Our Target Market
By Our Estimate: Preschool Photography is a
$500,000,000 million market nationally.
Our program is geared to pursue private preschools and day-care programs, not public schools or K-7 programs. The average size school that we target has 80 pupils. We recommend avoiding programs under 35 children as they are often not economically viable. Most schools can be photographed by one photographer working alone or at times with an assistant. This is a terrific “Mom & Pop” home based business.
The Competition
Competitors include local studios, regional companies, large national companies and franchise operators. Companies generally vie for accounts by contacting school owners or administrators, submitting proposals with samples, and then following up on the phone. Administrators make decisions based on price, selection, perceived quality, background selection, product mix, freebies for the school such as teacher packages, and turn-around time. We have never encountered a local market that was dominated by one single operator and we feel that our program is very competitive.
Required Resources & Skills
Preschool photography requires good photography skills relating to light and composition as well as obvious people skills relating to adults and children. Photography is generally done digitally so a good digital camera (and back-up unit) is required. Furthermore, studio lighting and backgrounds are mandatory and a selection of props can be very important. Denny Manufacturing has a superb selection of all the necessary equipment and props which can be viewed at dennymfg.com. We also offer active distributors a current recommended list of equipment.
Training
The skills needed to pursue this business can be learned, however, we do not recommend learning “on the job.” Generally, if you do not have a portrait photography background, you should “practice” on friends or relatives until you have confidence in your ability to do the photography. We have a support staff that can “coach” you on the photography and make helpful recommendations.
Glory Days Distributor Program Division is a part of Glory Days Services, Inc.