable. Taxes will be paid via the personal return of the owner, as personal income tax rates are lower than the corporate rate. Among the disadvantages would be difficulty in obtaining outside financing during start-up; however, the owner already owns a full array of professional photographic equipment and is investing $10,000 from his personal savings, along with another $10,000 from a personal friend. This limits the short-term debt to $12,350 from the owner’s Credit Union, for which the business is already pre-approved.

The owner has received an affirmative answer from the Small Business Development Center of Fulton County, Georgia, for obtaining a business license for the company to operate in a residential neighborhood, since noise, traffic, and pollution are not factors to be considered in this type of business.

Copyright is a form of protection for original works that photographers enjoy. It is afforded automatically to any work, immediately on its creation in fixed form, and the copyright on the work normally becomes the property of the creator. Filling out a form and paying the necessary fee to the U.S. Copyright Office does not copyright a work. Copyright is part and parcel of the creation process. There is no requirement to register a copyright, but it is best to do so as a way of claiming a copyright. Registration helps immensely if suit for copyright infringement is necessary. All photographs taken by Adorable Pet Photography will carry proper copyright notice. This notice of copyright will offer protection against a claim of “innocent infringement” on the part of a client. In addition to this information being printed on the back of each photograph, the sales contract will include the same information.

Some clients of Adorable Pet Photography will require copyright release forms; this will primarily involve breeders and pet specialty show organizers who will need to use the photographs for publication.

A one-time consultation with an attorney will be obtained during the start-up process. This consultation will be used to develop necessary forms for the business and provide advice on any further legal considerations needed.

Products and Services

Adorable Pet Photography offers a variety of products and services to meet our client’s needs. We offer specific information on each of our products to the prospective client. This information is designed to help the client select a setting for the portrait session. The pictures we provide give the client a feel for the variety of poses that can be used, and help them decide if they wish to incorporate other family members in the portrait. The discussion of the different settings helps the client select a studio session, home session, or outdoor location for the portrait. We also provide instructions for each setting. For example, for formal portrait sessions, we provide detailed instructions to the owner for aiding their pet to feel at home in unfamiliar surroundings, and items such as a favorite toy or blanket to bring along to the session. The following sections are examples of the services we provide and the resulting product.

3.1 Product and Service Description

Formal Studio Portrait: The studio is a controlled environment, free from distraction, where the pet can be comfortably posed and lighted to enhance the beauty of the final image. A variety of props and backgrounds will be used to stage a setting that will highlight the pet’s features and coat color. These sessions must not be rushed, so the pet can become comfortable in the studio environment and be certain that the studio lights do not frighten or excite the pet. There is a standard charge for the portrait session which we refer to as the sitting fee. The owner is provided immediate digital images to be certain we have captured a pleasing likeness. These digital images are not the final proofs, but they do provide photographer and client with the assurance the session is accomplishing the desired outcome. A total of 24 proof-quality photographs will be provided for the client within five days of the photo session. The client will then have ten days to consider the images and the portrait packages before making a final selection.

Location Portrait Session: The pet may be more comfortable in the home or a familiar outdoor location. The staff of Adorable Pet Photography will travel to the location prior to the portrait session to select an area that is best suited for the session and is most acceptable to the owner. Prior to the session, Adorable Pet Photography staff will stage the lighting and any other props needed for the photo session. Although the digital image capability is not available for on-location sessions, 12 additional photographs will be taken to ensure the client an array of choices for the final image. If the location selected for the photo session is in a public park, the owner, not Adorable Pet Photography, is legally responsible for the behavior of the pet. There are two on-location photo session fees. The fee for a photo session in the home is more than the studio because the equipment must be transported, staged, and then broken down. The fee for the photo session in an outdoor location is the most expensive because an assistant is required for managing light-enhancing equipment throughout the session. The client will be provided 36 photographic-quality images within five working days of the photo session. The client will then have ten working days to consider the images and the portrait packages before making a final selection.

Holiday Candid Photographs: Adorable Pet Photography, through arrangements with local pet stores and other pet specialty stores, will provide pet owners with the opportunity to have 12 snapshot-quality photographs taken of their pet with Santa Claus or the Easter Bunny. Adorable Pet Photography will also be available at these locations for other holiday-themed candids, such as Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Fourth of July, Halloween, and Thanksgiving. The fee for these candid photos is standard and includes twelve photos that will be mailed to the client within five days. Negatives from these photo sessions will remain the property of Adorable Pet Photography should the client wish to have reprints made.

Additional Services: Adorable Pet Photography is aware that a pet portrait is an investment as well as a cherished memory. We offer a variety of portrait finishes from which to choose. These finishes will be shown to the client upon pick up of the proofs, and the client will be given a brochure which illustrates these finishes to compliment a variety of pet images. These finishes are used on the beautiful portraits that are displayed in our studio gallery. Adorable Pet Photography also offers custom and ready made framing for all portraits. We have a beautiful selection of tabletop frames to enhance the client’s selection, and a variety of framing materials displayed in the studio for custom frame construction. At Adorable Pet Photography we are committed to customer service and satisfaction.

3.2 Fulfillment

Adorable Pet Photography employs local vendors who have the same desire to be the best at what they do. Through the use of reliable local vendors, we are able to reduce the cost of supplies and offer more services to the client. We use only Kodak™ film, which is processed by APA Laboratories. APA Laboratories deals only with professional photographers and offers the latest in photo finishes and portrait sizes. By using the services of APA Laboratories, Adorable Pet Photography is able to reduce the need for additional personnel, expensive photographic laboratory equipment and supplies, thus minimizing our start-up cost and capital investment. This saving trickles down to the client in our portrait-package pricing. At Adorable Pet Photography, we concentrate on the artistic quality of the portrait image; we leave the enhancement of that image to the taste of the client and the professionals at APA Laboratories.

3.3 Competitive Comparison

The fee schedules for Adorable Pet Photography portraits are competitively priced. No other area photographer offers the flexibility and array of services provided to the client at Adorable Pet Photography. Our commitment to customer service and satisfaction is unequaled.

At Adorable Pet Photography, we care about our community. We use only local suppliers who have a reputation for excellence and timeliness; thus, we add back to the economy of the area. We participate with the local Humane Society by creating a virtual adoption page on their website by photographing the animals available for adoption. These photographs have helped to increase the adoption rates of the local programs.

3.4 Technology

Digital imaging technology has brought new and exciting tools to photography. Today the client can see the images recorded in the studio moments after they are taken. High-resolution printers make a print of the image readily available–no processing of film is required. The software to control and manipulate the digital images can remove unwanted objects and shadows, and enhance other qualities. Many sources believe that in the years to come we will replace traditional film with digital images. While this may be true of the amateur photographer and the commercial or technical photographer, we at Adorable Pet Photography believe that the time-honored artistry of photography, exhibited by Ansel Adams, Yuseff Karsh, Annie Leibowitz, and other famous photographers, will continue to be recorded on film.

With a single piece of equipment–the camera–different film emulsions can be used to control grain, contrast, tone, and texture of an image. This image, and the lighting of the subject, is composed in the artistic eye of the photographer and captures a moment in time. While we certainly believe that digital imagery is an enhancement to the portrait photographer, and its application in portrait photography will increase, we do not believe that it is a replacement for artistic talent.

Market Analysis Summary how to do a market analysis for your business plan.">

Many of today’s white collar professionals, between the ages of 26 and 60, have at least one pet in the household. The pet is treated as a family member; and the owners spend approximately $26 billion annually for gourmet food, cosmetic services, health care, and specialty items (Hunter, 1999). Adorable Pet Photography will reach this audience by targeting clients of these existing markets. We will fill an existing need for the client by specializing in pet photography. Through advertisements in the print media, brochures, and establishing working relationships with pet organizations and pet specialty businesses frequented by our potential client base, we will highlight our quality products and services.

4.1 Market Segmentation

The breakdown for the market for Pet Photography is somewhat diverse, as are the products designed to meet those needs. Individuals, as well as organizations, require the services that we provide. In order to provide the greatest depth, the market segments have been broken down into private organizations and individuals stratified by age groups.

Private Organizations and Businesses:

Private organizations and businesses, such as the American Kennel Club, sponsor specialty pet show events. Championship pet breeders represent the second largest volume in units, but the most exposure to other potential clients, in the pet owner segment. The pet shows will generate documentary photographs for the organizers of the show as well as publicity photographs for the winning pet owners. This category has the potential for tremendous referral and direct sales to pet owners. In addition, the market potential for professional breeders of championship stock for quality studio portraits is high.

Pet Owners:

The market in this category can be further divided into product lines designed to meet the needs of pet owners:

• Studio and Location Portraits: This category will generate the second-highest level of income for the business; the market segment will be white collar professionals 26-60 years old. Individuals that fall into this age group have at least one pet per household and spend in excess of $25 billion dollars annually on their pets. The studio portraits will capture a lasting memory, and the location portraits will highlight the relationship with the family at home.
• Seasonal Promotions: This category represents the highest level of sales. The product in this category will appeal to the same age group, but focuses on a more candid photograph to capture the pet in a theme setting such as Christmas, Valentine’s Day, or Halloween.

Stock Photography Market:

Copyright of all photographs taken by Adorable Pet Photography will be retained unless the rights are specifically sold to the pet owner and the negatives are released. These photographs will be marketed as stock photography for use on calendars or promotional material. While this represents a small volume in overall sales, it represents a tremendous potential for exposure to new clients.

4.2 Target Market Segment Strategy

Our target markets are middle- to upper-middle class families, couples, individuals, or private organizations and businesses. We chose these groups because they are most likely to have pets who would be considered a member of the family, and because they are most able to afford high-quality studio portraits of their pets.

In today’s current environment, pets occupy a prominent place in a family, or as the central focus of attention in a single household. Sales trends for pet-related merchandise have shown substantial annual increases since 1996 (Bunn, 1998). Pet industry sales closely parallel the general trends, such as gourmet foods, high-fashion accessories, and medical and dental needs (Simpson, 1998). Adorable Pet Photography fills a need for capturing a moment in time, or preserving a special relationship and providing loved ones (the human kind) with a high quality portrait of them and their best friend. Considering the rise in income and population, coupled with the increased spending for pet-related items and services, the demand for pet photography services can only increase.

4.2.1 Market Trends

As Americans have enjoyed increased standards of living, they expect to pass this on to their pets. Where consumers used to pick up pet food on their weekly excursion to the grocery store, they now buy gourmet premium foods, which exclude animal by-products and replace them with prime cuts of meats and other high-level ingredients, some of which are sold only through veterinary offices. Dog and cat owners spent $8.7 billion on pet food in 1996, and the market is expected to reach $10.5 billion by 2001 (Bunn, 1998).

In addition to regular meal planning, dog-centric bakeries are now found in major cities that offer the ultimate in guilty canine pleasure, using natural ingredients (no sugar, carob instead of chocolate, etc.) to create food and treats similar to those of their owners (chocolate-flavored croissant-like dog biscuits, for example). One company, Alaska Canine Cookies, went international and reported a 400 percent growth rate in their first year, 1996, and settled into a more manageable 200 percent rate in 1999 (Veltkamp, 1999).

The market trend, as the human element permeates the pet industry, leads to pets not being buried in shoeboxes in the back yard as much as they once were. The trend, since 1996, has been to give an animal a proper funeral. There were 650 pet cemeteries and crematories active in business in 1996, with the cost of a pet burial between $235 to $800 (Powell, 1998). The market segment of pet owners is becoming a more solid profit maker, with the trend towards spending more money on a pet with every passing year.

4.2.2 Market Growth

The number of U.S. households with pets has held steady at approximately 58 million over the past ten years, with an estimated six of ten U.S. households owning a pet in 1996, up from 56 percent in 1988. There were 59.1 million pet cats in 1996, up 3.6 percent, and 59.2 million pet dogs, up less than one percent. However, the amount of money Americans spend on their pets has exploded. In 1993, overall retail sales of pet-related items were approximately $16 billion. By 1997 this number had risen to $22.6 billion, and by 2001, that number is expected to jump to $28.5 billion (Hunter, 1999). Industry experts expect sales to grow steadily for the next five years, from three to 15 percent, according to surveys conducted by the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council (Powell, 1998). Thus, while there does not seem to be a great increase in people who own pets, the ones that do have them are valuing them more.

The veterinary services market totals $20 billion annually. According to an annual American Animal Hospital Association survey, the average dog owner spends $187 per year on veterinary services alone (Littman, 1998). No longer is the primary care veterinarian handling all of their patient’s needs. Specialty care veterinarians who have additional training, such as surgeons, internal medicine specialists, ophthalmologists, and dermatologists, are in great demand (Tuthill, 1999). Doggie day-care centers are springing up all across the country and carving a niche in the pet-care industry. Busy professionals feel guilty about leaving their best friend alone all day, the animals can romp the day away in a “cage-free” environment. Centers for pampering pets, such as Hollywood Hounds in Los Angeles, feature pet massages, “pawdicures,” and complete make-overs for dogs. They even boast a backyard gazebo for “muttrimonies” and “barkmitzvahs.” While kennels have always been around, modern day dog and cat owners are being more selective for their four-legged loved ones when leaving town for a business trip or vacation. Thus pet sitters, who come into the pet’s home and take care of them while the owner is away, and luxury pet lodging and resorts, which provide themed suites, nature walks, swimming pools, and nutritional/gourmet dinners, are reporting waiting lists (Jan, 1999).

There are 8,500 independent full-service pet stores in the U.S., and 1,150 pet superstores, such as Petsmart™ and Petco™ (Powell, 1998). Thus, this increased importance and love for the family pet has caused existing pet services to flourish and has created entirely new fields of pet care. Scores of entrepreneurs are developing businesses catering to pet owners.

4.2.3 Market Needs

Pets have always been an important part of the American family. However, as the American culture has changed in the last two decades, an even more prominent role for the pet has emerged. In today’s mobile society, people often lose touch with their community, friends, and family, so they draw closer to their pets. As more people put off having children until later in life, pets are increasingly lapping up the luxuries that had once been reserved for human housemates. Making pets into family members is typical of an economy driven by middle-aged professionals with two-income households and fewer, if any, children. These “baby boomers” are now hitting the peak years of 35 to 65. In some cases, the pet alleviates the Empty Nest Syndrome for older married couples. Their animals are not just pets but companions, and many owners consider their pets their children. Society is getting better educated and more accepting of pets across the board, and there is existing research that proves pets are a benefit to one’s health (Palmer, 1998). People are now treating their pets as children, a pampering not seen 20 years ago.

The importance of the family pet is evident, and it calculates into big business. People want to show how much they care. Thus, it only makes sense that this important member of the family should be included in the family portrait, or even have a separate photo shoot of their own. Indeed, with increasing frequency, we now see pictures of pets on employee’s desks in addition to, or instead of, human family members. A photography studio that openly welcomes animals appears to be a viable business unto itself.

4.3 Service Business Analysis

Adorable Pet Photography is in a unique position of competition. We compete against the standard portrait studio that may photograph pets, but only as an adjunct to photographing people. We compete against two other exclusive pet photographers in the Atlanta Metropolitan area, and a host of amateur photographers. The benefits and drawbacks of each of our competitors as compared with the services we offer are hardly a match in quality and price.

Standard Portrait Studios:

• Strengths: Established studio locations and support staff, often with repeat clients. Reputation as reliable and stable business.
• Weaknesses: Often very expensive, with little or no experience in pet photography. Pets are a sideline and not the major focus of the business. Can be inflexible with scheduling and out-of-studio work.

Other Exclusive Pet Photographers:

• Strengths: Have been in the market longer, have established client base and reputation.
• Weaknesses: Array of services is limited, inflexible with schedules, and limited studio capability. Quality of final portrait.

Local Amateur Photographers:

• Strengths: Pricing.
• Weaknesses: Quality of final product, lack of professional photographic equipment and skills.

4.3.1 Business Participants

The portrait photography business is composed of thousands of small, individually-owned studios, and several large franchise operations. Pet portrait photography is a new, but very successful, niche market which is experiencing rapid growth. While this segment of the industry is largely individually owned studios or “on location” photographers who operate without a studio, one company, PetStar™ is offering a franchise operation with instruction and low start-up costs.

Strategy and Implementation Summary

Adorable Pet Photography will use marketing databases to accurately target our market. Working closely with local pet show organizations, specialty pet stores, and other pet service businesses, we will place well-designed advertising material in these locations to illustrate our capabilities. Our portrait studio will maintain flexible hours and scheduling to accommodate and expand our client base. Because we are dedicated to customer service and satisfaction, we will use our client base to continually maintain our reputation for excellence.

5.1 Competitive Edge

Adorable Pet Photography’s competitive edge is its commitment to customer service and satisfaction. We offer an array of services, flexible scheduling, and have the latest technology to produce beautiful photographic portraits. At Adorable Pet Photography, pets are our primary business, not a sideline or hobby. We understand pets and how to get the right elements together for a successful portrait session. We are patient, and our number one goal is quality results.

5.2 Marketing Strategy

Data from PRIZM, a Boston-based marketing firm, suggest that the best way to reach Adorable Pet Photography’s target audience for portrait photography is through the pet-related services they use. Adorable Pet Photography will establish working relationships with businesses such as grooming salons, specialty pet stores, and veterinary clinics. We hope to place brochures and framed pet portraits in these locations.

Another strong marketing opportunity is available through the local area pet shows and local breeder associations. Adorable Pet Photography will establish a working arrangement with the Cherokee Cluster and Jack Onofrio pet show network to provide photographic services to document winning pets, their owner/breeder, and show judges. In addition to the exposure with breeders, Adorable Pet Photography will have an exhibit space at these pet shows with framed examples of our work, brochures, and business cards. This will increase our exposure to the attendees of the pet shows, most of whom are pet owners.

Finally, Adorable Pet Photography will establish relationships with pet specialty stores to offer candid photographs of pets and owners in seasonal vignettes. Although this generates revenue, it will be used as a marketing tool to increase exposure to people between 26 and 60 years old. This marketing strategy is aimed at increasing our studio and on-location portrait business.

5.2.1 Promotion Strategy

Adorable Pet Photography will use specialty pet show events to broaden our client base through direct marketing to individual pet owners and breeders attending the shows. Through an arrangement with the specialty pet show promoters, we will have a link to our website. On this link we will feature information about our services, pricing, location, and showcase examples of previous work. We will advertise our services by placing brochures and finished photographic works of art in pet specialty stores, grooming salons, and veterinary clinics. Through the Showcase School of Photography, we will offer classes for teaching amateur photographers how to take successful candid photographs of their own pets. Finally, we will place ads in the American Kennel Club’s monthly magazine. These advertisements target breeders and pet enthusiasts, and highlight Adorable Pet Photography’s quality portrait packages and reasonable prices.

5.2.2 Positioning Statement

For the pet owner who desires a photographic portrait, Adorable Pet Photography’s custom portrait package will capture the beauty and personality of the pet and document a lasting and cherished piece of art. Unlike portrait studios that photograph pets only as a sideline, pets are our only business. We understand that a pet is an important family member and that this special relationship should be captured in a way that pleases the client.

5.3 Sales Strategy

Adorable Pet Photography’s sales strategy is to showcase the proof portraits for the photo sessions in a beautiful folio. We will present all proof photographs for the client’s consideration; however, we will select and highlight the portraits that capture beauty and personality, and we will enhance the beauty by grouping photos in our custom folios. We will take the time to discuss the proofs with the client and ensure that the customer is satisfied with the results.

5.3.1 Sales Forecast

By beginning on a smaller scale, Adorable Pet Photography has the foresight to grow at a rapid pace to keep up with demand. We wish to maintain a steady rate of sales growth; however, we understand that sales will vary in different months. As noted in the following chart and table, rapid increases during the holiday seasons will boost sales, then allow that growth to level off at a steady rate.

Being a new business, we realize that the home and studio portrait sessions will be the slowest to grow because they require initial marketing efforts and advertising; after the first year, we anticipate a 10 to 20 percent growth rate. The Holiday Seasonal Promotion and the Pet Show Location segments target an existing market already built by the pet specialty sponsors and merchants. Because the client base is already established, this will be the first segment of the business to show rapid growth. Predicted growth rate for these segments is also 10 to 20 percent.

Management Summary management summary will include information about who's on your team and why they're the right people for the job, as well as your future hiring plans.">

The management of Adorable Pet Photography will be very simple in the first few years. In addition to performing the artistic functions of the business, the photographer is also the proprietor and initially must be involved in all aspects of the business, such as marketing, payroll, management of both accounts receivable and accounts payable, and other miscellaneous business details. Additional personnel can be added as the business accounts grow, in order to alleviate these responsibilities from the photographer.

The staff for the first two years of operation will consist of one part-time individual who will serve as an office and photographer’s assistant. In the third year of operation, this position will be upgraded to a full-time assistant as the assumptions regarding profitability come to pass.

Adorable Pet Photography’s growth will be deliberate rather than fast paced. It is possible that the business will need additional staff. Gaps in the personnel structure might well occur in the support staff. It is a reasonable assumption that the demands of the office, and also assisting the photographer, might become too much for one individual. Depending on the strengths of the individual that fills the first part-time position, the second staff member will be hired as a complement, and both will be trained in the other’s duties.

6.1 Personnel Plan

Because the business is small, there is no need for an elaborate personnel structure. The receptionist/photographer assistant position will initially only be needed part time. The following table assumes that this position will become full time in fiscal year 2003. No salary is set for the owner, and will be determined at year end, based on profitability of the business. This is feasible only because the owner has additional income to support normal living expenses.

A reasonable staff for start-up would be one part-time employee in addition to the photographer. The duties and job description would for this person would include:

• General reception duties, including phones, mail, and greeting customers.
• Setting appointments and managing appointment calender.
• Tracking inventory and supplies.
• Billing, handling both accounts receivable and accounts payable.
• Assist photographer in portrait sessions.
• Assist with marketing strategies and plans.

Financial Plan investor-ready personnel plan .">

Photography businesses usually require an enormous initial investment in equipment and facilities. The owner of Adorable Pet Photography has been an avid photographer for many years and possesses professional-level photographic equipment to get the business off to a good start with minimal debt. In addition, the will be a home-based business, with no rent or lease commitment. The charts and tables that follow demonstrate that these up-front investments allow Adorable Pet Photography to function with limited debt and overhead. This gives the business a quicker break-even point and increased profit margins from the start. As Adorable Pet Photography grows, a debt-free philosophy will be maintained.

7.1 Important Assumptions

Tax rates are included for informational purposes. We carry a small loan burden that will affect this rate minimally.

7.2 Key Financial Indicators

The following chart benchmarks four key indicators, including sales, gross margin, operating expenses, and inventory turnover. These were chosen due to their significant impact on the health of the business. These are not focused on gross amounts, but on year-to-year changes. The chart uses indicator values that are set to compare changes with the base year showing up as 1.00, and all successive years showing up as multiples from the base.

7.3 Projected Profit and Loss

Adorable Pet Photography expects a 15 percent annual growth rate for the first three years due to the owner’s already established reputation and contacts. Overhead is expected to be stable, with the exception of the receptionist/photographer’s assistant becoming a full-time position in fiscal year 2003. This allows a predicted 20 percent increase in profits before interest and taxes in the second year of business; this figure remains stable even with the increase in personnel expense the third year. It should be noted that the owner’s salary will be taken out of this figure.

7.4 Break-even Analysis

The break-even point will appear more rapidly for Adorable Pet Photography than for other types of home-based businesses since start-up costs are limited and there is little to no staff to pay in the beginning. January is expected to be the slowest month of the year, since this is the post-holiday slump.

7.5 Projected Cash Flow

7.6 Projected Balance Sheet

Adorable Pet Photography is set up for business. According to the numbers, there is steady accumulation of cash and assets. No major capital investments are expected throughout the early years, so the liabilities remain limited. Net worth steadily grows.

7.7 Business Ratios

The following table includes Industry Profile statistics for the photographic studios/portraits industry, as determined by the Standard Industry Classifications (SIC) Index code 7221. These statistics show a comparison of industry standards and the key ratios for this plan.

Bunn, D. (1998, January 3). Pampering pets is big business. Rocky Mountain News , pp. 1B.

Hunter, G. (1999, March 14). More companies cash in as owners pamper pets. Detroit News , pp. D1.

Jan, T. (1999, July 3). Ah, yes, it’s a dog’s life — some posh alternatives to kennels beckon dog lovers who want the very best for their pets while they’re away. Seattle Times , pp. A1.

Littman, M. (1998, June 29). Wags to riches. Crains Chicago Business , pp. 11.

Palmer, J. (1998, August 3). Pampering pets becomes big business. Business Record – Des Moines IA , pp. 17.

Powell, B. (1998, April 6). Cashing in on critters owners help boost pet products industry. Fort Worth Star-Telegram , pp. 16.

Simpson, C. (1998 January 12). Copycat products – pet suppliers take cues from human trends. Chicago Sun-Times , pp. 4

Tuthill, W. (1999, August 9). Pet M.D. operates in very special niche. Capital District Business Review , pp. 39.

Veltkamp, R (1999, June 28). Alaska Canine Cookies tops with dogs, owners across the nation. Alaska Journal of Commerce , pp. 8.

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