Why find a photographic niche?
Establish credibility and build your reputation. This can help you bring in referrals. If someone is looking for a wedding photographer, for example, they are most likely going to ask their friends if they know a good wedding photographer, specifically. Same goes for newborns, headshots, etc.
Focus your marketing efforts. When you narrow your target market, your marketing efforts will be more effective. You'll have a more focused and higher quality message, and a better understanding of where to promote yourself. You're more likely to find the people who want what you're selling.
Stand out from the crowd. Consider a more specific, uncommon niche — such as tattoo photography — that will help you stand out. While you may not be casting the widest net, for those who are interested, you've caught their attention and established yourself as an expert — you'll be the go-to person.
How to choose a niche
Some questions to ask yourself:
- What do you enjoy doing?
- What are you good at?
- How well does it pay?
- What is the competition?
- How difficult is it to break into?
- Is there any special equipment required?
- Is it contingent on location?
Some common niches
- weddings
- newborns
- children / families
- portraits
- headshots
- fashion
- stock
- product
- food
- landscape
- street
- architecture
- travel