Starting a photography business can be an exciting and profitable career, whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced photographer. But where do you begin? In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to start a photography business, covering everything from writing a business plan and choosing the best camera to setting up your website and pricing your services.
Let’s dive in!
1. Why you should start a photography business
Photography is a booming industry with various profitable niches, including weddings, portraits, real estate, and commercial photography. If you have a passion for capturing moments and want the freedom of running your own business, starting a photography business can be a great choice.
Key benefits of starting a photography business:
- Flexibility to work on your own schedule
- Potential for high profits, especially in niche markets
- Opportunity to express your creativity and build a brand
- Low startup costs compared to other businesses
Before diving in, let’s explore the key steps to creating a business that’s legally compliant, financially secure, and ready to attract paying clients.
2. How to start a photography business without experience
Many people believe they need years of experience before launching a photography business, but that’s not true! Here’s how to get started:
Step 1: Learn the basics of photography
- Practice with a beginner-friendly camera.
- Watch YouTube tutorials or take an online photography course.
- Join photography communities and get feedback on your work.
Step 2: Build a portfolio for free
- Offer free or discounted sessions to friends and family.
- Shoot different styles (portraits, weddings, real estate, etc.) to find your niche.
- Share your best photos on social media and a professional website.
Back in 2019 when I started photography I offered 3 couples a free shooting and one of them hired me to shoot their wedding. That’s how I started doing wedding photography.
Step 3: Set up a simple business structure
- Register your business name and check local legal requirements.
- Open a business bank account to separate personal and business finances.
- Consider getting business insurance to protect your gear.
3. How to start a photography business from home
Starting a home-based photography business is a cost-effective way to launch your career. Here’s what you need:
Essential equipment
- A high-quality camera.
- Lenses for different types of shoots.
- A tripod, lighting setup, and editing software.
Setting up a home studio
- Use natural light near a window or invest in studio lights.
- Create a simple backdrop using seamless paper or fabric.
- Keep your workspace organized for efficiency.
Marketing your home-based business
- Build a professional website to showcase your work.
- Use social media platforms like Instagram and Pinterest to attract clients.
- Offer virtual consultations and online booking options.
4. Photography business plan: what you need to include
A solid business plan helps you define your goals and attract clients.
Key elements of successful business plans
- Business overview: What services will you offer? (Weddings, portraits, real estate, etc.)
- Market research: Who are your competitors, and how can you stand out?
- Pricing strategy: How much will you charge? (See pricing guide below.)
- Marketing plan: How will you attract clients?
- Financial planning: How much investment is needed to start a photography business?
Writing a strong photography business plan will set you up for long-term success.
How to define your product or service offerings
Your product or service offerings should be clear and competitive. Decide whether you’ll offer:
- Hourly or package-based pricing
- Digital or printed photo products
- Add-ons like albums, retouching, or drone photography
Clearly defining your product or service will make it easier to market and sell.
I built a Notion template to help you define your pricing packages
5. How much does it cost to start a photography business?
The cost of starting a photography business depends on your equipment, location, and marketing needs.
Estimated costs:
| Expense | Estimated cost |
|---|---|
| Camera & Lenses | $1,000 – $5,000 |
| Computer & Editing software | $1,000 – $3,000 |
| Website & Marketing | $100 – $500 |
| Business license & Insurance | $100 – $1,000 |
| Miscellaneous costs | $500+ |
Total investment: $2,000 – $10,000+ (varies based on equipment and setup).
You can also look for second hand camera gear and lenses, there are great options there as well for you to start from.
Want to start a photography business with no money? Offer services with a smartphone, rent gear instead of buying, and market yourself on free platforms like social media.
6. Best camera for photography (beginner & professional)
If you’re wondering “What is the best camera to start photography?”, here are some top picks:
Best camera for beginners:
Canon EOS Rebel T7 – Affordable and user-friendly
Nikon D3500 – Great for learning manual settings
Sony A6000 – Compact and excellent for portraits
Best professional camera:
Canon EOS R5 – High resolution and fast autofocus
Sony A7 IV – Great for both photography and video
Nikon Z6 II – Excellent low-light performance
Choosing the right camera depends on your niche and budget. I wrote an article to help you finding which photography gear is best for you.
7. How much do I charge as a beginner photographer?
One of the biggest challenges new photographers face is pricing. Here’s a simple guide:
| Photography type | Beginner rate |
|---|---|
| Portrait session | $50 – $150 |
| Event photography | $75 – $200 per hour |
| Wedding photography | $500 – $1,500 |
| Product photography | $25 – $100 per image |
The first wedding I got paid for was 500$ and now I got paid more than 2.000$ per wedding. So don’t worry, you’ll get there step by step.
To make money as a beginner photographer, offer discounts to build a portfolio, upsell prints, and provide high-quality customer service.
If you want to know more about how to manage your pricing package, feel free to read my article related to pricing templates
8. How to create a website for your photography business
A professional website is essential for attracting clients and establishing credibility. As your website serves as your online portfolio, where potential clients can view your work, learn about your services, and contact you for bookings.
Key elements of a photography website:
- Portfolio page – Select your best images and display your best work in high quality.
- About page – Tell your story and build a personal connection with future clients.
- Services page – Clearly outline your product or service offerings.
- Pricing page – Display packages and pricing (optional).
- Contact page – Make it very easy for clients to reach you, don’t forget that it’s the main action you want them to do on your website.
- Blog section – Write valuable blog articles to boost your SEO.
How to create a photography website:
- Choose a website builder – Platforms like Wix, Squarespace, and WordPress offer photography-friendly templates.
- Pick a domain name – Your company name should match your website domain.
- Optimize for SEO – Use keywords related to your photography niche and location-based terms to rank higher in Google searches.
- Enable online booking – Allow clients to schedule sessions through an integrated booking system.
- Integrate social media – Link your Instagram and Facebook to display your latest work.
A well-designed website is a powerful marketing tool that helps convert visitors into paying clients.
Feel free to check my article about how to build a photography portfolio
9. Legal requirements: do you need a license to start a photography business?
Can you start a photography business without a license?
In most locations, you must register a business to operate legally. This may include:
- A business license
- A sales tax permit (if selling prints)
- Business insurance (for liability protection)
Check local regulations to ensure compliance.
Understanding business insurance and legal protections
Business insurance protects you from potential risks, such as damaged equipment or client disputes. Consider these options:
- General liability insurance – Covers accidents and lawsuits
- Equipment insurance – Protects cameras, lenses, and gear
- Professional indemnity insurance – Covers client dissatisfaction claims
Having the right business insurance ensures peace of mind.
10. Can you make money selling photography?
Of course you can! Here are different ways to make money with photography:
- Offer client sessions (portraits, weddings, events).
- Sell stock photos on sites like Shutterstock and Adobe Stock.
- Teach photography workshops or sell online courses.
- Print and sell your work as wall art.
- Create and sell Lightroom presets.
Photography can be highly profitable with the right marketing strategy.
Final thoughts: is photography business profitable?
The answer is yes! With the right strategy, a photography business can be highly profitable. To succeed:
- Create a solid business plan
- Invest in the right equipment
- Build an online presence
- Market your business effectively
By following this guide, you’ll be well on your way to starting a photography business and making a living doing what you love.
Are you ready to start your photography journey?
Check those templates I built to help you start building your photography business from scratch.
