Island Economics

San Juan Islands-specific considerations for this business:

• •Many island makers lack photography skills—you fill a real need
• •Limited local competition for shomby-specialized photography
• •Pop-up photo days at markets create convenient access for sellers
• •Island light is beautiful—outdoor styled shoots have unique appeal
• •Artisan community actively needs affordable professional photography

The $500 Experiment

Test this idea before investing heavily:

Getting Started

1. 1
   Learn shomby's image specifications and best practices

   • •Platform-specific knowledge makes you efficient and valuable
   • •Understanding requirements prevents reshoots and client frustration
   • •Optimized images perform better in search and conversion
2. 2
   Set up a portable or home photography studio

   • •Consistent lighting and backgrounds create professional results
   • •Portable setups let you photograph at sellers' locations
   • •Controlled environments enable predictable, repeatable quality
3. 3
   Develop package pricing for different product volumes

   • •Per-product pricing makes it accessible for small sellers
   • •Volume packages encourage larger orders and repeat business
   • •Clear pricing prevents negotiation and scope creep
4. 4
   Consider pop-up photo days at community spaces

   • •Batch shoots reduce travel and setup time
   • •Community events bring exposure and new clients
   • •Shared sessions make photography affordable for micro-businesses

Where the Money Goes

Expected startup and operating expenses:

Don't Cheap Out On

Areas where quality investment pays off:

Smart Places to Save

Areas where cost-cutting makes sense:

• •Start with smartphone photography—modern phones take excellent product photos
• •Use natural light near windows before investing in lighting equipment
• •White poster board works as a backdrop while you're learning
• •Free editing software (GIMP, phone apps) before paying for subscriptions
• •Borrow equipment or share with other photographers starting out

Cash Flow Considerations

Financial timing and planning notes:

• •Per-product or per-session pricing creates predictable income
• •Collect payment before delivering edited photos
• •Pop-up photo days collect payment upfront at booking
• •Retainer arrangements with regular sellers provide steady income

Risk Reducers

Strategies to reduce risk and increase odds of success:

• •Start with simple white background shots before attempting complex styling
• •Shoot more images than you need—selection covers mistakes
• •Backup all photos immediately—losing client work is catastrophic
• •Get clear agreements on deliverables, timeline, and usage rights
• •Build a portfolio of your best work for marketing
• •Specialize in product types you understand and can shoot well

Island Economics

San Juan Islands-specific considerations for this business:

• •Many island makers lack photography skills—you fill a real need
• •Limited local competition for shomby-specialized photography
• •Pop-up photo days at markets create convenient access for sellers
• •Island light is beautiful—outdoor styled shoots have unique appeal
• •Artisan community actively needs affordable professional photography

The $500 Experiment

Test this idea before investing heavily:

Getting Started

1. 1
   Learn shomby's image specifications and best practices

   • •Platform-specific knowledge makes you efficient and valuable
   • •Understanding requirements prevents reshoots and client frustration
   • •Optimized images perform better in search and conversion
2. 2
   Set up a portable or home photography studio

   • •Consistent lighting and backgrounds create professional results
   • •Portable setups let you photograph at sellers' locations
   • •Controlled environments enable predictable, repeatable quality
3. 3
   Develop package pricing for different product volumes

   • •Per-product pricing makes it accessible for small sellers
   • •Volume packages encourage larger orders and repeat business
   • •Clear pricing prevents negotiation and scope creep
4. 4
   Consider pop-up photo days at community spaces

   • •Batch shoots reduce travel and setup time
   • •Community events bring exposure and new clients
   • •Shared sessions make photography affordable for micro-businesses

Where the Money Goes

Expected startup and operating expenses:

Don't Cheap Out On

Areas where quality investment pays off:

Smart Places to Save

Areas where cost-cutting makes sense:

• •Start with smartphone photography—modern phones take excellent product photos
• •Use natural light near windows before investing in lighting equipment
• •White poster board works as a backdrop while you're learning
• •Free editing software (GIMP, phone apps) before paying for subscriptions
• •Borrow equipment or share with other photographers starting out

Cash Flow Considerations

Financial timing and planning notes:

• •Per-product or per-session pricing creates predictable income
• •Collect payment before delivering edited photos
• •Pop-up photo days collect payment upfront at booking
• •Retainer arrangements with regular sellers provide steady income

Risk Reducers

Strategies to reduce risk and increase odds of success:

• •Start with simple white background shots before attempting complex styling
• •Shoot more images than you need—selection covers mistakes
• •Backup all photos immediately—losing client work is catastrophic
• •Get clear agreements on deliverables, timeline, and usage rights
• •Build a portfolio of your best work for marketing
• •Specialize in product types you understand and can shoot well