If you are looking to either add a new string to your bow or get started with your own photography business then it is well worth investigating the PRE-School Photography market. It is a proven market and can provide a photographer with extra earnings and a means of promoting other areas of their business.
Like any established market you will need to work hard and show commitment to break into it. As ever there is competition from photographers and companies who are already earning money in this area. Even so with the right approach you can gain a foothold in the market and grow your business over time. An added attraction of the pre-school market is that the work is carried out mid week, and term times, in what is often a quiet period for social photographers.
The market can also be expanded to include schools. There are a greater number of nurseries and playgroups, but these tend to be smaller than the main schools. As a rule of thumb a typical profit from a pre school shoot is around £200. For a main school it is normally appreciably higher. One of the great attractions of this market is that it has great potential for repeat business. The photographs you sell also provide great branding opportunities and offer opportunities to expand your photography business in other directions.
Opening Doors - How to Get Started
So how do you break into the market? You have a choice of two methods. The first is to go it alone. The second is to align your business with a company dedicated to helping you through their wide experience in School Photography. These companies offer help and guidance in crucial areas so that you avoid any pitfalls and succeed much faster.
One such company is Magic Moments Direct. The owners of the company Patrick Hill and Peter Sully started out in School Photography as far back as 1977. This means there are few people out there able to match their knowledge and experience within this market.
Fees - What it Will Cost You
There is a one off introductory fee of £199 (for existing photographers). This figure includes VAT. Their income is made from commissions from the laboratory. Therefore, for Magic Moments Direct to earn fees they need to ensure business thrives.
Training - Learning the Trade
In return for the introductory fee you are invited to a familiarisation day with them. During the day you will learn the nuts and bolts of the business as well as seeing samples of the popular products you will ultimately be selling. You will also receive a starter database of contacts within your area, plus CDs you can refer to and templates for marketing letters etc. Care is taken not to overlap areas so you should not find yourself competing against others using their service.
Once the familiarisation day is complete you will be ready to start your business. You will be responsible for building your client list, taking the photographs and sending the images to the printing lab. Ongoing telephone support is free and readily available. This is seen as a key element in helping you build a successful and sustainable business. Magic Moments are also there to take you through other requirements such as CRB checks. NB. All customers and money received from them is yours payable into your bank.
The Key to Your Success - Sales and Marketing
To help get your sales and marketing initiative into gear you will receive a stationery pack from Magic Moments. In addition to this you are given two CDs. These are very important and give you a great starting point. The first CD includes a selection of sales and administration letter templates. The second includes lots of useful tips on operating in a pre-school/school environment. Sales and marketing is the key to any successful business. So if you do not consider it to be one of your strengths this can be a great help to you.
There is no photography training given, so you need to be comfortable with taking portrait photographs of children. This includes formal and freestyle portraits and groups. You can always ask advice on what sells best. You will also find the laboratory offer a pool of talent you can call on. MagicMomentsDirect strongly recommends you visit the laboratory before you do your first shoot.
You will also need to have your own portable studio. One of the added attractions of Magic Moments is that you are able to retain and build your own identity. There is no restriction to being able to trade under your own name. This is especially helpful if you are already running a successful photography business or plan to expand into other areas.
Your First Step - Further Information
If you would like to know more about Magic Moments Direct and take the first step in building your own School Photography business visit their website:
Click for Website: www.magicmomentsdirect.net
Click to email: Click to email photographer
Telephone: 01242 260982
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