| If you are a,mum, and thinking of ways to combine a | | | | have many rejections but they soon become history |
| busy homelife with a growing business then you | | | | when you get success! |
| should at least consider the,pre-school photography, | | | | When making personal calls have a good portfolio of |
| market. Many of you might think that cameras and | | | | your work and list all the benefits of your service. |
| lights are too daunting; don't be put off. There are | | | | Mention that you are a professional, you are local, |
| many places where you can easily learn how to take | | | | you have some great presentations, you empathize |
| technically perfect pictures time after time. And, | | | | and are relaxed working with young children. Always |
| with,digital cameras, you can instantly see your | | | | remember to sell the benefits and not the product. A |
| results. So, assuming you want your,own business, | | | | car has an engine and four wheels does not sound as |
| perhaps want to explore your,creative side, where | | | | good as a car gives you and your family the |
| do you begin: | | | | freedom to explore the countryside. |
| Firstly why not enrol in one of the many digital | | | | When you photograph inside a,nursery, always |
| portrait classes or schools that can be found all over | | | | remember that safety is a number one concern. You |
| the country. This is a great way to meet with a | | | | should have,CRB, clearance at an enhanced level. |
| professional and become confident with the | | | | Always ensure that stands and wires are clearly |
| equipment. If you find after the course this is not for | | | | marked and do not present a trip hazard. A good |
| you, at least you have kept your costs to a minimum | | | | idea is to enlist the help of the child's mum or a |
| and you don't have expensive equipment lying | | | | nursery helper by giving them props to gain attention |
| around. | | | | for great expressions. I have always found bubble |
| So now you are home and eager to go further. You | | | | guns a great tool as children invariably are fascinated |
| need to buy a basic,portable studio, of good camera, | | | | by the bubbles and if a few fall into the picture even |
| 3 portable lights, a background, flashmeter, props and | | | | better. |
| some cables. Once you have this you can practise on | | | | Because of the large numbers you will be pressed for |
| your own children, friends' children or maybe even | | | | time. Try not to panic and always keep calm and you |
| your local nursery will allow you to do a test run. | | | | will be pleasantly surprised how quickly you finish the |
| Experiment with your poses. Try adding some | | | | session. The type of photographs supplied in this |
| creative little touches like at Easter time having | | | | market is usually via a proof and order system which |
| yellow bunnies around, in the Autumn some dried | | | | are best produced in a specialized,laboratory,. Your |
| leaves. These are the things that make an ordinary | | | | skill should be in getting business and taking |
| picture a work of art. | | | | photographs and let other professionals do what |
| Next you need to organise an area or room in the | | | | they do best. |
| house where you can work from. Build a,database, of | | | | Nursery schools and all similar markets will want to |
| all the local nurseries, playgroup, toddler groups, | | | | receive a commission or percentage of the sales for |
| creches etc and gather as much information on them | | | | their funds. This is anything from 10% to 25% and |
| as possible. You will use this database for marketing | | | | should be costed in to your sales prices. |
| in different ways: email, letter, telephone and most | | | | Whatever you do, from the sales call to sending a |
| importantly,personal calls,. The best time to send a | | | | thank you letter with the money for their funds you |
| letter or mailshot is just before the start of any | | | | must always be presentable, personable and |
| school term. You should aim to market to your | | | | professional. Follow these basic guidelines and you |
| potential customers once every term as only a | | | | could soon be having the best of both worlds; time |
| concerted and ongoing campaign will make your | | | | for your,family, and time for your business. |
| business grow. Please be patient and accept you will | | | | |