$100 Challenge part 6

Michelle Reyes

I decided to open up a photography for my $100 challenge because photography has always been a hobby of mine. Being able to enjoy my job is very important to me so I really did believe a photography business is where I would enjoy to go to everyday.  Not only was it a hobby, but I actually took a two year course in photography so I felt it was a business I could actually be successful and also a plus I already had the materials such as a camera and photo editing software.

Opening the business, I was very excited and quickly started spreading the word with my family and friends about this project. I also used social media such as Facebook, Instagram and even Snapchat to spread the type to my friends in hopes to get as many shoots scheduled as possible within the next six weeks. I was able to get many friends and family that wanted to get pictures taken, but I noticed most inquiries were from social media because it allows clients to see an example of my work. I realized the best way to get business was to make sure my clients were satisfied with their pictures and that way they would referral their friends to me. Since the business was just starting most of my clients were family and close friends who trusted me enough to take their pictures.

I usually spend the weekends doing the photoshoots because everyone is busy with work and school during the week and I would try to reach out to clients during the week. In the end I was able to reach my goal of $100 and was able to make $120 in total of six weeks by editing 20 shoots for $10.

I had some difficulty when starting the business because I did not think of the hot temperatures in Arizona would have been a issue. Unfortunately, the temperature was so high most clients did not want to be in the hot sun very long. That was definitely a challenge and if I were to do this business again I would definitely do it during the fall/ winter season.

After these six weeks were over I think it was a big eye opener for me because I never thought of myself as a business owner. After working on the challenge I can now see it is something I would like to do in the future.