A Photojournalist’s Field Guide: In the trenches with combat photographer Stacy Pearsall

Developing a Plan

I was in over my head. Not only was I operating as a freelance photojournalist, but I also decided to start my own photography studio and photographic education center. You may have no interest in expanding your range outside of freelance work, but whether you’re a florist, roofer, or baker working for yourself, the business concepts are the same. Whether you’re just starting out as a freelancer, or you’re established in the field, you still need to be able to pay Uncle Sam and earn enough to survive on—hopefully more. To do this, you need a working plan. In the business world, this is referred to as a business plan—and developing one is not as daunting a task as you might think. Here’s how I approached my plan.

Create a mission ...