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How to Start a Photography Business in 2024

Want to learn how to start a photography business in 2024? This in-depth guide will teach you all you need to know to become a professional photographer!

Learn | Photography Guides | By Mark Condon

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Want to learn how to start a photography business in 2024? This in-depth guide will teach you all you need to know!

I’ve run a wedding photography business since 2014 and learnt a lot as a professional photographer and business owner.

Starting a photography business allows you to make money using a skill you already enjoy, but it’s important to have a solid plan and realistic goals.

There’s no doubt that photography is a great career – you can earn a good living, make your own hours and travel to exotic places.

Best of all, you’ll make people happy. Whether you’re capturing priceless moments for families or nailing the client’s brief, photos are a precious commodity.

Is photography a good career? Definitely! It was one of the best decisions I ever made.

Now it’s your turn to learn how to start a photography business.

Table of Contents

How do I Start a Small Photography Business?

Reduce risks with a home-based photography business.

Not many professional photographers go from zero to renting a studio – most start off with a home-based photography business, where costs can be kept to a minimum.

As a small business owner, keeping costs low should be a priority, and running your photography business from home is highly recommended.

At this stage when you don’t even have a business plan, all you need is a place in your home from which to work – some private ‘office space’. If you’re using a laptop, you don’t even need a desk!

If you need to meet clients to book work (e.g. for wedding photography), you can do as I did and meet them in a local cafe – clients don’t expect to come to your home, even if you list your home address as your business address.

Decide what types of photography services you’ll offer

Credit: Szabo Viktor

What type of photography is most profitable? You can build a successful photography business by shooting commercial/advertising, event (weddings, corporate, etc), family (maternity, etc), freelance or stock photography.

However, it’s much harder to start earning money as a commercial photographer than, say, as an event photographer.

Also, while stock photography is a good passive source of income , freelance photography allows you to cast a wider net.

When starting your own photography business, it’s important to balance your passion for a specific genre with realistic goals.

Consider whether there’s a market for a particular type of photography in your area, for example.

I chose to focus on wedding photography since there’s a big market for wedding photographers where I live. I also thought shooting weddings would be fun and exciting, and I could also offer mini sessions , pre-wedding shoots and other related services.

You may want to offer several photography services under one unique photography business name , but I recommend focusing on just one genre to become a ‘specialist’.

You need to be the go-to photographer for a certain genre of photography – not the person who shoots everything since this can appear a little amateurish.

That said, there’s always the option to become a professional freelance photographer to offer a selection of different services.

Develop a basic photography business plan

Credit: Galymzhan Abdugalimov

Perhaps one of the most challenging aspects of creating a photography business is to know how to actually start.

A photography business plan is the first logical step to setting up a strong base camp that will allow you to build up your business without feeling overwhelmed.

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What goes into your plan may vary, but at a minimum, you may want to include:

• Executive summary: You can start your photography business plan with an executive summary that defines what your general objectives are as well as your key factors of success.
• Company overview: Do an outline of the organizational structure of your business according to the terms of the area you are in. Will you be the sole proprietor? Will it be a limited liability company? What will be the business structure? Do you need business licenses? Will you have a business partner? What type of business will you run?
• Products & services overview: It’s important to create a detailed description of the products, services and prices you’ll be offering. This will help you to better navigate the many different client requests that might show up.
• Audience analysis: Understand who your target audience is and what channels will be most effective to reach them.
• Competitive analysis (market research): Have a look at the competition operating in your market locally, identify their strengths and in what ways you can differentiate yourself from them.
• Operations plan: Think about operations – what are the day-to-day logistics of running your photography business?
• Financial analysis: Make an effort to be financially savvy – this is very important! Create a financial plan to be in full control of all the nuances of your business cash flow. It’s likewise helpful to establish early on what your equipment requirements are and how much profit you expect to make.
• Timeline: Establish a timeline with clear milestones so you can track your progress and set goals that are increasingly more realistic and adapted to your situation. Think of it as a photography business roadmap to get you to where you want to be.

I should mention that it’s not worth getting too hung up on having every aspect of your photography business planned out in detail.

There are bits you simply won’t know yet and that’s OK! Do your best with it and don’t let writing a business plan become a block that prevents you from moving forward.

Once you have a basic business plan on paper, it’s time to get into the fun part – bringing it to life!

Find the Right Photography Business Structure

One boring-but-important topic when researching how to start a photography business is the subject of business structure.

In the USA, there are 6 main business types of legal structure to consider for your business: sole proprietorship, general partnership, limited partnership, Limited Liability Company (LLC), S Corp. and C Corp.

Sole proprietorships or sole traders are most common for small home-based businesses. They’re the easiest to manage and easiest to handle in terms of taxes since it’s usually just you involved in the running of everything.

You may also consider going into a photography business with a partner, which is actually similar to a sole proprietorship in terms of liability and taxes.

Each person is responsible for their own side of the business and all profits are split based on the percentages you decide. Of course, you also need to consider that all expenses and liabilities are also split between both partners.

If you want to protect your personal assets, many photography businesses opt for an LLC structure (Limited Liability Company). An LLC or S Corp provides one level of tax and also a layer of protection from personal liability.

At this point, it’s worth mentioning that deciding on a business structure should usually involve some legal advice, or at least, a lot of research on your part to decide what’s most relevant for you.

A quick note on business licenses – in most jurisdictions in the United States, no professional license is needed to run or operate a photography business. However, not all States are the same.

To know for sure whether your locality requires you to get a business license for photography, it’s best to call your local licensing board or city hall.

In addition to a business license, you should also start researching whether you need to use photography contracts or model releases for your line of work.

Putting in the groundwork now will set you up for success without any legal headaches.

Choose a photography business name & branding

Credit: Brad Neathery

Once you’ve decided what your speciality will be and the structure of your business, it’s time to think about your photography business name and branding.

This is what will differentiate you from the competition. It’s also important because of first impressions: when people see your branding, it can instantly give them an idea of what you do and what your style is.

With that in mind, consider the look and feel of your logo and typeface. Is it something quirky and creative, clean and modern, vintage classic…?

As for names, you might choose to name your photography business after yourself (e.g. “Bob Smith Photography”) or you could get creative and have it reflect what you do (e.g. “Maternal Memoirs” for maternity photography, or “Bedroom Eyes” for boudoir – I’m just making these up on the spot here but you get the idea!).

Don’t neglect to choose a unique or catchy slogan or tagline for your photography business .

The most important thing with branding is to be consistent. That bears repeating, so I’ll say it again: Consistency is key!

You want your brand message to be reflected across your website, business cards, social media accounts , and all materials you deliver to clients including final photo packages, invoices, etc.

• What is branding for photographers?

Register a domain and create a photography website

It goes without saying that pretty much all successful photographers in 2024 have an online presence. That’s why the next step in starting a photography business is to create a photography website .

Your website should showcase your best work and give people an idea of who you are and how you work.

While there are plenty of free web hosting solutions out there, it’s worth investing a small amount to register your own domain name.

This not only looks more professional, but it’ll also help you rank in Google searches (just ensure your domain name reflects your business name).

From there, you’ll need to build your photography business website and connect your domain name to it.

Now, if your web design skills are non-existent, don’t worry: there are plenty of solutions out there that can make life ridiculously easy.

One of the best options is to use a content management system (CMS) like Wordpress – you can download elegant-looking, customisable themes (for example, Flothemes make some great ones) so the design and layout aspects are all there for you.

With a few clicks of the mouse, you can adapt a pre-made template to include your own branding and start getting your website out to potential clients.

Invest in professional photography equipment & software

At this point, you’re probably wondering: What kind of camera do most professional photographers use?

While there’s no one correct answer as to what is a ‘professional camera’, by and large, most pros use full-frame DSLR or mirrorless cameras.

However, some do absolutely fine by using APS-C sensor cameras, particularly if high ISO low-light performance isn’t required. (Full-frame sensor cameras are better at this, among other things.)

DSLRs are still an industry standard, but are somewhat of a dying breed – mirrorless cameras offer better features and more recent technology, although the number of native lenses still dwindles in comparison to those on offer for DSLRs.

You can see more of the differences between mirrorless and DSLRs here , but suffice to say, you won’t go wrong with either.

As for the question, what camera should I buy to start a photography business? Initially, it’s whatever you can afford, but once you start making a better income, you should always upgrade your equipment in line with what you need to complete your job efficiently.

For example, wedding photographers need cameras with excellent autofocus and high ISO capabilities, whereas a portrait photographer may not need either of these things.

There’s always the option of renting equipment when you first start out – get yourself a good all-round camera, then if any job comes around that’s out of its comfort range, hire something to suit.

The same goes for camera lenses, of which there are a plethora of options . Again, depending on the type of photography services you’ll offer, you can choose between a wide range of telephoto and primes at various price points.

Most pros can get by with an affordable and fast 50mm lens (nifty-fifty), so you can start your lens collection from there. Remember that buying used camera lenses is also a great option.

As for software, this is another area you’ll need to invest in in order to grow your own photography business.

Many photography business owners start out bare-bones with a mixture of Google Sheets for keeping track of expenses and clients’ information and Google Calendar. You’ll soon outgrow these, through.

When you start making money, you’ll also need some kind of accounting software to keep track of all the figures.

It’s wise to pay for premium photographer software early on as it can really help save you time and headaches in the long run.

At a bare minimum, you’ll need photo editing software (we recommend Adobe Lightroom ), client/studio management software , and an online gallery to deliver your photos to your clients.

You can also consider an all-in-one business management tool such as  Bonsai  to help you manage your photography projects more efficiently. They offer features like invoicing, proposals, contracts, time & task tracking, client CRM and more.

All features are integrated to work seamlessly together and you can automate the entire customer relationship journey – from the proposal, and e-signing contracts to invoicing and tax season. On top of that, Bonsai offers hundreds of free templates for proposals, contracts, invoices, and more.

If you’re not shooting high volumes, you can get by with a photo editing software that doesn’t lock you into a subscription, as Adobe Lightroom does – fortunately, there are several great alternatives .

If you’re wondering how to start a photography business with no money, it may well be tough due to the requirements to invest in all the things mentioned above.

If you have good friends or family, perhaps they can lend you the gear until you’ve done enough jobs to earn the money to buy or rent your own.

It’s also possible to find free software that helps to manage your own business, albeit with some limitations.

Take out photography business insurance

We can’t talk about how to start a photography business without covering some more of the boring-but-important stuff, like… insurance!

Yep, it’s not the most fun thing to have to research and organise, but trust me – if something goes wrong, you’ll be glad you took out insurance.

There are various types of insurance your photography business might need, depending on what kind of work you do.

First and most obvious is your precious equipment. Some insurers offer specific camera insurance or photography plans designed to cover gear and studio fittings.

Note that while your regular home contents insurance may cover loss or damage to your gear, it will only be applicable if the damage occurs at home and not while you’re shooting on location. That’s why it’s worth looking into some specific cover.

On top of that, consider taking out some public liability insurance.

Despite our best efforts, sometimes things go wrong while we’re out shooting. Let’s say you’re photographing a wedding and a guest trips over your tripod, breaking their leg and taking out the entire wedding cake in the process – liability insurance will cover the damages.

If you plan on hiring any extra staff, you’ll also want to look at taking out employers’ liability insurance. This is to cover you if an employee gets sick or injured on the job.

Lastly, some photographers choose to take out professional indemnity insurance as well.

Imagine a client accuses you of some negligence and claims they lost some income due to your actions.

(For example, if you photographed a corporate event but lost your memory cards and couldn’t deliver the images. Indemnity insurance would cover any legal and other costs.)

Insurance needs vary depending on where you are in the world and what your business model is, so take this as a rough guide and do speak to your insurer about what plans are best suited to your needs.

Learn how to market your photography business

On to the next step of learning how to start a photography business: I bet you’re keen to start raking in the customers (and the cash!).

If you’re asking, “How do I get clients for my photography fast?” , the answer is  marketing. 

Unlike advertising, marketing can be done for free (or very cheaply), but it takes a little work.

One marketing strategy you can use is to network with other photographers. But wait, you say, aren’t they the competition? Not necessarily!

Another photographer might get a request for a job that doesn’t fit their style or speciality, but does fit yours – and they can refer the client on to you. These referrals are a great way to generate business, so make sure you nurture your relationships with other photographers.

Meeting other photographers is also a great way to learn. You can find out how they generate new business and meet prospective clients, and learn about which marketing strategies work best for them.

You can easily network with other photographers online through photography groups, or in person at your local photography club .

Marketing via social media is obviously another big one. It’s worth using platforms like Instagram to showcase your photography work and interact with your target audience.

To succeed on Instagram in 2024, you need to be creating entertaining Instagram Stories and posting fresh content regularly, as well as interacting with your followers and other accounts.

Online marketing for photographers is a huge topic, but at a bare minimum, make sure you learn the basics of SEO , how to write interesting blog content and how to attract new business via Facebook ads.

(If you want to become a wedding photographer, check out More Brides where I reveal all the marketing secrets that helped me quickly grow my business.)

Once you do get a few clients, make it as easy as possible for them to recommend you. Word of mouth referrals are one of the best ways to net in new clients, and that’s true of any type of business!

If your clients are happy with your work, ask them to leave you positive reviews online, tag you on social media, and recommend you to their friends.

Also, create an email mailing list where you can keep existing and potential clients up to date with your work and aware of any special offers you might be running. Remember to ask for permission and give people an option to opt-out or unsubscribe.

Let’s not forget that nondigital marketing methods also exist. Don’t underestimate the power of business cards,  flyers and other physical marketing materials for distributing around your neighbourhood or pinning to the local notice board.

For example, if you’re a food photographer you might drop round to local restaurants and hand them a brochure or card.

Or if you want to get a foot in the door as a real estate photographer, you might do a letterbox drop to all your local estate agents.

Whether online or offline, find out where your target market hangs out and go there to introduce yourself.

Invest in photography business education

When you’re just learning how to start a photography business, it’s important to grasp the basics. Then, as your business grows, your knowledge of how to run it has to expand as well.

That’s where it can be worth investing in your photography business education. By investing, I’m talking about time as well as money.

In fact, sometimes time is all you need to invest thanks to the copious amounts of free resources online.

Some areas you might choose to study, whether via a free or paid course or workshop:

• Understanding the full commercial photography workflow, from client briefs through to delivering the final product.
• Pricing structures and how to charge for your services.
• Business administration includes registering your business, filing taxes, etc.
• Best practices for dealing with clients.
• How to market and grow your business.

Your best bet is to determine where your knowledge gaps are, then start looking for ways to fill them.

And, of course, you should continue your photography education as well.

The best professional photographers are those who are always open to learning new things and developing their skills in every aspect of the art, whether it’s compositional techniques, lighting, post-processing and retouching, or something else.

Fortunately, a lot of free photography courses are available right here on Shotkit!

Start thinking about passive income for photographers

Passive income is basically regular earnings that take little-to-no regular effort to maintain. In other words, you set up the income source and money kinda just rolls in while you sleep. Pretty sweet, huh?

So, how do photographers make passive income?

The most obvious is through stock photography. With stock photography sites , you can upload images and get a commission every time someone downloads one (normally, they’re used for commercial or editorial purposes).

The reality of the stock photography world is that thanks to digital photography, it’s highly saturated. So be aware that it takes some dedication and a high volume of photos to make a decent passive income.

That’s not to say it can’t be worth it – just that you should approach it realistically.

There are other potential passive income streams. You can sell digital products such as Lightroom presets or online courses and ebooks.

Or, you could use a print-on-demand service to offer products printed with your photographs .

If you write a photography blog, perhaps you want to start writing reviews of camera gear and link to sites like Amazon and B&HPhoto to earn a commission as an affiliate.

There are also platforms like Patreon that allow you to charge for content that you provide to your followers.

Think outside the box and see what passive income ideas you can come up with – it’s an excellent way to grow your revenue and ensure you have some income even in times of seasonal fluctuations.

Money and Photography Business FAQs

When researching how to start a photography business, you’ll likely have a ton of questions regarding money – how much it costs to start and run the photography business and how much you can expect to earn as a professional photographer .

We’ve answered all the most common queries below – feel free to leave a comment if you want to ask something specific.

• How much money does it take to start a photography business?

It depends on what you’re shooting and how much equipment you need, but a good starting point is around US$10,000. That’s to cover basic camera gear, software, insurance and business registration fees.

• How can I start a photography business with no money?

If you already have some basic camera gear and an internet connection, then you can start a photography business by simply getting out and shooting! Find clients using free marketing strategies and build up from there, reinvesting your earnings until you can buy adequate insurance, better gear, etc.

• How much money do professional photographers make?

According to ZipRecruiter.com, the average photographer salary in the US is $43,114. However, photographer salaries vary greatly depending on country/location, experience level, education level and genre.

• How much money does a photographer make per hour, a week, a month?

Careerexplorer.com states that the average wage for a photographer in the US is around $18.22 per hour; however, that figure ranges from as low as $10.36 per hour for someone starting out to $32.04 or more for an experienced shooter. ZipRecruiter pegs the monthly average salary at $3,592. Again, location is another big factor in how much you can expect to earn.

• How much should I charge as a beginner photographer?

For a beginner, you’re probably looking at an hourly rate of US$25-$50 (or equivalent in your currency), or between $10 and $25 per image. Think about the time and expenses of the work for you and factor that into what you charge.

Final Words

I hope you found this guide to how to start a photography business useful. Moreover, I hope it genuinely inspired you to get out there and do it!

As I’ve found, starting your own photography business and being your own boss is incredibly rewarding. Yes, there are some challenges ahead, but I assure you, there’s nothing that you can’t overcome with a little perseverance!

So what do you think? Are you ready to take the leap?

If you have any other questions about how to start a photography business, please leave them below and I’ll do my best to answer.

Also, if you have your own tips or want to share your experiences with venturing into the business world, do add them as well – simply leave a comment below.

Check out these 8 essential tools to help you succeed as a professional photographer.

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Mark Condon is a British wedding photographer and editor of Shotkit. When he’s not taking photos or reviewing the latest camera gear and software, Mark can be found cycling around the northern rivers.

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Home » Blog » How to write a successful photography business plan.

• Photography Business Tips

How to write a successful photography business plan.

Whether you want to know how to open up a part-time photography business , start a photography business or take your existing one to the next level, the best place to start is with a plan. A photography business plan is a document that outlines what you hope to accomplish with your business. 

As your business comes to life or goes through change, you can use a business plan to measure your progress and re-calibrate your professional goals. In addition, if you are planning to pitch your business to potential investors for brand partnership opportunities, a business plan is one of the documents you can use to help bring credibility to your business.

However, learning how to start a photography business the right way doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Taking the right steps to showcase your photography services beyond your online portfolio website can set you off on the right foot and continuously help you attract the caliber of clients you want.

Why you need to make a photography business plan. 

Running a small business is hard. You may have heard the lifespan statistic that 20% of small businesses fail in their first 2 years, 30% fail in their first 3 years, and 50% fail after operating for 5 years. While this number is discouraging, the number one reason for the small business mortality rate is the lack of financial planning.

This is why using available tools is essential to your business’s long-term success and to your ability to grow your business. A business plan is critical in keeping you on track with your business goals and identifying where your business is lagging before, during, and after growth.

The main components of a photography business plan.

While you can customize the components of a photography business plan to suit your needs, the standard components are:

• Executive summary
• Business description
• Product or service portfolio
• Target market
• Competitive landscape 
• Marketing approach
• Operations & logistics

These elements work together to provide you and your possible stakeholders with a fulsome portrait of your business and its potential. We will go into further detail about these individual components in the following sections.

Write an executive summary.

The executive summary is a 50-250 word section at the start of your photography business plan that focuses on big-picture goals and outcomes of your company. This section summarizes the entirety of the document and should serve as the “elevator pitch” for your company, and its unique position to succeed. A good question to ask when compiling your executive summary is, “What are 3-5 things I want my clients to remember me by?”

Some of the elements to include in your executive summary are your experience, your specialties (ex. commercial photography , landscape , or wedding photography ), and key components of your business that contribute to your success, such as your marketing efforts or a unique angle you bring to the industry.

Explain your company in a business description.

While you may have a clear vision for your business inside your head, being able to succinctly express it to clients and stakeholders is key to your professional success. When compiling your description, it’s important to be as specific as possible.

First, learn about different organizational structures and the associated terms that come with the territory. Are you running a sole proprietorship, partnership, an incorporated company, or another type of business?

Second, your business description should also outline additional details including the history of your business. It gives possible stakeholders an idea of what your business is about and how it began.

In addition, you want to share your business’ mission statement. Because you will go into more details about the offerings and other aspects of your business, it’s best to keep your company description simple and provide only a high-level overview.

Describe your product and services.

This is the place to talk about the types of photography services and products you offer, and the ones you plan on expanding into in the near future. 

As part of your product and services description, provide a comprehensive pricing model. Your pricing model should cover the types of sessions, services (shooting, editing, formatting) you offer, and their associated fees. For example, do you offer mini photography sessions or 2-hour shoots? Is there a sliding scale for editing services, color correction, or airbrushing? Do you handle the physical production of photos, or is the handoff done digitally?

A competent photography business relies on the client’s clear understanding of your “menu” of skills and services.

Lastly, detail the types of services you offer and the types of products you want to focus on that bring you the most income.

Determine your target market.

Targeting your customers is no simple task, as small business owners want to serve everyone. Nevertheless, it helps you to focus on your customers who need your products. You’ll end up wasting money marketing your product to people who don’t need it or have any interest in it.

Understanding your target audience means researching your local market to identify where demand exists. You can search forums and Facebook groups to see what kinds of photographers people are hiring and how much they’re willing to pay. 

For example, a professional wedding photographer should join relevant local event planning and vendor groups on social media to build connections and promote their wedding photography services. Keep in mind that a wedding photographer often has to travel to a location to shoot the wedding, and make sure to factor it into your project estimates. 

While a target audience looks different for everyone, it’s important for your photography business to have a few areas of specialty that help build up credibility and steadily bring in clients.

Conduct a competitive analysis.

As you conduct research on your local market, you will start to discover there are a number of different photographers that offer similar services as you. To create a thorough competitive analysis, take the list of competitors, and evaluate them in different areas. Conducting this analysis will help you determine what sets yours apart.

When looking at your competitors, consider the following questions:

• Are my product offering and pricing model as straightforward as theirs?
• What is their tone of voice (ex. humorous/expert/familial)?
• Who is their target audience?
• What do they bring to the table that I do not, and vice versa?
• How can I differentiate myself from them?

To help you understand how your business is perceived, you can seek the help of a brand marketing professional. To take a more DIY approach, you can send your portfolio website to a roundtable of friends and colleagues and ask them how they would describe your business. Collecting these adjectives and looking for common threads can help you understand how your business is perceived and use these findings to your advantage in your marketing efforts.

Conducting a thorough competitive analysis can help you determine your own competitive edge and stay abreast of the competition. As a best practice, get into the habit of conducting a competitive analysis on an annual basis to stay informed about how your industry and your local market evolve over time.

Detail your marketing strategies.

In marketing, there is a saying that goes, “hope is not a strategy.” Yet many organizations allow an “if you build it, they will come” mentality to drive clients toward their marketing efforts.

In reality, a continuous funnel of new and repeat customers is what ensures their long-term success. This is why continuous marketing efforts are the number one way to ensure a consistent workload. Your marketing should work in tandem with a greater marketing plan that aligns all your efforts.

Because stakeholders and investors know the importance of marketing, they will look for a comprehensive and proactive marketing strategy when evaluating your business plan. This is why it’s important to outline the various marketing mechanisms you plan to use in your marketing plan.

Your marketing strategies encompass your marketing programs and your photography portfolio. 

Marketing programs.

Marketing programs mean any platforms, channels, or mechanisms you use to promote your company and attract customers. These may include email marketing campaigns, direct mail initiatives, local photography directory memberships, trade shows, your social media presence, and any paid social media advertising campaigns.

Photography portfolio.

Your online photography portfolio is an essential part of your marketing toolkit. After you make your potential customers aware of your business with your marketing programs, they will seek out a digital presence to explore your abilities as a photographer and to see if there is a fit. A portfolio experience can make or break a client lead, which is why it’s important to invest in a portfolio website that represents the unique offering your photography brings to the world. You can learn how to build a portfolio website the right way with our helpful guide.

One place for everything from proofing to selling.

Share and sell your photos directly from mobile-friendly, interactive online galleries designed to impress your clients.

Think about operations. 

While service businesses like photographers traditionally have fewer logistics than brick-and-mortar ones, it’s still important to consider the day-to-day logistics and expenses when compiling your business plan.

The operations portion of your photography business can include details like information about where you conduct work.  Many photographers choose to conduct business out of a home studio or office, holding a majority of their sessions at outdoor locations, client homes, and occasionally utilizing a professional studio. Meanwhile, commercial photographers almost always rely on a professional studio to conduct their business. 

Because different types of photographers have different operational needs, stakeholders will look for this information in your business plan to help assess the overhead cost of the operations. Understanding your operations also helps you to plan for potential opportunities in the future.

Draft your financial plans. 

This portion of your photography business plan is important to understanding the overall factors in the cash flow of your venture. Cash flow refers to the amount of money going in and out of your business. 

While compiling this section of your business plan may take the most time, it’s important to get it right to have an accurate understanding of the amount of money it takes to run your photography business, and which investments (ex. new lenses or editing software) are feasible within your business profits.

If you are a new business owner getting into photography, this section of the plan is where you outline the equipment you hope to invest in and what types of services it will be used for. Consider that as a professional photographer, you may need to invest in two copies of every item in case of malfunction. Some photographers, who may be just starting out, may use rental equipment to help them offset the costs of duplicates. However, the cost of renting can add up, which is why purchasing may be the cheaper option in the long run.

As a photographer, you are investing in hardware and software that is imperative to your job. To protect yourself, consider insuring your photography equipment and professional computer in case of theft. You can outline your insurance policy coverage and its cost in the financial portion of your plan. 

Create a timeline.

For photographers, a timeline is a management tool that helps you keep your business goals on track. Some of the key activities to include in your timeline are marketing, financial, investing, and operational in nature. 

In your timeline, consider setting goals for when you expect to pay back for the items listed in the financial portion of your plan. Calculating how many completed photography sessions it would take to cover the cost of the item can help you calculate this date.

It’s important to remember that timelines don’t need to be complicated. You can simply write down the task and the date by which you hope to complete it in sequential order. To help you stay on track, you can put reminders in your email calendar that notify you when you are nearing the anticipated completion of a task, as well as your personal deadline for its completion.

Putting your photography business plan together.

Compiling a photography business plan is an important step in starting your business and in evolving an existing one. While our photography business plan outline contains all the elements to run a successful photography business, there is nothing like drawing inspiration from what’s out there. A tried and tested photography business plan sample can give you the guidance you need to brainstorm the ins and outs of your business.

While all photography business plans are slightly different, most professional photography business plans are clear about their vision and how they want to get there. We’ve collected sample photography business plans from some of the best and most successful photographers in the industry and made readily editable templates for a fast and comprehensive photography business plan.

If you are just starting with your venture and feel a little lost, be sure to check out startup costs for your photography business and three business questions new photographers often ask . These guides give you the important information you need to get started on turning your photography dream into a viable business.

Photography business plan examples.

A sound business plan will set you on the path to success as a photographer. Whether you are a studio photographer, wedding photographer, or anything in between, these industry-specific photography business plan examples will help you kickstart your career.

Photography studio business plan.

If you run a photography studio, the most important element of your business plan is the photography business description. This segment in your photography studio business plan consists of a thorough description of all of the activities you engage in and the services you offer.

By keeping a detailed checklist, you can be clearer with your clients about the studio photography services you offer and market your business accordingly. Our guide to photography marketing shows you how to attract new clients the right way, without spending a dime.

Wedding photography business plan.

Creating a wedding photography business plan is a crucial step in better understanding your market and the opportunities you can leverage with your skills and experience. If there are any specific photography services you offer that other wedding competitors don’t, make sure to include them in your business plan.

If you are looking for a place to start, a simple Google search will provide you with a range of wedding photography business plan samples to work from, which can be tailored specifically to your business.

Now that you are armed with your photography business plan, you can attract better clients and be prepared for the future with a firm grasp of your competitive edge and industry shifts. Don’t forget that along with a solid business plan you need a beautiful website portfolio to show off your work and start getting clients.

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Cheryl is the Director of Content Strategy at Zenfolio and the Owner/Photographer at Portraits by Cheryl and Seniors by Cheryl in Raleigh, NC. Cheryl has mentored countless new photographers looking to build successful photography businesses.

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Photography Business Plan

Believe it or not—anyone can take a few pictures, but it takes true skill and talent to get the perfect shot.

And If you’re the guy, everyone’s after asking to click pictures at every party or event, starting a photography business could be incredibly lucrative and satisfying.

However, making your photography business successful is more than just clicking good pictures. You need a solid business plan to ensure success.

Need help writing a business plan for your photography business? You’re at the right place. Our photography business plan template will help you get started.

Download the template and follow step-by-step instructions to draft your business plan in no time!

→ Download Now: Free Photography Business Plan

And though photography lets you fulfill your passion, it attracts a lot of competition due to its ease of entry.

Also, having a successful photography business takes a little more than skill. A photography business plan helps you deal with that, while you shutter away your masterpiece.

Industry Overview

According to the IBIS World industry report , the US photography market is expected to decline at a CAGR of 1.3 to reach 12.9 billion dollars in 2023.

With 7-8% profit margins, individual consumers and households make up the main customer base for the industry. Despite a minor recent decline, the photography industry is projected to experience consistent growth in the coming years.

Here are a few key industry highlights to consider:

• Number of businesses: There are 258,450 operational photography businesses in the US in 2023.
• Industry employment: 293,339+
• Key players: Shutterfly Inc., Alamy Ltd.

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Things to Consider Before Writing a Photography Business Plan

You’ll need to focus on both the artistic and business sides of your trade.

Though having an excellent eye for proportion, dimensions, and light is great it isn’t enough to have a profitable business. You bring your skills to the table, but you’ll have to work as hard as any other business owner on your marketing, finance, and operations to have a profitable business.

And though it might seem intimidating, with the right amount of planning and strategizing you can do it smoothly.

Get the Pricing Right

It is important to study every aspect of the market and select the pricing strategy that suits your business the best. Your pricing as a photography business would depend a lot upon the niche you choose, your location, and the quality of your skills.

Develop Your Soft Skills

Good photography isn’t just about your skills with the camera, especially if you are dealing with people. You’ll need to make your customers feel at ease and have a friendly way of communicating.

This helps you become the person’s go-to photographer. As pictures aren’t just products you pay for, but memories that are cherished for years.

But at the same time, if communication isn’t your thing you don’t need to worry. As there are several other niches in photography that you can pick from.

Get the Right Equipment, but Don’t Go Overboard

The right camera, technical equipment, etc, are important to help you work effectively. But it doesn’t do to go over budget for it. Especially, if you are just starting out.

Pick the right equipment, but not the one that weighs down on your finances at the early stages of your business.

Why Do You Need a Photography Business Plan?

As you are ready to enter the industry, it brings us to the above question, why does one need a photography business plan?

Aren’t you just supposed to dive right in if you are passionate enough?

The answer is, NO.

Though diving headfirst might sound appealing, it can lead to a series of roadblocks in the future. Also, a business plan isn’t as time-consuming as it may seem to you.

It increases the efficiency of your business and acts as a guide on your road to success. Moreover, writing a business plan helps you get a clear idea of your goals and the opportunities and threats that stand in your way of achieving them.

Also, a well-researched and innovative plan can help you get funded. An investor’s confidence in you is directly proportional to the clarity of your business idea. A business plan can help you achieve just that.

How to Write a Photography Business Plan?

Writing a business plan is not as intimidating as it seems. A well-rounded business plan requires thorough research of the industry, a clear set of goals, well-observed and carefully designed strategies to achieve them, and a clear list of milestones and timelines for all the departments of the business.

A business plan should include strategies for all departments from marketing to finance. There are several resources like online software, business consultants, and predesigned templates that can help you in writing the perfect business plan .

Writing a business plan has become a cakewalk through online business planning tools which can craft an ideal business plan for you at the snap of your fingers.

Chalking out Your Business Plan

Though anyone can click pictures with devices as simple as a smartphone, it takes skills, a sense of proportion, and creativity to make people stop scrolling.

In today’s world of photo-sharing apps where people grapple for attention, the demand for excellent photographers continues to rise.

Hence, with the advent of Instagram, the photography industry is growing leaps and bounds.

Photography Business Plan Outline

This is a standard photography business plan outline that will cover all important sections that you should include in your business plan.

• Introduction
• Products and Services
• Financial Path To Success
• Keys to Success
• Company History
• Market Segmentation
• Target Market Segment Strategy
• Competition and Buying Patterns
• Web Plan Summary
• Website Marketing Strategy
• Development Requirements
• SWOT Analysis
• Competitive Edge
• Marketing Strategy
• Sales Forecast
• Year 1 – Digital Media Production
• Year 2 – Digital Media Production
• Year 3 – Digital Media Production
• Important Assumptions
• Projected Profit and Loss
• Projected Cash Flow
• Projected Balance Sheet
• Ratio Analysis

As you sit down to write your business plan, it brings us to the question, what all things you will need to include in your business plan? Read on to find out.

1. Write an Executive Summary

The executive summary section of a business plan works as an overview of your business and acts as a highlight of its aims and goals. It should be brief and precise and sum up everything your business stands for.

It serves as a pitch of your business ideas to potential investors and should have the following points.

• The kind of services your business offers (Eg. Commercial Photography, Travel Photography, etc.)
• Your target audience (Eg. Models, travel bloggers, influencers, etc.)
• Your strengths and past experiences
• Your goals for the company.

2. Business Overview

In the business overview section, you’ll jot down all of the business ideas you have and analyze how to bring them to life.

This section would consist of an overview of the functioning of your business. as well as your mission statement.

While writing this section it is important to be as precise as possible It helps the stakeholders of your business to know it better.

3. Describe the Services You’ll Offer

In this section of your business plan, you have to list the services you are going to offer. This helps you get a clearer idea of how to advertise your services and how to reach out to your target audiences.

For example, if you are a landscape photographer all of your marketing strategy and the list of resources and services you’ll need will be built around that.

Also, your target audience would be travel websites and tourism companies. And the ways of reaching out to them would be different than reaching out to influencers or celebrities.

4. Market Analysis

The market analysis section is a crucial part of your business plan.

In this section, you’ll write down everything you can find about the photography market as well as resources that can help you stay updated about the recent trends in the market.

For example, as a photographer, it is essential to know the trending photography techniques.

You can also include the size of the market, your competitors, areas that have the highest growth potential, etc Know the right market value of services and identify the existing market gaps that you can fill.

Let’s consider there is no food photographer in your locality and the restaurants around you need one, you can specialize in food photography to capture that market.

5. Create a Website Strategy

The Internet is the first place where people look for any product or service, hence your business must have a website to be discovered by clients.

A well-optimized website can help you in meeting a lot of potential customers.

Including a website strategy in your business plan is crucial.

6. Plan Your Finances

Your financial planning is one of the major deciding factors of whether your business will stay afloat or not.

In this section keep track of your company’s finances, jot down ways of making it more cost-effective. List down resources that can help you understand and manage your finances better.

Download a sample photography business plan

Need help getting started writing a business plan? Here you go; download our free photography business plan pdf to start.

It’s a modern business plan template designed for your photography center. Refer to the example business plan and follow step-by-step instructions to start writing your plan.

The Quickest Way to turn a Business Idea into a Business Plan

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Write your business plan with Upmetrics

A business planning tool like Upmetrics is the best way to draft your business plan. This incredible tool comes with step-by-step instructions, customizable templates, AI assistance, and business plan examples to help you get started.

You may also explore our library of Entertainment and media business plan examples before you start writing your plan.

So, whether you are starting a photography business or planning to grow an existing one, Upmetrics is the tool you need to create a business plan.

So, what are you waiting for? Start planning now!

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Frequently asked questions, what are some common mistakes to avoid when drafting a photography business plan.

Following are some of the common mistakes to avoid when writing a photography business plan:

• Inadequate and inaccurate financial projections.
• Poor market research and ignoring industry trends.
• Undefined goals and lack of details.
• Not proofreading the document for typos and grammatical errors.
• Including outdated and irrelevant information.
• Not regularly updating your business plan.

What are some key financial metrics to include in a photography business plan?

Following are some of the key financial metrics to include in your photography business plan:

• Balance sheet
• Cash flow statement
• Income statement
• Break-even statement
• Projected business ratios
• Sales and revenue projections
• Projected expenses

How can a photography business plan help in securing funding or investment?

A well-crafted photography business plan will help your investors better understand your business domain, market trends, strategies, business financials, and growth potential—helping you secure investment.

Where to find business plan writers for your photography business?

There are many business plan writers available, but no one knows your business and ideas better than you, so we recommend you write your photography business plan and outline your vision as you have in mind.

About the Author

Upmetrics Team

Upmetrics is the #1 business planning software that helps entrepreneurs and business owners create investment-ready business plans using AI. We regularly share business planning insights on our blog. Check out the Upmetrics blog for such interesting reads. Read more

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How to Start a Photography Business in 2022 - The Ultimate Handbook

Looking to start a photography business? Here is the step-by-step guide you need to follow for starting your photography business and getting success.

Are you thinking of starting a photography business? Getting the basics right at the beginning will save you a lot of hassles later on and pave the way for a successful career. This guide is designed both for amateur photographers who are looking at how to start a photography business as well as the pro photographers who want to refresh their photography business plans.

We have put together a 10 step-by-step guide you need to follow for starting your photography business and getting it run successfully.  

• Working out your photography business goals
• Choose your photography niche
• Focus on your ideal client
• Market evaluation and getting your pricing right
• Create your photography business plan
• Registering your photography business
• Buy just the necessary tools
• Create a photography portfolio website
• Marketing your photography business
• Building and growing your client relationships

Step 1: Working out your photography business goals

To attain success in life, you need to set your goals and follow through to achieve success. Likewise, you need to set business goals that you would work towards accomplishing. Think of your business goals as a long-term vision that you want to realize through your successful photography business.

A few examples of business goals can be:

• I want to be the number 1 wedding photographer in my area.
• I want to switch to photography full-time and make X amount of money every year.
• I want to travel the world through my photography assignments.
• I want to work with families and take up portrait photography for seniors, kids, and moms.

As you can see, whatever business goal you set is going to define everything that follows. Setting a photography business model by outlining clear business goals is the first step towards having clarity and purpose of executing the next nine steps.

Step 2: Choose your photography niche

Interconnected with figuring out your goals is the process of choosing your photography niche. As a professional photographer, when you are starting a photography business, you need to specialize in one genre. While taking on whatever assignment comes your way when you are starting out might be pragmatic, be aware of slowly but surely steering the work you take on towards the type of photography expert you want to become. There are many types of photography that you can pursue - wedding photography , portrait photography, commercial photography, sports photography, travel photography, and many others. As you grow, you can make your mark in multiple photography genres, but having strong expertise in one photography niche is crucial to establishing a successful photography business.

Step 3: Focus on your ideal client

Once you have chosen your photography niche, you will then have to figure out an ideal client persona for yourself.

Several factors go into deciding who your ideal client is when you are thinking of how to start a photography business:

Your location:

Do you want clients closer to where you live, or are you willing to travel regularly for photography assignments. Be aware that many of the photography genres like wedding photography or portrait photography are firmly tied-in to the location. Clients tend to pick photographers from their local area based on references and their network.

Demographics: 

The kind of people you want to work with can be a significant deciding factor in the type of photographer you become. You may feel more comfortable working with kids or seniors, or with to-be moms rather than fashion models. Or you might excel in commercial, corporate shoots rather than working with families. Always go with your instinct and who you are most comfortable working with.

How much money are they willing to spend:

Based on your photography business goals, you will need to choose clients based on their income levels. For example, you may want to focus only on premium and luxury wedding assignments that pay upwards of $5000 rather than working with smaller family affairs that would pay only $1000 for a portrait photography shoot.

Based on your interest and style:

Some clients will automatically be drawn to your personal, signature style while others might have a clear vision about how they want their photo shoots to turn out. You need to find opportunities that let you find a balance between your creative freedom and working to a fixed client brief.

Take your time to figure out your ideal client as you would invest a lot of time, energy, and money in a marketing plan pursuing your ideal client base. Make sure that you are being honest with yourself and don't make your decision based on trends or whoever pays the most money.

Step 4: Market evaluation and getting your pricing right

Carry out thorough research and analysis of the market you are going to operate in to understand the requirement that people have from the photography business you are starting. Try and find out the specific needs of the customers who are not being met by the competition in your demographic area. Are people in your area hiring photographers from outside of your locality? How can you beat the competition on services you offer or price points to make a mark and start gaining clients?

Research the websites of all photographers that are operating in your area and are proving the services you intend to provide. For example, if you are starting a portrait photography business, find out the rates offered by the competition. Are they offering packages or a-la-carte rates? Most photographers do mention the starting price of their services on their website.

Setting your price point just a little below the competition can be a good strategy when you are starting a photography business. But do take care not to undercut the pricing too much or else you will end up with an unsustainable and loss-making entity.

Check out this detailed article on how to set your photography pricing .

Step 5: Create your photography business plan

It's time to create a business plan. Your photography business checklist is the blueprint that you would follow to realize your business goals. Creating a detailed business plan will help you start a photography business and take it forward towards making it a sustainable, thriving enterprise.

What should a photography business plan include?

The essential aspects of a photography business plan are as follows:

Business Description: 

Describe in detail the defining characteristics of the photography business you are starting.

• What would be your USPs?
• Competition Analysis
• What would be the services you would offer
• What would be your product line?
• Who’s your target client?

The legal structure of your business:

There are many ways to structure your business legally - sole proprietorship, LLC, or C-corp. Each of them comes with a different setup cost, personal liability protection, and tax and compliance requirements. Understanding the various aspects of the legal structure for your photography business is essential. Taking advice from a lawyer on how to start a photography business is advisable before you make the big decision. You also need to make a list of photography business names and decide on the one that can be registered.

Investments:

Calculate the initial cost of starting a photography business. Include all expenses such as costs of legally setting up your business, setting up an office or studio, buying equipment, marketing costs, etc. Make sure that investing in starting your business should not leave you completely cash-strapped and without any money for operational expenses.

If necessary, you can look at taking up a small business loan. Check out this great article on the various types of small business financing options available and how to get then loan.

Cost of running a business:

Calculate all recurring expenses associated with your small business - rentals that you would need to pay, consumables you would use, repair and maintenance of equipment, professional fees of CPAs, assistants, or any other help. What will be the costs incurred every time you take up a photography assignment?

Figuring out your pricing can be the most crucial part of your photography business plan. You need to balance your investments and cost of running your business against your revenue expectations and figure out a pricing model that ensures that you run a profitable business. Factor in seasonality and downtime of your business to make sure you have cash-flows that cover that as well.

Marketing and Advertising

Your business plan should also feature a detailed analysis on how you would build your clients list. What are the marketing and advertising opportunities available to you, what would they cost, and what is the return-on-investment that you plan to accomplish?

Step 6: Registering your photography business

Now that you have your photography business plan in place, it's time to go ahead and register to make it a legal entity.

Here are the steps you need to follow to register your photography business:  

Finalize your photography business name.

Finding a perfect business name is crucial as this would also become your brand name. Your brand name should be memorable, unique descriptive - all at the same time. And most importantly, it should be available for you to use without anyone else using it in a similar context.

Figure out a few names that you like and then search if anyone else is using the same name.

• Do a simple web search and see if something comes up.
• Book a domain name in your business name. Prefer a .com domain name.
• Secure the social media accounts in your business name (Register on all major social networks even if you don’t plan on using them to secure your brand name)
• Do a trademark search with the US Patent and Trademark Office Search page . It is a good idea to register a trademark for your brand name to make sure no-one else can use it in the future.

Register as a legal entity

You need to register as a legal entity (sole proprietorship / LLC / C-Corp) with both the federal and local governments for taxation and compliance purposes.

Setup a business bank account

Make sure that you keep your business and personal financials separate. Set up a business bank account to manage all your business transactions. Get a business banking debit card or credit card to pay for any business expenses where online / card payment is necessary.

Check on the business licenses you need

A photography business license is typically required for professional photographers. Check with your local municipal and state government to see what kind of business licenses are required for you to run your business. Do your research and check if your photography also needs to be licensed just like your business.

Check out The U.S. Small Business Administration website for more information on licenses required for running a business.

Business Insurance

While taking up business insurance can seem prohibitive when you are starting, the risk of being in an unfortunate situation without insurance is not worth taking. Make sure you have the right photography business insurance in place to cover any liabilities. Photographer insurance not only protects your photography business but also your photography gear against theft, third-party claims, lawsuit, and any unexpected events.

Do check out Full Frame Insurance which offers professional photographers a variety of insurance including camera equipment, professional liability insurance, omissions coverage, unlimited additional insureds, and general liability insurance. Full Frame offers three different options - Event, Annual and Annual Plus policy, that protects your photography business from the cost of claims and help it thrive. 

Contracts and agreements

Having photography contracts and agreements in place from day one will help you look professional in front of your clients and instill confidence in them by clearly outlining the expectations and deliverables for any photography assignment you take up.  

Finding a lawyer, you can bank on:

While as a photographer you are not going to regularly need the services of a lawyer (or at least we hope not!), it's a good idea always to have a lawyer that you can bank on when something comes up where you need legal advice.

Tip: You don’t need to have a retainer arrangement but instead have an hourly consultation fees arrangement whenever you need advice with a lawyer.

Step 7:  Buy just the necessary tools

Now that your plan of starting your photography business is taking off, you need to make sure you have only the right photography equipment to handle the photography assignments that would come your way.

Only buy what is extremely necessary and don't spend too much money on all the latest gadgets. You can always rent some of the more expensive equipment for a specific photo shoot when they are required. Make sure you own photography equipment like a good camera, the backup camera, lenses, flashes, batteries, and a charger that will form your photography gear on a day-to-day basis. You would also need to invest in post-production and editing tools such as the software, computer, calibration device, necessary computer programs, storage devices, etc. Also, choose a photo lab carefully and get samples done so that you can deliver optimal quality of prints, albums, and other deliverables to your clients.

Step 8: Create a photography portfolio website

Your photography portfolio website is going to be the single, most important tool that would help you grow your business. Your portfolio website is your gateway to the world and will speak on your behalf to your potential clients. Most clients will see your work and get to know you first through your portfolio website. Hence, it's critical to make a great first impression.

Check out some great examples of photography portfolio websites .

Here are five quick tips on creating a great portfolio website: 

• Always show your best work only. Do not put all of your work on it. Make sure you curate and categorize your work properly.
• Make sure your portfolio website looks professional and modern. Choose a minimal portfolio website design that lets your work stand out. Do not use jarring colors, gradients, or music.
• Your portfolio website should be mobile-friendly as most clients would see your work online on their mobile devices.
• Your online portfolio website should load fast and be secure.
• Your contact information should be available on your portfolio website to enable clients to contact you easily.
• A right domain name can help in bringing more search volume and creating a brand name. If you are out of creative domain ideas and don't know how to check if the domain is available; here is a great tool to help you with that.

See a comprehensive guide on how to create a photography portfolio website that would help you grow your photography business.

Start a 15 days free trial to create your photography portfolio website on Pixpa.  No credit card or coding required.

Step 9: Marketing your photography business: 

Like most creative businesses, photographers can leverage the internet to grow their business, earn recognition, and reach out to potential clients. 

Here are 12 ways to promote your photography business:

Get yourself registered on local listings .

When you decide to take the plunge from a hobbyist to a professional photographer, the foremost thing to do is to register your business on a local listing website. Some of the popular classifieds where photographers list their business are Yelp, Craigslist, Foursquare, and Yellowpages.com. 

Registering a business on these websites is almost free, as long as you don't avail their advertising service. However, do not expect this listing to yield results almost immediately. On these websites, you get to promote your business by responding to reviews and other queries against your listing. Along with analytics capabilities, these online classifieds offer other ways to improve the visibility of your photography business listing. 

You can opt for paid advertising on these websites to quickly see results. Before you list your business, get a peek of the pricing plans, which in case of Yelp looks something like below. 

Seek Referrals from clients  

Professional photographers have relied on referrals for a long time. Before the advent of social media, photographers were heavily dependent on referrals. You may get lucky with clients referring their friends or family to you occasionally; however, you should make sure that you reach out to them actively to seek referrals regularly. You can email or call them as per their convenience. 

List your business on Google and Bing 

Google and Bing are the two most used search engines in the world. While you can expect to get clients from all around the world, these search engines allow you to list your photography business as a local one, helping you get local traffic to your website.    To know more about how local listing can help photographers to grow their business, refer to this quick guide on SEO for photographers.  

Promote your photography on social media 

Facebook and Instagram together have over 2 billion monthly active users and are predominantly photo-sharing social networks. Make most of this massive opportunity to reach people who might be looking for your service, or gain admiration for your work and recognition. Reach out to your friends and family, who will perhaps be your early customers. Introduce people to your photos and stories. This is a great way to build connections and create a buzz about your brand.  

You most probably have created your photography page on Facebook and an account on Instagram, if you haven't, you can start with going over the basics of using social media to grow your photography business. 

 Paid ads are another way you to foster your photography business, and you can couple your social media efforts with ads to accelerate the growth of your business. 

Share your photography and expertise with blogging 

To reap the benefits of blogging, you will need a portfolio website for your photography, which you can easily manage yourself. Blogging helps to improve the visibility of your website, considering its SEO benefits. Ryan Robinson explains 11 essential steps on how to write a blog post .

Get ideas from your Facebook page and Instagram account 

One of the best things about using social media to grow your photography business is you can conveniently track your growth, though quantitatively, in the form of likes, shares, and hearts. You can utilize this information to come up with the ideas for your blog. You can write about your experience on shooting your most liked photograph, or share a tutorial about it. 

Write a blog praising a fellow photographer 

As photographers, we come across others' work that we immensely admire. You can write a blog expressing your admiration for their work, or list down specifics that you genuinely like in their photographs.

Write about your out-of-the-box attempts 

Photographers are always up to something quirky, trying to get a shot that hasn't been attempted before. Regardless of the result, make sure you document your experience in a blog. This could be hugely helpful for other photographers, in turn in giving more exposure to your business. Also, do not forget to share your blogs on your social media network. Ensure that you maintain consistency by regularly posting blogs. Posting quality content will help you reach out to a larger audience and help grow your business manifold. While you are at it, also check out how your photographs can be optimized for SEO. In addition to this, you can write to Pixpa, in case you have something valuable to share about photography. 

Community participation 

There are over a million communities for photographers online . Facebook alone has over a thousand groups dedicated to photographers. Ideally, you can seek help from member photographers in matters of trouble with your work, but these communities are often visited by people looking for photography service. Keeping yourself active in these groups can get you some valuable clients. 

Make sure that you contribute to the photography community by responding to the posted queries and sharing your blog occasionally. 

Social bookmarking 

Social bookmarking is an integral part of link building that helps to increase your website's ranking on Google and other search engines. Sites such as Delicious, Stumble Upon, Scoop it, which are categorized as social bookmarking websites allow you to submit a link (URL) of your website that eventually increases the rank of your website on SERPs. Similar to listing on classifieds, the results are visible over time and require consistent link submission. 

Get yourself published

 There are numerous fashion magazines such as Vogue, Elle, Harper's Bazaar, and more. Similarly, there are interior design magazines like Elle Decor. Depending on the kind of photographer you are –fashion photographer, wedding photographer, you can contribute an article or some of your fabulous photographs to these magazines. These magazines have a massive readership and can lead to pouring in clients in large numbers for your photography business. If you are contributing to their online portals, make sure that you get a backlink to your portfolio website. This amps up your SEO efforts. 

Attend photography events

 Photography events are held in large numbers; you can learn about these events on Facebook and Meetup. These events provide a great opportunity to network with like-minded photographers. At events like Photopro Expo, you get to learn from the industry's leading photographers. You can find opportunities to work with other photographers, make sure that you carry your photography business card with you. 

Participating in online photography contests can also be a great way to get exposure and recognition. You might also want to focus on search engine optimization of your portfolio website. Targeted local SEO techniques can help gain new clients and businesses in your area. 

Step 10: Building and growing your client relationships

Finding the first few clients to hire and pay you for photography assignments is always a challenge. 

If you're venturing into wedding photography, perhaps the first ones to hire you would be your close friends. These early clients will become your foothold to get into the industry. They will be your evangelists. Use the work done for them to get more work - and this means continuously building and engaging with your network. 

Tip: Be open towards taking on photography assignments free of charge if they help in shaping your portfolio. A stunning portfolio would enable you gradually raise your rates and demand your right price.

Treat every client with care, and they will bring you more referrals. Keep a good rapport with your customers and make them feel at ease with your business.

Here are 5 Photography Business Tips for a Successful Photography Business

1. be passionate..

If you don't love photography and are a photographer for reasons other than the mere love for the medium, it's going to show up in your work, and you should seriously give it another thought. The love for the camera and your subjects, and the ability to build happiness around your work is primary. An uninterested photographer cannot bring life to his/her photographs. It's essential for your clients to feel and know that photography is a passion for you, not just another business.

2. Get Organized. Prioritize.

In the early stage aiming to connect with audiences, you'd want to be organized yourself first. Begin with creating a database of clients that are valuable to you, besides having a general client list. Separate those with whom you had an unpleasant experience - and if errors can be rectified. An angry client is the last thing you'd want to give yourself.

Use a client proofing platform that lets you create private galleries for clients to share, proof and deliver your images online seamlessly. You can even sell your images as prints or digital downloads and increase your revenue.

3. Seek personal bonding with clients

Coffee is known to be a great conversation-starter! Informally meeting client and bonding with them is a great way to get to know more about them. It can be an excellent opportunity to ask open-ended questions, particularly if it's your first meeting with them. The answers to these can help you build beautiful, personalized stories about individuals or other subjects. It's wise to keep these meetings shot, crisp and spaced out yet as and when you feel you feel the need to meet and touch base personally.

4. Stay in touch with your clients

Don't forget your clients. Stay in their mind with regular newsletters, updating them about your latest work, offers, information on new/added services, reviews, etc. Pick a weekly theme, choose the periodicity, and share things you know your clients will love to hear! Enable your site visitors to subscribe to your newsletter. This will help build a potential customer database .

Tools like Mailerlite can help you make beautiful newsletters in a few easy clicks.

Sending personalized mailers that work wonders on almost all clients. Offer freebies, run offers, contests, and promotions. These can help build a loyal community that loves to hear from you. See if you can offer exclusive perks to premium clients. Occasions like birthdays and anniversaries can be good times to send in a personalized mail, wishing your clients. Building a personal relationship will help you garner more clients via references as well, and add to the 'word-of-mouth' phenomenon.

5. Get client testimonials

Testimonials play a significant role in persuading potential clients to hire you. They also make clients feel privileged and feel that they contributed to your success. For example, you've shot some stunning frames for a real estate developer. They've loved your work and given your due credits. Seize this opportunity to ask them about how their experience of working with you was like and request a testimonial!

Connecting with your clients is not always about business. Take a genuine interest in people - not just for the business you do with them, but also for who they are. Only then will your photography business reap the viral effects of great client referrals.

Tip: Don't forget to ask your clients for referrals. That's the best way of getting traction when you are starting a photography business.

As you have seen, there are several aspects to starting a photography business that you need to consider and execute as a part of the process.

This guide gives you a step-by-step answer to the question - How to start a photography business. Using this guide, you can create an action plan for setting up your own photography business. The going will not always be easy, but the rewards of pursuing your dream and creative passion while running a successful business are well worth the effort.

We wish you the best of luck.

Create your stunning photography portfolio website on Pixpa easily. No coding required. Get started for free.  

Frequently Asked Questions

1) How much does a photography business make a year? Photography businesses can have variable income depending on their location, genre of specialization and clientele. A wedding photography business in Oklahoma will not be making the same kind of money as a fashion photography service in one of the fashion capitals like London or Paris. According to the US department of labor statistics from 2018, on an average, professional photographers earn a median income of $34,000 per year.

2) How do I start my own photography business from home? Most photographers start out small. You can start with shooting for family, friends and neighbours and then move on to local clients including other small businesses or events. It is possible to run a small, home-based photography business especially when your photography business mostly focuses on event photography and outdoor photography that does not require studio space. 

3) How much does it cost to start a small photography business? Initial costs can vary depending upon your location. The main costs come with buying equipment including a good digital camera, lenses and lighting equipment. These will run into a couple thousand dollars. You will also need to create your own photography portfolio website. Luckily this is one area where you won’t have to spend a lot of money. You can create an online portfolio website for as little as $7 a month with a website builder like Pixpa . 

4) Is photography still profitable? The profitability of photography strongly depends on the genre. Nature and outdoor photography is not very lucrative because there isn’t really a huge market for it. On the other hand, event photography, including wedding photography and commercial photography like product photography and real estate photography are incredibly lucrative genres.

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How To Start A Photography Business In Four Steps

Updated: Dec 12, 2023, 1:25am

Table of Contents

Before you begin: set up a business entity, steps to starting a photography business, bottom line, frequently asked questions.

Everybody wants great photographs of important days or everyday memories. If you have a basic understanding of photography and want to expand your skills, starting a photography business could be the perfect way to develop your creative skill set and launch a profitable hustle. Read our simple guide on how to start a photography business so you can develop your creative skillset while making a side income or launching a full-time career.

Define Your Business Entity

When starting a photography business, you’ll want to determine how large you want to start out and how to scale. If you’re initially going to be your only employee, you can start out a sole proprietorship or LLC . This is ideal if you want to start as a side hustle and see if you can grow from there.

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If you want to immediately hire employees such as other photographers, web designers or marketing professionals, you may consider registering your business as an LLC or S-corp . Both are good options but have different tax implications.

Register Your Business Name

When you pick a name for your business, you might need both a business name and a trade name (or a DBA; “doing business as…”). Before picking a name, you’ll have to make sure that the name you want to use isn’t taken. If the business name is going to be something other than your legal name, you’ll want to still pick something simple and easily recognizable.

Step 1. Purchase the Right Equipment

In order to set yourself up as a competitor in the photography industry, you’ll need the best equipment possible. A professional studio will need not just a camera, but also lights, reflectors and backgrounds. Wedding photographers or nature photographers will need to invest in very high-quality cameras and accessories due to the more spontaneous nature of their subjects.

A top-notch camera can cost several thousand dollars, while individual lenses can cost up to $1,000 depending on their niche use. You’ll also need memory cards and potentially external backup drives to safely store images, which can easily cost about $100 each. Making a list of everything you need and pricing them out is important to get started.

In addition to the camera, you’ll need to purchase a license for photo editing software. Adobe Photoshop is the most well-known, so that’s what most people start with. You’ll also need a computer with high bandwidth and storage space because photo files can be quite large. Being able to store, edit and process all of these photographs is important for sending them to clients.

If you’re a film photographer, you’ll need a whole other set of equipment, including access to a darkroom. Before going on a spending spree, research the materials you will need and price out what will best suit your needs for the initial stages of growth for your business.

Step 2. Consider Your Niche

At the same time as you purchase your equipment, you’ll want to figure out your niche. If you’re offering a full-service photography studio, it’s still necessary to know who your ideal client is. If you want to take headshots exclusively, you’ll need to set up your space and equipment in a way that serves that niche.

High-quality wedding photographers are also always in high demand. If you’re marketing to engaged couples, it would be a good idea to reach out to well-established wedding services brands like Zola or The Knot and apply to be featured on their vendor lists. Follow the companies that serve the audiences you want to capture.

There are many talented photographers, but you can create an edge in your photography business by providing services that other businesses might not. For example, if you’re running a headshot studio, it would be a good idea to partner with a makeup artist who can provide touch-ups to your clients getting their portraits done.

Step 3. Conduct Market Research

Before you start taking on clients, determine your rates and how to charge customers. If you want to charge hourly, make sure you’re being compensated fairly for your time. Offering flat rates is good for customers as well; you can offer a variety of packages to clients so they’ll know exactly what they’re getting and you’ll know exactly what work is expected of you.

To know your competition in the photography business space, you have to research their offerings and see what’s missing. Filling a gap in the market is always a possibility for new businesses. If you’re very talented at editing or have a great studio space compared to other photographers, or even specialize in action shots, you can choose to charge a premium for these services.

Photography businesses should also set rates for when customers request additional edits. Your time is at a premium, especially with photo editing because it takes a long time, and you should make it clear to customers that they should respect the time and attention you devote to this creative work.

Step 4. Establish an Online Presence

Before anyone hires you, they’re going to want to see examples of your work. Use a portfolio website builder to showcase the images that best display your skills and make sure your contact information and prices are clearly displayed. Photography is obviously a visual industry, so having a professional website is crucial to give potential clients a positive impression before you ever even meet.

If you want to allow clients to contact you through the website, make sure you find a compatible customer relationship management (CRM) software that will make it easy to stay in touch with them through each step of the process. Some are also compatible with digital invoicing software that will help ensure you get paid on time.

Photography businesses can have a high startup cost, but if you have a strong vision and a unique niche, it’s a great place to nurture both creativity and business skills. Being the owner of a photography business can also be really rewarding because you might end up photographing the best day of someone’s life. If you’re working on headshots, that could also create a big change or success for your client. Nature photographers also capture some of the most beautiful moments in the world. Even with all of the startup costs, a photography business creates and memorializes priceless moments.

Do I need an LLC for my photography business?

It depends on how large you want your business to be, but it may be a good idea to form an LLC . This prevents disgruntled clients from being able to sue you for personal assets, and you can claim all of your photography equipment as business expenses on your taxes.

Do you need a license to be a photographer?

No, you do not. If you’re taking photos in private businesses, you’ll likely need their permission or an agreement of some kind. However, these are easy to put in place with a simple phone call.

How much does it cost to start a photography business?

Between business registration, computer equipment, software, cameras, lenses, backdrops and more, the startup costs for a photography business can add up quickly. While the total budget will vary depending on your unique situation, you should expect to spend at least $10,000 to get started.

Do I need to specialize in a certain type of photography?

While you can provide general photography and not specialize in a specific type or style of photography, becoming a specialist will help get your name out better and provide word-of-mouth opportunities from previous clients. There are several photography services that you can provide, including wedding photography, portrait photography, fashion photography, business photography, sports photography, wildlife photography, food photography, boudoir photography, photojournalism, travel photography and fine art photography. Specializing in one or more of these styles can help get your name out to the general public faster and also result in larger paydays if you have good skills.

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How to Start a Photography Business: The Definitive Guide

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Photography isn’t just a way of capturing a memory for many people. Photography is a fulfilling way to express yourself. It’s a way to interpret the world and make the invisible visible.

And for many who have strong photography skills, it’s a way to make a living and make photography a business.

Navigating the transition between photography as a hobby and creating a career by starting a photography business (or growing your photography business) can be tricky.

If you have strong photography skills and want to take the plunge and start your own photography business, there is much to consider.

Our team has helped hundreds of photographers start, grow, and market their photography businesses. And for the past fifteen years, I’ve mentored thousands of entrepreneurs formally through Techstars and Founder Institute and informally on starting and growing their businesses in photography and other industries. This guide shares actionable insights, experience, tips, and best practices.

With the right resources and strategies, starting a business as a photographer can be an inexpensive way to become an entrepreneur and your own boss.

How to Start a Photography Business:

• Develop and refine your photography business idea
• Write a business plan for your photography business

Hire an experienced business attorney

Decide your legal business structure, purchase business insurance.

• Set up accounting and bookkeeping

Assess your finances

Crunch the numbers, create a strong brand identity, build an online presence, create a sales plan, build your team, grow your photography business.

Develop and refine your business idea

Before you start your photography business, you must consider your strengths, weaknesses, and interests.

You probably know what kind of photography business you want to start. Maybe you want to start a wedding photography studio, or your heart is set on taking headshots and portraits.

No matter what angle you choose, evaluating existing businesses around you is important to see how much competition you’ll face.

Photography is a competitive industry.

More than 12,458 businesses in the U.S. specialize in photography. They collectively earn more than $6.5 billion per year. The industry is growing 2.5% annually and is forecast to grow 1.8% annually by 2024.

Despite the competition, a photography business can be fulfilling and rewarding.

Think about how you can integrate your natural skillset into your photography business to stand apart from your competition. Ask yourself the following questions, and take time to reflect on the answers:

• What skills set me apart?
• What is the purpose of my photography business?
• Who am I providing a service or product to?
• What is the maximum figure I can safely spend on this business?
• Do I need outside capital? How much?
• What kind of work/life balance am I looking to achieve?
• What are my expectations of being an entrepreneur?

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Find a niche

You’ll also want to consider the niche for your photography business.

Is your photography geared toward a particular group or segment of the population?

Are you looking to attract a particular demographic?

You’ll have a better chance at success if you start with a specific target audience.

Ensure you build your photography business to meet a specific niche’s needs to avoid overspending and underwhelming all of your potential customers.

You’re more likely to succeed if you start your photography business with a specific product or service designed for a particular group of people (for example, wedding photography or non-traditional weddings). And you’ll gain experience more quickly by concentrating on a specific area.

This is true for any business, not just a photography business. For example, in our definitive guide on  how to start a successful clothing brand or clothing line , we suggest that aspiring apparel entrepreneurs choose their niche too. Competing is too hard, especially when you start when you don’t specialize.

Here are some niches to consider when you explore the type of photography business you should start:

• Wedding photography business
• Fashion photography business
• Real estate photography business
• Portrait photography business (people and/or animals)
• Dog shows photography business
• Sports photography business
• Stock photography business
• Contract work photography business (covering local events, for example)
• Commercial photography business
• Local news photography business
• Image or video editing photography business (helping other photographers with edits)
• Product image photography business
• Food image photography business
• Travel photography business

Whatever type of photography niche you choose, make sure you’re passionate about it. That passion will come through everything you do, and your customers will appreciate and embrace your brand’s authenticity when you deliver photography services.

And be sure you assess your total addressable market to help you understand the opportunity better. Not every niche will be equally lucrative for photography businesses.

Write a photography business plan

Once you choose a niche for your photography company, it's time to write a business plan.

Although a business plan isn’t mandatory when starting a photography business, it can help you crystallize your business ideas .

A business plan is a document that outlines your business’s financial and operational goals. The business plan defines your company’s objectives and then provides specific information that shows how your company will reach those goals.

Your photography business plan doesn’t need to be 100 pages long. Numerous excellent templates can help you create a one-page business plan . Keep your business plan short and focus on the essential details. Think of your one-page business plan as a way to concisely summarize your business education about photography businesses.

Studies show that entrepreneurs who take the time to write a business plan are 2.5 times more likely to follow through and get their business off the ground. The work that goes into creating a business plan also helps new entrepreneurs build skills that will be invaluable later.

Your business plan should include a sales and marketing plan that defines your unique value proposition and how you will promote your business.

For actionable insights and free downloadable business plan templates, read this definitive guide on how to write a business plan .

Do market research

Before diving into your business plan, knowing the market you’re entering is important.

Business planning and marketing research help you to build a more successful photography business. This is true whether you’re just starting your new photography business or growing your photography business.

For example, if you’re planning to focus on weddings, assess the following:

• Who are your direct competitors? There may already be many wedding photographers in your area.
• Who are the top professional wedding photographers working in your geographic market?
• What makes the top wedding photographers in your area stand out from the rest of the competition? Sometimes, they stand out because they have strong photography skills. But some stand out because they have great business skills.

If you focus on real estate, your target audience might be real estate agents and professional home stagers. So, you’ll need to ask similar questions about that audience.

A lot of the work to come relies on information gleaned from market research. You mustn’t skip this stage so you have the data you need to make informed decisions.

There are two major types of market research: primary and secondary.

Primary research answers some key questions, such as:

• What factors do your potential customers consider when purchasing similar products or services?
• What do they think is working, and what needs improvement in their current choices?
• What do they like and dislike about the options currently available to them?
• What price do they pay? Do they feel it’s reasonable and provides good value?

You answer these questions by talking to potential customers. Surveys, focus groups, one-on-one interviews, and questionnaires are the tools of choice for primary research.

Secondary research is information pulled from existing sources.

Using currently available data, you can identify competitors and define your market segments or demographics. Key attributes like age range, lifestyle, and behavioral patterns are data points used to divide your target customers into segments.

Once you have this information, you’ll refer back to it repeatedly as you build and launch your business. Make sure you spend a decent amount of time collecting data, so your decisions are based on solid research.

Plan for all the necessary legal and logistical business considerations, and you’ll create a strong foundation for your photography business’s successful future.

Most small business owners dread talking with and hiring a business lawyer when starting a business. Some fear they’ll pay exorbitant legal fees or receive bad advice that will destroy their business. Others agonize over how to find a reasonably priced, competent business lawyer.

Here’s what you need to know to hire a good lawyer for your new photography company.

Most guides on how to start a photography business, or any other small business type, won’t include insights on hiring a lawyer. We think that’s a big omission because many businesses run into legal troubles, and by starting on the right path from the very beginning, you can reduce your business risk.

We’ve met many lawyers who are deal-killers. Overzealous and often inexperienced, they focus on the wrong issues and forget that their client needs the deal to move forward. When you talk with lawyers you’re considering hiring, ask them about one or two complicated negotiations and how they overcame obstacles.

Don’t make price your main criterion for hiring a lawyer.

Often, the least expensive lawyers are also less experienced – especially in the areas where you may need help. Paying a cheaper hourly rate might feel good initially, but in the end, you may end up paying far more than if you hired an experienced (more expensive) business lawyer in the first place.

Ensure your lawyer is familiar with a photography business’s peculiarities, has experience with clients starting a photography business, and has represented other photography businesses and small businesses.

Also – be clear about your budget and expectations. Your lawyer should understand that your budget is limited, and they should not waste it on irrelevant details.

Typically, the best time to start a relationship with a lawyer is before you start your photography company.

Too many people make the mistake of forming a company without consulting a lawyer. A good lawyer will help you find the right business structure for the business – and split ownership interests if you have co-owners – in ways that will protect everyone and give you flexibility going forward.

Before starting your photography business, you need to decide on the type of entity you need to register.

Your legal business structure affects everything, from how you file your taxes to your personal liability and whether you need to comply with any special additional requirements at the local, state, or national levels.

There are many different types of legal structures for various business entities . Choosing the best one for their photography business can feel overwhelming for new business owners.

Here are some of the major business entities you should look into:

• Sole proprietorship – this is the most basic business entity. A sole proprietorship means one person is solely responsible for a business’s profits and debts.
• Partnership – A partnership is a shared responsibility between two or more people who hold personal liability for a business.
• Limited Liability Company (LLC) – a structure that permits owners, partners, or shareholders to limit personal liability but still includes tax and flexibility benefits associated with a partnership.
• Corporation – this is an entity legally considered separate from its owners. Corporations can own property, be held liable, pay taxes, and enter contracts.

As a creative professional, chances are you’re starting small. Setting up a sole proprietorship or partnership may be the best fit if you’re going it solo, especially if your business will be home-based when you start.

It’s important to consider your future business goals, however. You want to choose a business structure that can accommodate the growth and expansion of your business.

Hire an expert to form your company and save time. Our trusted partners can help: Northwest ($39 + state fee) or Bizee ($199 + state fee) . We recommend Northwest. After evaluating the leading registration companies, Northwest stands out as our top choice due to its competitive pricing, exceptional customer support, and commitment to privacy. Pay just $39 + state fees and you'll get a free year of registered agent service, articles of organization, privacy, and client support from local experts.

Once you decide on your legal business structure, register with the government (typically your state and sometimes your municipality) and the IRS.

Your business structure determines the forms you need and where to register.

You can find a full list of the forms for each entity type on the SBA website . You can also find state-specific tax obligations on the same site.

You may sometimes need federal, state, or local business licenses and permits. The SBA’s database lets you search for business licensing requirements by state and business type. And remember to contact your municipality to see if there are local licensing or registration requirements. You’ll sometimes need to get a business license from your municipality too.

You may also need an employer identification number (EIN) from the IRS.

This is not required if you’re a sole owner and don’t have employees. But you might want to get an EIN anyway to keep your personal and business taxes separate and ensure you can quickly hire when the time comes to expand your business.

The IRS has a useful checklist to help you decide whether you need an EIN to run your business.

If you do need an EIN, you can register online for free.

Also, remember that most states require you to register your business if the trade name you operate your business differs from your business’s legal name.

For example, suppose your registered company is an LLC, and the business name is Three Brothers, LLC. In that case, you cannot operate that business lawfully in most states if you’re selling products under the business name Three Tigers Photography. That’s because the registered name, and your trade name, are different.

Fortunately, this is not a difficult problem to overcome. You can simply register your actual trade name with your state (and or local government) by filing a “doing business as” (DBA) certificate. DBAs are also commonly called “assumed name,” “fictitious business name,” or “trade name.” Here’s a terrific resource that explains what a DBA is, the DBA state requirements, and how to file a DBA  for your business in all 50 states and U.S. territories.

You’d be surprised how many new business owners forget to protect themselves and their businesses by purchasing insurance before starting their business.

It doesn’t help to buy insurance after starting your business and incur claims.

Business insurance can cover property damage, theft, intellectual property lawsuits, and other incidents. Those can be very costly to small businesses, and you must protect yourself and your new business. This is true even if your business is home-based, as your home insurance might not cover your business.

Depending on your photography business niche market, you may need photographer insurance to bid for jobs or secure client work. Some companies require all of their vendors and contractors to have insurance.

And if you employ people, you’ll need workers’ compensation and unemployment insurance. Coverage varies by location, and many general liability (GL) policies will cover workers’ compensation.

As a provider of photography services, you’ll want professional liability insurance so you’re protected against possible claims. You probably also have lots of expensive photography equipment, and ensuring those against theft, damage, or worse will ensure you’re prepared if disaster strikes.

Here’s a good read on the different types of insurance you should consider as a business owner.

Set up business accounting and bookkeeping

You'll need to set up a bookkeeping and accounting system to keep track of your finances when starting a photography company. Understanding your business’s cash flow is important and will also be important for tax-filing purposes.

Here’s what you need to know about accounting and bookkeeping for your new photography business.

Business accounting is how your business records, organizes, interprets, and presents financial information. Accountants analyze the financial condition of a business to help the business owner make better decisions.

Bookkeeping is recording, organizing, storing, and retrieving financial information related to your business.

Accounting services and bookkeeping do overlap. The main difference between the two is that bookkeeping is how you record and categorize financial information. In contrast, accounting puts the information to use through business analysis , strategy, and tax planning.

Start by hiring a bookkeeper

A great bookkeeper is not the same as an accountant. Many business owners hire a bookkeeper with simple goals: keep them organized, pay their bills, and prepare to hand off all necessary financials to the accountant.

Typically, bookkeepers are less expensive than CPAs (certified public accountants) and can be trusted to record and organize your day-to-day business transactions, keep your bank accounts balanced, produce simple reports, and assist with keeping your financial records in order.

Many small businesses will use an outside bookkeeper, paid hourly, to handle all entries, pay all the bills, and manage invoicing and receivables . Having help with this aspect of managing a small company can be indispensable, and the time it can free for a busy owner is invaluable. Plus, you generally won’t need to buy accounting software since the bookkeeper you hire likely already owns such software.

Review your accounting processes annually and make adjustments

Do not underestimate the importance of a periodic review of your bookkeeping, accounting, and tax strategies. At your peril, you neglect to look hard at the systems you have in place and the people managing those systems.

Are you doing your accounting most productively and cost-effectively? Does your CPA have the right level of industry knowledge to advise? Does your tax preparer have the skills and expertise to keep you (and your investors) on the right side of the law? And finally (the big one), can you find ways to reduce your expenses while maintaining high-quality controls?

Take the time to reconsider your overall accounting strategy and find ways to strengthen and improve it.

When you start a photography company, assessing your finances and startup costs is crucial. These numbers include tracking your sales and profits - but a smart business must account for much more than sales alone.

Business finance uses your company’s financial information to help you manage your money and make your photography business operations profitable and sustainable.

You have many business financing options.

That’s important because you need to determine your startup costs, how you’ll fund your new business, and how you’ll grow the business.

You’ll have difficulty building a sustainable, profitable business if you don’t understand the numbers.

Be extra careful to conserve your startup funds when starting a photography business. Don’t overspend.

Some purchases (like a professional camera for macro photography and a backup camera, plus lenses, memory cards, and other equipment) will be necessary and could make sense for your photography business. Still, others, like expensive and unnecessary equipment or a fancy car, will threaten your small business’s survivability.

You’ll need to set up a bookkeeping and accounting system to keep track of your finances. We talked about this above. Understanding your business’s cash flow is important and will also be important for tax-filing purposes. Your accounting and bookkeeping system will include income, expenses, capital expenditures, profit, loss, EBITDA, etc.

When you start a small business, you must track your sales and profits – but a smart business must account for much more than sales alone.

For example, many photography businesses tend to work on a contract. That means you must prepare for inconsistent revenue’s ups and downs. You need to know how much revenue you need to cover when things are leaner.

As you may be a company of one, you should also plan for health and life insurance and budget for vacations. Don’t be one of those entrepreneurs who never take time to step away for a while. Everyone needs a break, and your budget should consider that.

Here’s a simple budget you can use as a reference point when starting your photography business. This budget doesn’t include a studio or office space. All prices are one-time purchases or annual estimates.

• Two professional high-quality cameras : $2,000 to $5,000 each
• Camera accessories (bags, batteries, grips, etc.): $1,000 to $1,500 total
• Lenses: $1,000+ each
• Flashes (at least two): $700 to $1,000 each
• Lighting accessories (lights, tripods, reflectors): $1,000 to $2,500 total
• Backdrops: $500 to $1,000 total
• Props: $250 total
• Equipment travel cases: $500 to $1,000
• Multiple memory cards: $50+ each
• Two external drives: $120 each (backups)
• A computer: $1,500 to $2,000
• Reliable car or van: $ varies
• Website ( Wix , Zenfolio , SmugMug , Squarespace ): $60+ (annual)
• Lightroom and Photoshop subscription from Adobe: $120 per year
• Business name and company logo : $500 to $1,000 (one time)
• Business licenses and permits: $150+ annual
• Insurance: $600 (annual)
• Accounting and taxes : $500 to $1,000 per year (annual)
• Contracts: free to $1,000+ (annual)
• Business cards: $50+ (annual)

Optional expenses (these are not essential but will help you to build a stronger photography business):

• Video equipment if you will also shoot video
• Business training ( Lynda.com classes, small business coach, photography business paid groups)
• Assistant and other staff
• Studio and office space
• professional quality photography printer
• Photography workshops and classes
• Marketing materials

Managing a content-rich website poses unique challenges for photography businesses and could increase costs. Selecting a Content Management System (CMS) that offers comprehensive organizational capabilities, especially to help you organize WordPress media files and folders ,  is crucial.

Once you know how much it will cost to get you started, compare that with your funds. Then plan how you’ll make up any difference.

Even if you start a home-based photography business, you’ll still incur costs, so pay careful attention to your budget.

Run calculations to determine how much it will cost to create your business, allowing you to plan and think about pricing.

For example, if your goal is to make $75,000 per year after all expenses, and you plan to shoot weddings, you’ll need to figure out your expenses, how much you will charge per wedding (most professional photographers charge between $100 and $250 USD per hour (which typically works out as $25 to $100 per final edited photograph), and how many weddings you’ll need to shoot every year to reach your goal.

Every photography business is different. Or better put: you must differentiate your photography business to stand out from competitors.

Crafting a memorable visual identity is crucial to any creative professional’s success. This identity is increasingly important as Instagram and other social media blur the lines between a professional and a hobbyist.

As we’ve previously discussed ,

…your brand is your company’s public identity. Ideally, your brand should embody the best (and most essential) attributes of your company.

A brand represents how people know you and your business. It affects how customers perceive your reputation or the reputation of your company.

A strong brand is more important than ever in today’s competitive creative market.

Ask yourself these important questions:

• What identity/personality do I want my creative brand to project?
• Who will want my products or services?
• What can customers get from my products or services that they can’t get anywhere else?
• What can customers get from working with me that they can’t get anywhere else?
• What are my brand values?
• What is the most important part of my customers’ experience?

Your answers to these questions (and others like them) will build your brand’s core. All of your future branding decisions should expand on these ideas. Your business name , company logo , and website design should all grow from the concepts you laid out here.

If you feel stuck when thinking about visual design for your photography brand, look at these creative photography logo styles .

Remember that your business name plays a role in almost every aspect of your business. If you’re struggling to name your photography business and need ideas, look at the photography business name generator .

Whenever you make personal appearances, carry business cards  and  brochures in case people want to learn more about your services and give them your contact information. That’s a great way to find new clients.

Happy clients who love your photography will ask for extra business cards to share with friends and colleagues.

Some small business owners delay building a strong brand identity because they worry they might not have a huge budget. This delay can hurt you. You don’t have to spend thousands of dollars building a strong brand identity. Here are a few pricing guides that can help you identify the sweet spot for pricing:

• How much should a logo design cost?
• How much do business cards cost?
• How much should brochure design cost?
• How much does website design cost?

If you’ve already started your photography business but are unhappy with your branding, this is the perfect time to rebrand your photography business .

A photographer's calling card is their portfolio and work samples. Today that means having a professionally designed website.

Customers choose creative services based on the brand, the person behind it, and the quality of the work presented to them.

The most effective way for creatives to show off their skills and personality is through their web presence.

Don’t believe us? A recent study shows that 97% of consumers research their purchases online before they buy something.

Start by ensuring that your website design truly embodies your brand. Visitors should understand who you are, the services you offer, your style, and the quality of your work.

Your website’s design and marketing copy should project your brand’s voice and identity. Here are some suggestions:

• Use your brand’s colors .
• If you are the primary employee, include a photo and bio. Customers want to know the person behind the site.
• Be authentic and avoid marketing “happy talk.” Speak the same language as your customers.
• Include high-quality examples of your work.
• Give site visitors an easy way to get in contact with you.

Aim to create a site that builds your brand, establishes your approach and style, and communicates your business’s value proposition. As with personality-driven fields (like real estate sales and other creative services), people are not just buying your services; they’re buying a relationship with you.

Self-hosted open-source portfolio apps allow you to combine your uniquely branded website with a gallery of your work.

Check out WordPress if you’re looking for a self-hosted solution. Many WordPress plugins are created specifically for photographers. For example, because photographers include many images on their portfolio sites, use an easy WordPress Image Optimizer like Imagify . After comparing many optimization plugins, that’s the one we use and love on the crowdspring blog.

Don’t use stock images or stock photography when building a web presence. After all, you’re trying to promote your unique photography business. Stock images will send the wrong image to your target clients.

Finally, a strong website design will lend credibility and legitimacy to your business. To learn more about great website design, check out Grow Your Small Business With These 7 Website Design Best Practices and 11 biggest web design trends for 2022.

Never forget the power of good old-fashioned market research when you’re ready to open your photography business.

Not every option will be cost-effective or practical; you should understand what choices will work best for your business.

Your photography business won’t succeed if you just take pictures. You can’t ignore the business side.

You need to create a photography business roadmap for your new business. As a starting point, ask yourself these questions:

• How will you sell your products or services?
• Will you work full-time or part-time as a professional photographer?
• What photo editing software will you need to create memorable photos for your clients?
• What will you choose as your pricing structure?
• Will you accept credit cards?
• Will you have a client referral program?
• How will you book clients?
• Do you need office space or studio space to meet with clients, or will you operate your business as a home-based photography business?
• What customer expectations will you set when you offer your services?
• How will you provide customer service for customers who have questions or problems?

Photography work can be a personal, intimate service, so a hands-on approach is often more effective and successful. Your website can help you generate leads , but your success is based just as much on the customers you say no to as the ones you say yes to.

What does this mean? It means getting up from the computer and on the phone.

You can’t just take pictures and ignore sales and marketing.

A quick call with a prospective customer can establish whether you’re a good fit for their needs. It saves you and your customer time and effort if there isn’t a good match.

This pre-work leads to the second part of your sales plan: the in-person consultation. You want to meet with your client before you pick up your camera so that you can work out their needs, expectations, and any critical factors in advance.

The ultimate goal is for your client to buy your work. You may have your particular style or aesthetic, but you also want to capture your customers wants. The in-person meeting is when you can establish these criteria.

Another part of your sales plan is what happens after completing the work. Post-sales customer care can be a place where you differentiate yourself from your competitors.

Present your work to your customers personally, and walk them through your thoughts and comments about the project. Many professional photographers are content to send clients and potential clients a link to an online selection of photos. An online gallery may be efficient for both parties but may turn your work into a commodity.

Add a personal perspective when you share your work so your clients and potential clients understand your thought process. Creating a great sales experience throughout the project can bolster work-of-mouth referrals.

Word-of-mouth is a powerful marketing tool, especially for professional photographers. As we wrote :

In fact, customers referred to a product are more valuable. A Wharton School of Business study found that referred customers have a 16% higher lifetime value and are more loyal.

Consider your sales plan beforehand to capitalize on every opportunity to close the sale and generate more. And remember to build an email list to update your and prospective clients about your photography business.

There’s a time in almost every entrepreneur’s career when you feel like you’re going it alone.

When you first start your photography business, there’s a good chance that you will be.

For your business to scale and grow, however, you’ll need help.

Many photography businesses are started by sole entrepreneurs who hire experienced professionals to handle specific business parts.

Whether you hire employees or work with contractors depends on your particular business.

At first, you should only hire for positions that provide the most immediate benefit to your business.

There’s no one right answer for what those positions might be – every business is different. As you plan what positions to hire, consider what aspects of the company pose the most significant challenge. It’s also crucial to recognize your limitations.

Hire an employee who is an expert in areas your business lacks expertise. Build a robust and well-rounded team to create a stable foundation for your business.

With all of that in mind, where should you start?

You may want your first hire to be a part-time assistant. Look for someone who is a jack-of-all-trades, eager to learn new skills, and with a strong work ethic. You’ll sleep better if you have someone in the trenches with you that you can rely on. And you’ll likely need someone to help you with photography equipment at photoshoots. And if you’re a great photographer but less skilled with photo editing, look for an expert with photo editing software.

If you’re new to marketing, a marketer can help you strategize your business.

One position you’ll need to fill is an accountant or bookkeeper. You need to track your expenses and revenue and keep good records for tax season.

The Legal Stuff

Of course, hiring staff or consultants for your photography business means you’ll have to deal with all sorts of legalities and paperwork. Hiring and signing contracts with professional service providers isn’t an area where you should “wing it.”

We went straight to the source to help you with some of the legal issues to consider. The hiring experts at Indeed recommend that you:

• Get an Employer Identification Number (EIN) by applying on the IRS website (you’ll get your number immediately after applying!).
• Register with your state’s labor department.
• Fill out paperwork to withhold federal taxes from your employee’s wages.
• Set up workers’ compensation insurance if it is required in your state.

You’ll also need to decide whether you hire full- or part-time employees.

Part-time employees cost less. These cost savings can be an advantage when you first get started. As your business grows and you can afford it, you can expand their hours.

Full-time employees also require more paperwork to get set up. To gain complete insight into the hiring process, read Indeed’s step-by-step guide, “ How to Hire Employees .”

Your business is ready to go – your brand is a masterpiece of consistency and charm, your legal and business plans are all squared away, and you have a solid team behind your business.

Here comes the fun part – introducing your business to customers!

Look into newspapers and local magazines, trade shows, and public events where you can bring your brand and your work to the people. Any outlet that makes sense for your small business is one you should seek out.

Give your prospective customers an intimate view of your work and your business. You’ll want to develop a content marketing strategy to grow your business.

As a new, up-and-coming small business owner, social media is an inexpensive and easy outlet for all of the beautiful work you’ve created. As we previously explained ,

Social media gives you the ability to easily keep customers up-to-date on new products, store policies or sales. It also enables you to build a social rapport with current customers, while building low-pressure relationships with future buyers.

Maintaining Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook presence is important to build a following and connect with your market niche on social media. With the advent of micro-influencers , the potential reach a new business now has, especially on social media, is truly massive.

Most of your new business will likely come from word-of-mouth referrals. And as a result, your social media presence should be managed with intent.

Instagram is an obvious priority for photography businesses. You can post examples of your work to the platform, connect with customers, and use it to build your personal brand. But Instagram (and other platforms like Facebook) can also be where you post behind-the-scenes photos and videos to give prospective and potential clients an insider’s eye to your business.

There’s a lot to think about when starting a photography business.

But with this complete guide on how to start a photography business, you’ll have a competitive advantage to start on the right path to success.

Additional Resources for Photographers

If you want to sell your photos to stock image sites, here are the sites you should consider:

• BigStockPhoto
• Candidly Images
• CanStockPhoto
• DepositPhotos
• FreeDigitalPhotos.net
• Instaprints
• iStockPhoto
• Lobster.media
• ShutterPoint
• Shutterstock

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Photography Business Plan Template

Written by Dave Lavinsky

Photography Business Plan Outline

• Photography Business Plan Home
• 1. Executive Summary
• 2. Company Overview
• 3. Industry Analysis
• 4. Customer Analysis
• 5. Competitive Analysis
• 6. Marketing Plan
• 7. Operations Plan
• 8. Management Team
• 9. Financial Plan

Start Your Photography Plan Here

Photography Business Plan

You’ve come to the right place to create your Photography business plan.

We have helped over 1,000 entrepreneurs and business owners create business plans and many have used them to start or grow their Photography business.

Below are links to each section of a sample photography business plan. It can be used to create a wedding photography business plan, a commercial photography business plan, a portrait photography studio business plan or any other type of photography business plan.

1. Executive Summary 2. Company Overview 3. Industry Analysis 4. Customer Analysis 5. Competitive Analysis 6. Marketing Plan 7. Operations Plan 8. Management Team 9. Financial Plan

Next Section: Executive Summary >

Photography Business Plan FAQs

What is a photography business plan.

A photography business plan is a plan to start and/or grow your photography business. Among other things, it outlines your business concept, identifies your target customers, presents your marketing plan and details your financial projections.

You can  easily complete your photography business plan using our Photography Business Plan Template here .

What Are the Main Types of Photography Businesses?

There are many types of photography businesses depending on the style of photography and target market. The most common and profitable type is event photography. Other types are stock photography, family/baby photography, travel, school, photojournalism and social media photography.

No matter what type of photography business you plan to start, you need a solid photography business plan. You can quickly complete your photography business plan using our Photography Business Plan Template here .

What Are the Main Sources of Revenues and Expenses for a Photography Business?

The primary source of revenue for photography businesses are service fees for photoshoots and video, licensing fees and photo editing. Other revenues are also generated from product sales like prints, albums, cards, wall prints and canvas.

The key expenses for photography businesses are equipment expense, advertising, transportation, and labor or professional fees.

How Do You Get Funding for Your Photography Studio Business Plan?

Photography businesses are typically funded through small business loans, personal savings and credit card financing.

This is true for a wedding photographer, pet photography business, commercial photography business, a portrait photography business or any other type of photography services.

Download your plan in word or PDF to share with investors.

What are the Steps To Start a Photography Business?

Starting a photography business can be an exciting endeavor. Having a clear roadmap of the steps to start a business will help you stay focused on your goals and get started faster.

1. Develop A Photography Business Plan - The first step in starting a business is to create a detailed business plan for a photography business that outlines all aspects of the venture. This should include potential market size and target customers, data on the photography industry, the services or products you will offer, pricing strategies and a detailed financial forecast.  You can quickly complete your photography business plan using our Photography Business Plan Template here .

2. Choose Your Legal Structure - It's important to select an appropriate legal entity for your photography business. This could be a limited liability company (LLC), corporation, partnership, or sole proprietorship. Each type has its own benefits and drawbacks so it’s important to do research and choose wisely so that your photography business is in compliance with local laws.

3. Register Your Photography Business - Once you have chosen a legal structure, the next step is to register your photography business with the government or state where you’re operating from. This includes obtaining licenses and permits as required by federal, state, and local laws. 

4. Identify Financing Options - It’s likely that you’ll need some capital to start your photography business, so take some time to identify what financing options are available such as bank loans, investor funding, grants, or crowdfunding platforms. 

5. Choose a Location - Whether you plan on operating out of a physical location or not, you should always have an idea of where you’ll be based should it become necessary in the future as well as what kind of space would be suitable for your operations. 

6. Hire Employees - There are several ways to find qualified employees including job boards like LinkedIn or Indeed as well as hiring agencies if needed – depending on what type of employees you need it might also be more effective to reach out directly through networking events. 

7. Acquire Necessary Photography Equipment & Supplies - In order to start your photography business, you'll need to purchase all of the necessary equipment and supplies to run a successful operation. 

8. Market & Promote Your Business - Once you have all the necessary pieces in place, it’s time to start promoting and marketing your photography business. This includes creating a website, utilizing social media platforms like Facebook or Twitter, and having an effective Search Engine Optimization (SEO) strategy. You should also consider traditional marketing techniques such as radio or print advertising. 

Learn more about how to start a successful photography business and photography business planning:

• How to Start a Photography Business

Where Can I Get a Photography Business Plan PDF?

You can download our free photography business plan template PDF here . This is a sample photography business plan template you can use in PDF format.

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How to Start a Photography Business: 6 Helpful Steps

If you’re thinking about starting a photography business, you’ve probably got a lot of questions.

Is it worth the work? What are the pros and cons? How much money can you make? What equipment do you need? Should you specialize in a particular type of photography? How can you get clients?

There’s a lot to consider.

Still, if you love taking photographs and you’re willing to put in the work, it’s possible to earn a good living from your passion. As  Walt Disney once said , “All our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them.”

In this article, we’ll run through how to start a photography business step-by-step.

The Pros and Cons of Starting a Photography Business

Hobbies and businesses are two very different things.

So, before you turn your passion into a livelihood, take a moment to consider the pros and cons of starting a photography business.

5 Pros of Starting a Photography Business

1. make money from your passion.

The ancient Chinese philosopher Confucius once said , “Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.”

If you decide to start a photography business, you’ll have the opportunity to spend a lot of your time doing the thing you love: taking photographs.

2. Find Meaning in Your Work

Photographers are hired to capture and preserve special moments forever. Whether the subject is nature, family portraits, weddings, or etc, photographers can find much meaning in their work.

3. Meet New People

Whether you meet people at weddings, in your portrait studio, or on location taking wildlife pictures, photography can be a great way to meet lots of new and interesting people. Most cities even have active meetup.com groups, who meet regularly to socialize.

4. Flexibility

Running a photography business can provide a lot of flexibility to you and your family. Unlike a traditional nine-to-five, you’re in complete control of your schedule. This makes it easier to prioritize childcare, vacations, and time with those you love.

5. Travel Opportunities

Do you love to travel and experience new places? Many photographers make travel a regular part of their work. Simply book clients in locations you’d like to visit.

5 Cons of Starting a Photography Business

1. Expensive Equipment Costs

Depending on how much equipment you already have, it can be expensive to purchase everything you need to start a photography business.

2. Fickle Customers

Some customers can be difficult or draining. Also, some events can be stressful and bring out the worst in people. For example, if you decide to photograph weddings, you may come across the occasional “bridezilla.”

3. Unsociable Working Hours

Many photography shoots happen outside of normal working hours during the evenings and weekends. This can make it challenging to spend time with friends and family who work or go to school during the week.

4. Inconsistent Income

As with any small business, income isn’t always consistent, and it can take time to build a regular flow of work. When starting, you’ll likely experience surges and dips in your income. 

5. You Could Spoil Your Passion

As mentioned above, hobbies and businesses differ in many ways. Turning your hobby into a business can take the fun and spontaneity out of it, and photography could end up feeling like boring, tedious work.

9 Photography Business Ideas

The most successful photographers specialize in a particular type of photography. Why? In short, specialists are most sought after than generalists.

Think about it: If you’re getting married, would you rather hire a general photographer or someone who specializes in weddings?

So, before you start your photography business, take some time to decide what type of photography business you want to run.

To help, here’s a list of nine common photography business ideas.

1. Wedding Photography Business

Wedding photographers are needed to help capture and preserve every couple’s big day.

2. Portrait Photography Business

Families, actors, models, and business people all need a portrait photographer from time-to-time.

3. Real Estate Photography Business

Realtors, property managers, homeowners, hotels, and even Airbnb hosts all need stunning photos to help them market their properties.

4. Travel Photography Business

Travel photographers provide stunning photographs to countries, cities, magazines, blogs, hotels, and tourist attractions. These photographs can be used for entertainment or promotional purposes.

5. Event Photography Business

Event photographers are needed for birthday parties, graduations, business events, and religious celebrations.

6. Food Photography Business

Restaurants, food brands, and advertising agencies often use specialist food photographers to showcase their products or menu items.

7. Fashion Photography Business

Designers, magazines, and runway events all need fashion photographers to capture and promote the latest styles and creations.

8. Sports Photography Business

Sports photographers specialize in capturing the excitement, action, and drama of sports events.

9. Product Photography Business

Businesses selling products need presentable photos to use for marketing and sales.

How to Start a Photography Business?

Now, you’re probably wondering:

How Much Does It Cost to Start a Photography Business?

Before you start a photography business, it helps to have a rough idea of how much getting set up will cost – especially as professional photography equipment isn’t cheap.

So, how much does it cost to start a photography business? 

Well, Jamie Swanson , a wedding photographer in Wisconsin, USA, calculated the total costs of starting two different types of photography businesses. Here’s what she found:

• Total costs of starting a portrait photography business: $8,524 – $12,319
• Total costs of starting a wedding photography business: $13,182 – $16,977

She summarized by saying, “For less than $10,000, you can start a portrait photography business and for less than $15,000, you can start a wedding photography business.”

Okay, but what exactly do you need all of this money for?

What Do I Need to Start a Photography Business?

If you’ve been an amateur photographer for a while, you may already have most of the equipment you need.

Still, you should consider whether the quality of your equipment is high enough to produce work that you can confidently charge for.

What’s more, you’ll likely need to purchase some additional equipment and services to run your photography business. 

Here’s a list of everything you may need to start a photography business.

Photography Equipment

Let’s start by running through the gear you’ll need when setting up a photography business.

1. Professional Camera

Of course, the most important piece of equipment you’ll need is a professional-grade camera. Before you purchase a camera, make sure to do plenty of research on the best make and model for your type of photography.

2. Backup Camera

As a professional photographer, it’s always good practice to have a high-quality backup camera. That way, if you’re ever mid-shoot and something goes wrong with your camera, you can continue the shoot. 

Just imagine if you were hired to photograph a wedding and your camera broke during the vowels!

Every photographer needs a set of professional lenses to capture their subjects. Again, make sure to research the types of lenses most suitable for your style of photography.

Tripods are a vital piece of equipment for all photographers. Not only do they help keep your camera steady, but they also allow you to take many photos of a subject without altering your frame.

5. Camera Bag

Professional-grade cameras and lenses aren’t cheap, so be sure to protect them from damage with a dedicated camera bag. These bags also make it easier to organize and access your gear while out on a shoot.

6. Lighting

Great photographs require great lighting. Although natural lighting is often best, you’ll need to get some lighting equipment or reflectors to help you take great photos when there’s not enough sunlight. 

7. Backdrops

If you plan on starting a portrait photography business, you’ll need to create or purchase some backdrops.

Depending on the type of photographs you plan to take, you may want to source some props. For example, if you’re an events photographer, you could gather some party props like oversized glasses and silly hats.

9. Reliable Car or Van

As a professional photographer, your livelihood will depend on your ability to provide a quality service to clients. In other words, turning up late – or not at all – because your car broke down is very bad for business. Make sure that you have reliable transportation for you and your gear.

10. Studio Space

Depending on the type of photographs you plan to take, you may need to purchase or rent some studio space. Alternatively, you could create a small studio in your home.

11. Computer

You’ll need a reliable computer to market your business, edit photos, and manage your photo files.

12. Editing Software

You’ll also need some professional photo editing software like Photoshop and Lightroom to fine-tune your photographs.

If you use a desktop computer with a large screen for photo editing, you may also want to invest in a laptop to edit on-the-go.

14. External Hard Drive

High-quality digital photos can take up a lot of hard drive space on your computer – and this can slow your computer down. Instead, invest in an external hard drive to store your photo files.

15. Photo Printer

If you plan on offering prints to your clients, you may want to consider investing in a photo printer. Alternatively, you could locate a local printing service to use whenever you need to print photos for clients.

16. Smartphone with a Quality Camera

Although you’ll need to use your professional-grade camera for shoots, you can use your smartphone to capture behind-the-scenes content for social media. You can use this content to promote your photography business.

17. Mobile Photography Apps

You may also want to download some photo editing apps to polish your smartphone photos before you share them online. Check out Snapseed , Lightroom CC , Scratch Photos , and Photoshop Express (picture below).

Marketing Tools

Now that you’ve got your gear sorted let’s take a look at some of the tools you’ll need to market your photography business.

18. Website and Online Portfolio

You’ll need a professional website that presents your services and showcases your previous work. (More on this later.)

19. Social Media Channels

It can help to be active on social media platforms like Facebook , Instagram , Pinterest , and LinkedIn . You can use these channels to promote your work and network with potential clients.

20. Business Cards

Business cards are a tried-and-true form of personal marketing. Always keep a few with you and share them with new contacts at events and shoots. To create yours, check out services like Vistaprint , Office Depot , and Staples.

Operational Tools

Now, let’s take a look at some tools to manage your business operations.

21. Payment System

As a business, you’ll need an efficient way to collect payments from clients. Ideally, this system would allow you to take payments online, over the phone, and in person.

A cost-effective and straightforward way to do this is to use Shopify's Point of Sale system . 

Shopify is a complete commerce solution that you can use to build your website, manage your business, and take payments.

22. Business License

You may need to register your business with your local or state government. Make sure to look into the requirements for photography businesses in your area.

23. Insurance

Accidents happen. You may wish to purchase business or equipment insurance to help protect you if things go wrong.

24. Accounting Software

When you become self-employed, you’ll need to keep track of your finances and submit tax returns. You may want to consider using an accounting program to help, such as Freshbooks , Quickbooks , or Xero .

25. Client Contracts

Whenever you get a new client or project, it’s good practice to have the other party sign a contract. This helps to protect you if things go wrong and clarifies to both parties what’s expected from the arrangement. You could purchase contract templates or hire a local lawyer to create contracts for you.

26. PPA Membership

You may wish to become a member of the Professional Photographers of America . This is an organization that provides resources, advice, and education to professional photographers. 

How Much Do Photographers Charge?

If you’re wondering how to start a photography business, you’re probably also wondering, “how much do photographers charge?”

Although there’s no fixed answer to this question, we can explore some averages to get a general idea.

According to the business platform Fash , professional photographers often charge between $100 and $250 USD per hour. This typically works out as $25 to $100 per final edited photograph.

It’s important to note that how much a photographer earns is mostly dependent on their level of skill, experience, and the type of photography they’re doing. Check out the image below to learn more.

What’s more, average day rates for photography services range from $300 to $500 for birthday parties and $1,000 to $3,000 for weddings.

Also, remember that this is what photographers charge – it isn’t what photographers make.

Although a photographer may charge $200 per hour, they need to subtract the cost of administration, travel, marketing, equipment, and editing time. Once they’ve taken these additional costs into account, their take-home pay will be less.

How to Name Your Photography Business

When naming your photography business, there are two basic options available:

• Use your name and simply call you business, “Jane Smith Photography” or “Jane Smith Wedding Photography.”
• Create a new brand name for your photography services, like “Luxe Photography” or “Luxe Wedding Photography.”

If you chose option number one, you’re all set.

However, if you choose option two, there are a few things to consider. To start, you need to choose a name that fits the type of photography business you’re starting.

For example, “Happily Ever After Photography” will work nicely if you're photographing weddings. But it might not work so well if you’re shooting corporate business conferences.

To help brainstorm ideas, check out Shopify’s business name generator .

Next, you need to make sure that your business name isn’t already trademarked. In the US, to get started with this process, perform a TESS trademark search on the USPTO website using the “basic word mark search” function.

It’s also worth searching Google to see if another business is already using the name or using a similar name that could be confused, like “Happily Ever After Videography .”

If you find someone else using the name, it’s best to avoid it and find something original.

How to Brand Your Photography Business

Before you can start marketing your photography business, you’ll need to create your brand visuals.

This means choosing a visual style, colors, and fonts. You can use these visuals on your website, social media channels, business card, and any other marketing materials you create. 

It also helps to create a professional logo. You can do this for free with Hatchful .

It took just a few minutes to create the logo below. And as you can see from the image, Hatchful provides ready-made branding images optimized for social media.

How to Market Your Photography Business

Now comes the most important part of starting a photography business: landing clients. To do this, you need to market your services.

But before you start marketing your photography business, it helps to have a portfolio of work to showcase your skills. And the easiest way to display your photography portfolio is by building a professional website. 

You can do this with a service like Shopify . This service has tons of website themes built specifically for art and photography businesses.

To learn more about building your photography website, check out our guide, How to Make a Website.

Once you have an online portfolio, you can start marketing your photography business.

Begin by posting on social media and reaching out to people in your network to ask if they know anyone who may be interested in your services. It’s not uncommon for a photographer's first few clients to be people they know.

Also, make sure that you always have some business cards in your bag to give to people you meet.

Once you’ve done these steps, start networking in Facebook groups related to your target market. For example, if you’re a wedding photographer in New York, you might want to join New York Weddings .

You could also attend trade shows and events in your target market. For example, if you’re a pet photographer you could find many potential clients at dog shows.

Summary: How to Start a Photography Business

If you’re wondering how to start a photography business, here are some steps you can take:

• Weigh the pros and cons
• Specialize in a particular type of photography, such as weddings, fashion, or portraits
• Figure out how much it will cost you to get started
• Gather your equipment, like cameras, lenses, and editing software
• Get your business in order with a payment system, business license, insurance, and contracts
• Work out your pricing model
• Choose a name for your photography business
• Create a logo, and brand your business
• Start marketing your business

Turning your hobby into your livelihood can be very rewarding. Good luck!

Want to Learn More

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FAQs on How to Start a Photography Business

How much money does it take to start a photography business.

Many photographers budget at least $5,000 to get started, but the actual figure depends on what type of business you are planning to start.

Portrait photography incurs lower starting costs than wedding photography, for example. How much you need also depends on your marketing budget, equipment, and what your long-term business goals are. 

How can I start a photography business with no money?

Here are some ways to start a photography business with no money:

• Don't buy equipment, rent it instead
• Learn the basics of photography from free courses and videos available online
• Brush up on your skills by practicing with friends and family
• Invest some time into building your business website instead of outsourcing it to others

How do I start my photography career?

The main camera aside, you'll also need equipment like a backup camera, lenses, a tripod, a camera bag, proper lighting, backdrops, props, a computer or laptop, and editing software.

You may also require marketing and operational tools if you're starting your own photography business.

Essential Guide: How to Start a Photography Business

R unning a photography business is 10 percent actually taking pictures. From start up costs to gathering clients, we’re covering how to start a photography business step by step.

• Draft A Business Plan
• Have A Portfolio
• Create a Photography Website
• Get Photography Tools
• Start Shooting
• Implement A Retouch System
• Stay on Top of Clients
• Start an Advertising Push
• Reinvest Profits

How to Start a Photography Business

1. draft a photography business plan.

Photography and business seem like opposite words.

But when starting a photography business, you need to remove the former from the equation entirely.

Whether you’re laying bricks or playing with pyrotechnics for money , you need a business plan.

Your photography business plan will outline what your business’ long term plan is, what your business is, and how you plan to make money during the whole thing. When brainstorming how cash flows, ownership, and expenses will work, you should know the following:

• how much you’ll charge per service
• what services you’ll offer
• what will make your business stand out.

Once you’ve gotten your thoughts out on paper, it’s time to contact a lawyer and start a photography business legally.

While the day to day legal documents you’ll be dealing with are model release forms and photo release forms , they can easily be downloaded for free here .

HOW MUCH DO PHOTOGRAPHERS MAKE A YEAR?

A commercial photographer can expect to make anywhere from $17,000 to $60,000 yearly on average. How much a photographer makes depends on what people/events they shoot, but in a photography company’s initial year, this will more likely err on the low side.

You want to know how to make a photography business, not a glorified hobby.

Related Posts

• Best Free Model Release Form →
• Why a Photo Release Form? →
• Free Film Production Templates →

photography business

2. have a portfolio.

The most common mistake photographers make when starting up a photography business is they set up the infrastructure before having a portfolio.

Image courtesy of Shant Kiraz

You can’t set up a website if you don’t have proof you can deliver. People won’t hire you for your services based on a general feeling.

More often than not, you have to do a lot of free work, before you can start getting paid for it. It’s a common reality of starting a photography business.

While you can look up any article on how to start a photography portfolio, it’s important to always think about your brand. If you’re going to shoot food, have lots of pictures of food. If you’re going to shoot portraits, ask your family if they have a Friday free and a lot eyeliner.

HOW TO MAKE A PHOTOGRAPHY PORTFOLIO?

While you may jump right into your own work, carefully research other photography agency portfolios. If you want to get into fashion photography, find the best photography websites and see what makes those portfolios stand out.

ESSENTIAL GUIDE: HOW TO START A PHOTOGRAPHY BUSINESS

3. create a photography website.

While we’ll get into advertising later on (spoilers), setting up a website is so vital, it’s its own point.

How to start a Photography Business 101

At a bare minimum, your photography website should have your contact information, portfolio, and testimonials.

At its best, your photography website showcases new photos daily, mood boards , and has a pretty kickin’ blog.  Squarespace is a great place to start making websites--no web designer necessary.

In addition to your website, you should also have an Instagram account. Free to sign up, Instagram connects your photography portfolio directly to future customers. Adding hashtags like #wedding or #headshots, ensures your work reaches the right crowd.

It can be extremely effective.

WHAT MAKES GOOD BUSINESS PHOTOGRAPHY NAMES?

A good business photography name catches the eye and perfectly states your brand. If you’re starting a photography business in the wedding space, you want to have some hint of that in your title.

Photography business names may seem trivial, but it’s your future customer’s first introduction to your work. Before incorporating, write up a list of 20 photography business names and send it out to trusted friends. See which ones cover your area well and also catch the eye.

start a photography business

4. get photography tools.

So, a camera would help.

But what about lighting equipment? Editing software? Or in some cases, a studio to shoot in?

While each photography business will be different and have different needs, make sure you have the right tools that’ll allow you to turn around clients quickly and professionally.

PRE-PRODUCTION TOOLS

As you plan out your photography shoots,  storyboard and shot list  software will not only save you time. It will also keep you organized as you brainstorm your shoots before you arrive, ensuring you get all the takes you need.

A  moodboard app allows you to carefully curate images that you can share with clients before the shoot.

You can use storyboards and shot lists

Production tools.

Whether you need a camera or a lens or lighting rig or one of the  best camera backpacks , sites like B&H offer the best deals on new and pre-owned equipment. Renting a studio depends on your location, but the best deals are often on Yelp .

If you’re going to shoot on location, make sure you get your location release form signed. And whether you use email or phone, send out a call sheet the day before the shoot.

StudioBinder will send out call sheets to your clients as an email and/or text.

POST-PRODUCTION TOOLS

Capture One is the gold standard in post production photography software, followed by Adobe Lightroom . If your photography business ideas involve actual film, you’ll need a dark room or development lab.

• Make a Storyboard →
• Shot List Like a Pro →
• Secure Location Form →

building your portfolio

5. go out and shoot.

Finally, we can stop talking about all the paperwork and dollars and put the  photography  into  how to make a photography business .

Actually do what you love

As you drive around town shooting weddings, animals, and everything in between, make sure you get all the shots you need before you leave. Checking off a shot list on set is always a great way to ensure this.

While we won’t tell you how to shoot and what to look for in a frame (there are plenty of amazing blogs for that), it’s important to remember that your business is a business.

Remember is to send call sheets to both your clients and subjects (sometimes the same person).

post considerations

6. implement a retouch system.

How to start a photography business could be rephrased as how to touch up acne. Seriously though, touch up, recoloring , and editing will take hours. If you’re not careful, it can pile up, stopping you from taking on more clients.

While you can go this route yourself, you may want to contact someone who specializes in editing to scale your business effectively. Partnering up will free up more time to focus on other aspects of the business and will make both of your lives easier.

Job board sites like  ProductionBeast  are great for finding skilled editors.

Whether you hire a freelancer or not, as you go through your photography business checklist, you should have a plan for post production.

• Free Shot List Template →
• Guide to Color Grading →
• Ultimate Guide to Call Sheets →

handling clients

7. stay on top of clients.

As you get more and more clients contacting your photography business, there’ll be a considerable amount to keep track off. More than you can do in your head.

Implement a system to keep all your clients sorted out. Always know what stage of production a client is in. Establish a column for “New Clients,” “Scheduled,” “In Post,” and “Completed.”

Have a solid pipeline

While some photographers use Trello or Asana for this, StudioBinder allows you to do this all under one platform.

You can easily keep track with clients through the app, avoiding long email chains and keeping your gmail open for Dominos coupons.

Once you enter a client’s information, you can easily spin off call sheets too. Perfect for the shoot day.

advertise your business

8. start an advertising push.

As the word gets out about your photography business, you’ll want to continually advertise your photography business throughout various social media platforms.

This can mean posting more often on your Instagram account, starting a Facebook Page, adding a blog. The best photography websites use a combination of all three.

Have quality posts, and do post very often.

Syncing up with other photographers is also another way to get your name out there. Use networking sites, like  ProductionBeast  or  LinkedIn , to find other photographers with followings and share each other’s content.

Learning how to start a photography business is many ways identifying what photographers you want to be like. Reach out them--you never know what will come back.

WHAT'S THE BEST ADVERTISEMENT FOR A PHOTOGRAPHY BUSINESS?

Word of mouth. While happy clients will do this on their own, sometimes they need a little encouragement. After a photography shoot, ask clients if you can showcase their work on your photography business website.

Ask them to recommend you to future clients and do stay in touch. A wedding photographer today can be a baby photographer tomorrow.

guide to a photography business

9. reinvest profits.

When your photography business makes money, it’ll be awesome and you can finally brag that you’re a paid photographer. However, you should think about reinvesting that money back into the business.

With extra money comes the opportunity to run more paid advertisements on Facebook, to get into new venues, to buy that equipment you couldn’t when you started, to even hire new photographers to take over parts of your business.

Having a bank you can trust is crucial when working through how to start your own photography business.

HOW TO START A PHOTOGRAPHY BUSINESS STEP BY STEP

• Draft a business plan
• Establish a portfolio
• Set up a website
• Build up your photography tools
• Go on a shooting spree
• Have a quick post production
• Stay on top of clients
• Start an advertising push
• Reinvest profits

Shot List like a Pro

Now that you have a better understanding of how to start a photography business, let's get to work. Store and share your vision with free software. If you want to learn more, check out our next post on shot listing.

Up Next: How to Shot List Like a Pro →

Showcase your vision with elegant shot lists and storyboards..

Create robust and customizable shot lists. Upload images to make storyboards and slideshows.

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• Best Storyboard Softwares (with free Storyboard Templates)
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Creating a Successful Photography Business Plan

Starting a photography business can be an exciting adventure, but it's important to have a solid plan in place to ensure your success. In this article, we will explore the key elements of creating a photography business plan and how they contribute to your overall success. We will delve into understanding the basics of a business plan and its importance in the photography industry, as well as the process of defining your photography business and identifying your niche. Additionally, we will discuss market analysis, developing a marketing strategy, and financial planning. So let's dive in and uncover the secrets to creating a successful photography business plan!

Understanding the Basics of a Business Plan

A business plan serves as a roadmap for your photography business. It outlines your goals, strategies, and financial projections. A well-crafted business plan not only helps you stay focused but also acts as a valuable tool when seeking funding or partnerships. It provides a clear direction, identifies potential challenges, and highlights opportunities for growth.

When starting a photography business, it is essential to have a comprehensive business plan that covers all aspects of your venture. This plan will serve as a blueprint for success and guide you through the various stages of your business's development.

As a photography business owner, your business plan should include sections such as an executive summary, company description, market analysis, marketing strategy, financial projections, and an action plan. These elements work together to create a cohesive and strategic plan that will help you achieve your business goals.

Importance of a Business Plan in Photography

A photography business plan is crucial for establishing a solid foundation for your venture. It helps you define your objectives and understand your target audience, enabling you to tailor your services to meet their needs. With a well-researched and thought-out plan, you can position your photography business as a unique and valuable offering in the market.

Furthermore, a business plan acts as a roadmap for growth and expansion. It allows you to identify potential challenges and develop strategies to overcome them. By analyzing the market and understanding your competition, you can identify opportunities for differentiation and capitalize on them.

Additionally, a well-prepared business plan is essential when seeking financing or attracting potential investors or partners. It demonstrates your professionalism, commitment, and understanding of the industry. Investors and lenders will be more likely to support your photography business if they can see a clear plan for success.

Key Elements of a Business Plan

• Executive Summary: This section provides an overview of your photography business, highlighting its unique selling points and summarizing the key points of your plan.
• Company Description: Here, you will provide a detailed description of your photography business, including its mission, vision, and values. You will also outline your legal structure, location, and any relevant industry certifications or affiliations.
• Market Analysis: This section involves conducting thorough research on your target market, including demographics, trends, and competitors. By understanding the market landscape, you can identify gaps and opportunities for your photography business.
• Marketing Strategy: In this section, you will outline your marketing and promotional activities. This includes your branding, pricing strategy, advertising channels, and customer acquisition strategies. A well-defined marketing strategy will help you reach your target audience and differentiate your photography business from competitors.
• Financial Projections: Here, you will present your financial forecasts, including revenue projections, expenses, and profitability. This section demonstrates the financial viability of your photography business and helps you plan for future growth and investment.
• Action Plan: The action plan outlines the specific steps you will take to implement your business strategies. It includes timelines, milestones, and responsibilities. This section ensures that you have a clear roadmap for executing your plan and achieving your business objectives.

By including these key elements in your photography business plan, you will have a comprehensive and strategic document that will guide you towards success. Remember to regularly review and update your plan as your business evolves and new opportunities arise.

Defining Your Photography Business

Before diving into the details of the business plan, it's essential to clearly define your photography business. Start by identifying your photography niche, which will help you differentiate yourself in the market and develop a unique selling proposition.

When it comes to choosing your photography niche, there are various factors to consider. Think about your passion and expertise. What type of photography excites you the most? Are you drawn to capturing the raw emotions of weddings, the beauty of nature, or the creativity of commercial projects? Understanding your niche will not only allow you to focus your skills but also help you stand out from the competition.

Once you have identified your niche, it's time to delve deeper into understanding your target audience. Who are your ideal clients? What are their needs, preferences, and pain points? Conduct market research to gain insights into the demographics, psychographics, and buying behaviors of your target market. This information will enable you to tailor your services and marketing efforts to meet their specific expectations.

Furthermore, setting clear and measurable business goals is vital for the success of your photography business. While it's tempting to have broad goals like "become a successful photographer," it's essential to break them down into specific and achievable objectives.

For example, if you aim to increase your client base, you can set a goal of acquiring a certain number of new clients within a specific timeframe. If expanding into new markets is on your agenda, you can set a goal of entering a specific geographic area or targeting a different industry. Additionally, improving customer satisfaction can be measured by setting goals related to receiving positive feedback, increasing repeat business, or reducing customer complaints.

Defining your goals will provide a clear direction for your photography business. It will help you prioritize your efforts, allocate resources effectively, and measure your progress along the way. Remember to regularly review and adjust your goals as your business evolves and new opportunities arise.

Market Analysis for Your Photography Business

A comprehensive market analysis is crucial to the success of your photography business. By identifying your target audience, you can better understand their needs, preferences, and purchasing behavior. This information will allow you to develop targeted marketing strategies that resonate with your potential clients.

Analyzing your competition is equally important. Identify other photography businesses in your area and assess their strengths and weaknesses. This knowledge will help you position your business effectively, highlight your unique offerings, and develop strategies to stand out in the market.

When conducting a market analysis for your photography business, it is essential to delve deeper into understanding your target audience. Start by identifying the demographics of your potential clients, such as their age, gender, income level, and location. This information will help you tailor your services and marketing efforts to meet their specific needs and preferences.

Furthermore, it is crucial to understand the psychographics of your target audience. This includes their interests, values, attitudes, and lifestyle choices. By gaining insights into their psychographics, you can create a brand identity and messaging that resonates with them on a deeper level, establishing a strong emotional connection.

In addition to understanding your target audience, it is vital to analyze the market trends and industry dynamics. Stay updated on the latest photography trends , technological advancements, and changes in consumer behavior. This knowledge will enable you to adapt your business strategies accordingly and stay ahead of the competition.

When analyzing your competition, consider factors such as their pricing, services offered, customer reviews, and overall brand reputation. By understanding their strengths and weaknesses, you can identify opportunities to differentiate your photography business and offer unique value propositions to your potential clients.

Furthermore, it is essential to assess the marketing strategies employed by your competitors. Look at their online presence, social media engagement, and advertising efforts. This analysis will help you identify gaps in the market and develop innovative marketing campaigns that capture the attention of your target audience.

Remember, a market analysis is an ongoing process. Continuously monitor and evaluate the market trends, consumer preferences, and competitive landscape. This will allow you to adapt your strategies and stay relevant in the ever-evolving photography industry.

Developing Your Marketing Strategy

Once you have analyzed your target audience and competition, it's time to develop a marketing strategy that will help you reach your goals and attract clients. Start by branding your photography business. Choose a name, logo, and visual identity that represents your unique style and resonates with your target audience.

In addition, invest in carefully crafted promotional materials that showcase your work and highlight your strengths. Utilize online platforms, such as social media and a professional website, to showcase your portfolio and engage with potential clients. Networking, participating in industry events, and collaborating with other professionals can also help you expand your reach and build valuable relationships.

Financial Planning for Your Photography Business

Setting a pricing structure is a crucial aspect of financial planning for your photography business. Research industry standards and analyze your costs to determine a pricing strategy that is competitive yet profitable. Remember to consider factors such as equipment costs, marketing expenses, and your expertise when calculating your prices.

Additionally, create a budget and forecast your financial projections for the coming months or years. This will help you understand your revenue streams, expenses, and potential profitability. Regularly review and update your financial plan to ensure you are on track and make necessary adjustments as your business evolves.

In conclusion, creating a successful photography business plan involves understanding the basics of a business plan, defining your photography business, conducting a thorough market analysis, developing a robust marketing strategy, and undertaking financial planning . By investing time and effort into these crucial steps, you will lay a solid foundation for your photography business and increase your chances of long-term success. So start drafting your business plan today and embark on your journey to a thriving photography business!

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BUSINESS STRATEGIES

How to create a photographer business plan

• Nirit Braun

When starting a business in the photography world, having a solid business plan is like capturing that perfect shot. It's essential for bringing your vision into focus and paints a clear picture of your path to success. In this blog, we'll uncover the core elements of a photographer business plan. Keep reading for step-by-step tips on how to develop your own solid plan.

Ready to get your business off the ground? Start building a website with Wix .

Why create a business plan for a photography business?

A photographer business plan is a structured document that outlines the goals, strategies, and operational details of your photography business . It offers a range of benefits, including:

Attracting funds: Whether it's cash from investors or a loan from a bank, your business plan is your ticket to funding. It shows you've done your homework—you know your market, your competition and how to turn a profit. When you paint this clear picture, investors are more likely to bet on your photography business and increase your odds of raising money for your business .

Focusing on the right resources : Your detailed plan helps you figure out exactly what you need to get your photography business off the ground. From camera gear to lighting, editing software to studio space, and even the team members like assistants (see how to create a virtual assistant business plan ) or makeup artists, it leaves no stone unturned. This ensures your operations run smoothly without missing a beat.

Moving strategically: Your plan is your strategic compass. It helps you define your target audience, your niche and what makes your photography special. Armed with this knowledge, you can create marketing magic that resonates with your ideal clients, boosting your chances of booking and retaining customers.

Taming the unexpected: Photography isn't all about picture-perfect moments; sometimes, you face challenges. Your business plan helps you spot potential hurdles by analyzing the market and doing a SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats) assessment. This foresight lets you put risk management strategies in place, ensuring your business can weather any storm.

Operating smoothly : With your business plan as your trusty guide, you'll have a clear path for day-to-day operations. It spells out workflows, processes, and timelines, making everything run like a well-oiled camera. Efficient operations lead to happy clients and great word-of-mouth referrals.

How to create a photographer business plan: 6 key components

Executive summary

Business and domain names

Market analysis and research

Operations plan

Marketing and advertising plan

Financial plan

01. Executive summary

The executive summary is a concise overview of your entire photography business plan. It provides readers with a snapshot of your business, highlighting its key aspects and value proposition. While this section appears at the beginning of the plan, it's often written after the rest of the plan is complete to ensure that all essential elements are included.

To write a clear executive summary for your photography business, focus on the following components:

Introduce your business, including your niche, style and the type of clients you plan to target.

Highlight what sets your photography services apart from competitors. This could include your artistic approach, quality of work, exceptional customer service or unique offerings and your unique selling proposition.

Briefly describe your ideal clients, including their demographics and preferences. Explain how you plan to reach and attract them.

Outline your short-term and long-term business goals. This could include targets for client bookings, revenue and market share.

Provide a snapshot of your financial projections, including startup costs, expected revenue and profitability timeline.

02. Business and domain names

Naming your business is a crucial step in building brand awareness and trust. A strong name should resonate with your target audience and convey the essence of your services. When brainstorming names, consider using a business name generator for inspiration. Ensure that the chosen name is unique, easy to remember and reflects your photography style.

Once you finalize your company name, it's essential to secure a matching domain name for your business website . A domain name that aligns with your company name helps establish a consistent online presence. Use a domain name registrar to check the availability of your chosen name and consider these best practices:

Keep it short and simple

Include keywords where possible

Avoid hyphens and numbers

You can also look to this compilation of photography business name ideas for inspiration.

Once you’ve landed on a small business name , follow the steps for registering your business .

03. Market analysis and research

Incorporating a thorough market analysis into your business plan helps you understand the competitive landscape and craft a more effective business strategy. Research your target market's preferences, demographics and behaviors. Study your competitors to identify their strengths and weaknesses. This analysis guides your pricing strategy, service offerings and marketing tactics.

By conducting a SWOT analysis, you can identify internal and external factors that could impact your business. This information informs your marketing approach, allowing you to leverage strengths and capitalize on opportunities while mitigating weaknesses and threats.

04. Operations plan

The operations plan outlines the practical aspects of running your photography business. This section includes details such as your business location, premises (if you have a studio), equipment and staffing needs. Define the workflow of a typical photography session, from client inquiry to final product delivery. Specify the equipment you'll use, whether it's cameras, lenses, lighting or editing software.

If you plan to have a physical studio, detail its layout and design to create a welcoming and conducive environment for your clients. Address staffing needs, whether you intend to work solo or hire assistants, makeup artists or administrative staff.

05. Marketing and advertising plan

In your business plan, outline your marketing and advertising strategies to effectively promote your photography business. Tailor your approach to your target audience. For instance, if you're focusing on wedding photography, social media platforms like Instagram and Pinterest can be powerful tools. If you're specializing in corporate headshots, LinkedIn may be more relevant.

Detail your branding, including your logo, color palette and overall visual identity. Lay out your content marketing strategy, which might involve blogging about photography tips, sharing behind-the-scenes stories or showcasing client success stories. Additionally, plan your paid advertising efforts, such as Google Ads or Facebook Ads, to reach potential clients directly.

Use Wix’s logo maker to get some photography logo ideas for your business.

06. Financial plan

The financial plan is a cornerstone of your photographer business plan. It outlines how your business will be funded initially and how you project it will reach profitability. This section includes:

A list of expenses required to launch your business, including equipment purchases, studio setup, marketing materials, cost to start an LLC if relevant and legal fees.

Revenue projections to estimate your expected income based on your pricing strategy and the number of sessions you anticipate booking.

Include ongoing costs and operating expenses like equipment maintenance, rent, utilities, marketing expenses and insurance.

Provide a forecast of your revenue and expenses over the next few years as well as profit and loss projections. These projections help you understand when your business is likely to become profitable.

Detail where your startup capital is coming from and your funding sources, whether it's personal savings, loans or investments.

Determine the point at which your total revenue matches your total expenses, indicating when your business starts making a profit. This is known as break-even analysis.

Estimate your monthly cash inflow and outflow to ensure you have sufficient funds to cover expenses at all times.

Photography business plan example 1: UrbanLens Photography

Part 1: executive summary.

UrbanLens Photography is a creative photography studio specializing in urban lifestyle and portrait photography. Our unique blend of artistic vision and technical expertise allows us to capture authentic moments that resonate with our clients. We target young professionals and couples seeking vibrant and modern photography that reflects their dynamic personalities.

Our goal is to establish UrbanLens Photography as a leading name in urban photography within the next three years. With a commitment to exceptional customer service and innovative visual storytelling, we aim to achieve a 15% market share in our target region. Our financial projections indicate steady revenue growth, with profitability expected within the first year.

Part 2: company and domain names

After careful consideration, we have chosen "UrbanLens Photography" as our company name. This name reflects our focus on urban environments and our lens' ability to capture the essence of these settings. We have secured the domain name "UrbanLensPhoto.com" to align with our company name and provide a memorable online presence for our clients.

Part 3: market analysis and research

Through comprehensive market research, we have identified a growing demand for urban lifestyle photography among young professionals. Our target audience values creativity, diversity and authenticity in their visual content. By conducting a SWOT analysis, we recognize opportunities to leverage our strengths in capturing urban dynamics while mitigating potential weaknesses by continually refining our technical skills.

Part 4: operations plan

UrbanLens Photography will operate as a mobile studio, allowing us to capture urban moments in various locations. Our team will consist of the photographer, an assistant for larger projects and a part-time administrative support. For editing and post-production, we will use professional-grade software to enhance the quality of our images.

Part 5: marketing and advertising plan

Our marketing strategy focuses on creating an engaging online presence through social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok. We will showcase our unique style through a captivating portfolio, behind-the-scenes glimpses and client testimonials. Additionally, we will run targeted online ads to reach potential clients in our target demographic.

Part 6: financial plan

Startup costs

Camera equipment: $8,000

Studio setup and props: $2,500

Marketing materials: $1,000

Legal fees and permits: $500

Website development: $1,200

Initial operating expenses: $2,000

Funding sources

Personal savings: $6,000

Small business loan: $8,000

Revenue projections

Year 1: $40,000

Year 2: $60,000

Year 3: $80,000

Break-even analysis

Expected break-even point within the first year.

Photography business plan example 2: NatureCapture Photography

NatureCapture Photography is a specialized photography business focusing on landscape, wildlife and nature photography. With a deep appreciation for the natural world, our goal is to capture the breathtaking beauty of landscapes and wildlife, sharing these moments with individuals who share our passion for nature.

We aim to establish NatureCapture Photography as a recognized name in the nature photography industry within three years. By providing unique and captivating images that evoke emotion and connection, we strive to achieve steady growth and profitability, expanding our reach to a global audience.

We've selected "NatureCapture Photography" as our company name to reflect our dedication to capturing the essence of the natural world. Our corresponding domain name, "NatureCapturePhoto.com," aligns seamlessly with our brand identity and facilitates an online platform for clients to explore our portfolio.

Thorough market research has revealed a niche audience of nature enthusiasts, travelers and conservationists who value visual storytelling of natural landscapes and wildlife. By conducting a SWOT analysis, we've identified opportunities to collaborate with eco-tourism companies and contribute to environmental conservation efforts.

NatureCapture Photography will operate as a mobile studio, allowing us to explore various natural environments and capture stunning landscapes. Our equipment will include specialized lenses for wildlife photography and drones for aerial shots. Our operations will be streamlined to ensure efficient photo editing and prompt client delivery.

Part 5: Marketing and advertising plan

Our marketing strategy focuses on engaging with our target audience through social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook and YouTube. We will curate a visually captivating portfolio, share educational content about the locations and species we capture, and collaborate with nature-focused organizations for joint promotional efforts.

Part 6: Financial plan

Camera equipment and lenses: $10,000

Drone and accessories: $2,500

Editing software and tools: $1,200

Marketing materials: $800

Initial operating expenses: $1,500

Personal savings: $7,000

Crowdfunding campaign: $4,000

Year 1: $30,000

Year 2: $50,000

Year 3: $70,000

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HOW TO WRITE THE ULTIMATE PHOTOGRAPHY BUSINESS PLAN

Table of contents, 1. summarise your services and products, 2. describe your target market, 3. analyse your competitors, 4. conduct a swot analysis, 5. outline your marketing plan, 6. outline your operations plan, 7. work out your finances, 8. set goals and create systems, 9. write an executive summary.

What is your main photography service?

List any other photography services your offer, how do your photography services complement each other, describe the products you provide to clients.

Sum up your ideal client in one sentence

What are the top 3 desires you can help with, what are the top 3 pain points you can help with, what will connect you and your ideal client, 3. analyse your competitors.

List 2 or 3 of your closest competitors

Describe their services and products, who are they appealing to, what is their price point and position, what are they doing well, what could they be doing better, write 3-5 adjective to describe their brand, 4. conduct a swot analysis.

Make a list of your strengths

Acknowledge your weaknesses, where are the opportunities, are there any potential threats, 5. outline your marketing plan.

What makes your business stand out?

Write your elevator pitch, write your big, bold statement (tagline), define your brand personality and tone of voice, what content are you going to create, which social media platform will you use and how, will you do any face-to-face marketing, will you seek publicity for your business, how will you generate and nurture leads, how will you create loyalty and encourage referrals, 6. outline your operations plan.

Describe the enquiry and conversion process

Describe the booking and onboarding process, describe the shoot or wedding process, describe the post-shoot/wedding process, describe the product sales process, describe the order fulfilment process, describe the process beyond order fulfilment, 7. work out the finances.

Summarise your CODB and salary aims

Where are you positioned in terms of price, which pricing model is right for you, 8. set goals and create systems.

Decide on your financial goal

Map out your systems, what needs to happen for your systems to work, 9. create an executive summary.

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This article was updated on December 2, 2022

Starting a successful photography business involves more than having a camera and a keen eye for beauty. As a business owner, you must also have a solid business plan.

Without one, your professional photography business may have no legs (or tripods) to stand on. 

Creating a photography business plan is simple. This complete guide will cover all you need to know about writing a comprehensive business plan—from executive summaries to competitive analyses. 

What to include in a photography business plan:

• Write an executive summary
• Describe your photography business
• Outline your products and services
• Analyze your finances and list out business expenses
• Understand your competition and the photography industry
• Devise a sales and marketing strategy
• Set operations logistics and management structure
• Perform customer and market analysis
• Establish a timeline and exit strategy
• Round out your business plan with Nextdoor

1. Write an executive summary

Perhaps you’ve been dreaming of running your own photography business since the day you picked up your first disposable camera, or maybe you just started outlining your vision in recent months. Whatever the case may be, you’ll need to match those dreams with quantifiable business goals and a clear course of action. 

Defining your mission is one of the most important aspects of a strong business plan and almost always comprises the first section. In the executive summary, you will explain your business details such as your business name, and a summary of your business plan in a few sentences.

When defining your business as a professional photographer, it’s crucial to cover two key components: the executive summary and the business description.

2. Describe your photography business

Following the executive summary, the business description section is the place where you'll describe the ins and outs of your business.

Effective photography business descriptions usually contain the following information:

• A history of your business
• An overview of your business structure

Let's break down these two essential components further.

As a professional photographer, your business's history is more than just a summary of facts. It's your unique story . Your passion for what you do should come through in every line.

Include life and color into your business plan by detailing the following:

• Your personal relationship with photography
• Your professional work experience
• The origins of your business and the values you intend to uphold

Describing your history with photography not only gives potential stakeholders an inside look at your motivations but also gives you an outline for an "About" section on your future website.

REAL BUSINESS EXAMPLE: Johnson City, Tennessee's Hunter Kittrell Photography is a business that knows the power of storytelling. Their website's "About" section mentions how the business's founder, Hunter Kittrell, got his start in photography after college and how his love of adventure inspires his work. Look to this small business as a model for your own and add in all of your business's unique details to compel potential clients to work with you.

Business structure

Few business descriptions are complete without an outline of the business structure. To define your business structure, consider the following:

• Type - Is your business a sole proprietorship or an LLC? A partnership or corporation? If you're just starting out, there's a good chance your photography business will be a sole proprietorship. However, if you're thinking of future growth (and outside funding), it may be wise to consider an LLC. Whichever business type you choose, providing this information in your business plan will help you think through the management and other logistical structures.
• Management and business operations - Most U.S. photography businesses have less than two employees . However, if you're planning on employing more people and/or having a detailed managerial structure, it may be wise to include this in your business description. Furthermore, it may be helpful to include details about business hours and studio location(s).

While businesses, especially startups, can experience a number of operational changes during the first couple of years, outlining your initial business structure is a smart way to set up your photography business for continued success.

3. Outline your products and services

The best business plans clearly specify the business's products and photography services. As you draft your plan include the following details:

• Photography type - Will your business specialize in commercial photography, marketing photography, landscape photography, portrait photography, pet photography, or wedding photography? Will you mainly shoot individual portraits or family portraits? Identifying your niche in the photography industry in your business plan will allow you to structure other elements of your business model around that particular focus.
• Pricing model - When it comes to the financial aspects of your business, few details are more important than your business's pricing model. Will you charge by the hour or by the photoshoot (regardless of time)? Is photo editing included in the package or is there an additional cos t ? Look at other photographers for example pricing; likely event photography pricing is structured differently than landscape photography. You would also need to consider your business expenses and budget when setting your rates. Being as specific as possible about your pricing model will help you estimate your income and also p rovide a clear outline of your rates for potential clients.

REAL BUSINESS EXAMPLE: Based in Manchester, New Hampshire, Image of Home Real Estate Photography is a small business with a big-time, three-tier pricing model. Their website states that they charge by the square foot and offer the additional benefit of same-day image delivery. This pricing model was, more than likely, hashed out in the business plan. Settle on the pricing specifics for your business and be sure to share them on your online platforms so that they are clearly visible to the public.

4. Analyze your finances

When it comes to financial planning, the more you can foresee, the better. This will keep you from overextending your budget in terms of expenses or overestimating your revenue in your first year. 

To adequately plan for finances, detail the following in your business plan:

• Expenses – Expenses include everything from ordering business cards to the cost of equipment to your studio space. Make a list of everything you’ll need to pay for to get your business up and running. Doing so will also help you budget for the unknown, such as buying an extra lens in case one breaks or hiring an assistant to lend a hand on a particular photo shoot.
• Projected revenue – To stay afloat in the long run, you’ll need to bring in more revenue than you’re spending. As a result, it’s wise to calculate your projected revenue alongside your expenses in your business plan—especially in the first year. These calculations will allow you to budget properly and change your strategy should your financial situation change.
• Set up bank accounts and EIN - Most professional photographers tend to work independently or work by case. Therefore, it is better to separate your work bank accounts and credit cards from your personal accounts to manage your finances. Further, even if this is a small business, you still need to apply for an EIN (employee identification number) from the IRS for legal purposes.

In addition, figuring out where you stand financially will enable you to find room in your budget for marketing strategies and competitive analysis metrics.

5.  Understand your competition

An often overlooked, yet highly important, section of most business plans is the competitive analysis section. 

Researching your competition is beneficial for many reasons. Not only will you better understand your competition’s pricing models and services, but you’ll also learn how you can set yourself apart from competitors. Given the fact that there are more than 40,000 professional photographers in the U.S. , knowing how to stand out in the industry will make sure your one-of-a-kind business doesn’t get lost in the shuffle. 

When writing your competitive analysis section, it’s helpful to answer the following questions:

• How many photographers are located in my area?
• Am I fulfilling a specific niche (i.e. landscape, portrait, etc.)?
• What are my competitor’s pricing models?
• What are their marketing strategies?
• What are my competitors doing well? What could they improve upon?
• Who are my potential client pods and are they overlapping other existing photography businesses?
• How will I provide a necessary and unique photography service?

Of course, there are many more questions you could ask when thinking about your competition, but these should help you get started.

6. Devise a sales and marketing strategy

Good business plans almost always focus on business growth. But to grow your business and attract new clientele, you need to market yourself. 

Detailing your marketing strategy is, therefore, a crucial component of a strong business plan. If you’re wondering how to get photography clients, you’ll want to employ a number of different marketing tactics.

When writing the marketing section, it’s helpful to think of the following strategies:

• Social media marketing – Given that social media is a major conduit of ideas and information, it’s important to develop a social media strategy for your photography business. As a photographer, your portfolio and past works are the best marketing materials. Image-sharing platforms make the most sense, but you’ll want to consider the potential of other platforms, too. For example, if you want to attract local clientele , the best way to connect with your neighborhood is on Nextdoor. This community-minded platform allows you to set up custom business ads or create a Business Page where you can showcase important aspects of your business—from operating hours to services.
• Email marketing – In your business plan, detail how you intend to use email to market yourself. Will you send around a quarterly email discussing new trends in the photography world? Will you deliver special holiday emails urging your target audience to take advantage of discounted holiday shoots? Generating an email list is an effective way to keep clients in the loop about what’s happening with your business.
• SEO marketing – SEO, or search engine optimization, is a critical strategy that will help drive potential customers to your website. To improve the quality of your site, you’ll want to decide which type of keywords are important to your business and build content around them to make your website more discoverable by Google and other search engines. You can do this by adding informational content to different pages on your website, as well as creating a photography blog with helpful tips and information for users. For example, if you are a portrait photographer, you can add keywords such as family pictures or graduation portfolio photos.

7. Set operation logistics and management structure

This section gives you the opportunity to first think through the details of your business workflow then define how you will manage the logistics of your day to day operations. A major part of your photography business will likely be post processing and photo editing before final delivery. Spend time defining how long editing will take after a shoot. How many days afte r a shoot will you promise delivery to your customers? What methods of payment are you planning to accept? Other topics to address in this section may include:

• Primary and backup suppliers
• Equipment inventory
• Transportation expenses
• Management and staff structure if applicable

8. Perform customer and market analysis

C ustomer and market analysis is a critical part of your photography business plan; it helps define the size of the market needing your service as well as your ideal client. Here you will justify your target market and specify niche segments within that market. To do this answer the following:

• What is your dream client - age range, gender, location, demographics, and style of photo shoot. Will you specialize in high end weddings, aerial photography, sports photography, or something else? 
• What are the needs of these customers
• how your services address these needs. 
• What is the growth potential of your market segment? Including considerations such as the number of potential customers, their annual income, frequency of photography style needs

9. Establish a timeline and exit strategy

This later section describes your timeline for the goals and objectives outlined earlier in the business plan. Describe how soon you plan to become profitable, within what timeframe do you plan to meet your revenue objectives, or even when you might plan to hire employees to help grow your business. While it may seem far off, planning how you may want to exit your business years down the road may open up questions and considerations that can have a big impact near term. For some, selling their business to a larger investor is the end goal, for others, keeping photography as a small side gig to pass to their children is the exit strategy - no matter your desired path, document it here. 

10. Round out your business plan with Nextdoor

Developing a strong photography business plan is often the first step in running a successful business. Now that you’re equipped with all the tools to execute it like a pro, you’ll be well-prepared for a promising future ahead. 

But no plan is truly complete without Nextdoor — the neighborhood hub that connects you with your local community so that your photography business can flourish.

Claim a Nextdoor Business Page today to simplify the process of building your brand. That way, you can get back to what truly matters—working your magic behind the camera.

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How to Start a Successful Photography Business

Lisa Furgison

12 min. read

Updated May 10, 2024

Free Download:  Sample Photography Business Plan Template

If you have some creative photography chops, you might want to  open your own business . You’re not alone in wanting to turn your creative outlet into a money-making venture. Photography is a popular profession and hobby right now—and that’s the problem. As camera gear has become more affordable and consumer-friendly, and almost every smartphone now features a great camera, everyone’s a photographer. 

But, that doesn’t mean you should toss your dreams of owning a photography business aside. It just means you may have to work a little harder to set yourself apart from the flock of amateur shooters.

To help you find your photography foothold, we asked three professional photographers who started their own businesses to share their tips for success.

• 1. Write a photography business plan

For starters, wedding and event  photographer Peggy Farren  says  you need a business plan . Any serious entrepreneur will tell you that you need to organize your thoughts on paper. This detailed document serves as your roadmap, describing what your business is and how it will be profitable. It breaks down things like  cash flow , expenses, ownership, and competition.

“Photography is one of the most competitive businesses out there,” Farren says. “You need to be a very good business person to make a decent living. You’ll get there much more quickly if you start out right.”

Creating a business plan may seem like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be if you have the right tools. Check out this free, downloadable  sample photography business plan . 

• 2. Assess your photography business startup costs

As part of your business planning process, you’ll need to  assess your startup costs . What are the essentials that you’ll need before you can really launch your business?

Camera equipment alone can cost upwards of $10,000, Farren says. You’ll also need  business licenses ,  insurance , a website, and accounting software like  QuickBooks  or  Xero .

What about a studio? 

Do you plan to start with a dedicated studio space or work out of your home? If you need office space, you’ll need to investigate commercial rental properties and figure that monthly cost, along with the cost of utilities, into  your financial plan .

• 3. Secure startup funds

If you have enough money in your bank account to start your business you may not need to borrow money, but many entrepreneurs need assistance. Many people who are starting a business for the first time end up asking family or friends for help, or keeping their day job until their business is self-sustaining. 

Whether you  ask friends and family for financial assistance  or  apply for a bank loan , you’ll need a business plan in place that lays out how you’ll spend the funds and when or how you’ll pay your lenders back. 

• 4. Figure out your personal finances

If you’re just starting out, realize that your business probably isn’t going to be profitable overnight. It took 18 months for Farren’s business to  break even  and make enough money to pay the bills. Like Farren, you might have to work another job to make ends meet until your business is generating enough money.

• 5. Get professional photography experience

You’ll need to show your prospective clients what you can do, and working alongside a professional photographer is a great way to get some experience and start to build a portfolio. Farren worked as a photographer’s assistant while starting her own business. 

Equally important is using that experience to put together a  photography portfolio  that demonstrates your skill. Consider your audience and build the portfolio around what they want to see. Keep it updated, so new potential clients can see current and relevant work.

• 6. Buy camera gear

When it comes to camera gear, Farren says you’ll need two cameras, two high-quality lenses, two flashes, and Photoshop and Lightroom to edit the images. Why two cameras? You need backup equipment. Even new equipment breaks, Farren says.

If you buy used gear, you can get everything for about $5,000, but Farren says $10,000 is more realistic. Of course, you can always upgrade gear as you go.

• 7. Determine your photography business pricing plan

How  much will you charge for your services ? It’s a tough question for every photographer, especially when you’re just starting out. Figure out what one hour of your time is worth. Let’s say your time is worth $50/hour. 

For every hour you spend shooting, you’ll spend about three hours editing. You need to factor that into your pricing. So, in this equation, you would charge $200 for a one-hour photo session. Of course, your pricing structure is your own, this is just a way to come up with a starting point.

• 8. Create a website for your photography business

Once you’ve  come up with a name  for your photography business,  you’ll need a website . There are free website templates out there, but your website is like your storefront. You want it to be impressive, so think about whether it’s better to have your website professionally created.

Your website should, of course, showcase your work. That’s what your clients will want to see. Keep your site organized by breaking your galleries up by category. Include a picture of yourself and a page that describes your background and experience. 

Contact information is also a must. It’s a good idea to list at least some of your prices. This helps manage customer expectations and keeps people from trying to negotiate for a lower price. Here’s what Farren uses as a pricing guide on her website.

Ok, you’ve got everything in place and you’re ready to start shooting pictures. Now, how do you get customers?

• 9. Create your own photography business brand

Jason and JoAnne Marino have a unique brand for their photography business.

You need to set yourself apart from others, according to husband and wife photography duo Jason and Joanne Marino. The pair own  Imagine Photography , a company that attracts couples who are interested in unique wedding pictures, not the conventional altar photos.

“You can’t be everything to everybody or you’ll fail miserably,” Jason Marino says. “To attract customers you must carve out a brand and style.”

Start by identifying your  target market . Do you prefer to do maternity shots? Newborns? Senior portraits for high schoolers? 

Figure out what makes you unique as a photographer and use it to brand your business.

• 10. Network for your photography business

As a photographer and a new business owner, you need to network your heart out, Marino says.

“You can be the greatest photographer in the world, but unless people know about you, it won’t do you any good,” he says. “Join groups, forums, clubs, collectives, whatever you can. Make sure these people know about you and respect you, and you’ll get referrals.”

• 11. Be an approachable photographer

As a photographer, you don’t just need mad composition skills, you need people skills too, Marino says. You want to make sure the client has a great experience. Not only will your client trust you, which results in great shots, but a good experience also means your client will refer you to others.

If appropriate, meet with your clients before the shoot. Wedding photographers set up engagement photo sessions as a way to get to know their clients before the big day. If you’re not offering wedding photography, make sure you sit down and talk with the client before you start snapping pictures. 

Make a little small talk and chat about expectations. Remember, you’re not just selling great pictures—you’re selling an experience.

• 12. Have a friends and family rule

Your friends and family will probably be some of your first customers, which is great. You’ll be extremely grateful for the opportunity and probably feel inclined to give them a discount. There’s nothing wrong with that, but remember, you’re trying to make a living. You should come up with a standard friends and family plan and stick to it.

• 13. Promote your photography business on social media

Social media is a great promotion tool, but it’s best to start out with one or two sites and use them consistently. Facebook might be a good option, but you might want to lean towards one of the more visual social media channels like Instagram. One of the most important pieces of keeping whatever channel you choose to use active and updated.

When the Marinos are working on a shoot, they share teaser pictures on their Facebook page like the example below. It’s a great way to showcase work and keep customers interested.

Grow your photography business

Now that you’ve got the wheels in motion, let’s talk about how to pick up the pace.

• 14. Market your photography business

Jane Goodrich , a New York-based children’s photographer, says one of the best ways to grow your business is to invest more in marketing.

Google ads for your photography business

Goodrich swears by  Google ads.  She uses some of her marketing budget to buy keywords that generate more website traffic. 

Team up with charities

Farren uses other unique techniques to grow her business. For instance, she teams up with charities that run high-end silent auctions.

“Not only are you getting your name in front of wealthy people, but in most cases, the clients will purchase much more than the free prints that come with the package they bought at the auction,” she says.

Generate an email list and add to it constantly

Through the years, Farren has also generated an impressive email list. She uses that list to send clients a monthly newsletter, which she says is her best marketing tool. She credits a lot of her repeat business to the newsletter as it keeps her business top of mind to her customers.

Whenever you’re at an event, set out an email sign-up form for people to opt into your newsletters.

Maintain a blog for your business

A blog is a great way to establish authority in your field. It’s an open platform to showcase your talent, tips, and opinions. Write about your experiences, your work process, your equipment, how you plan the shots, etc. The topics are endless!

15. Manage your photography business’ financials

It takes time to draw profits from your business, and it takes even longer to put a few bucks in the savings account. But saving money should be a priority as you grow your business. No matter what kind of photography you do, you will sooner or later hit a slow month, Goodrich says. Save money when you’re busy so the lean months are easier to handle. This is about paying attention to your  cash flow , or when cash comes into and out of your business. 

On that note, make your payment terms clear. Many photographers will require a deposit upfront and the balance before releasing photos to the client. Whatever your payment terms, make sure your clients know what they are. 

If you do invoice clients after you’ve already done a shoot, make sure you invoice immediately and that you’ve clearly articulated when payment is due. Waiting for clients to pay you can create a cash flow problem, even if you have plenty of business, and on paper, your business is bringing in lots of revenue. Until you have cash in hand, you can’t pay your own bills. 

• 16. Reinvest in your photography business

Once you have at least three months’ worth of income socked away, then you can start thinking about reinvesting it. From new lenses to better editing software, new pieces of technology can improve your product. To make wise decisions, make a list of the items you want. Prioritize the list and shop around for good prices before you spend your hard-earned money.

17. Diversify your photography business’ offerings

In time you’ll be able to add certain elements to the business that will help you diversify your revenue stream. Goodrich, for example, added maternity and newborn photos to her list of services. Rather than generating all of her income from children’s shoots alone, she was able to generate more money by branching out.

• 18. Improve your photography business

One of the best tips Farren says she can offer prospective photographers is to continue improving their skills. Take classes, watch educational videos, or schedule time to go take pictures of something completely unrelated to your career track—anything to keep your skills sharp.

• 19. Hiring help for your photography business

In the beginning, you’ll  wear all the hats . You’ll set up shoots, take the shots, edit the pictures, and place the orders for prints. When you’re just starting out, you can’t afford to multitask. However, once your business is established, it’s not a bad idea to delegate responsibilities, even if it’s on an as-needed basis.

To do this, Joanne Marino says you need to recognize your strengths and weaknesses. Maybe you’re great at taking pictures but not so hot at editing, or you simply don’t enjoy it. If that’s the case, find a freelancer to help in that area. If you don’t know any freelancers, ask a colleague for suggestions or use freelance sites like  Elance  to post an ad.

As with any new business, you’ll have ups and downs, but if you’re committed to your craft and work to give each customer a great experience, you’ll earn a solid reputation as a go-to photographer.

• Next steps for your photography business

If you’re ready to start your own photography business, you can check out our free photography business plan example and template . Best of luck with your new business!

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Lisa Furgison is a multimedia journalist with a passion for writing. She holds a graduate degree in mass communications and spent eight years as a television reporter before moving into the freelance world, where she focuses mainly on content creation and social media strategies. Furgison has crisscrossed the U.S. as a reporter, but now calls Key West, Florida home. When she's not conducting interviews or typing away on her laptop, she loves to travel.

Table of Contents

• 15. Manage your photography business’ financials
• 17. Diversify your photography business’ offerings

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How to Start a Photography Business in 2024

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Learning how to start a photography business can seem like a daunting task. But there are basic steps that you can take to get started today! This article has everything you need to know about starting your photography business. From making a plan to building a network.

Create a Business Plan to Start a Photography Business

When it comes to starting your photography business, you need to start small. You’ll want to make a full business plan before launching yourself out into the world. Even if you’re not going to be seeking funding from banks, going through a business plan is essential. Creating a full photography business plan can be daunting. So start by laying out basic ideas. These should be of what you envision. This can be in the form of a vision board, a bullet point list in your journal . Or even a constantly-evolving Google doc that you update. As you think about what you want for your new business, consider the following topics:

• Do you want this to be a small one-person operation?
• Or do you want to scale this business to have a team and several studios?
• Do you have partners that you’re going to go into business with?
• If so, what sort of legal structure do you think you’ll want?

Create a General Business Description

Are you going to focus on weddings and engagements ? Or will you specialise in product and food photography ?

Target Market

• Who do you serve?
• Are you targeting businesses that create construction materials? Or are you reaching out to the mom who wants photos to preserve her family’s memories?
• Who is your competition?
• What price points does your target market allow for?
• How will you stand out from the others in this niche?
• Do you need a business loan to start up so you can rent a studio space or do a complete photo studio setup ?
• Are you working only with cash from your savings account?
• How much investment will it take to get things going?

Define a Long-Term Vision

This is where you set checkpoints for your long-term goals. If your goal is to create something that becomes almost passive for you, what major goals can you set along the way? This might mean that you begin with one studio and one assistant. And then add a second lead photographer as your team grows. You also have to create financial goals to get you where you want to go. This might be a point where the other lead photographers run the operation. And you manage from off-site.

Consider Diversified Income Streams

Settle on a Business Structure to Determine Paperwork

How to Name Your Business

Build Your Photography Marketing Plan

Take Your Time When Building a Photography Business

Many of you ask ‘How do I start my own photography business?’ Taking your photography from a hobby to a business is a big move, but it doesn’t need to feel like one! It’s important to think long-term, envision your goals, and then plan according to that. Be sure to use your local resources to help guide you through the legalities. After all, that’s what the public officials are there for. Be patient with yourself as you start your photography business. And remember that you have the power to change direction at any time. Now you’re ready to start your business, check our posts on photographer business cards ideas or how to become a professional photographer  next! You can also try our Quick Capture Cheat Sheets for your next shoot!

Popular Content

Photography Studio Business Plan [Sample Template]

By: Author Tony Martins Ajaero

Home » Business ideas » Art & Craft Industry » Photography Business

Are you about starting a photography business? If YES, here is a complete sample photography studio business plan template & feasibility report you can use for FREE .

Okay, so we have considered all the requirements for starting a photography business . We also took it further by analyzing and drafting a sample photography marketing plan backed up by actionable guerrilla marketing ideas for photography businesses. In this article, we will be providing an in-depth sample photography business plan template.

A Sample Photography Studio Business Plan Template

1. industry overview.

Photography business is one of the businesses that can unarguably survive in any part of the world as long as the business is well positioned.

The photography industry can boast of creating jobs directly or indirectly for countless numbers of people all over the globe. One good thing about the photography industry is that it has various areas of specialization ranging from wedding or portrait photography to wildlife photography or travel photography, amongst many others.

Over and above, starting a photography business is what we have chosen to do because having done our due diligence and research, we have realized that it is a business that is highly profitable if well planned and managed.

Without a shadow of doubt, there is a high rate of competition in the industry, but we have been able to create a unique Business model that will help us gain market acceptance and also work our way to the top of the ladder in the city where our photography business is to be located.

Some of the things that will help us stand out in the industry include that we will ensure we deliver quality photography jobs at rock bottom prices in our city at all times.

Much more than delivering quality photography jobs to clients at rock bottom prices, we have further gone to invest in a CRM software that will help us effectively win new clients over and also help us effectively manage our existing clients.

We intend exploring referrals from loyal clients as a means of generating leads that we will eventually work hard to convert to loyal customers.

2. Executive Summary

• Current Situation

Currently, we have chosen a name for our photographing business, we have concluded the name search exercise at the corporate affairs office and it is good a thing that the name we propose to call our business is very much available and so, we have started the process of incorporating the business with the government authorities.

After we strike that of, we will apply for Tax Payer’s ID and also open a corporate/ current account with any bank of choice for business. Opening a current bank accounts is especially important so that we can start on a professional note, as well as attract corporate clients who will be able to pay a premium for the photographing services rendered.

Part of our strategies to effectively position the business; is to rent an office space in a busy business district in New York City. The space we intend renting will be big enough to accommodate our studio, reception, as well as our administrative office.

And we have also gone ahead to involve a competent realtor whom we think will be able to give us exactly what we want. Needless to say that one of our dreams is to run the best photography studio in the whole of New York district. This is especially why we are leaving no stone unturned in paying attention to details.

• COMPANY’S DESCRIPTION

We are a topnotch – all round Photography Company and have a great vision to become the one – stop shop when it comes to photography in New York City. We are currently a team of passionate photographers who have come together for the sole purpose of creating a brand that will compete with leading photography companies in New York City.

We also intend to go beyond just making memories, but also will build relationships such that will offer all round photography services.

This means that we will cover wedding photography, child photography- where we capture the milestone of every baby from infancy to late childhood, capturing of nature and landscapes, beauty coverage- pageants, modelling shows, and what have you, as well as other areas too numerous to mention.

Our photography company would also be in the business of training rookies as well as budding photographers who want to be closely watched in their photography endeavor by a mentor. There are also plans not to make our photography business limited to just capturing pictures.

We will also be involved in the sales of photographing digital cameras, lenses, camera stands, photography software, as well as other consultancy services. Furthermore, in the nearest future (our five years goal to be precise), we shall commence to sell franchises and become one of the best photography business in the world.

3. Our Products and Services

Of course, like every other photographer, we shall be into the business of covering events. However, we shall take our services a notch higher, by paying attention to details- like having pre- shoots and after- shoots. Why after shoots? Well, the after- shoots will basically involve capturing the after event moods in pictures.

There will also be the production photo albums, photo books, framed pictures, as well as soft copies of edited pictures as requested by our clients.

Much more than rendering the services, we will also like to be known as a one stop shop where competitors can come purchase equipment that will help foster their expertise. As a result, we are to be involved in the sale of digital cameras, and other photography hardware and software.

We intend to deal in brand new equipment as well as the fairly used type. This is so that we are able to give those who couldn’t possibly afford the brand new stuff the opportunity to still be in the trade by selling the fairly used types of products to them.

We believe that the photography trade wouldn’t be complete without having to offer consultancy services. This is why we will be offering photography training and consultancy services. As a result budding photographers, as well as novices can always run to us to garner more knowledge about the trade. Our consultancy services ranges from providing advisory services to setting up photography studio for our clients.

4. Our Mission and Vision Statement

• We have a concise vision and mission in view and that is: To become a world class photography brand and to be amongst the top 5 le aders in the photography trade in New York and The united states of America.
• To make top notch photography services available to a wide range of clients that cuts across different classes of people at affordable price.

Our Business Structure

Our plan is to start the photography business with 4 key employees who are expected to handle more than one role per – time. They include:

• Chief Operating Officer and Lead Photographer
• Office Administrator
• Sales and Marketing Officer

Assistant Photographer and Office Assistant

5. Job Roles and Responsibilities

Chief Operating Officer and Lead Photographer:

• Responsible for providing direction for the business
• Responsible for leading the team to cover events
• Responsible for the day to day running of the business
• Responsible for handling high profile clients
• Responsible for fixing prices and signing business deals
• Responsible for recruitment
• Responsible for payment of salaries
• Responsible for signing checks and documents on behalf of the company

Office Administrator:

• Responsible for the day to day administration of the office
• Responsible for handling correspondence
• Manages customers
• Manages vendors
• Handles all incoming calls and emails, et al
• Responsible for handling payment collections and lodgment of cash and checks in the banks
• Any other duty as assigned by the Chief Operating Officer

Sales and Marketing Officer:

• Responsible for marketing the company’s products and services
• Responsible for promoting the company
• Responsible for creating marketing and sales strategies, etc.
• Source for exhibitions and opportunities for the company to leverage on to promote the business
• Represents the organization in some strategic business meetings
• Responsible for hiring and training of freelance sales reps
• Assists the Lead photographer at all times
• Runs errands for the organization (i.e. job delivery to clients, purchase of supplies and stationeries et al)
• Responsible for transporting cameras and other equipment to and fro event locations
• Ensures that the office and environment is kept clean at all times
• Any other duty as assigned by the Chief Operating officer

6. SWOT Analysis

We are quite aware that we need to leverage on our strengths if we intend building a successful photography business in the united States of America and that is the reason why we have taken time to analyze our Strength, our Weakness, the Opportunities available to us, as well as the threats that we are likely going to face in the photography industry.

Our strength is not limited to the robust professional training, certification and experience we have acquired prior to setting up a photography business, but also our rich network, passion and ability to convert leads to loyal customers within a short time – frame.

Part of our weakness as a start – up Photography Company is that we have fewer employees and experts, and also we have limited cash to execute all we intend executing before launching the business. For example, we would have loved to build our own customized CRM Software.

• Opportunities-:

The United States of America and New York City in particular is one of the cities in the world that attract tons or diverse classes of visitors, coupled with the fact that some of the finest photography schools are located in New York. It is easier for a start – up photography business to leverage on these factors to build to their businesses and that is exactly what we intend doing.

There are well established photography businesses / photographers in New York City who may not need much stress to convince new clients to patronize them. There is also the threat of the huge cost of running businesses in New York City, as it is on the high side. Hence, we need to be on the top of our game if we must grow our photography business to profitability.

7. MARKET ANALYSIS

• Market Trends

There is always a readily available market for the photography industry, and whoever is hardworking and can produce decent photography jobs will always make headway in the industry.

But in recent times, because of the advancement of technology, it is now a lot easier for non – professional photographers to take cool shots or ‘ selfies’ that can be processed to classic portraits from their smartphones or other computer devices like iPADs and even digital cameras.

In view of this, it has been observed that people only engage the services of professional photographers on rare occasions.

We are quite aware of this; which is why we took our time to study the market and we have been able to identify marketing and sales strategies that will help us generate profits from the business. Part of the marketing and sales strategies that we will adopt are;

• Mouthwatering promos for the first 12 months and then subsequently when the need arises
• Participate in photography exhibitions and expos
• Neighborhood, door to door and mouth to ear adverts to introduce our business
• Engage in roadshows to introduce our business
• Leverage on social media platforms cum online marketing to source for clients
• Create a loyalty program that will help us convert leads to loyal customers

8. Our Target Market

No doubt the target market for the photography industry is pretty wide, but in order to easily stay focused and pursue our target, we have clearly defined our target market as;

• Young Executives
• Intended couples planning to get married
• Churches and other religious centers
• Wedding planners
• Corporate Executives
• Event Planners

Our Competitive Advantage

We are fully aware that there are several top notch photographers in New York City who already have their own loyal clientele base, but we are have done our due diligence and we are ready to give them a run for their money.

Despite the fact that we are new in town, we have been able to critically study the existing photography businesses around our location and we were able to identify some lapses on their part and we plan to work towards making their lapses our strong selling points.

One of the advantages we are bringing to the fore is excellent customer’s service. It is no doubt every business owner will work hard to keep their customers, but if they are not operating on the same page with their customers, they will find it difficult to meet the need of the customer.

In addition, if they can’t meet the need of the customer for a period of time, the customer will definitely source for another company that can meet their need.

In view of that, we have designed a CRM Software that will help us effectively engage our customers from time to time. We will be able to know what our clients want and we will work hard to meet their needs per time .Also the fact that we are new and are willing to deliver photography services at a price that is about the lowest in our location is also an advantage to us.

9. SALES AND MARKETING STRATEGY

• Sources of Income

Much more than generating income from covering events like Weddings, Parties, Thanksgiving services, Naming Ceremonies, and all forms of events that will require taking pictures; we will also engage in the sale of digital photography cameras and accessories as earlier mentioned.

After a period of 5 years, we would have succeeded in selling our brand to the entire populace in New York City and beyond. That should give us a platform to generate more income via providing photography related consultancy services and trainings to as many aspiring photographers that will need them.

After a period of 10 to 15 years, we will start selling franchises of our company in the United States of America. These are basically the areas where we will concentrate on to generate income for our photography business.

• Marketing Strategy and Sales Strategy

We will adopt the aggressive marketing approach because we believe that for us to win over clients in the already saturated market, we must be aggressive. Part of our marketing process is to get the contacts (phone numbers or email addresses) of leads, then send them introductory mails or call them to introduce our businesses to them.

After a week or thereabout, we should follow – up with another call or email and try as much as possible to book an appointment to see them.

We are quite aware that we don’t have the financial capacity to hire enough employees that can cover the entire city and beyond; which is why we will engage freelance marketers to help us market our services. They will be paid commissions based on the number of clients and the amount of the tasks done. In nut a shell, we will explore the following marketing and sales strategies to promote our business;

• Direct Marketing (Staff)
• Online Marketing
• Referral / Network Marketing
• Revenue Sharing Business Partners (Event Planners and Contractors)

10. Publicity and Advertising Strategy

From the report gathered from our feasibility studies, we have been able to identify some platforms that will help us effectively create awareness and promote our photography business. Here are the platforms we intend making use of to promote and advertise our business;

• Place adverts on national newspapers
• Leverage on the internet and social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook et al
• Attend photography exhibitions and conferences
• Engage in roadshow from time to time
• Distribute our fliers and handbills to targeted areas from time to time
• Door to door and word of mouth promotions

11. Our Pricing Strategy

In as much as we will not compromise quality in any of our jobs, we have decided to enter the market with rock bottom prices in our business location. Our prices will be the prices to beat in the industry. We will offer discounts to loyal and repeat customers.

Part of what will enable customers get discounts, is when they successfully refer clients to us and if the cost of the services they want exceeds a certain amount of money. The amount will be determined from time to time by the management as the business grows; so there should be no fixed amount for now.

Our philosophy when it comes to pricing is that; ‘We appreciate making smaller profits from many clients, than making huge profits from fewer clients.’

12. Startup Expenditure (Budget)

• The Fee for Registering a Business and Obtaining the Necessary Insurance:
• The Amount Needed to Rent a Facility and To Setup a Studio: 5,000 USD.
• The Cost of 2 or more Standard Cameras (Nikon D7100 and Nikon D610): 3,200 USD.
• The Cost of Good Camera Lenses(Nikon 35mm f/2.0, Nikon 50mm f/1.8, and Nikon 85mm f/1.8 lens): 1,500 USD.
• The Cost of Computer, Software and Computer Accessories: 1,504 USD.
• The Cost of Launching a Website: 600 USD
• Additional Expenditure (Adverts and Promotions et al): 1,000 USD

Going by the report from our research and feasibility studies, we will need an average $10,000 to set up a standard photography business in New York City. Ceteris Paribus, we are likely going to break even within the first 2 years of starting the business.

Funding / Start – Up Capital Generation

As regard raising the start – up capital for the business, we have decided to explore the following means;

• Source for seed capital from angel investors (leverage on any available opportunities to pitch my business idea)
• Generate part of the start – up capital from my savings
• Apply for loan from the bank
• Invite Interested business partners

N.B-: I have been able to save about $3,000 and I intend to raise the balance by applying and obtaining a loan from the bank and also from seed capitals from angel investors. Although, I intend raising part of the start – up capital by inviting interested business partners, but that will definitely be the last option to explore because I intend owning %100 of the business at least for 5 years.

13. Sustainability and Expansion Strategy

The bigger picture of this photography business is to grow beyond New York City to other major cities in the United States of America.

As such, we intend spending the first 5 years of the business in building and communicating our brand. We know that once our brand has been accepted by the general public, it will be easier for us to successfully sell our franchise to interested entrepreneurs who intend leveraging on our brand to start their own business.

In addition, we will ensure that we invest in regular training and development of our work force.We will work hard to stay abreast with the latest technology in the photography industry and the changing trends as well.

• Photography Training and Certification (for COO and Lead Photographer): Completed
• Business Name Availability Check:>Completed
• Business Registration: Completed
• Opening of Corporate Account: Completed
• Application and Obtaining Tax Payer’s ID: In Progress
• Purchase of Insurance for the Business: Completed
• Renting of Office Facility (Studio) and Setting Up: In Progress
• Conducting Feasibility Studies: Completed
• Sourcing for Angel Investors: In Progress
• Applications for Loan: In Progress
• Writing of Business Plan: Completed
• Drafting of Employee’s Handbook: Completed
• Drafting of Contract Documents and other relevant Legal Documents: In Progress
• Design of The Company’s Logo: Completed
• Graphic Designs and Printing of Marketing / Promotional Materials: In Progress
• Recruitment of 3 employees: In Progress
• Purchase of the Needed Cameras, lenses and other Accessories: Yet to Commence
• Purchase of Computer and Software: Completed
• Negotiation with Freelance Sales Reps: In Progress
• Creating Official Website for the Company: In Progress
• Creating Awareness for the business but online and in the neighborhood: In Progress

Related Posts:

• Setting Up Your Photography Inventory, Equipment & Tools
• How Much It Cost to Open a Photography Studio?
• How to Choose the Best Pricing for Wedding Photography Service
• Graphic Design Business Plan [Sample Template]
• Photography Studio SWOT Analysis [Sample Template]

Sample Photography Business Plan

Writing a business plan is a crucial step in starting a photography business. Not only does it provide structure and guidance for the future, but it also helps to create funding opportunities and attract potential investors. For aspiring photography business owners, having access to a sample photography business plan can be especially helpful in providing direction and gaining insight into how to draft their own photography business plan.

Download our Ultimate Photography Business Plan Template

Having a thorough business plan in place is critical for any successful photography venture. It will serve as the foundation for your operations, setting out the goals and objectives that will help guide your decisions and actions. A well-written business plan can give you clarity on realistic financial projections and help you secure financing from lenders or investors. A photography business plan example can be a great resource to draw upon when creating your own plan, making sure that all the key components are included in your document.

The photography business plan sample below will give you an idea of what one should look like. It is not as comprehensive and successful in raising capital for your photography as Growthink’s Ultimate Photography Business Plan Template , but it can help you write a photography business plan of your own.

Photography Business Plan Example – LensLegacy Studios

Table of contents, executive summary, company overview, industry analysis, customer analysis, competitive analysis, marketing plan, operations plan, management team, financial plan.

LensLegacy Studios, nestled in the vibrant heart of Minneapolis, is poised to revolutionize the photography industry with its innovative approach. Our mission is to provide top-tier photography services that not only capture moments but tell a story, creating lasting legacies through the lens. With a focus on utilizing the latest technology and creative techniques, we offer a wide range of services tailored to meet the diverse needs of our clients. From capturing life’s most significant milestones for individuals and families to providing professional imagery that propels businesses forward, our studio is dedicated to excellence. Our strategic Minneapolis location allows us to connect with a broad clientele, ensuring we are an integral part of our community’s most cherished moments and commercial successes.

Our journey to becoming a cornerstone in the photography market is fueled by several key success factors and notable accomplishments. The expertise and passion of our founding team have been instrumental in shaping our innovative service offerings and customer-centric approach. We have successfully established a comprehensive portfolio that showcases our ability to cater to a wide array of photography needs, setting us apart in a competitive landscape. Additionally, our strategic partnerships with local businesses and our proactive engagement in networking activities have significantly expanded our market reach. These efforts have not only built a strong foundation for our brand but have also fostered a loyal customer base that appreciates the quality and uniqueness of our work.

The photography industry is witnessing a dynamic shift, driven by technological advancements and changing consumer preferences. Traditional photography services are being complemented with digital innovations, allowing for more creative and personalized offerings. This evolution has opened up new market segments, including personal branding and social media content creation, reflecting the growing demand for high-quality, engaging visuals. The competitive landscape is diverse, with studios differentiating themselves through niche specializations and superior customer experiences. Our strategic focus on leveraging the latest technology and trends positions us well within this evolving industry, enabling us to meet the expanding needs of our clients while staying ahead of market dynamics.

LensLegacy Studios targets a wide spectrum of customers, from local residents celebrating significant life events to businesses seeking professional photography solutions. Our primary market comprises individuals and families in Minneapolis, looking to capture weddings, anniversaries, and other milestones with high-quality, memorable photographs. Additionally, we cater to the commercial sector, including real estate agencies, retailers, and hospitality businesses, offering tailored photography services that enhance their online presence and marketing efforts. Recognizing the growing trend of personal branding, we also provide specialized packages for influencers, entrepreneurs, and professionals aiming to strengthen their digital footprint. This diversified customer base underscores our adaptability and commitment to meeting the evolving needs of our community.

Our top competitors include local photography studios that offer similar services. However, LensLegacy Studios distinguishes itself through a unique combination of cutting-edge technology, creative excellence, and personalized customer experiences. Our competitive advantages lie in our ability to deliver unparalleled quality and innovation in every project, coupled with our deep understanding of the local market. This enables us to provide services that not only meet but exceed the expectations of our diverse clientele, setting us apart in a crowded industry.

At LensLegacy Studios, our marketing strategy is centered around showcasing the breadth and depth of our photography services, complemented by competitive pricing. We offer a diverse range of services, from event photography to commercial shoots, all tailored to meet the specific needs of our clients. Our pricing strategy is designed to offer value while reflecting the premium quality of our work. To promote our studio, we leverage a mix of digital marketing tactics, including SEO, social media marketing, and email campaigns, alongside traditional advertising methods. Special promotions and partnerships with local businesses further enhance our visibility and attract a broad clientele. This comprehensive approach ensures that we effectively communicate our value proposition and engage with our target markets on multiple levels.

Our operations plan is meticulously crafted to ensure the seamless delivery of our services. Key operational processes include efficient booking, shooting, editing, and delivery workflows that prioritize customer satisfaction and turnaround times. We are committed to achieving several milestones, such as launching our business, building a robust portfolio, establishing a strong online presence, and fostering key partnerships. By securing high-quality equipment and software, and possibly expanding our team, we aim to enhance our operational capacity. Implementing an effective marketing strategy and optimizing our operational processes are pivotal to reaching our financial goal of $15,000 per month in revenue, while continuous improvement based on customer feedback will keep us aligned with our mission of excellence.

The backbone of LensLegacy Studios is our highly skilled and passionate management team. With a wealth of experience in photography, business management, and customer service, our leaders bring a diverse set of skills that drive our studio’s success. Their collective vision for innovation and excellence in the photography industry shapes our strategic direction and operational approaches, ensuring we deliver unmatched value to our clients. The team’s dedication to fostering a culture of creativity and continuous improvement is integral to our growth and sustainability.

Welcome to LensLegacy Studios, a new Photography venture based in the heart of Minneapolis, MN. As a freshly established local photography business, we’ve identified a significant gap in the market – the absence of high-quality local photography services. Our mission is to fill this void by offering exceptional photography solutions to our community.

At LensLegacy Studios, our portfolio of offerings is both diverse and specialized. We provide a wide range of photography services to meet the varied needs of our clients. These services include photography sessions that capture life’s most precious moments, event photography that documents your special occasions with a keen eye for detail, and photo editing and retouching services that ensure your images are picture-perfect. Additionally, we offer photography workshops and training for those looking to hone their skills under the guidance of experienced professionals, as well as commercial photography services tailored to businesses seeking high-quality visual content. Our studio is fully equipped to cater to all your photography needs, ensuring a one-stop solution for our clients in Minneapolis, MN.

Our strategic location in Minneapolis, MN, positions us perfectly to serve the local community with ease and efficiency. This proximity to our clients not only allows for convenient service delivery but also fosters a deeper connection with the community we aim to serve.

The foundation of LensLegacy Studios is built upon solid ground, with a unique blend of factors that poise us for success. Our founder brings invaluable experience from previously running a successful photography business, ensuring that we are well-versed in the intricacies of the industry. Moreover, our commitment to quality sets us apart from the competition. We pride ourselves on taking better quality photos and offering a wider array of packages, catering to the diverse needs and preferences of our clients.

Since our inception on January 3, 2024, LensLegacy Studios has made significant strides as a C Corporation. Our accomplishments to date include the creative development of our brand identity, with a carefully designed logo and a compelling company name that resonates with our mission and values. Additionally, we’ve secured an ideal location that not only serves as our operational base but also enhances our accessibility to clients. These milestones mark the beginning of our journey, laying a strong foundation for our future endeavors.

The Photography industry in the United States is currently a thriving market, with an estimated size of over $10 billion. This figure includes revenues generated from various photography services such as portrait, commercial, event, and stock photography. With the increasing demand for professional photography services across different sectors, the industry is expected to continue growing at a steady rate in the coming years.

One of the key trends driving the growth of the Photography industry is the rise of social media platforms and online marketing. Businesses and individuals alike are increasingly relying on high-quality visual content to attract and engage their target audience. This presents a great opportunity for LensLegacy Studios, a new Photography serving customers in Minneapolis, MN, to capitalize on the growing demand for professional photography services in the digital age.

Furthermore, advancements in technology have also played a significant role in shaping the Photography industry. The introduction of high-resolution cameras, editing software, and online platforms for showcasing and selling photographs have made it easier for photographers to reach a wider audience and monetize their work. As LensLegacy Studios leverages these technological advancements to enhance their services and offerings, they are well-positioned to succeed in the competitive photography market.

Below is a description of our target customers and their core needs.

Target Customers

LensLegacy Studios will target a diverse range of local residents seeking professional photography services. This primary customer base is composed of individuals and families looking to capture significant life events such as weddings, anniversaries, and birthdays. The studio will tailor its offerings to meet the unique needs and preferences of these local clients, ensuring high-quality, memorable photographs that reflect their special moments.

Aside from local residents, LensLegacy Studios will also extend its services to local businesses in need of professional photography. These include real estate agencies requiring high-quality images of properties, local retailers looking for product photography to enhance their online presence, and hospitality businesses seeking captivating images to promote their venues. By providing tailored photography solutions, the studio will establish itself as an indispensable resource for the commercial sector in Minneapolis.

Moreover, LensLegacy Studios will also focus on the growing market of personal branding and social media content creation. As individuals seek to build their personal brands online, the demand for professional profile pictures and content that stands out is increasing. The studio will offer specialized packages for influencers, entrepreneurs, and professionals who aim to enhance their digital footprint with high-quality, engaging visuals. This approach will address a modern and rapidly expanding segment, further diversifying the studio’s client base.

Customer Needs

LensLegacy Studios understands the vital importance of capturing life’s most precious moments through the lens of a camera. Customers can expect high-quality photography sessions that not only meet but exceed their desires for capturing memories in a tangible form. This studio ensures that every shot reflects the depth, emotion, and essence of the moment, allowing residents to cherish these memories for years to come.

In addition to offering superior quality images, LensLegacy Studios recognizes the need for a personalized and comfortable photography experience. Customers have the opportunity to work closely with photographers who are not only experts in their field but also attentive to the unique needs and preferences of each client. This personalized approach ensures that every photography session is not just a transaction, but a collaborative effort that brings the client’s vision to life.

Furthermore, LensLegacy Studios caters to the growing demand for versatile photography services. Whether it’s capturing the spontaneous laughter of a family gathering, the poised elegance of a corporate event, or the tender moments of a wedding, customers can count on the studio to deliver with professionalism and creativity. By offering a broad range of services, LensLegacy Studios positions itself as a one-stop photography solution for the diverse needs of the Minneapolis community.

LensLegacy Studios’s competitors include the following companies:

Sarah Pierce Photography specializes in family, newborn, and wedding photography. Their services include on-location shoots and studio sessions, with packages tailored to meet a variety of client needs. Price points for Sarah Pierce Photography vary based on the type of session and package chosen, but they maintain competitive pricing within the Minneapolis market. The company operates primarily in Minneapolis, MN, but also serves surrounding areas. Customers include families, newlyweds, and individuals seeking high-quality, memorable photography. A key strength of Sarah Pierce Photography is their personalized approach to each shoot, ensuring unique and tailored experiences. However, a potential weakness is the limited scalability due to the personalized nature of their services.

Minneapolis Headshots focuses exclusively on professional headshots for individuals and corporate clients. They offer studio and on-location services, with an emphasis on creating professional, high-quality images suitable for corporate websites, LinkedIn profiles, and personal branding. Pricing is transparent and competitive, with several package options to cater to different needs and budgets. Minneapolis Headshots serves the greater Minneapolis area, targeting professionals and corporations in need of professional imagery. Their key strength lies in their specialization and expertise in professional headshot photography, ensuring high-quality results. However, their niche focus can be seen as a weakness, limiting their appeal to a broader audience seeking more diverse photography services.

John Wagner Photography is known for its commercial and editorial photography, serving a wide range of clients from small businesses to large corporations. They offer a variety of services, including product photography, corporate headshots, and commercial advertising imagery. John Wagner Photography operates across the Minneapolis-St. Paul area and even extends services nationally for larger projects. Their client base includes businesses and organizations looking for high-quality commercial imagery. A significant strength of John Wagner Photography is their extensive experience and versatility in handling a diverse array of commercial projects. A potential weakness is the higher price point, which may not be accessible for smaller businesses or startups.

Profeshie is a newer entrant in the Minneapolis photography market, focusing on affordable and quick professional headshots and personal branding photography. They utilize a mobile studio, allowing them to offer convenient services at various locations. Profeshie aims to attract individuals and small businesses seeking cost-effective photography solutions. Their pricing is among the most competitive in the market, making professional photography accessible to a wider audience. The company serves the Minneapolis metropolitan area, targeting professionals, freelancers, and small business owners. A key strength of Profeshie is their affordability and convenience. However, their reliance on a mobile studio might limit the range of services and the quality of lighting and backgrounds compared to traditional studio settings.

Competitive Advantages

At LensLegacy Studios, we stand out in the competitive landscape of photography through our unwavering commitment to quality and variety. Our team excels in capturing stunning, high-quality photos that not only meet but exceed our clients’ expectations. We understand the importance of those once-in-a-lifetime moments, and our expertise ensures they are immortalized with the clarity and vibrancy they deserve. Our edge in quality is not just a claim; it’s a promise we deliver on, with every click of our cameras. This dedication to excellence positions us as a preferred choice for clients seeking unparalleled photographic experiences in Minneapolis.

Furthermore, our adaptability and responsiveness to customer needs are exemplified through our extensive range of packages. We pride ourselves on offering a diverse selection that caters to various preferences and budgets, ensuring that no moment goes uncaptured due to financial constraints. From intimate elopements to grand celebrations, our packages are designed to accommodate the unique requirements of each event, providing our clients with personalized options that best suit their needs. This flexibility, combined with our superior photo quality, creates a competitive advantage that sets us apart. By choosing LensLegacy Studios, clients can expect a service that is as accommodating as it is exceptional.

Our marketing plan, included below, details our products/services, pricing and promotions plan.

Products and Services

LensLegacy Studios offers a comprehensive suite of photography services tailored to meet the diverse needs of its clientele. At the heart of its offerings is a range of photography sessions designed to capture life’s most precious moments. Clients can book sessions for family portraits, individual shoots, or special occasions. The average price for these photography sessions starts at $200, varying based on the duration and location of the shoot.

Event photography is another critical service provided by LensLegacy Studios. This service caters to a wide array of events, including weddings, corporate gatherings, and private parties. The studio’s photographers possess the skill to capture the essence and energy of each event, ensuring clients have lasting memories. Pricing for event photography is typically structured around the event’s scale and requirements, with packages starting at $500.

In addition to capturing beautiful moments, LensLegacy Studios excels in photo editing and retouching. This service ensures that every image meets the highest standards of quality, with attention to detail that brings out the best in each photograph. Prices for photo editing and retouching services start at $50 per image, depending on the complexity of the work required.

LensLegacy Studios is also dedicated to sharing its expertise through photography workshops and training. These sessions are designed for individuals looking to improve their photography skills, from beginners to more advanced enthusiasts. The workshops cover various aspects of photography and post-processing techniques. Participants can expect to invest around $150 for a basic workshop, with more advanced training sessions priced accordingly.

Finally, the studio offers commercial photography services, catering to businesses in need of professional images for marketing, advertising, or other commercial purposes. These services are tailored to meet the specific needs of each business, ensuring that the final images align with the client’s brand and objectives. Commercial photography services start at $300, varying based on the project’s scope and complexity.

LensLegacy Studios is committed to providing exceptional photography services at competitive prices. With a focus on quality, creativity, and client satisfaction, the studio aims to be the go-to choice for photography services in its market.

Promotions Plan

LensLegacy Studios embarks on a vibrant journey to captivate and engage customers through a multitude of promotional methods, with a strong emphasis on online marketing. They understand the power of digital presence and will harness it to reach a broad audience. Their promotional strategy encompasses a variety of tactics designed to attract and retain customers, ensuring that LensLegacy Studios becomes a household name in Minneapolis, MN.

At the heart of their promotional efforts, online marketing stands as a cornerstone. LensLegacy Studios will leverage social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest, showcasing their portfolio of stunning photography. Through regular posts, behind-the-scenes content, and engaging stories, they expect to build a community of followers who are passionate about photography. Additionally, they will utilize targeted ads on these platforms to reach potential customers based on interests, location, and more, ensuring maximum visibility.

Email marketing is another tool LensLegacy Studios will employ. By collecting email addresses through their website and at events, they will send out newsletters containing special offers, photography tips, and highlights from recent photoshoots. This personalized approach will keep LensLegacy Studios at the top of their customers’ minds.

Understanding the significance of search engine visibility, LensLegacy Studios will invest in search engine optimization (SEO) for their website. By optimizing their site with relevant keywords, they expect to rank higher in search engine results, making it easier for potential customers to find them when searching for photography services in Minneapolis.

Beyond the digital realm, LensLegacy Studios will engage in community events and photography workshops. Participating in local art fairs and community gatherings will not only increase their visibility but also allow direct interaction with potential customers. Hosting workshops on photography basics or specific techniques will position LensLegacy Studios as experts in their field, fostering trust and credibility among their audience.

Referral programs will also play a crucial role in their promotional strategy. Satisfied customers will receive incentives for referring friends and family, turning their customer base into a network of advocates. This word-of-mouth promotion is invaluable and will contribute significantly to their growth.

In conclusion, LensLegacy Studios will deploy a comprehensive mix of online and offline promotional methods to attract customers. From leveraging the power of social media and SEO to engaging with the community and implementing referral programs, they are set to make a significant impact in the Minneapolis photography scene.

Our Operations Plan details:

• The key day-to-day processes that our business performs to serve our customers
• The key business milestones that our company expects to accomplish as we grow

Key Operational Processes

To ensure the success of LensLegacy Studios, there are several key day-to-day operational processes that we will perform.

• Customer Engagement: Interact with potential and existing customers via phone, email, and social media to answer queries, book appointments, and receive feedback.
• Scheduling Appointments: Utilize a digital calendar system to manage photography session bookings, ensuring clients have clear expectations for their session date and time.
• Equipment Maintenance: Regularly check and maintain photography equipment to ensure everything is in working order, including cameras, lenses, flashes, and other accessories.
• Session Preparation: Prepare for each photography session by gathering necessary equipment, reviewing client requests and session plans, and ensuring all settings are ideal for the shoot.
• Photography Sessions: Conduct photography sessions according to the client’s needs, demonstrating professionalism and creativity to capture high-quality images.
• Post-Processing: Edit photos using appropriate software to adjust exposure, color balance, and other elements to enhance the final images before delivery to the client.
• Client Deliverables: Provide clients with their images in the agreed format and medium, within the discussed timeframe, ensuring high satisfaction levels.
• Financial Management: Track income and expenses daily to manage the studio’s budget effectively, including invoicing clients and paying any vendors or contractors.
• Marketing Activities: Execute daily marketing tasks, such as updating social media profiles, posting recent work, and engaging with the community to attract new clients.
• Professional Development: Stay updated with the latest photography techniques, trends, and equipment through online courses, workshops, and industry publications.
• Feedback Collection: Solicit and review feedback from clients after the delivery of their photographs to identify areas for improvement and enhance customer satisfaction.
• Inventory Management: Regularly check and restock photography supplies, such as memory cards, batteries, and props, to ensure readiness for all sessions.

LensLegacy Studios expects to complete the following milestones in the coming months in order to ensure its success:

• Launch Our Photography Business: Officially open for business by completing all necessary steps to be operational. This includes legal registration, setting up a physical or virtual office, and announcing the opening through various channels to create awareness.
• Build a Portfolio: Develop a comprehensive portfolio that showcases the range and quality of our work. This will involve doing some initial projects possibly at a discounted rate or for visibility to capture high-quality examples of our work.
• Establish Online Presence: Create a professional website and active social media accounts to display our portfolio, share customer testimonials, and engage with potential clients. This online presence will be crucial for marketing and brand building.
• Network and Partnerships: Build relationships with other businesses such as event planners, venues, and local agencies to foster referrals and partnerships. Networking events, business associations, and community events will be key avenues for these efforts.
• Secure Key Equipment and Software: Acquire high-quality photography equipment and editing software necessary for professional-grade service. This includes cameras, lenses, lighting, and software for photo editing and management.
• Hire and Train Staff: If necessary, hire additional photographers or support staff to handle increased demand. Provide training to ensure the quality of service and consistency across all projects and client interactions.
• Implement an Effective Marketing Strategy: Develop and execute a marketing plan that includes digital marketing, local advertising, and special promotions to attract a wide range of clients from individuals needing personal photos to businesses requiring professional shots.
• Optimize Operational Processes: Establish efficient booking, shooting, editing, and delivery processes to maximize customer satisfaction and turnaround times. This includes implementing a customer relationship management (CRM) system to track bookings and interactions.
• Get to $15,000/Month in Revenue: Achieve the financial milestone of generating $15,000 per month in revenue. This will involve constantly reviewing pricing strategies, sales efforts, and cost management to ensure profitability and sustainability.
• Customer Feedback and Continuous Improvement: Regularly collect customer feedback to identify areas of improvement and success. Use this feedback to refine services, processes, and customer interaction to enhance overall customer satisfaction and loyalty.

LensLegacy Studios management team, which includes the following members, has the experience and expertise to successfully execute on our business plan:

Nathan Cox, President

Nathan Cox brings a wealth of experience to his role as President of LensLegacy Studios. His entrepreneurial spirit and business acumen were honed through the successful management of a previous photography business. This venture not only showcased his ability to lead but also his deep understanding of the nuanced photography industry. Nathan’s expertise lies in identifying market trends, crafting strategic business models, and leading teams towards achieving collective goals. His leadership is instrumental in steering LensLegacy Studios toward a path of innovation, growth, and lasting success in the competitive photography market.

To achieve our growth objectives, LensLegacy Studios is seeking financial investments. These funds will be instrumental in expanding our operational capabilities, enhancing our marketing efforts, and further developing our service offerings. With a strategic investment, we are poised to solidify our position in the market, attract a broader clientele, and achieve our financial milestones, ensuring long-term success and profitability.

Financial Statements

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Income Statement

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Cash Flow Statement

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Photography Business Plan Example PDF

Download our Photography Business Plan PDF here. This is a free photography business plan example to help you get started on your own photography plan.  

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Pet owners face dilemma after Nationwide drops 100,000 insurance policies

Some customers who have paid for pet insurance coverage from nationwide are attempting to organize and seek some action against the insurer for its plan to not renew coverage for about 100,000 pets..

Christie Keith has been paying $600 a month in pet insurance premiums to insure her dogs for years and bumped that up to more than $700 recently to add coverage for her 4-year-old Silken Windhound, Pip.

But a few weeks ago, the protection plan for her pets came unraveled when Nationwide Insurance announced it would cancel coverage for about 100,000 pets across the country, blaming the rising costs of veterinary care and other factors that are cutting into the profits of its pet insurance business, the company said in a statement on June 14.

The move is leaving tens of thousands of pet owners in a predicament because – even though Nationwide says age and prior claims history aren't a factor – many of those policies are for older pets with preexisting conditions that may not be insurable elsewhere.

For Keith, a 65-year-old freelance writer who lives in Davisburg, Michigan, the dilemma is especially troubling because her older dogs have needed medical treatment recently. Ros, a 10-year-old Silken Windhound, has been hospitalized twice and continues to suffer from an undiagnosed illness, while Harper, an 8-year-old Scottish Deerhound, has been treated for a back injury.

She began paying Nationwide for coverage for Harper in November 2017 and Ros in April 2021. Keith insured Pip, a 4-year-old Silken Windhound, in December 2023. Nationwide told Keith the policies for her dogs would expire as the renewal dates hit and that she couldn't get lesser policies from them for her dogs.

"I was willing to pay this very large amount to get this coverage because I love my dogs. They're my family. They are not like a car, or even a house, or a thing that can be replaced or rebuilt, they are important to me," Keith told USA TODAY. "No one else is going to take on old dogs with preexisting conditions and even if they do they will exclude all of the preexisting conditions. … I don't know what I'm going to do."

'Gentle giant': Meet Kevin who is now the world's tallest dog

What is pet insurance?

About 24% of Americans who own a cat or dog have pet insurance, according to NerdWallet . Depending on the policy, pet insurance may cover routine medical care such as heartworm treatments and teeth cleanings, as well as treatment for accidents and illnesses.

Some plans will also pay for behavioral issues such as aggression and have wellness coverage for services such as grooming. Also possibly covered: medically necessary euthanasia."If this is something that you want to be sure to have, then check before taking out the policy. Some plans offer burial or cremation as optional add-ons," NerdWallet personal finance expert Kimberly Palmer told USA TODAY.

Many policyholders get pet insurance because they may not be able to fully cover the cost of a high emergency medical bill for their pet. More than half of pet owners surveyed for the NerdWallet report (57%) said they have pet insurance for “peace of mind."

"When it is available, pet insurance can give pet owners much-needed peace of mind when it comes to protecting their finances from unexpected medical costs related to pets," Palmer said.

The average cost for pet insurance is about $53 a month for dogs and $32 a month for cats, with those costs rising as pets age, according to NerdWallet.

Pet insurance, like coverage for humans, usually has deductibles and coverage limits. So if you had a $500 annual deductible, you have to pay the first $500 in bills that year before your policy starts paying. And, depending on the plan, it could only pay a portion, NerdWallet says.

Why is Nationwide Insurance canceling some pet insurance policies?

Nationwide claims to be the first and largest provider of pets in the U.S. with more than 1.2 million dogs, cats, birds and exotic pets insured for medical coverage, accidents and injuries. But the company said it must take action "to maintain long-term viability and profitability," Nationwide said in that statement issued on June 14.

"Inflation in the cost of veterinary care and other factors have led to recent underwriting changes and the withdrawal of some products in some states – difficult actions that are necessary to ensure a financially sustainable future for our pet insurance line of business," said Nationwide, which added it has paid for claims amounting to "billions of dollars over the past four decades."

Insurance costs are rising. In some cases, homeowners are foregoing coverage because the price has gotten so high. Similarly, auto insurance has risen 26% in 2024.

"We certainly empathize with the disappointment many of our pet families feel and will fully stand by the protections for which they have paid through the end of their current term," Nationwide's statement said. "Our rates will continue to be fair and appropriately priced for the plan, pet, and breed. "

What accounts might be affected?

The company has said decisions of nonrenewal were "not associated with the pet's age, breed or prior claims history."

Nationwide did not respond from USA TODAY to a request for additional information about the characteristics of pet insurance policies that will not be renewed.

Apparently, where pet owners live plays a part, based on the letter Nationwide sent to Robin Tobias of Aventura, Florida, in April. In the letter, Nationwide said coverage for her dog, Ginger, won't be renewed.

"After careful review of our products, we've elected to discontinue certain plans, including Whole Pet, which will no longer be offered in your state," said the letter, which Tobias shared with The Columbus Dispatch , part of the USA TODAY Network. "The same economic pressures from inflation, higher interest rates and rising that have caused unprecedented losses for the American insurance industry are affecting the pet industry as well, leading to difficult decisions such as this."

Many pet owners and policyholders who have joined a Facebook group called "Dropped By Nationwide Pet Insurance Whole Wellness," do have older pets with preexisting conditions. The group, which has more than 300 members, is considering what legal action it may be able to take against Nationwide.

"Pet owners are contemplating euthanizing sick pets because they are uninsured, and all they can say is they need to make more money, so too bad," Tobias said.

Most pet insurance policies won't cover preexisting conditions, NerdWallet's Palmer said.

"So if your pet has preexisting conditions, you might be better off considering other options, such as saving up in advance for potential medical needs down the road," she said. "You can put what you would have paid in premiums into a high-yield savings account for your pet’s care. Another option is to find a vet who will work with you on a payment plan."

When will Nationwide drop some pet insurance policies?

Affected policyholders are being informed in writing about  Nationwide's  plans. The company began sending letters to policyholders this spring and will continue into the summer of 2025.

As in the case of Keith and her three dogs, most policyholders commenting online about the situation say their coverage ends at the end of the current policy.

For Tobias, coverage for Ginger, a 7-year-old dog with a heart murmur, ends July 23. Tobias pays about $160 a month for insurance; she bought the coverage when her dog was a puppy.

She has found another company that she believes will cover Ginger, but she worries that others won't be as fortunate. Tobias is particularly concerned about older pets with health problems that may be abandoned by their owners because they can't afford to pay to care for their pets and can't get coverage from another insurer.

"That's the reason why you take insurance," she said. "Down the road, you're going to need it. It's horrifying really."

"For us, dogs have been our children. Everything we do is to protect our children."

Follow Mike Snider on X and Threads:  @mikesnider  & mikegsnider .

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Election latest: 'You are the problem': Sunak attacks David Tennant - as leaders prepare for debate

Rishi Sunak has hit out at actor David Tennant after the Doctor Who actor criticised Kemi Badenoch. Meanwhile, the betting scandal continues to engulf the campaign as Rishi Sunak and Sir Keir Starmer prepare to face off in the final head-to-head debate.

Wednesday 26 June 2024 09:22, UK

• General Election 2024

Betting scandal

• Betting scandal continues to engulf Tories - as leaders prepare for final debate
• Labour candidate suspended after betting against himself
• Sam Coates: Scale of gambling scandal for Tories is different magnitude to Labour's issue
• Live reporting by Ben Bloch
• Man arrested in Westminster honeytrap scancal
• 'You are the problem': Sunak attacks David Tennant
• Where is the cabinet? Stride speaks to Sky News nine times since start of May
• Listen to Politics At Jack And Sam's  above as you scroll - and tap here to follow wherever you get your podcasts

Election essentials

• Manifesto pledges:  Alliance | Conservatives | DUP | Greens | Labour | Lib Dems | Plaid | Reform | SNP | Sinn Fein | Workers
• Trackers:  Who's leading polls? | Is PM keeping promises?
• Campaign Heritage:  Memorable moments from elections gone by
• Follow Sky's politics podcasts:  Electoral Dysfunction | Politics At Jack And Sam's
• Read more:  Who is standing down? | Key seats to watch | What counts as voter ID? | Check if your constituency is changing | Guide to election lingo | How to watch election on Sky News

A man has been arrested on suspicion of harassment and committing offences under the Online Safety Act following the Westminster honeytrap scandal.

This is the case where a number of MPs and parliamentary staffers received suspicious messages from unnamed senders.

In a statement, the Met Police said a man was arrested today at an address in Islington, London, and remains in custody.

The investigation by the Met's Parliamentary Liaison and Investigation Team began on 6 April following reporting, first published by Politico, of unsolicited messages being sent to MPs and people with links to parliament.

Over the course of its investigation, the force took statements from MPs from both the Conservative and Labour parties, and a warrant for today's arrest was granted on Monday.

By Greg Milam , chief North of England correspondent

There is a rhythm to a night at the Bolton Interchange.

People dart from arriving buses, racing across the concourse to catch departing ones. Sometimes they do, sometimes they don't. Each rush is followed by a brief lull.

Every night, hundreds of lives intersect at the Bolton Interchange. The night-shift workers and commuters, those out on the town and those just a little bit lost.

Each one has their own story, some are happy to chat, most lose themselves in whatever is playing through their headphones.

I spent a week on the night buses. With the election looming, what the politicians are experiencing on their campaign battle buses is not what ordinary people are seeing. Theirs is a very different perspective.

There is an unmistakeable despair about the state of the country, an indifference to what the political process might do about it and a dark humour about the future. There are very few flickers of optimism.

Read Greg's full report below - and watch it on Sky News at 10.30am, 12.30pm, 2.30pm, 4.30pm, 6.30pm, and on The UK Tonight at 8pm.

Rishi Sunak has this morning defended his business secretary, Kemi Badenoch, after actor David Tennant attacked her at an awards ceremony.

The Doctor Who star laid into her position on trans and women's rights while accepting an award for being a celebrity ally at the British LGBT Awards.

He said: "If I'm honest, I'm a little depressed by the fact that acknowledging that everyone has the right to be who they want to be and live their life how they want to live it as long as they're not hurting anyone else should merit any kind of special award or special mention, because it's common sense, isn't it?

"It is human decency. We shouldn't live in a world where that is worth remarking on. However, until we wake up and Kemi Badenoch doesn't exist any more – I don't wish ill of her, I just wish her to shut up – whilst we do live in this world, I am honoured to receive this."

Ms Badenoch defended herself on social media, labelling Mr Tennant a "rich, lefty, white male celebrity", adding: "I will not shut up. I will not be silenced by men who prioritise applause from Stonewall over the safety of women and girls."

The prime minister has now weighed into the row in defence of his business secretary as he attempts to change the narrative from the gambling scandal engulfing his party.

Mr Sunak wrote on X: "Freedom of speech is the most powerful feature of our democracy.

"If you're calling for women to shut up and wishing they didn’t exist, you are the problem."

Sky News' deputy political editor Sam Coates and Politico's Jack Blanchard are in your podcast feeds with their guide to the election day ahead.

This is day 35 of the campaign. Jack and Sam discuss the final head-to-head debate - how have the two leaders fared through the campaign?

Also on the agenda - gamblegate, the story that won't die, and Reform going big on net zero - parliament's next big battle.

👉 Tap here to follow Politics at Jack and Sam's wherever you get your podcasts 👈

Since the start of May, Work and Pensions Secretary Mel Stride has been on the morning media round a whopping nine times.

As much as we at Sky News enjoy hearing from Mr Stride, there are 22 cabinet ministers - and overall, there are 125 people holding a government job.

To that end, we asked where the rest of the cabinet is, and why they aren't out in public hailing the work of the government under Rishi Sunak.

Mr Stride replied: "Well, I think there's probably a good reason why I'm sent, which is that this election is about tax and also how you're going to fund tax cuts, which is predominantly, in our case, through controlling the welfare budget.

"So I'm the secretary of state for work and pensions, and that includes the welfare budget, which funds about two thirds of the tax cuts that we're bringing in, so I'm often speaking about that."

The chancellor is responsible for the budget, and therefore taxation, but he has been speaking in public far less frequently as he fights to keep his seat in parliament.

But Mr Stride noted that he served as the financial secretary to the Treasury for two years and has a "particular interest and expertise" in that area.

The prime minister yesterday withdrew support from two Tory candidates at the general election amid allegations they placed bets on the date of the election using insider knowledge (they both deny wrongdoing).

Asked if it was a relief action was finally taken, work and pensions secretary Mel Stride said Rishi Sunak has "done exactly the right thing, which is to have conducted internal inquiries within the party to establish enough information to take a decision".

He praised the PM for having "promptly" decided to withdraw support, and said the "process has worked its way through".

Sky's Wilfred Frost noted that the Gambling Commission's investigation was first revealed two weeks ago, and the PM came under huge pressure to take action, and could have acted much sooner.

But Mr Stride said we do not know exactly what process was undertaken internally in the party to reach the decision yesterday to suspend the two candidates.

More broadly, the cabinet minister said it is "disappointing" that we are discussing the gambling scandal with the election just over a week away - although he did accept that this matters "a great deal", and said gambling and "insider dealing" is "utterly wrong and should be condemned in the strongest terms".

But he went on: "There is also, though, a decision that we're going to be taking in a matter of days now about the future governance of our country.

"And we need to be, I think, focusing on a Conservative Party that has got the economy under control, is going to be reducing people's taxes, taking that pressure off them - and a Labour Party that has not explained enough at the moment about the taxing increases we know it's going to be bringing in."

More broadly, Mr Stride said there is a "broader debate to be had about gambling, around politics and politicians' involvement in that, and to try and establish where the line should be drawn".

We've just been speaking with the work and pensions secretary, Mel Stride, and we started by asking about the news that more than 500 Scottish inmates, serving short-term sentences, are due to be released early to ease prison overcrowding (see previous post).

This is also a major issue in England, and Mr Stride insisted that "building more prisons in the longer-term".

He conceded there is "pressure on prison spaces", with around 1,500 remaining at present.

But he said those being released early are not a "danger to society", and the prison governor will have the final say on who is let out early.

We pushed Mr Stride on why the UK Ministry of Justice, that oversees prisons in England and Wales, is not being transparent about the number of people being released early.

He could not say, pointing out that he is the work and pensions secretary, not the justice secretary.

By Connor Gillies , Scotland correspondent

Victims are being taunted by criminals who are being released early from Scotland's prisons today under emergency plans to tackle overcrowding, Sky News has been told.

Jails across the UK are in crisis with governors in England and Wales warning they could run out of space within days.

From this morning, the SNP government in Edinburgh is allowing more than 500 Scottish inmates, serving short-term sentences, out early in a bid to tackle the issue.

Prisoners inside for under four years who have 180 days or less left to serve are being released in waves over the coming weeks across all Scottish prisons.

Sex offenders and domestic abusers are among those exempt, with governors handed a veto.

The charity Victim Support Scotland told Sky News the system will lead to reoffending.

The prison population in Scotland is almost 8,300, more than exceeding the target operating capacity of 8,007.

The Scottish Prison Service insists safety is a priority.

Read more here:

After days of furore directed at Rishi Sunak for the election betting scandal, now a Labour candidate is under investigation by the Gambling Commission for his own betting activity - and is immediately suspended.

Is this an equaliser in one of the grubbiest electoral sagas of recent elections? Quite possibly not.

There is no doubting the utter dismay in Labour HQ at the revelation that they too have a candidate caught up in the betting scandal.

It lends itself to the easy narrative that there's a plague on all politicians' houses - everyone as bad as each other.

However, if the facts are as presented, the scale of the challenge for the Tories is of a different order of magnitude to that now facing Labour.

Read Sam's full analysis here:

By Jennifer Scott , political reporter

A Labour candidate has been suspended by the party after betting against himself - with the Gambling Commission launching an investigation into him.

Kevin Craig is running to become the MP for Central Suffolk and North Ipswich - a safe Conservative seat previously held by ex-Tory Dan Poulter, who defected to Labour ahead of the election and is not standing again.

Sky News' chief political correspondent Jon Craig understands the bet was relating to the outcome of the vote in his constituency - and the candidate had actually been betting he would lose the contest.

Labour confirmed Kevin Craig had been suspended by the party - though at this late stage, he will still appear on the ballot paper with "Labour" next to his name.

It is also understood that the party will return £100,000 in donations to the businessman that he has made since Sir Keir Starmer took charge of Labour.

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