A niche as defined in business terms is a profitable segment in a market that is specifically created by identifying the needs and wants of a particular consumer. A niche can also be used to identify a specialization in the field of photography, such as commercial photography, event photography, landscape photography, portrait photography and pet photography. However, you can narrow the field even further since a niche can be a market within a market. For example, in the specialized field of pet photography, there can also be a niche specifically for pet portraiture. The challenge lies in identifying what your clients need from you.
Photography is a highly competitive trade, and it helps to be original and to create your own specialty. In having the opportunity to have more than just one niche, you can tap into more sources for prospective clients. Here are some niches you can consider including in your portfolio:
1. Your neighborhood – who would not be proud of their own neighborhood. If you’re lucky enough to be living in a quaint small town, this is a perfect way to build up your community. There is always a market for images for postcards, calendars and coffee table books. There is no better way to get great images than by knowing first hand about the place you’re shooting, and since you live in the area, you know the ideal spots to capture the perfect scene.
2. Parks – there is a lot of activity you can see in parks such as children playing in the jungle gym, Frisbees being thrown around and even squirrels or cats going about their business. There are a lot of buyers for such images and it is a great alternative to the common street scene.
3. Construction – a niche should be small with only a handful of competitors but big enough to have a large number of buyers. This way the demand for your images is constant. Construction is one niche that can tap into multiple demands. It can be used to depict the needs of the building industry with regard to growth and development. Having a specialty with many different clients is one sure way to keep a steady stream of income going your way.
4. Cakes – food photography is a vast field considering the many types of food out there. Specializing in shooting just one type of food will help you master the techniques to get the perfect image each time. The dessert industry relies on the visual senses more often than taste, it’s the first thing that captures the viewers’ attention, and a large portion of their budget is placed on advertising and can be a profitable niche to get yourself into.
5. Technology – with so many new gadgets coming out in the market almost everyday, there is a demand for images of all the newly released ones, from cellular phones to cameras to kitchen appliances. By establishing yourself as a reliable source for such images, you can easily capture a regular client base.
6. Church groups – this may be a very profitable niche to tap into. What’s more is it comes with a referral network that can provide you with a sustainable income. Get connected with members who will hire you to be the designated photographer for gatherings and occasions.
7. Insects – the market is already saturated with the typical cute domesticated animals such as cats and dogs. Insects and bugs can be just as interesting, although not as cute. Macro or close up shots of spiders, beetles, butterflies and the like are very popular. Establish yourself as a specialist in images of insects and you can make a name for yourself in this field whenever there is a need for it.
8. Sand – by applying your own special technique to photographing images that include sand, this will get you that much needed edge in creating your very own niche. Use your imagination in developing new ways to make sand special. Sand dunes, sand sculptures, beaches, aquariums, you can cover a wide range of scenes and subjects that have the presence of sand. Buyers who are looking for nature images or images with texture will look for your shots.
Tags: niche photography, photo niche tips, photography niches
using the start-up capital for your business as the initial deposit for your business bank account, keep track of whatever the incomings and outgoings are pertaining to the business. Aside from the regular bank statements that are sent to you, it’s also advisable to keep a ledger to record your business finances.
5. First Rights – the buyer has rights to your photograph for only one time and often pays extra to obtain the privilege to having first dibs to presenting your image.
poses used in some of the more current issues of magazines to help keep you abreast of what’s relevant in the field. It may also inspire you to think of ideas you can use for your own work. Posing your models can be a difficult aspect to grasp and master but it’s always fun to experiment and try different poses. Body poses contorted in angles can add edginess to your image, not to mention emphasize the length of your model’s body.
Photography is a broad and extensive professional field that can, more often than not, be very competitive. The competition spans from part-timers that freelance for the daily local newspaper to big wig photographers that command astronomical fees. One way to stand out in the crowd is to find your niche and be good at it. For example, by specializing in pet portraiture or wedding photography, there is a bigger chance potential clients will contact you since they know you are good in that particular area.
Read design and photography magazines – use what you see in these magazines as inspiration rather than mimicking styles or other photographers’ work. Learn to develop new styles and techniques that you can use for your own images. This is the best way to learn what other photographers are doing to create business concepts that you can use to your advantage.
You always take photographs on every occasion, including Christmas, so why not consider making a profit from all those holiday images. Here are some ideas how to earn:
have a steady stream of clients that will recognize your work and would periodically check on your images each time they need one.
of the festive mood such as people shopping in malls, carolers singing, etc. Try to tell a story or make use of techniques such as silhouette or motion blur to spice up your shots. It’s always easy to spot a great scene this time of the year so be prepared and don’t let it pass you by. 
There is a high demand in photographs of different cultures, races, genders and creed, young or old, happy or sad. There is a consolidated universal need for such images. Clients prefer candid images to show the more authentic side of everyday life all over the world. Remember that candid does not mean ‘snapshot-ish’ but rather an unposed and more natural feel. When photographing people with recognizable faces, make sure you get model releases to be able to use the images commercially. Being in a natural setting would be ideal, but if you will be working in a studio with models, pay particular attention to details. Make sure that clothing, make-up and hairstyle complement each other and drive home the message you want to convey.
