How I’d Restart My Photography Business (Step-by-Step Guide)

If I had to restart my photography business today, I wouldn’t buy more gear, redesign my logo, or spend months building a perfect portfolio.

I’d build a system.

Most photographers struggle not because they lack talent, but because they build their business in the wrong order. They focus on aesthetics first and structure later. The result is inconsistent clients, unpredictable income, and constant stress.

Here’s exactly how I would rebuild it from day one.

Step 1: Choose a specific industry immediately

I wouldn’t call myself a general photographer.

Generalists compete on price. Specialists compete on value.

Instead of offering everything, I would pick one category I want to be known for:
• skincare brands
• food products
• supplements
• fashion ecommerce
• hospitality

The goal is simple. When someone sees our work, they should instantly know who we work with.

Clarity builds trust faster than variety.

Step 2: Build 6 strong portfolio projects, not 60 images

I would not wait for real clients to start.

I would create self-initiated projects that look like real campaigns. Not random objects around my house, but fully considered shoots designed for the type of client I want.

Each project would include:
• hero image
• ecommerce images
• detail crops
• social media formats
• campaign style imagery

Brands don’t hire photographers based on quantity. They hire based on relevance.

Step 3: Price properly from the beginning

The biggest mistake new photographers make is pricing based on confidence instead of value.

Low pricing doesn’t attract better clients later. It attracts clients who expect the same price forever.

I would:
• Set a minimum project rate
• Separate shooting from usage
• Avoid hourly pricing for commercial work

You can always adjust pricing upward slowly, but rebuilding perception after underpricing is extremely difficult.

 

Step 4: Create a simple offer instead of a complicated service list

Instead of offering dozens of options, I would offer one clear service:

Monthly content for brands.

Why? Because businesses don’t need one photoshoot. They need ongoing marketing content.

This immediately positions you as a partner rather than a supplier.

Step 5: Contact brands every week

I wouldn’t wait for enquiries.

Every week I would:
• Identify 20 relevant brands
• Send a short, direct introduction email
• Show work relevant to them only

No long paragraphs. No generic portfolio links. Just relevance.

Most photographers underestimate how few people actually reach out consistently.

Step 6: Fix workflow before scaling

Before taking more clients, I would create systems:

• enquiry template
• pricing template
• proposal template
• shoot checklist
• delivery process

Chaos is manageable with one client. It breaks with five.

Structure creates capacity.

Step 7: Focus on repeat clients, not new ones

Growth doesn’t come from constantly finding new people.

It comes from becoming the person a brand never replaces.

Retainers, ongoing campaigns, and repeat launches are what stabilise creative businesses. I would prioritise relationships over reach.

Final thoughts

Starting a photography business isn’t about becoming a better photographer first. It’s about becoming easier to hire.

When positioning, pricing and process are clear, skill can actually be noticed. Without structure, even strong work gets ignored.

If I had to start again, I wouldn’t chase more shoots.

I’d build a business designed to keep clients