Business Plan

You seem to be asking for a 'Portfolio of Information' for what I plan to do once I have graduated. As I am going to be self-employed and set up my own photography business (it is already set up) I have produced a Business/Progression Plan. This Plan and all background information is available in my Research Folder which was handed in on 13th Dec and 4th Jan. It is far too long and complicated to 'blog' about it. Plus it contains sensitive information which I would not want to share online!

Research Folders containing work undertaken and completed for the first term in Year 1 covering professional practice and second term Year 1 developing a business plan are also available. If you would like to see any of this work I can ensure it is in my Research folder for this term and will be handed in on (or before) the 15th May. If you would like to see any of this work before then please ask.

Work includes:

• Model Release forms
• Property Release forms
• Insurance research
• Public Liability Insurance Certificate
• Business Plan 
• Profit and Loss Account
• How to make money from Photography
• HMRC information
• Local Council Business Rates information
• Your Business
• Your Practice
• Being Professional
• NUJ Charging Guide
• Should I work for free?
• Marketing Strategy

• Ideas for Photography rates
• Information about Weddings
• Terms and Conditions on quotes
• Terms and Conditions on invoices
• Terms and Conditions for weddings
• Membership of Groups/Societies
• Self-Promotion
• List of kit and equipment and costs
• Intellectual Property
• Copyright Law
• Stop and Search Rights under the Terrorism Act

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Client Quotes

I have not determined what my USP is going to be for my business yet. I am liking the "studio quality product shots in your office/home" idea at the moment and am working on getting together the appropriate kit to achieve that. I also have two commissions to produce images over the next 2 months.

In the meantime I have been asked to quote on a number of possible jobs. One for a wedding (yes I know who would have thought it!); another to produce a photobook for a 50th Wedding Anniversary; and another photo restoration.

I enjoy quoting for work it gives me time to reflect on what it is I would like to achieve with people. It also gives me the chance to do a little research and make sure I am keeping on top and on target with things. For example have I got my pricing structure correct, have I got all the relevant paperwork in place eg terms and conditions, fees, quotes, invoices etc etc. I have revisited and reviewed my wedding terms and conditions and in the next couple of months I will be visiting a solicitor (Liz at Else) to ensure I have covered all areas with my T&Cs. I have updated my public liability insurance and will be investigating public indemnity when my house insurance is renewed in April. I might be moving my camera equipment off the house contents insurance and onto a policy of their own to be covered by the business. I have an insurance advisor (Vicky at Law and Ashwood) who is working on this for me.

If these quotes turn into work then you will see the results on this blog - until then - happy reading.

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Studio Time

There will come a time when I am no longer at University when I will require the use of a fully equipped studio.

I am moving towards having my own lighting and product/table top studio set-up. However there will be times when I need the use of a studio and studio lighting. Over the last year I have looked for ways to do that. The best is to have my own at home. However the costs of set-up have to be weighed against the amount of use and profit it will make for the business. In the first few years, until profits accumulate, this isn't going to be feasible. Hiring a studio therefore offers a better solution in these early stages of operation.

I recently met up with a very talented, creative person who offered some advice on resolving an issue I was having whilst creating my PhotoFilms in After Effects. Their workspace has meeting room, office and best of all - studio. We have come to an agreement on hiring charges for the studio and equipment. I will be revisiting during February with the intention of itemising the equipment available.

My dream would be to have a similar set-up in the future. I am going to research what business start-up office/studio spaces are available locally and if there are any financial incentives available in the form of grants from local authorities/Government/arts council etc. I know that some places offer seed rents for new businesses. Knowing my local area I don't think this is available - but it wont stop me asking the questions and doing the research. I also received some interesting advice about asking banks for loans. All of this information is going into my research folder along with information about insurance, copyright, website, financial strategy, intellectual property, terms and conditions, HMRC, accountant, solicitor, marketing strategy, equipment replacement programme and wish list for equipment.

There is something to be said for having office/home separate at some point. At the moment though it is great to be able to start working whilst you are still in your pyjamas!

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Plans.Proposals.USPs

My plan over the next 3 months is to re brand myself in preparation for relaunching the business once I graduate in June. During that time I am considering what my USP is, what the main focus of my business will be and where my commercial future lies. (Developing robust business plans, contacts, support etc).

Consideration will also be given to being able to continue enjoying personal projects and finding the time, space and money to continue them. It is important to me to surround myself with artistic and creative people - I am therefore ensuring that I don't just network with business people but with creative people too - and sometimes specifically. To this end I am organising a creative network group amongst my Alumni and finding out if the Burton Creative network can be restarted.

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