Your mission, should you choose to accept it.

You’ve just let me know that you are going to pursue photography on a more professional level.

So, this is where we sit down and chat, you and I. And we go over your performance so far and we talk about how you’re doing. And we decide what you need to improve on. And sometimes this doesn’t make you feel too good about things, but it gives you some direction, some goals, some ideas for improvement. It’s not meant to make you into a punching bag, but it’s also not meant to falsely give you hope.

So — your mission is this – be honest with yourself. VERY honest. And answer the following questions.

How many classes have you taken?

Are the classes in the type of photography that you intend on earning some money from? (for example – did you formally learn portrait photography or just take a class in how to use your camera better?)

Have you shown your work to other professionals and had them critique it for you?

Do you have the proper equipment for your venture?

Do you have backup equipment?

Do you have backup shooters in case you fall ill or are injured?

Have you procured the proper business licensure and/or vendor’s license?

Have you purchased business liability, indemnity and equipment coverage insurance?

Have you met with a CPA to implement your accounting procedures?

Have  you met with a lawyer to go over the legalities of your state as well draw up the basic contracts you will be using in your business?

Have you researched and implemented your product line and suppliers?

Have you become proficient in post processing software and techniques?

Have you written a business plan?

How do you plan to finance the first 6 months or more of your venture?

Is this making your head hurt? Do you think I’m being unfair and asking questions of you that are really intended for someone who has already been in business for a while?

AWWW – poor you. Go take some ibuprofen and suck it up.

These are only the beginning of the hard questions. I haven’t even scratched the surface. So many people think they can start out slow and gradually get their feet wet in business. If you are one of these people, you are wrong, very wrong.

If you can’t answer EVERY. SINGLE. QUESTION with a well thought-out answer, then STOP.

Do not pass “Go,” do not collect $200 and do not go into business.