Ideas for business

Name of School	Arts Humanities and Social Sciences
Course Title	FdA Photographic Media
Module Title	Business Planning (15 credits) IA10026
Tutor	Richard Peregrine
Assignment Title
Ideas for Business

Learning Outcomes Assessed in this assignment
1. Evaluate business strategies relevant to the sole-trader 2. Report on aspects of business operation relevant to the photo-imaging sector 3. Review professional skills necessary for the business environment 4. Discuss the advantage of marketing and self-promotion tools to the freelance photographer

Weighting: 100%		You must achieve each of these outcomes to achieve a pass grade in this assignment. To see how your final grade has been determined please see the guidance on marking criteria
Word Count/Equivalent
Deadline for Submission	Week beginning 14th May 2013

Task

The unit is divided into four main study areas; accounting, advertising/design ‘business start-up’ and resources. This assignment provides an introduction to professional business practices. It is intended to develop an understanding in business operations and procedures, marketing strategies and other relevant subject areas specific to the photography industry. The emphasis on this project will be on information acquisition and although the tasks may seem theoretical, it is assumed that the work developed in response to the tasks is revisited both throughout the remainder of the programme and beyond graduation. This assignment will involve working in a small group. This in itself may seem daunting; relying on others and potentially working with those unfamiliar to you are things that sometimes make a job harder than it needs to be! However, working with several people on a common task can also be more productive and creative; being able to frequently discuss progress with your team and assigning tasks suitable to the individual are some of the benefits. You must produce a detailed business plan for a photography company, working with a specialism (such as sports, weddings etc.) and forecasting for the first 6 months of business. You must work in a team of 4 people for this project. Your first challenge, once your group is formed, is to assign a ‘manager’ to each of the following key areas of the business plan: • Business Start-up • Advertising and Design • Accounting • Equipment and Resources It will be important for the entire group to be involved in major decision making (such as the name of the company) although each manager will need to show independence in order to complete their particular tasks. You must produce the following work: Task 1 – Business Start-up 1. A company or sole trader name 2. A written rationale for your business (at least 600 words) 3. A monthly financial forecast for the first 6 months of trading (this may mean obtaining information from all other managers in your group) 4. A list of professional bodies that will be able to support you during your time in business (The AoP, BAPLA etc.) Task 2 – Equipment and Resources 1. A list of required camera/lens equipment, enabling your company to operate professionally in your chosen specialist area. 2. A breakdown of your companies ‘workflow’ – including software, accessories and image-delivery methods (FTP, for example) 3. An insurance quote for your stated photography equipment (include examples of companies that specialise in photography insurance) Task 3 – Advertising and Design 1. A logo or chosen font for you ‘sole-trader’ name 2. A letterhead that uses your logo/chosen font 3. A list of places your company would advertise, with examples 4. A ‘Model Release’ form, tailored for you companies specialism Task 4 - Accounting 1. A ‘license to use’ form* 2. An estimate template* 3. An invoice template* 4. A book-keeping template* You will need to use the artwork/logo developed by the Design Manager in your forms/templates. You will also perhaps consider producing a ‘terms and conditions’ section for each form, although this isn’t mandatory. Presentation of Work Presentation of this work must be in the end of module seminar with all group members present and contributing. Be as innovative as you can with your presentation and encourage group participation. This seminar should be fun and informative. In order to have you work assessed fairly and objectively, you should follow the guidelines listed below: • A blogsite, website or course folder can be used for the presentation of your material, but all members of the group should have ownership of the information (in other words, if you are going to build a paper-based folder, all members of the group should have one). • The final submission should include the minutes (a detailed written summary) of at least 5 team meetings, spread throughout the project timescale. These meetings will be used by the team to assess progress, task completion, ongoing issues and team-member concern. • Each team member will be assessed individually, but part of the overall grading includes assessment of students’ ability to work in a group. • A UCBC cover sheet must be attached to your project work, if it is paper-based, or portfolio based. • Copies of the group’s team meetings should be included in your project submission (either in a folder or on your web/blog site) • Your project work should be accompanied by research evidence where appropriate. • You will be required to present you work both as a group and as an individual during the week commencing 7th May 2013 – appointed times for these assessments will be emailed and posted 2 weeks before the due date. Assessment Criteria 1. Understand and demonstrate the range of business opportunities and support available within the industry of photography. 2. Identify and demonstrate how well-prepared business systems offer opportunities for success. 3. Produce marketing, workflow, design and accounting systems conducive to a sole trader business. 4. Work effectively within a group to communicate the range of work produced during the project timescale.

Distinction	70-100	Excellent : Work meets the criteria
		Fulfils the requirements of the brief with outstanding flair and imagination Highly original. Evidence of extensive research Considered to be of the highest professional standard Work of exceptional quality Cohesive approach to problem solving Innovative idea with excellent execution Strong argument for an original position, going beyond the Brief requirements - supported by appropriate evidence and reasoning
		Extremely clear and well organised structure High level of self motivation and independence Strong critical awareness and mastery of problem being addressed A creative approach to problem solving
High Commendation	62-69	Very Good
		Demonstrates a good understanding of the requirements of the brief Well organised and relevant research, analysed and applied Evidence of a range of ideas/concepts Thorough analysis and critical awareness of issues/problems Clear evidence is shown of development and relevant influences Effective communication of idea Effective solution with minor weaknesses Well organised response to guidance Good use of technical abilities High level of aesthetic quality Fit for purpose Good standard of presentation High level of professionalism
Commendation	50-59	Average-Good
		Satisfies basic requirements of the brief Adequate research leading to appropriate solution Evidence of idea/concept Reasonable analysis of issues/problems Some knowledge is shown of relevant influences Adequate communication of idea Significant weaknesses Evidence of response to guidance Reasonable use of technical abilities Satisfactory level of aesthetic quality Satisfactory standard of presentation Acceptable level of professionalism
Pass	40-49	Poor-Adequate
		Demonstrates some understanding of the requirements of the brief Limited research leading to an attempted solution Superficial idea/concept Some attempt at analysis of issues/problems, lapses into misunderstanding Insufficient knowledge and understanding of relevant influences Some attempt to communicate idea Some evidence of study with major weaknesses Relies heavily on guidance Limited use of technical abilities Poor level of aesthetic quality Organised but irrelevant Poor standard of presentation Poor level of professionalism

6th Feb 2013

Group 1	Group 2	Group 3
Phil W Ellis Tom Debbie Beth Aneesa Abbie	Zabir Phil D Nicola Dom Shauna Jenny Megan	Kirsty Keith Margaret Clair Matt Sumaiya

We talked about T.E.F.L Teaching English Foreign Language as an option of career after we finished Uni.

Examples of business ideas

Ebay selling shop, where you would take the item in, photograph it professionally and posting the item.

What would be required to run this?

A Studio

Computer for editing, one for Administration

Storage

Postage + Packaging

Van

Ideas given for business 

• Fashion crew
• Ebay agency
• Publishing photography
• Fast food – Food and drink (Just eat as an example)
• B+B Advertising (locations and reviews) (as there are a few on back streets that aren't noticed)
• Restaurant, pub and hotel photography – Hang on the wall
• Guided photography tours, needs local knowledge and expertise

Memoriam was mentioned but not as an idea and it triggered something in me, I liked, taking pictures of anything people what to keep and cherish in photograph form. There would be a verity of genre's of photography such as clothing/fashion, cars, jewellery, pets, generations of family, objects, heirlooms passed down, anything that the customer wants.

A Business analysis

www.yellowkorner.com

1. Are You clear about what the business does in terms of its products and the way it receives income?

Yes, with the simple to use website nothing is left to chance as to what this business does and with how the pictures are presented and how the pricing works.

2. What Do you think of the split between Internet business and caller business?

The gallery is a great idea it gives you an actual sense of the scale and be tactile with the goods and with so many around the world, it does limit the business, which is why an Internet presence is essential.

3. How Important is knowledge of contemporary photographic business in running this operation?

Extremely, movements, genera’s and names are vital to know and understand to be able to know the value of prints.

4. Do you think the operators or founder had any specialist education?

The study of Law shows a strong knowledge of research and exactly how to run a business.

5. What are your opinions or judgment’s about the artists that they represent?

They will have a huge following and there are some are so well known with names like

6. Look At where the galleries are based. What Does this tell you about the aims of the business?

All over the world which means that they are confident and a extremely successful business.

• 7. What Do you like or not like about the website or business?

  Everything is simple to use and done in the best interests of the company and the artists.

  
  

  8. Where In the UK would you see the business succeeding?

  Well they have a base in London but I think that it could do well with a base up north also, maybe in Manchester.

  
  

  9. What are your views on pricing?

  For my taste it is a little on the expensive side but for what they are and the quality they are really worth it.

  
  

  10. Do you think this business could succeed long term?

  It takes time to build a business this huge with shops across the globe, people will want and need picture of this quality. I think that it will stand the test of time.

  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

  Business Planning roles, Please read, Megan. x‏

14/03/2013

Reply  ▼

 Meghan-Ros​e Townsend

 Add to contacts

To z.issa@communitysmiles.co.uk, dominic holmes, shaunaleigh.photography@gmail.com, nick_182_4eva@hotmail.com, phildewhurst@hotmail.com

Hi guys.. This is a list of the tasks we have to do and who they are dedicated to. If anyone is unhappy and wants to do something different, or wants to do more than what they have got let me know and I can pair you up with someone, its not a problem :) otherwise the list is below of whose got what. Note that everyone has to take part in the group tasks so if your not in class please contribute and email your ideas/thoughts. Let me know if any problems,  Thanks guys :)

Business planning.

 Name – Choice from either - Q Image.  – Enigma Photography. – Imagine Photography. (will discuss and set final name today in class.) 

Group tasks.

-  Name, 

- Logo, 

- Breakdown of your companies work flow.

Other tasks-

Megan and Zabir – Cash count flow for first 6 months, list of professional bodies. Funding,

Nick- List of equipment.

Shauna- Rationale

Phil- An insurance quote.

Dom- Letter head and comp slip,

Jenny - Estimate and Invoice template quotation.  

Working on a few ideas for a logo, this is what i came up with on word, simple templates used...............

Business planning.

First draft...

ENIGMA PHOTOGRAPHY

Group.

Phil Dewhurst, Megan Townsend, Dominic Holmes, Nicola NicBear Makepeace, Shauna-Leigh Robinson, Zabir Issa and Jennifer Nicholls.


Outcome- write your own outcome of the brief ( what you want to get out of it? )

Objective- write what you think the objective of the module is.

Group tasks.

-  Name, 

- Logo, 

- Breakdown of your companies work flow.

Other tasks-

Megan and Zabir – Cash count flow for first 6 months, list of professional bodies. Funding,

Nick- List of equipment.

Shauna- Rational.

Phil- An insurance quote.

Dom- Letter head and comp slip,

Jenny - Estimate and Invoice template quotation.  

Rationale

ENIGMA PHOTOGRAPHY

Enigma Photography provides a flexible, tailored service for individuals, families and groups of all ages.

  Our hand picked team of professionals will cater to most requests and requirements, ranging from children’s 

themed parties to pre wedding portraiture. Whether you visit our studio or we bring our mobile set up to you, you 

can expect a variety of backdrops, styles and themes for you to choose from and high quality images from the day. 

We offer a print service in order for you to display your photographs in your home, as well as slideshows on disk and other options.

  Our aim is to capture your ideas and imagination in a way that suits you. 

LOGOS..

17th April 2013

Creator.lightingdiaggrams.com

Photolink Manchester

Prodoto

Logo

-

Letter head

-

Invoice

-

2^nd Invoice reminder

-

Final reminder

List of place you could advertise – media strategy

Equipment needed

Work flow = e.g of a wedding photographer

1. Marketing

2. Bridge to conversation/Response to enquiry (Most important part)
3. Consultation a. Plan together b. Contract c. Deposit 20% In a neutral location/Venue
4. Location visit
5. Equipment
6. Client plan (Any one to watch out for) Deaf/Disabled/Mobility issues/easily offended
7. Month before the wedding, get paid
8. Shoot
9. Backup (Cards, 2 hard drives, Cloud, 3 back ups)
10. 1^st Edit
11. Consultation + product order
12. Delivery + additional order forms

Enigma Photography

By Jennifer Nicholls

Our Business plan involves taking professional pictures at events on location, such as birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, bar mitzvah’s, Ramadan, Eid or charity balls, also we provide professional studio photography for anybody’s creative and professional needs.

Set building is involved to create any setting you require from fantasylands to dream worlds to be immersed and captured in either built on location or in our studio.

Alternatively if you would like a photo shoot with, for example, the generations in your family in a studio setting done to match your family’s personalities or a professional shoot for headshots or corporate business needs we can accommodate that into a fun and productive day out. With a wide verity of backdrops and props it will be a truly unique experience and an individual body of images to keep and have pride in. 

We will also set up a studio in shopping centers across the country to invite people to experience and enjoy an hour with us to see how simple and easy a booked day with us can be being treated and pampered with a wide offer of range of gift ideas and keep sakes, such as cups, photo books, key rings and frames to put your completed photo in there and then.

My involvement in setting up this business is to handle the invoices, model relies forms, license to use form and advertisement.

I downloaded an invoice template off the Internet, which I could amend and adapted it to our needs with the logo and to change the headings of some boxes. From that made a reminder and a final reminder by change the colouring from blue to red and keeping the same layout. The quotation invoice I found from the same website and I left that as is, I just put our logo on it, same with the model relies forms and license to use form, I just downloaded those from the AOP website.

Advertising was the fun part to take on, as we set up in malls sometimes I though a banner inside the mall where everyone can see would be ideal. Probably a month before we were due to arrive with a contact No. on it for people who wanted to participate, and leave an empty studio for people who want to drop in on the day.

For Magazines I chose to advertise in photographic ones, which now I do realize now that it could have been a bad choice. I looked up general pricing for this and newspapers as well and looked into Facebook and Twitter also, which is free, unless it’s a banner down the side but I did not have time to look that up. I did also want to make up a business cards with our logo and our tag line “Our aim is to help you realize your visual goal” and contact details but I also had not time for that either.