10 Things You Actually Need To Start A Photography Business In 2026

Episode Summary:If you're thinking about starting a photography business — whether you're launching in 2026 or planning ahead for 2027 — this episode is your starting point. Roz breaks down the 10 things you actually need to get off the ground, drawn from her own experience of building a business while navigating early motherhood. No fluff, no overwhelm — just an honest, practical framework from someone who's been there.ɪɴ ᴛʜɪs ᴇᴘɪsᴏᴅᴇ:00:00 Welcome & Intro00:46 Why 2026 is a great time to start02:57 Personal update: daughter's dance recital was this weekend07:18 #1: Headshots — why you are the brand and why hiding behind a logo is costing you connection09:42 #2: Gear — what you actually need, focal lengths for family photography, and why your kit lens probably isn't cutting it14:42 #3: Posing — free resources, the Unscripted Posing app, and why even candid photographers need to ask about shot lists18:39 #4: Making connections — building your network in the community, vendor relationships, and why other photographers are not your competition25:06 #5: Getting a mentor and building a mood board — finding your style before someone else's preferences define it for you30:16 #6: Portfolio — how many shoots you need before you launch, and how to get them32:02 #7: Website — platform options, what your site needs at minimum, and an honest note about blog content and platform migration37:51 #8: Social media — choosing your platforms, showing up consistently, and why a content calendar is non-negotiable39:58 #9: Run Ads — why organic reach alone isn't enough in 2026 and how to start small41:54 #10: Pricing — why undervaluing yourself leads to burnout, and how to figure out what to charge46:01 Roz's origin story52:54 Outroʟɪɴᴋs & ʀᴇsᴏᴜʀᴄᴇs ᴍᴇɴᴛɪᴏɴᴇᴅ:*Unscripted Posing App — a great tool for posing guidance, especially when you're starting out. *Denver Photo Collective — an example of what a local photo community can look like (owner Becky Durigan) save $50 on your first month's membership with code ROZ50 *Pricing / Cost of Doing Business Calculator — use this before you set your rates. ɢᴇᴀʀ:Camera - Canon R6Lens - Canon RF 24-70mm Links in my Amazon Store ᴘʟᴀᴛꜰᴏʀᴍs:* Honeybook - save 30% off your subscription * Showit - get a free month of Showit * Pixieset galleries - save $20 with pixieset galleries or any of their apps.ᴘᴇᴏᴘʟᴇ: * Mentorship - Hello Miss Lovely / Autumn Beury →   / hello_miss_lovely  * Posing - Kierstin Jones →   / kierstinjones   Cassidy Lynne →   / cassidylynne   ᴄᴏɴɴᴇᴄᴛ ᴡɪᴛʜ ʀᴏᴢ ᴀᴄᴋᴇʀᴍᴀɴ:Instagram: @rozackermanphoto →   / rozackermanphoto  Website: https://rozackerman.comSubmit a question or topic: [email protected]ᴀꜰꜰɪʟɪᴀᴛᴇ ᴅɪsᴄʟᴏsᴜʀᴇ:Some of the links in these show notes may be affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through them — at no extra cost to you. I only ever recommend tools and resources I genuinely believe in. Thank you for supporting the show. 🤍