Finding your photography niche as a new photographer might be obvious for some but incredibly difficult for others. As a new photographer, there are many categories of photography that you can specialize in but how do you know which one is best for you?
Last week we covered the importance of niching-down in your photography business. Picking something to focus on is important because it…
- … helps you find the clients you want.
- …positions you as an expert.
- …makes you more profitable.
- …boosts your SEO.
In case you missed it – here is the original post.
This week we are going to cover some tips for finding your photography niche as a new photographer when you are just starting out.
Finding the Perfect Niche for Your Photography Business
Picking the perfect niche for your photography business can be done a few ways. Here are a few ideas to get some ideas flowing.
#1 Test out a few different types and styles of photography.
The only true way to figure out what you want to do is to get out there and shoot all the different types of photography! Sometimes you won’t know until you try it.
Keep an open mind as you explore your options. Consider all the various genres from portrait photography, brand photography, product and landscape photography.
#2 What type of photography excites you?
Do you love newborns? Are you drawn to the excitement and magic of the wedding day? Or are flat lays and products more your style? What about real estate?
Think about all the different types of photography out there. What excites you the most?
This is YOUR photography business and you deserve to love what you do. Make sure you are following your heart when it comes to picking the style of photography you will specialize in.
#3 What are you naturally good at?
Sometimes picking a niche is something that is obvious based on what you are really good at.
Are you naturally great with children? Or perhaps you excel at visualizing and perfecting the details where product photography would be a better fit. If you have a quick trigger and ability to capture in the moment shots, maybe sports photography is appealing?
Think about where your strengths lie and use those to help pinpoint how you want to use and apply your photography skills.
#4 Figure out what you DON’T want to do.
If you can’t pinpoint exactly what it is that you want to do – take a different approach. Are there any types of photography you know you do not want to do? Use this approach to help you narrow your options.
#5 What fits your lifestyle?
Consider how the various genres of photography will fit with your schedule and availability. Does your schedule have flexibility or do you need to plan in advance. Portrait photography can be booked in advance while birth or fresh 48 sessions require you to be on-call.
Are nights and weekends good for you or do you require a photography job that will fit in the typical 9-5 during the week?
Consider what type of schedule you desire for your new business and be realistic with what will work for your schedule in this current season of life.
Two Common Fears When Picking a Niche
When you are first starting out, it can be difficult to find a direction for your business and what you will focus on. Niching down or finding something to specialize in is a strategic move for growth in your business. However, there are two common fears when it comes to picking a niche:
Fear #1 — Fear of Picking the Wrong Niche
It’s common to hesitate or delay choosing a niche for fear of picking the wrong one. However I will strongly emphasize that picking the wrong one is far less detrimental than not picking one at all. If you do not pick a direction for your business, your marketing will lack clarity and it will be difficult to market your business effectively.
Fear #2 — Picking a Niche That is Too Specific
The motivation behind picking a niche is to give your business clarity and direction in what you offer and why you do it better than anyone else. If you are too broad or general, it’s essentially the same thing as not picking a niche at all. I encourage you to continue to hone your niche as you gain experience until you find your sweet spot.
When you are first starting out, finding your photography niche as a new photographer can feel difficult but give yourself time to test out different genres. You want to pick a genre that excites you, fits with your lifestyle, and leverages what you are naturally good at. Explore your options by taking on a variety of jobs at first during the portfolio building stage.
Your efforts to define and clarify your photography niche will be worth the time.
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Finding Your Photography Niche | Part I – Why Defining Your Niche is Important
