The rodeo circuit can be a profitable venue for starting a photography business.
The intense moments of drama in any rodeo event provide unlimited possibilities for photography. Major rodeos are attended by thousands of fans along with friends and families of the riders. To start a rodeo event photography business, you will need professional camera equipment, a targeted business plan and an innovative way of selling your photography.
Instructions
Start a Rodeo Event Photography Business
1. Get the proper camera equipment. You will need a professional digital camera that takes high-resolution images. Choose one that can take a large number of photos per second to capture the lightning-fast action of rodeo riders. If you will be taking posed, still shots, you will also need a professional flash.
2. Make agreements with rodeo promoters. Contact the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association and check events in your local area to see who is promoting a rodeo. You will most likely need to contact the promoter to get permission to shoot and sell photography at each event. Negotiate an agreement of payment such as a revenue share or a flat fee for event access. Ask what kind of access you will have to the performance area and how many other companies will be shooting photography.
3. Set up your business. The most important element of starting a rodeo photography business is deciding sell the photos to customers. You can sell photos at the events as well as from your own website. If you have a release from each of the riders in your photos, you can also sell the images to stock photography agencies. Hire a professional web designer to create a website where you can show your work and provide customers a place to view photography they might want to purchase. If you are going to sell prints of the photography, you will need to purchase a professional photo printer.
4. Take and sell your photos. One of the key factors to a successful business is creating an easy path from taking the photo to selling the photo. Consider setting up a viewing table with a high-resolution monitor, a photo printer and a means of accepting payment. You can hire an assistant to run the station as well as transfer images from the memory card of your camera while you keep shooting. Offer fans the option of taking a professional photo with their favorite rider.
Tags: need professional, photography business, will need, camera equipment, Event Photography