How to Start a Photography and Videography Business

Starting and running a photography or videography business isn’t as simple as picking up a camera and calling yourself a pro. Sure, anyone can start taking photos and learn everything they can about imagery and videos, but turning that into a business is another story.

In today’s world, photographers and videographers are adding extra income to their households or building full studios from the ground up. Success isn’t just about talent or hard work, its about having the right systems in place.

In this blog, we’ll break down the essentials of running a photography or videography business and how to choose the right CRM to manage and organize your workflow.

The Realities of Running a Photography and Videography Business 

Managing a photography and videography business means juggling more than sessions and images. You’ll be managing clients, sending contracts and invoices, perfecting your editing, delivering beautiful galleries and videos, and constantly building your portfolio. The business side shouldn’t be scattered across half a dozen tools. The more you can centralize into one platform, the smoother your workflow. 

Core Pillars of a Photography and Videography Business

Every successful photo or video business relies on four key pillars:

Client Management
Every project starts with an inquiry. How you handle communications, contracts, and invoices set the tone for the entire relationship.

Organized Workflow
A strong workflow guides each project smoothly from inquiry to final delivery. Staying organized at every step makes your client experiences seamless and stress- free. Consistency behind the scenes builds trust and makes your business feel professional.

Associates and Team members
From second photographers to associate videographers and content creators, your team needs clear systems. Contracts, invoices, easy payouts and straightforward file sharing prevents projects from becoming unorganized.

Delivery 

The final hand off is what clients and associates remember most. Delivering RAW files, edited galleries or full resolution videos should be secure, professional and easy to access.

Challenges of Running a Photographer and Videography Business

When contracts live in one app, invoices in another, and galleries on yet another platform, things can get overwhelming fast. Time is wasted switching between tools, chasing missing files, or digging through emails. As your business grows, the stress of business starts to become overwhelming. Scattered systems make it harder to stay consistent and increase the risk of errors or security issues.

Running a solo business is one thing, but once you add associates or second shooters, disorganization happens fast. Suddenly, you’re managing multiple sessions, galleries, payouts, contracts, invoicing and communication at once. Without a streamlined system, growth feels chaotic instead of exciting.


How snapsails simplifies running a photo or video business

snapsails is a project centric CRM meaning everything for your business is in one place. Client and associate communications, contracts, invoices, galleries, video delivery and workflows all tied to a single platform.

One of the biggest pain points for photographers and videographers is collaborating with associates but snapsails makes that effortless.  Associates can upload RAW files, edited images or full resolution videos directly into the project. They can also communicate with you, sign contracts and receive payouts all in the same platform.

Every upload is secured with encryption and watermarking with download controls. That protects your work while giving clients and associates a seamless experience.

Scaling your business shouldn’t feel stressful. Thats why snapsails grow with you from a solo photographer or videographer to busy with multiple associates.Start free, pay only for what you need, and add support as your business expands.


Frequently asked questions from new and existing photographers

Do I need a CRM if I’m just starting a photo or video business?
Yes. Even beginners have a workflow- inquiries, contracts, invoices, and galleries. The question is whether those are scattered across tools or streamlined into one platform. snapsails help photographers and videographers stay organized from day one. 

How do I manage second shooters and videographers in one platform?
snapsails makes collaborations simple. Associates can upload files, communicate, sign contracts, and get paid directly inside the project. No more SD card swaps, Venmo payments, and scattered messages.

Can snapsails deliver both galleries and video in one place?
Yes. Unlike most platforms, snapsails treats video as a first class feature. Clients can view, select, and download both photos and videos in one secure platform.

How secure are my files?
Every upload and download is encrypted, with built in watermarking and download controls to protect your work and your clients’ memories.

The bottom line 

At the end of the day, running a successful photography or videography business comes down to your workflow not just your talent. With Snapsails, everything lives in one secure, project-centric platform. From the first inquiry to final gallery delivery, Snapsails keeps your business organized, professional, and ready to scale.

Ready to run your business the organized way? Start free today, add storage as you grow, and simplify your workflow with no complex setup required.