If you are a mum and thinking of ways to combine a busy homelife with a growing business then consider the pre-school photography market. If you think that cameras and lights are too daunting, don’t be put off.  You can easily learn how to take technically perfect pictures time after time. And, with digital cameras, you can instantly see your results. So, if you want your own business and to explore your creative side where do you begin?

Firstly why not enrol in one of the many digital portrait classes or schools that can be found all over the country. This is a great way to meet with a professional and become confident with the equipment. If you find after the course this is not for you, at least you have kept your costs to a minimum and you don’t have expensive equipment lying around.

So now you are home and eager to go further. You need to buy a basic portable studio:

• a good camera,
• 3 portable lights,
• a background,
• flashmeter,
• props
• and some cables.

Once you have this you can practise on your own children,  friends’ children or maybe even your local nursery will allow you to do a test run. Experiment with your poses. Try adding some creative touches like yellow bunnies at Easter time, dried leaves in the Autumn. These are the things that make an ordinary picture a work of art.

Next you need to organise an area or room in the house where you can work from. Build a database of all the local nurseries, playgroup, toddler groups, creches etc and gather as much information on them as possible. You will use this database for marketing in different ways:

• email,
• letter,
• telephone
• and most importantly, personal calls.

The best time to send a letter or mailshot is just before the start of any school term. You should aim to market to your potential customers once every term as only a concerted and ongoing campaign will make your business grow. Please be patient and accept you will have many rejections but they soon become history when you get success!

When making personal calls have a good portfolio of your work and list all the benefits of your service. Mention that you are a professional, you are local, you have some great presentations, you empathize and are relaxed working with young children. Always remember to sell the benefits and not the product. A car has an engine and four wheels does not sound as good as a car gives you and your family the freedom to explore the countryside.

When you photograph inside a,nursery, always remember that safety is a number one concern. You should have CRB clearance at an enhanced level. Always ensure that stands and wires are clearly marked and do not present a trip hazard. A good idea is to enlist the help of the child’s mum or a nursery helper by giving them props to gain attention for great expressions. I have always found bubble guns a great tool as children invariably are fascinated by the bubbles and if a few fall into the picture even better.

Because of the large numbers you will be pressed for time. Try not to panic and always keep calm and you will be pleasantly surprised how quickly you finish the session. The type of photographs supplied in this market is usually via a proof and order system which are best produced in a specialized laboratory. Your skill should be in getting business and taking photographs and let other professionals do what they do best.

Nursery schools and all similar markets will want to receive a commission or percentage of the sales for their funds. This is anything from 10% to 25% and should be costed in to your sales prices.

Whatever you do, from the sales call to sending a thank you letter with the money for their funds you must always be presentable, personable and professional. Follow these basic guidelines and you could soon be having the best of both worlds: time for your family, and time for your business.

About the author

My name is Patrick Hill. Myself and a colleague, Peter Sully, started our small business in the school and pre-school markets in Cumbria in 1977. We grew the business rapidly and were always innovative in both presentations and marketing. Our excellent reputation meant we soon had to take on a trainee photographer and our first one was called Annabel Williams. Annabel later moved on and rose to fame with her cover girl concept and now has a fantastic training school in the Lake District. We soon discovered that our main business was ideally to suited to mums. There are not many opportunities that are school hour and school term orientated. Over the years we have moved away from directly employing photographers to acting as guides and supporters. Our team is now over 30 strong across the UK and we believe our experience and commitment to helping others to maximise their income from these markets can only ensure our team grows year after year. If you are looking for a great business in proven and profitable markets which means you have time for family life, then we could be your ideal partners. Please have a look at our website, magicmomentsdirect.com for further details. We hope to hear from you.